Vivienne Steele, a resident of Whitehorse, recounts a transformative experience following a seizure during a hot air balloon ride in Morocco. Despite the initial shock, she managed to continue her journey with the help of her doctor. However, upon returning to Canada, the regulations regarding seizures led to the suspension of her driver’s license for a year, impacting her freedom and access to her car.
This was not the first time Steele faced such a situation. In 2016, she underwent a similar license suspension due to health issues. The loss of her license in Whitehorse, a city heavily reliant on cars, presented new challenges. Adjusting to life without a car meant reevaluating her daily routines and mobility options.
As Steele navigated the city on foot, she became acutely aware of the inadequacies in pedestrian infrastructure, especially during harsh winter conditions. Taking public transport provided her with a different perspective, allowing her to appreciate the simpler aspects of life and reflect on the broader community’s needs for accessible transportation.
Embracing alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and e-biking, became essential for Steele’s daily activities. The support and kindness she received from strangers, offering rides or assistance, highlighted the importance of community and interdependence.
After nearly a year without a license, Steele regained her driving privileges earlier than expected. The experience taught her valuable lessons about gratitude, resilience, and the interconnectedness within a community. It shifted her perception of community from individual pursuits to collective well-being, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another through life’s challenges.