Ottawa Bill Would Ensure Elevators Work During Power Outages

A bill proposed by a lawmaker in Ottawa, Canada, would ensure city high rises have generators to power elevators and more in case of power outages, 580 CFRA News Talk Radio reports. Ottawa West-Nepean Democratic Member of Provincial Parliament Chandra Pasma’s “Protecting Human Rights in an Emergency Act” comes on the heels of a “devastating” storm in May that left people, particularly those with mobility issues, trapped in their homes. “For people with mobility issues who live in apartments and condos, access to an elevator is essential,” Pasma said. The bill would amend the Residential Tenancies Act and the Condominium Act to require landlords to have an emergency generator or generators capable of powering at least one elevator, hallway lights and water supply for two weeks in the event of an extended power outage. Pasma said she is partnering with colleagues at the Ottawa City Council to advance a motion to support the bill.