Remembrance Day ceremony attendance in question

One local war veteran says the Sudbury Arena isn't accessible enough for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

Lorne Constantineau has attended in previous years, but walking with a cane this year has left him concerned about getting in and out of the arena.

"It's too hard," he said. "I have trouble going up and down the stairs, unless someone came in and got me. I could go in a wheelchair, but that's really the only way I'd go."

The 88-year-old Second World War veteran said he was able to get around better in previous years.

"You know how the arena is, and there's no railings there, so I said 'this is my last year.'"

Constantineau said he's spoken to other veterans who have expressed similar concerns.

A spokesperson with the legions in charge of Sunday's service said the organization has taken several measures to ensure everyone who wants to attend, can.

"There's elevators at the front doors that go down to the main level and as well we have seating on the ice for those who can't stand during the ceremony," David Petrynchyn said.

Veterans can catch a bus to the arena directly from the legion if they have difficulty getting to or from the ceremony, he added.

But Constantineau said the accessibility issue, combined with a recent heart problem, means he's likely still going to stay home.

Fewer students may hamper attendance

That concerns Petrynchyn and the Sudbury and Lockerby legions he represents.

They are also concerned attendance will be down significantly because Remembrance Day falls on the weekend.

Usually about 3,000 people attend, but he's expecting to lose three quarters of the audience

"Students generally get bused to and from their schools and this year there's no school on Sunday, obviously," Petrynchyn said.

"We do have Sudbury Transit providing free transportation to and from the arena, but we need some advertising and people to attend and show their support for the troops."

Petrynchyn says the doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the Remembrance Day ceremony gets underway at 10:30 on Sunday.