He was critically hurt in a 2009 car crash. He's still in hospital, 16 years later
CBC
Ken Rekowski has had to make a home of his room at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital for most of the last 16 years.
The 53-year-old was first admitted in 2009 after a car crash left him with a serious brain injury. Since then, he's been waiting for suitable permanent care in the community.
"As far as I know … I'm cooped up in here for the rest of my life," Ken said.
When CBC visited in early February, Ken's room still had a small Christmas tree to one side, dog-themed decorations and a photo of Ken with his motorcycle and dog Harley.
His twin sister Kareen says he spends most days entirely in his bed, even though he can get around using a wheel chair.
"I feel like criminals have more freedom than I do," Ken said.
Ken still dreams of outings in the community with family and friends and wants to start a business involving dogs.
"I want to get back out into ... the free world where I can actually do something productive," he said.
Kareen says Ken is occupying a hospital bed because they haven't been able get the necessary supportive care for him to live in his hometown.
"When it comes to acquired brain injury and especially in a small community like ours, there really is no choice. We need to create choices," she said.
Kareen said throughout Ken's long hospital stay, she's worried about him getting appropriate care in his community.
After a brief placement in a community home, Ken is again facing a challenge faced by people with acquired brain injury in the province: a long uncertain wait to be discharged from hospital.
Ken was first hospitalized in January 2009. On the night of the car crash, he was on his way to his job as a security guard just outside Renfrew, Ont. Road conditions were poor and he lost control of his car.
Saskatoon city hall says police spending is projected to be $2.6 million over budget this year. That pushes the city into a $1.2-million deficit position, according to a report that will be considered by city council next week.
Students at the University of Regina are days away from deciding whether a newly formed student association should become their official representative body.
All public schools on P.E.I. are closed Friday and thousands of Maritime Electric customers are without power as strong winds create hazardous travel conditions across the province.
Prince Rupert, B.C., residents are celebrating the holidays this year with coastal flair.
In the four years Chelsey Simmonds has worked at the Eva Rothwell Centre, she has seen the need increase every year at the centre’s community food pantry.
CBC is once again looking to make the holiday season kind in Windsor-Essex.
Acute Care Alberta has extended its contract for another year with a private surgical facility at the centre of probes into health procurement and contracting.
As food bank use continues to climb across the province, front-line workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are working to improve both food security and education.
More ads could soon be coming to Toronto’s subway system.
The driver wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified, police say.
There are mixed feelings about the proposed Grays Bay road and port project, among people who live in nearby communities.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
Provincial police in Lambton County have charged a 23-year-old man with second degree murder following a death investigation that began this past Saturday.