2025 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Annual Status Update

Introduction

The Town of Oakville is committed to being an inclusive workplace and community where everyone feels they belong. This includes removing barriers to achieve Council’s vision to be a vibrant and livable community for all, and ensuring equitable access to the town’s programs, services, and facilities that promote dignity and independence.  

The Town’s Accessibility Policy and related procedures, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Multi-Year Plan, 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, Development Standards and Oakville Universal Design Standards (pdf) all work together to reinforce the town’s commitment to embed accessibility into its culture and business practices and to go above and beyond the legislated requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). This work is a shared responsibility with goals and actions to further the town’s IDEA efforts and enhance community belonging. 

Developing, posting and implementing a multi-year accessibility plan (MYAP) is an ongoing requirement of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR, O. Reg 191/11) under the AODA. Annual status updates provide an update on the Town of Oakville’s progress and commitment to ensure compliance with all five standards and associated requirements.

The five standards under the IASR include:

  1. Customer Service Standard
  2. Information and Communications Standard
  3. Employment Standard
  4. Transportation Standard
  5. Design of Public Spaces Standard

The Town is committed to transparency and ongoing community collaboration, ensuring our efforts align with Council’s Strategic Plan priorities of Community Belonging and Accountable Government. As a fast-growing municipality, we will regularly review the MYAP to keep it relevant and focused on meaningful accessibility improvements and ensure our efforts lead to measurable outcomes.

Progress to-date

The general accessibility requirements apply to all five standards of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation: customer service, information and communications, employment, transportation, and the design of public spaces. While each department has their own responsibilities and accountability associated with accessibility regulations, the Town fosters collaboration to address overlaps and achieve the best possible outcomes. Significant progress continues to be made in reporting, policy development, training, and procurement to maintain and enhance accessibility while meeting or exceeding requirements. 

Accessibility policies and procedures are posted on the Town’s website and are available in accessible formats upon request, clearly outlining how the Town fulfills its obligations. Additionally, the 2024–2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP) was developed and implemented in consultation with persons with disabilities and the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), with the plan published in an accessible format on oakville.ca. An annual status report on MYAP progress was prepared, presented to the AAC, and posted publicly, ensuring it is also available in accessible formats. The Town also maintained high standards for preventative and emergency maintenance of accessible elements and ensured accessible public spaces remained available during temporary service disruptions, with detailed information provided online or in alternative formats as requested.

Training

Town-wide training on the IASR and the Human Rights Code continues to be provided to new and existing staff, Council, volunteers, and contractors offering goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the town. Training and resource availability are regularly enhanced to promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). Staff training emphasizes the importance of clear communication, especially when assisting individuals with hearing or vision impairments and other disabilities, and extends to consultants and contractors working on behalf of the town. Training also fosters a comprehensive understanding of both known and unknown disabilities to ensure customers receive appropriate support and aims to expand and strengthen awareness of inclusion and belonging. This year, full-time Recreation and Culture staff participated in specialized Autism training delivered by Kerry’s Place, aimed at enhancing their skills and supporting inclusive service delivery. Additionally, targeted training was provided to swim instructors involved in the AquaAdapt program across the Town, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive aquatic services. 

Procurement

The Town prioritizes accessibility in its procurement practices, embedding design, criteria, and features into the process wherever applicable. Suppliers and their staff are required to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Oakville Universal Design Standards (OUDS), as mandated by the Town’s purchasing by-law. The procurement policy and Town’s purchasing by-law is currently undergoing a review and update. Any updates will maintain compliance and alignment with Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). Key achievements this year in maintaining and enhancing accessibility through procurement include the continued implementation of the purchasing by-law, integration of mandatory accessibility fields in the Corporate Information System, and the availability of purchasing reference resources outlining accessibility requirements for staff. Upcoming training for staff will incorporate accessible purchasing requirements to ensure accessibility criteria are consistently applied. Embedded in our training and resources, these measures strengthen the Town’s commitment to embedding accessibility into all aspects of its operations. 

The Customer Service Standard outlines how the Town will make it easier for everyone to use its goods, services and facilities. The Town recognizes the digital shift experienced when it comes to accessing services and programs. The impact of this shift is at the forefront, and the Town maintains its commitment to accessible customer service through this transition. 

Staff across the organization remain committed to engaging with the community to uphold accessible and inclusive customer service excellence. Building on existing initiatives, listening to community feedback, and exploring innovative ways to enhance accessibility reflect the Town’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment for residents, visitors, and staff. This year, several key initiatives have been maintained and enhanced to meet or exceed accessibility requirements.

The Town continues to maintain and review accessibility policies and procedures, such as the Accessible Customer Service Procedure. These documents are currently under review and are available on oakville.ca, with accessible formats provided upon request. They outline the Town’s commitment to delivering goods, services, and facilities in ways that uphold the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equality.  

The Town remains actively engaged in exploring and adopting new tools and technologies that enhance customer service experience within our facilities, with a particular focus on improving engagement and accessibility. Current resources include the online accessible customer service feedback form, an iPad Pro at ServiceOakville, hearing assistive devices such as hearing loop aerials, and universal signage across the Town. Such enhancements support both staff and the public by improving communication and access to information. We continue to monitor emerging technologies, such as Bluetooth and other audio signal transmission options for individuals with hearing impairments, and assess customer engagement platforms for features that support universal access and inclusive interaction. 

The alignment and integration of IDEA efforts are reinforced through an embedded model within the organization. In 2025, the focus was on foundational learning. Staff were encouraged to take Inclusion Lens training and staff information sessions were held to raise staff awareness and education of IDEA principles, expanding cultural competence among staff and leadership, and fostering a deeper understanding of inclusion and belonging. Departments continue to work toward implementing the actions within the IDEA Multi-Year Plan. A working team and steering committee were created to consider IDEA related initiatives and facilitate the advancement of IDEA initiatives in the organization. Policy updates are ongoing to ensure that they reflect IDEA principles. Advancing the IDEA MYP initiatives ensure the Town continues to build an inclusive work environment and meet the evolving needs of its diverse community. Progress on IDEA implementation will be report to Town of Oakville Council on an annual basis. 

The Recreation and Culture Department is actively participating and collaborating with Parks and Recreation Ontario on revisions to the AODA Design and Delivery of Accessible Programs and Services: Accessible Service Delivery, emphasizing the importance of creating and continuously developing inclusive programs and services. 

The Information and Communications Standard outlines how the Town creates, provides, and receives information and communications in ways that are accessible for people with disabilities, ensuring everyone has an equal chance to learn and participate in the community. 

We’re proud of our accomplishments in 2025, which reflect the Town’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible community for residents, visitors, and staff. Key achievements this year in meeting or exceeding the requirements include: 

  • Enhancements to online accessibility
    • Continued efforts to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements.
    • Conducted regular web content accessibility compliance monitoring using automated and manual checkers to identify and address issues proactively.
    • Reviewed and assessed the current state of online documents, while remediating a large number of PDFs to provide more accessible documents on oakville.ca. Worked with a third-party vendor to provide accessible pdf training to key staff throughout the organization. 
  • Worked with the province on the Town's first compliance plan to focus on making more documents accessible online, including training specific to web content accessibility compliance (document remediation).  
  • Enhancing accessibility, digital inclusion and digital content standards
    • Improved how information about accessible spaces and amenities at Town facilities is shared with the community. 
    • Began consultation and development of accessibility enhancements and updates to the interactive accessibility map, improving its usability for residents and visitors.
    • Delivered staff training on producing inclusive digital content across diverse platforms and formats to enhance capacity. 
    • Promoted the use of plain language guides and best practices to ensure information is clear and inclusive for all audiences. 
    • Looking ahead, in 2026, a refreshed customer experience strategy will address digital-dignified interactions and other accessibility related principles.  
  • Community engagement and education
    • Continued community safety and awareness campaigns related to safety during school breaks and back to school time, safe use of crosswalks/crossovers, and cycling safety to promote accessible and safe mobility for all users.
    • Virtual tours of Town facilities to identify features, layouts, and amenities at select facilities.  
    • Continue investigating community engagement and education tools, including spatial solutions such as ArcGIS mapping to support internal wayfinding and directional planning.  

Staff across the organization will continue engaging with the community by building on previous accomplishments and exploring new ways to ensure accessible information and communication is provided across all channels to residents, visitors, and employees. This includes continuing to work to ensure all Town websites and web content conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. We offer multiple feedback options, including phone (toll-free, TTY, and Bell Relay), mail, and an accessible online customer service feedback form. Statements about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports, including key documents such as the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and Annual Report, are posted on the Town’s website. We also highlight accessibility supports for meetings, events, surveys, and any instance where feedback is requested, ensuring accommodations are proactively planned and arranged in alignment with the Town’s Planning Accessible Meetings Procedure (currently under review).

We provide accessible formats and communication supports upon request, consulting with individuals to meet their accessibility needs. We notify the public of these accommodations and ensure accessibility standards are followed for external meetings. Captions are included on all pre-recorded videos on the Town of Oakville’s YouTube channel, as well as for live broadcasts of Council and committee meetings. To further improve the consistency and accessibility of video content, the Town maintains its standards to offer more universal templates and ensure all videos include features such as captions and transcripts. Emergency evacuation maps and instructions are posted at key locations, such as accessible building entrances, stairwells, elevators, and areas of refuge, and are available in accessible PDF format with QR codes providing translations in 10 languages. 

Oakville Public Library

Oakville Public Library (OPL) remains committed to fostering accessibility and inclusivity for all customers. The library will continue its partnership with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and Bookshare while exploring new technologies to better support individuals with disabilities. OPL also offers dementia-friendly reading material through its Cognitive Care kits, addressing the unique needs of individuals with cognitive challenges. 

The Delivery by Mail service remains a priority, providing customers unable to visit the library with materials delivered to their homes. Staff training initiatives focus on equipping customer experience employees with the skills to recommend appropriate formats for individuals with print disabilities. OPL also offers public access computers with a wide range of accessible features to support usability for all customers.  

 To advance OPL’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, in 2025 OPL is introducing multi-sensory spaces and services, beginning with a pilot sensory room at the Woodside Branch. Developed in collaboration with field experts and grounded in evidence-based research, the room serves as a foundational step in evaluating future multi-sensory experiences for our customers. Specialized training has been completed for branch staff and organizational leadership, building informed and confident service delivery for customers navigating unique sensory differences.  

The Employment Standard outlines how the Town makes employment practices and its workplace more accessible to potential and existing employees with disabilities. The Town remains committed to providing accessible programs, services, and facilities for staff as outlined in the Employment Standard. In addition, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Multi-Year Plan underscores key focus areas, including policy and procedure reviews, along with staff and leadership training.  

Staff across the organization continue to uphold accessible employment practices, ensuring inclusivity for all employees. Building on existing initiatives and addressing community and staff feedback, efforts in 2025 have focused on improving policies and procedures to remove barriers and support a diverse workforce. 

The Town maintains an accessible accommodation process, designed to assess and respond to individual needs. Employees requiring temporary or permanent accommodations are supported through a consistent return-to-work and employment accommodation program. Individual accommodation plans are created and reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant and effective. This year, several improvements were made to strengthen the accommodation process. The accommodation procedures were revised and split into two distinct documents to provide greater clarity for staff and managers. The procedures more clearly outline the responsibilities of all parties involved in the accommodation process, supporting a more transparent and collaborative approach. The intake form was redesigned to gather more comprehensive information upfront, helping to reduce delays in assessing accommodation requests.  Staff have access to more detailed information about the accommodation process, enabling them to approach the process with more complete and informed requests. 

Accessible formats and communication supports continue to be available to employees upon request, with workshops and training sessions offered at accessible locations or in accessible formats for full participation. The Town’s onboarding process was updated in 2025 to be more user-friendly and accessible. New employees are informed of the Town’s accommodation procedures supporting employees with disabilities. This includes surveying new hires to identify accommodation needs and emergency assistance requirements, ensuring a smooth and inclusive transition into the workplace. 

The Town’s Respectful Conduct Policy, which incorporates accessibility accommodations, is reinforced through annual performance review sign-offs. Recruitment practices further reflect the Town’s commitment to accessibility, with job postings, application acknowledgments, and candidate notifications all emphasizing the availability of accommodations throughout the hiring process. 

To strengthen awareness and foster inclusivity, the Town is streamlining and enhancing broader training for staff and management on accessibility, diversity, unconscious bias, and other key topics. This aligns with the ongoing implementation of the IDEA Multi-Year Plan 2024-2028 (pdf), which includes review and updates to the accommodation procedure. These initiatives demonstrate the Town’s dedication to removing barriers, promoting inclusivity, and creating a supportive workplace for all employees.

The Transportation Standard outlines how the Town will make it easier for anyone to use its public transportation services.

Oakville Transit

Each year, Oakville Transit prepares an Annual Accessibility Plan (pdf), which ensures continual progress toward improving accessibility of its services. In addition, Oakville Transit prepares an Annual Transit Plan, which aligns with other planning documents and planning work underway in the Town, ensuring a coordinated approach to accessibility and inclusivity across the community. 

In 2025, Oakville Transit achieved significant milestones that reflect the Town’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible community for residents, visitors, and staff. They include: 

  • Expansion of Oakville Transit’s On Demand Service to new areas and review of opportunities to convert low ridership, conventional fixed route service to on demand. Ride On Demand is a curb-to-curb shared-ride service provided with fully accessible vehicles. 
  • Free transit for adult care-A-van members when they use their PRESTO card.
  • Oakville Transit’s On Demand mobile app allows customers to book, cancel and confirm their own rides through the app, providing more flexibility.  Customers can also get automated reminders for their trips. 
  • Bus schedule reviews to improve schedule adherence. 
  • Implementation of a procedural change, which now requires all drivers to lower conventional buses for all customers, to improve access for all. 
  • Route number markers added to bus stop signs for clearer wayfinding. 
  • Installation of Clever Vision Digital Information Screens on the On Demand fleet. 
  • Completed Transit’s Five-year business plan, which includes details on compliance with AODA regulations and improving overall access to transit services. 

Oakville Transit remains committed to supporting the Town’s dedication to accessible programs, services, and facilities through a range of ongoing initiatives. Continual enhancements to transit infrastructure include upgrading bus stop landing pads and platforms to improve accessibility and ease of access. Oakville Transit is also committed to providing free transit for support persons accompanying individuals with disabilities for all services. In addition, children, youth, adults and seniors aged 65 and older have improved access opportunities with free fares when tapping their PRESTO card. 

Collaborative efforts continue with Oakville, Burlington, and Milton for the review of specialized transit applications and the appeal process through third-party providers. The transit system remains fully compliant with accessibility requirements, including a fleet of 100 per cent low-floor buses. Mobility aids and assistive devices are securely stored and accommodated in all transportation vehicles, and drivers are trained in the safe handling of such devices, with this service provided at no additional charge. Oakville Transit also reviews fleet size regularly to meet the evolving needs of the community, conducts routine fleet audits to enhance the audio and visual system, and reviews required modifications to ensure ongoing compliance. 

Ongoing driver training is critical. All driving staff receive mandatory accessibility training, with specialized and enhanced sessions for care-A-van staff. Training emphasizes understanding diverse accessibility needs, including the specific requirements of individuals with hearing or vision impairments and other known or unknown disabilities. 

To further support accessibility, Oakville Transit maintains ongoing staff representation on the Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, and emergency preparedness and response procedures are available in accessible formats upon request.

Transportation Master Plan

The Town remains committed to creating an inclusive and accessible community through innovative transportation initiatives that meet and often exceed AODA standards. Building on previous plans and studies, the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) focuses on accessibility to create walkable, cycling, and transit-friendly neighbourhoods integrated with accessible options. Approved by Council in October 2025, the TMP prioritizes system updates for all modes using a Complete Streets approach, establishing safe, accessible facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders. It outlines projects, policies, and programs to support active transportation and accessible choices for all residents, setting a path forward to accommodate growth to 2051 and advance Oakville’s vision of a vibrant, livable community for all. 

The Town coordinates accessibility improvements through programs such as the Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Program (updated annually to Council) and the Pedestrian Safety Program, with enhancements in progress and a full update planned for 2026. These updates introduce new design guidelines, pedestrian crossing controls, and criteria for selecting locations. The goal is to identify diverse crossing types, promote safe navigation, and improve the overall pedestrian experience. While not required, the Town follows the province’s Minimum Maintenance Standards, underscoring its commitment to safe, accessible transportation infrastructure. 

In 2025, we proudly advanced these priorities with several notable achievements. Through the Bronte Village Streetscape Study and Kerr Village Streetscape Study, planning is underway to enhance the streetscape in key shopping areas, ensuring accessibility while exceeding legislated standards. Similarly, the Town-wide Parking Management Study is in progress, focusing on meeting diverse mobility needs while preparing for future urban growth. In addition, the Licensing By-law continues to be regularly reviewed with an accessibility lens. Through these comprehensive efforts, the Town reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible community. 

Collaboration with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) remains a key component of these initiatives. Staff regularly consult with the AAC to gather valuable insights and improve the design and accessibility of parking-related projects and programs. Looking ahead, a comprehensive review of the accessible parking program is planned for 2026.  

As we move forward, the Town will continue assessing and managing current and future urban mobility needs through comprehensive parking studies, ensuring our transportation systems remain inclusive and adaptable for all users.

The Design of Public Spaces Standard outlines how the Town will ensure its public spaces are accessible for everyone. This standard only applies to new construction and major renovations. 

Reflecting the Town’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible community for residents, visitors, and staff, key updates this year from Facility Services, Capital Projects, include: the Oakville Universal Design Standards (OUDS) (pdf) version 3.0 continues to guide all Town Facility projects. The latest version of the OUDS include strategies to support neurodiverse individuals, such as restorative spaces with adjustable privacy and sensory conditions and a new section on maintenance to ensure long-term accessibility. 

Items that do not meet the current Ontario Building Code or OUDS requirements, particularly in washrooms and changerooms, will be prioritized for feasible built-environment improvements between 2025 and 2029. 

Studies continue for the Downtown Cultural Hub (DCH) which include the Central Branch Library, Old Centennial Pool and the Oakville Centre for Performing Arts.  Background reports are being collected for future design considerations. 

The Town renewed its certification to maintain five (5) facilities on the Rick Hansen Fondation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) registry, ensuring they are searchable and recognized for meaningful access throughout buildings and parking areas. These facilities include:  

  • Trafalgar Park Community Centre – Certified  
  • Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre – Certified GOLD  
  • Town Hall – Certified GOLD 
  • QEPCCC – Certified  
  • Sixteen Mile New Community Centre and Library – Certified GOLD (Preconstruction)  

Wrap-up of the four-year Accessibility Audit Plan (2021–2025)

The following initiatives reflect the Town’s progress toward meeting AODA requirements for exterior paths and built environments: 

  • Furnishing public pools with motorized accessible lifts for safe entry and exit. 
  • Installing tactile walking attention indicators at additional parks and community centres. 
  • Adding accessible door operator buttons to more park washrooms and converting push-activated buttons to motion-activated wave sensors. 
  • Revising accessible parking at several facilities to include larger van-accessible spaces and adjacent access aisles. 
  • Reviewing community centre washrooms and changerooms to improve accessibility by: 
    • Relocating and installing additional support bars. 
    • Adjusting mounting heights for hair dryers and soap dispensers. 
    • Installing door openers and other enhancements. 
  • All outdoor pool redevelopment plans now include accessible pool entry features as a standard design element. 

Facility Services, Capital Projects look-ahead to 2026

  • Sixteen Mile Sports Complex updates are available online. This is a significant project for the town which opens in 2026 and will include a new pool, a new library and new sports courts with all expected amenities including a universal changeroom and washroom.   
  • Additional buildings are targeted for Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) certification. 
  • The Town continues to prioritize accessibility through regular upgrades as necessary through preventative maintenance programs and regular inspections. 
  • Continued transition from push-button door operators to wave sensors for improved accessibility and hygiene. 
  • Power door operator installations where none existed in Parks facilities with further upgrades planned for 2026.  
  • Glen Abbey will receive power door operator and washroom upgrades. 
  • Arena and rink upgrades include Glen Abbey Community Centre (Blue Arena), sliding doors and accessible viewing areas. There will be a conversion of a changeroom into a fully accessible washroom at River Oaks Recreation Centre Rink. 
  • The Transit Facility is scheduled for accessibility improvements at the main entrance accessible parking areas.  
  • Pool accessibility improvements are being made with support from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund: 
    • Following the 2024 Wedgewood Pool renovations, adding ramps with handrails and contrasting strips, plus a portable pool lift, similar upgrades are planned for Falgarwood Pool in 2026. 
  • All outdoor pool redevelopment plans now include accessible pool entry features as a standard design element. 

Parks, Recreation, and Library Facilities Master Plan

The Parks, Recreation, and Library Facilities Master Plan reaffirms the Town’s commitment to accessible infrastructure, amenities and features. 

Key areas of focus include: 

  • Enhanced support options available through our Recreation and Culture programs and facilities include: 
    • Offering support services available for those with neurodiversity, vision or hearing impairments, learning disabilities, allergies or medical conditions. 
    • Expanded inclusive program offerings for swims. skates and yoga 
    • Making sensory kits available for use while at the facility that contain noise cancelling headphones, colouring worksheets, pencil crayons, and fidget toys. 
  • Extended operating hours: Park washrooms will remain open longer during the off-season to improve convenience and accessibility. 
  • Accessible outdoor amenities: Installation of accessible picnic tables and creation of clear pathways in all outdoor eating areas. 
  • Beach and waterfront access: 
    • Bronte Beach redevelopment was completed in late spring 2025 and included a Mobi-Mat for accessible beach and water entry. The mat will be removed during winter and reinstalled each spring. 
    • The Oakville Harbour (Shipyard Park) redevelopment final phase has been delayed to 2026. 
  • Wallace Park redevelopment: 
    • Main open space reopened in January 2025. 
    • Rehabilitation of remaining areas (tennis courts, parking lot) scheduled under the 2025 capital budget. Construction started in October 2025, and it is anticipated that completion will happen in spring 2026. 
    • New building complex includes a washroom building, mechanical building, and breezeway, all designed with accessibility in mind. 
  • Playground accessibility: 
    • Annual upgrades to replace outdated surfacing with accessible engineered wood fiber mulch or rubberized surfacing. 
    • Planning, design, and construction of inclusive playgrounds and splash pads aligned with AODA standards. Features include: 
      • Full wheelchair access to ground-level play areas. 
      • At least 50 per cent of elevated components accessible via an accessible route. 
      • Sensory stimulation (sight, sound, touch), vestibular play, and cooperative play elements. 
      • Covered or shaded areas for comfort. 
  • Coronation Park Playground: The Town’s newest fully accessible and inclusive playground, designed to ensure children of all abilities can play together. Key features include: 
    • Rubberized surfacing. 
    • Wheelchair-friendly universal carousel and gondola. 
    • Sensory dome with wide pathways for mobility devices. 
    • Non-verbal communication board with pictographs. 
    • Suspended nest for calming, quiet play. 
    • High-contrast color scheme for easy navigation. 
  • Implementation of Oakville’s Recreational Trails Accessibility Audit and Strategy, including: 
    • A 10-year Rehabilitation Improvement Plan to remove barriers and enhance safety. 
    • Updated trail design standards and by-laws to meet accessibility regulations. 
    • A standardized Accessibility Checklist for all new and redeveloped trails. 
  • The Town continues to take a holistic approach to improving accessibility across outdoor spaces and amenities. Recent and ongoing efforts include: 
    • Ongoing conversion of sloped limestone screening trails to asphalt for improved mobility. 
    • Rehabilitation of allotment gardens, including the addition of accessible garden plot tables. 
    • Accessibility upgrades for playgrounds and splash pads as they come up for replacement, with considerations for sensory-seeking play equipment, inclusive surfaces, and shade options. 
    • Surface and pathway improvements: 
      • Mulch top-ups with added ramps where needed to maintain accessible routes. 
      • Enhanced exterior lighting to meet or exceed standards set by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and the Ontario Building Code. 
    • Seating and rest areas: 
      • Installation of benches and seating along beach routes, trails, and parks. 
      • Collaboration between Facilities and Parks teams to incorporate covered seating solutions for comfort and inclusivity. 

Staff across the organization remain committed to engaging with the community to ensure the accessible design of public spaces and the built environment. Building on previous accomplishments and exploring new initiatives, staff will continue to meet or exceed AODA requirements. This includes regular monitoring and maintenance of Town amenities and public spaces, such as curbs, sidewalks, trails, and pathways. 

The Town sets an annual target for retrofitting signalized intersections with Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), ensuring steady progress toward full community coverage. By maintaining these areas in accordance with provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards, as implemented by Roads and Works and Transportation and Engineering, the Town fosters a more inclusive environment where everyone can navigate and enjoy public spaces with ease. 

A significant focus is placed on planning projects that remove barriers in the built environment. This involves routine collaboration with project managers to advise on accessibility criteria, including proposed materials and finishes, public art murals, and feasibility planning to add or expand accessible elements. The Town also remains committed to increasing the number of audible pedestrian crossings annually, ensuring compliance with the Ontario Traffic Manual and AODA standards. Ongoing dialogue with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) continues to guide these efforts.