City of Ottawa Accessibility Spotlight

Accessibility During Construction

Construction season is in full swing and the City wants you to know that safety and mobility through construction sites are an important part of our work. The City of Ottawa Accessibility Design Standards has a section dedicated to Accessibility during Construction.  Section 2.11 applies to pedestrians affected by construction of new or redevelopment of existing City-owned or leased buildings, infrastructure and elements. This includes construction within the right-of-way as well as City of Ottawa buildings, parks, pathways and other public spaces. Pedestrians include residents, employees and visitors. Accessibility during Construction ensures the provision of a safe and accessible path of travel for all pedestrians through and/or around the construction site. It ensures that pedestrians with disabilities, as well as those with increased mobility needs (pedestrians using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, parents with strollers and/or young children, etc.), will be accommodated either through or around the construction site. Accommodation of pedestrians through/an around the construction site is achieved through a construction site pedestrian control plan, which includes the following requirements: Maintain existing sidewalk facilities for as long as possible; Regardless of whether or not there is an existing sidewalk within the right-of-way, a minimum 1.5m wide pedestrian facility shall be provided along at least one side of the corridor at all times. The facility shall include a free and unobstructed hard surfaced pedestrian surface acceptable for use by all pedestrians, including those with disabilities, and shall include pedestrian access to all buildings and street crossings; The facility shall be maintained in a clean and good state of repair through or around the construction site at all times. The 1.5m width shall not be reduced by protruding objects. If overhead works are required a 2.1m clear headroom shall be provided along the entire 1.5m width; and, Any change of level which is over 13mm height must be provided with a smooth, non-tripping transition.

Ottawa Hand in Hand Recreation and Culture Fee Support

The City of Ottawa offers fee support to ensure that all residents have access to municipally offered recreation and culture programs and activities regardless of their ability to pay. If you are an individual (or a family) with a low-income, you may qualify for the Ottawa Hand in Hand program. Applying for Ottawa Hand in Hand is simple. Here's how: Step 1: Print the form online or pick up an application form at any City of Ottawa recreation or cultural facility or at one of the Client Service Centres. Step 2: Complete the application form. Step 3: Bring the completed application form to your local recreation or cultural facility. The Supervisor will review the application for approval. Please note: Residents of all ages are eligible for Ottawa Hand in Hand. Applications can only be approved at a recreation or cultural facility. Residents are encouraged to apply for the Ottawa Hand in Hand program as early as possible before the registration period. Each qualifying individual, or member of a family, is eligible for an annual amount of fee support. Requests for support are ongoing. Participants can register for recreation and culture programs or activities at any of the program registration locations across the City. Applicants are encouraged to pay a minimum of 25% of the program cost. A parent or guardian can transfer all, or a portion of their Ottawa Hand in Hand entitlement to a child or children in their household. Enjoy your selected recreation or culture activity!

You are invited to provide feedback on accessible information and communication in Ontario

The Integrated Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, (2005) are reviewed every 5 years by a Standards Development Committee. The Information and Communications Standards Development Committee has drafted initial recommendations to change the existing Standard. The committee invites you to share your feedback on their initial recommendations to make communications more accessible for people with disabilities. Two phases have been proposed by the Committee. Feedback is invited through two separate surveys for Phase 1 and Phase 2 or can be provided by email. The surveys can take up to an hour of time to complete, depending on how much feedback you provide. The initial recommendations report and a link to the surveys can be found at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-initial-recommendations-improve-accessibility-standards-information-and-communications. For questions or to request an alternative format, contact the Information and Communications Standards Development Committee: Toll-free: 1-866-515-2025 or toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or, Email icsdc@ontario.ca. The survey closing date is September 27, 2019.  The committee will review all feedback before it submits its final report and recommendations to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility for consideration.

Remember, you can request accessible formats of City public documents and we welcome your disability-related feedback on the accessibility of our services, programs and facilities through the following channels: by phone at 3-1-1 and TTY (613-580-2401) by e-mail to 311@ottawa.ca in person at any of the City’s service locations