City of Ottawa - Accessibility Spotlight - September 2026

 

Reminder: Temporary Ramps for Local Businesses

The City of Ottawa’s Corporate Accessibility Office is excited to launch a pilot program that provides free temporary ramps to eligible local businesses.  The City is partnering with the StopGap Foundation to help reduce accessibility barriers at businesses with a single-step entrance. These ramps support greater inclusion by helping individuals who use mobility devices, have limited mobility, as well as those with strollers to access local businesses more easily. This not only reduces barriers for customers but also allows for increased revenue and economic opportunities for local businesses. Who can apply?  Businesses located within the City of Ottawa boundary are encouraged to review the program requirements and submit an application if they meet the eligibility criteria. Applications will be accepted throughout the year. As ramp design and construction are carried out by StopGap volunteers, ramps will be designed and constructed as soon as practicable. For more information about the program or eligibility requirements, please contact the City of Ottawa’s Corporate Accessibility Office at accessibilityoffice@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424, extension 33544.  On-demand sign language interpretation New for the 2026 Municipal Elections, video-remote sign language interpretation (VRI) will be offered on demand at all Special Advance Voting Day locations from October 1 to 4, and by request to the Elections Office during Advance and Voting Days. During Special Advance Voting Days, an iPad will be available at all voting places that can connect to remote sign language interpretation (both American Sign Language [ASL] and Langue des signes Québécoise [LSQ]). Election workers will assist electors through the voting process with the support of the VRI service. On Advance Voting Day (October 16) and Voting Day (October 26), electors who would like ASL or LSQ interpretation can contact the Elections Office at elections@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2660 to make the required arrangements for VRI.  Décoeur Drive Traffic Calming The City of Ottawa is conducting a traffic calming study on Décoeur Drive between Mer-Bleue Road and Tenth Line Road to address concerns about vehicle speeds and improve safety for all road users. Proposed measures include speed cushions, pedestrian crossing improvements, and cycling infrastructure to help create a safer and more accessible corridor. The project team is seeking community feedback on the proposed options through an online survey. We encourage people with disabilities to participate and share their experiences in the area to help inform the final design. For more information and to complete the survey, visit the project page and contact the Project Manager at nick.agro@ottawa.ca if you have any questions.  Para Transpo Talk on September 27 Join OC Transpo’s Customer Care team at Para Transpo Talk on September 27 from 10 am to 2pm at Hurdman Station!  Para Transpo Talk is a series of drop-in events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you use Para Transpo.  This event will take place during OC Transpo’s Free Transit Weekend as part of the Transit Showcase at Hurdman Station.  Staff will be available to answer your questions and concerns about anything related to Para Transpo. Find more information about the upcoming events on the OC Transpo news page.