2019-2023 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (PDF)Michelle Smibert, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk
Town of Tillsonburg
200 Broadway, Suite 204
Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A7
519-688-3009 ext. 4040
www.tillsonburg.ca
Town of Tillsonburg
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
2019-2023
Town of Tillsonburg Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2019-2023 Page 2 of 14
Contents
Introduction and Statement of Commitment .................................................................... 3
Consultation .................................................................................................................... 3
Structure and Governance .............................................................................................. 3
Accessibility Advisory Committee .................................................................................... 3
Accessibility Advisory Committee Mandate: ................................................................ 4
2018-2022 Committee Members: ................................................................................ 4
Guiding Legislation .......................................................................................................... 4
Barrier Identification ........................................................................................................ 5
Accessibility Partnerships ................................................................................................ 5
Approval and Review Dates ............................................................................................ 6
Feedback ........................................................................................................................ 6
Availability of the Plan ..................................................................................................... 6
Contact Information ......................................................................................................... 7
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 7
Appendix A: Achievements to Date ................................................................................. 7
Appendix B: Goals for 2019-2023 ................................................................................. 10
Appendix C: Accessibility Comment or Complaint Form ............................................... 14
Town of Tillsonburg Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2019-2023 Page 3 of 14
Introduction and Statement of Commitment
In January, 2014, the Town of Tillsonburg created and adopted the first Multi-Year
Accessibility Plan.
The Town of Tillsonburg is committed to promoting a barrier-free Town for employees,
citizens and all who live, work, visit, and invest in Tillsonburg. It is important that the
Town continue to plan for the future so that Town facilities and services are accessible
and welcoming for everyone.
This is the Town’s second Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The Plan outlines the Town’s
strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet the requirements under the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility
Standards Regulation (O. Reg. 191/11).
Accessible Format
This document is available in an accessible format at request. If you require this
document in an accessible format, please contact Michelle Smibert, Director of
Corporateproratees/ Clerk at clerks@tillsonburg.ca or 519-688-3009 ext. 4040.
Consultation
Consultation on the plan was conducted with Town of Tillsonburg staff and committees
including:
• Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Senior Leadership Team
Structure and Governance
The responsibility for the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) falls within the Office of the Clerk.
Accountability for the various clauses within the Integrated Accessibility Standards
Regulation (O. Reg. 191/11) is a shared responsibility with departments. The Office of
the Clerk is responsible for ensuring compliance at the corporate level and is the focal
point for legislative analysis and subject matter expertise. Departments retain the
accountability for ensuring that their respective clauses are executed according to
legislative requirements pertaining to the service delivery.
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is a key resource and contributor to
accessibility planning issues in all departments of the Town of Tillsonburg. The AAC is a
legislatively mandated committee of community volunteers. Presently, the AAC is
Town of Tillsonburg Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2019-2023 Page 4 of 14
comprised of eight members as well as a Town Council representative and Staff
Liaison.
Accessibility Advisory Committee Mandate:
To advise and make recommendations to Council on all matters with respect to the
accessibility for persons with disabilities to a municipal building, structure or premises.
The meetings are open to the public and are held at the Corporate Office in Suite 203,
200 Broadway, Second Floor. For agendas, or to be notified of a meeting, please
contact the Office of the Clerk at clerks@tillsonburg.ca or 519-688-3009, ext. 4040.
2018-2022 Committee Members:
Citizen Members:
Cindy Allen, Chair
Peter Staley, Vice Chair
Mike Cerna
Michael Kadey
Margaret McCrimmon
Erin Getty
Mark Dickson
Jeff Huber
Council Representative: Councillor Pete Luciani
Staff Liaison: Amelia Jaggard, Deputy Clerk
Guiding Legislation
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was enacted in 2005. The
purpose of the Act is to develop, implement and enforce accessibility standards in order
to remove barriers for Ontarians with disabilities in relation to goods, services, facilities,
accommodations, employment, structures and premises.
Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (O. Reg. 191/11):
The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) establishes accessibility
standards and introduces requirements for:
• Accessible Customer Service Standard
• Information and Communications Standard
• Employment Standard
• Transportation Standard
• Design of Public Spaces Standard
One of the IASR requirements is to prepare a multi-year accessibility plan. This is a shift
from annual accessibility planning under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001
(ODA). The multi-year plan must include an organization’s strategy to prevent and
remove barriers and meet the requirements in the standards. Each year the
organization must report on the progress in implementing the plan.
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Customer Service – Ontario Regulation 429/07
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service establishes accessibility standards for
customer service.
Ontario Building Code
The Ontario Building Code outlines accessibility/barrier-free design requirements in
newly constructed buildings and existing buildings that are to be extensively renovated.
Ontario Human Rights Code
The Ontario Human Rights Code is an individual, complaints-based legislation that
addresses discrimination. The Ontario Human Rights Code requires organizations to
accommodate people with disabilities to the point of undue hardship.
Barrier Identification
Attitudinal barriers may result in people with disabilities being treated differently than
people without disabilities.
Informational and communication barriers arise when a person with a disability
cannot easily receive and/or understand information that is available to others.
Technological barriers occur when technology or the way it is used does not meet the
needs of people with disabilities.
Systemic barriers in policies, practices and procedures and result in people with
disabilities being treated differently than others or sometimes excluded altogether.
Physical and architectural barriers in the environment and prevent access for people
with disabilities.
Accessibility Partnerships
Oxford County is comprised of eight lower tier municipalities. There are four
Accessibility Advisory Committee’s within Oxford County and each one reports to their
respective Municipal Councils on a variety of accessibility matters.
In 2015 the first Oxford County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting was
scheduled which included representation from all Accessibility Advisory Committees
from Oxford County lower tier municipalities. The purpose of these meetings is to invite
guest speakers to create educational opportunities and to allow members an
opportunity to discuss accomplishments and challenges.
The Oxford County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee met in 2017 and 2019.
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Approval and Review Dates
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five
years. An annual status report will be completed to document the progress and
measures taken to implement the Town of Tillsonburg’s strategy and meet the
requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.
Plan adopted by Council
Date:
Resolution #
Feedback
The Town of Tillsonburg welcomes public input as feedback helps to identify areas
where changes need to be considered and ways in which we can improve facilities,
goods and services. Should a member of the public wish to provide general feedback,
comments or suggestion on how to improve accessibility in our facilities, goods or
services please contact the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk at
clerks@tillsonburg.ca or 519-688-3009 ext. 4040 or complete an Accessibility Comment
or Complaint Form attached hereto as Appendix C.
Availability of the Plan
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan will be made available through a number of efforts:
Website: The Plan can be accessed through the Town of Tillsonburg’s website.
https://www.tillsonburg.ca/en/town-hall/Accessibility.aspx
Hard Copy: The Plan may be accessed at the following Town of Tillsonburg
Administration Buildings:
Customer Service Centre
10 Lisgar Avenue
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 5A5
Corporate Office
204-200 Broadway
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 5A7
If you require this document in an accessible format, please contact Michelle Smibert,
Director of Corporate Services/Clerk at clerks@tillsonburg.ca or 519-688-3009 ext.
4040.
Town of Tillsonburg Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2019-2023 Page 7 of 14
Contact Information
For more information contact:
Michelle Smibert, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk
Town of Tillsonburg
200 Broadway, Suite 204 Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A7
519-688-3009 ext. 4040
clerks@tillsonburg.ca
Conclusion
The Town of Tillsonburg is committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing
future barriers to allow people with disabilities full participation in our community. The
Town encourages input from all Town of Tillsonburg residents. The Town of Tillsonburg
is of the opinion that current legislation should improve accessibility in workplaces and
public spaces and improve access to employment, customer service, communication
and transportation. However, as the financial impact of current legislation on municipal
taxpayers is significant, the Town also recommends that the province assume some
financial responsibility for these requirements.
Appendix A: Achievements to Date
2019
• Accessibility parking improvements were made in off-street municipal parking lots
and on-street accessible parking on Broadway to meet accessibility
requirements. For more information refer to Staff Report OPS 19-26 presented to
Council on June 13, 2019.
• In August, 2019, the T:GO in-town transportation service was re-launched as a
fixed route system which offers Monday to Friday accessible bus service. A new
fare system for T:GO was implemented which offers discounted passes and
special fare rates for youth/students and seniors, as well as permits children (5
and under), support persons and veterans to ride free. For morning information
refer to Staff Report OPS 19-12 presented to Council on May 13, 2019 and Staff
Report OPS 19-35 presented to Council on August 12, 2019.
• Installation of an accessible pedestrian crossing (PXO) at the Broadway and
Trans Canada Trail PXO.
• Accessible upgrades to the intersection of Broadway and Ridout.
• In October, 2019, corporate business cards were updated to meet accessibility
requirements.
• In November, 2019, the sound system in Council Chambers was upgraded to
improve sound in the Council Chambers and into the hallway outside of Council
Chambers. Twelve (12) hearing assistive devices were installed for individual use
by patrons, Council or staff.
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• In December, 2019, the sound systems in the Lions Auditorium, Senior Centre
Auditorium, and Annandale National Historic Site Program Room were upgraded
and hearing assistive devices were installed for individual use by patrons,
Council or staff.
2018
• Accessible upgrades to the intersection of Broadway and Brock.
• There were a number of efforts during the 2018 Municipal Election to improve
accessibility and increase opportunity for civic participation. For more information
refer to Staff Report CLK 18-33 presented to Council on November 26, 2018.
2017
• Installation of an accessible pedestrian crossing (PXO) at the intersection of
Broadway and Glendale.
• Accessible upgrades to the intersection of Broadway and Oxford.
2016
• In April, 2016, the T:GO in-town transportation service was launched which offers
Monday to Friday accessible van service for residents on a call and ride basis.
• A new Town website was launched in May, 2016, which integrated accessibility
features within its design.
o BrowseAloud is available on the website. This tool reads text out loud to
individuals with vision impairments, or users who have difficulty reading.
o The website is compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA – web content
accessibility guidelines.
• An Accessibility webpage was created that includes accessibility resources, a
link to the online Accessibility Comment or Complaint Form and a link to online
accessibility training for municipal employees and volunteers.
o The online Accessibility Comment or Complaint Form provides an
additional method of providing feedback.
• In July, 2016, a unisex barrier-free public washroom was installed in the north
end of the Tillsonburg Community Centre to improve the accessibility features on
the main floor.
• Accessible upgrades at the mid-block pedestrian crossing on Broadway at Town
Centre Mall.
• In September, 2016, doorknobs were replaced with handles at the Corporate
Office.
• In November, 2016, the Taxi By-Law (By-Law 4051) was updated to include
provisions to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. For more
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information refer to Staff Report DCS 16-40 presented to Council on November
28, 2016.
• In November, 2016, the Accessibility Advisory Committee in partnership with the
Tillsonburg Chamber of Commerce introduced the Accessibility Achievement
Award to recognize the outstanding contributions by an individual, business,
organization or school for their efforts in reducing/eliminating barriers in the
community for people with disabilities.
2014
• In 2014 the following enhancements were made to the Tillsonburg Community
Centre:
o Installation of power assist doors at the north entrance;
o Installation of power assist doors and an accessible main desk for the
Health Club;
o Elevation of toilets at the Senior Centre;
o Installation of three (3) accessible water fountain/refill stations;
o Installation of grab bars in both pool change rooms for hairdryer use;
o Installation of power assist door and accessible paddles on pool doors and
arms for the pool lift chair;
• One (1) accessible water fountain/refill stations was installed at the OPP station.
• There were a number of efforts during the 2014 Municipal Election to improve
accessibility and increase opportunity for civic participation. More information can
be found in Staff Report CL 15-01 presented at the Council Meeting on January
12, 2015.
2012
• The Town of Tillsonburg Central Area Design Study was created with
consideration to accessibility issues throughout the process.
• The AAC undertook an initiative in 2012-2013 to tour Town-owned facilities and
outdoor locations to identify where barriers exist. A number of barriers were
brought to staff’s attention to explore solutions.
2010
• There were a number of efforts during the 2010 Municipal Election to improve
accessibility and increase opportunity for civic participation. More information can
be found in Staff Report CO 2010-28 presented at the Council Meeting on
January 17, 2011.
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Appendix B: Goals for 2019-2023
(exact years to be determined by budget allocation)
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
• The AAC will provide an advisory role for all corporate projects to ensure that
accessibility is considered.
• The AAC will review Town-owned facilities and identify where barriers exist,
including reviewing the AODA compliance reports incorporated in the Town’s
Facility Condition Analyses. The Committee will forward these results to senior
staff as they arise and present the findings to the AAC.
• Participate in Oxford County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings.
General Requirements
• Continue to review and update policies, procedures and forms to reflect
legislation changes.
• File Accessibility Compliance Report to the Ministry bi-annually.
• Prepare Annual Accessibility Status Reports to be brought forward to Council.
• Establish a 2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
• Continue to consult the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the public and people
with disabilities for Accessibility Plans.
• Accessibility provision were included in the Town’s Procurement Policy (5-004,
Council By-Law 3967), to implement accessibility design, criteria and features
when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities. Document where it is
not possible to do so.
• Ensure that all employees continue to complete mandatory accessibility training.
• Ensure that all Volunteers who interact with the public complete mandatory
accessibility training.
• Ensure accessibility training resources are current.
Accessible Customer Service Standard
• Continue to fulfill the needs of residents and customers under the Accessible
Customer Service Standard.
• Continue to receive and respond to feedback and ensure processes are
accessible for persons with disabilities.
• Continue to be in compliance with the Town’s Accessibility Policy (1-002, Council
By-Law 3539) and ensure the Town is providing an adequate level of Accessible
Customer Service to the public.
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• The Customer Service Centre provides additional ways for people with mobility
disabilities to obtain municipal services 24 hours a day e.g. phone, fax, email,
website, automatic bill payment, internet banking bill payment etc.
• Continue to post service disruptions on site and online.
Information and Communications Standard
• Continue efforts to make more information available to the public to promote
accessibility and transparency in municipal operations.
• Continue to educate staff on the need for accessible documents.
• Ensure that “accessible formats available upon request” logo or written text is on
all printed documents.
• Develop a strategy of how to ensure existing documents are accessible or
available upon request.
• Continue to monitor accessible website and web content compliance.
• Ensure all websites and web content conforms with the Information and
Communications Standard / WCAG 2.0 Level AA by 2021.
• Continue to receive and respond to feedback and ensure processes are
accessible for persons with disabilities.
• Continue to consult with persons who make requests for accessible formats and
communication supports to determine the suitability of the request.
• Continue to prepare emergency procedures, plans and public safety information
and make the information available to the public as well as provide accessible
formats and communication supports.
• Continue to review and update municipal election plans, policies, procedures and
forms to reflect the needs of electors and candidates with disabilities and to
ensure that all voting places are accessible to all electors in 2022.
Employment Standard
• Continue to educate staff on this plan and relevant accessibility policies.
• Continue to regularly review Human Resources policies to prevent or remove
systemic employment barriers, ensure they are compliant with legislation and
reflect best practices.
• Continue to notify about the availability of accommodation for persons with
disabilities.
• Continue to comply with the legislated requirements for:
o Recruitment
o Workplace Emergency Response Information
o Return to Work Process
o Performance Management
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o Career Development and Advancement
o Redeployment
Transportation Standard
• Continue to follow the intent and spirit of the AODA legislation.
• Continue to monitor tariff fees and ensure that licensed owners and operators of
taxicabs are prohibited from charging a higher fare or additional fees for persons
with disabilities, from charging a fee for storage of mobility aids or assistive
devices, ensure that vehicle registration and identification information is on the
rear bumper of taxicabs, owners and operators make available vehicle
registration and identification information in accessible formats.
• Continue to encourage taxicab owners to add accessible taxicabs to the
community.
• Identify planning for accessible bus stops and shelters.
• Continue to consult the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the public and people
with disabilities in the following areas:
o Bus stops and shelters
o Accessibility Plans
• Ensure that the T:GO transit system is accessible.
Design of Public Spaces Standard
• Continue to consult the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the public and people
with disabilities in the following areas:
o Recreational Trails
o Outdoor Play Spaces
o Exterior Paths of Travel – Rest Areas
o On-Street Parking
• Continue to implement maintenance of accessible elements as outlined in our
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
• Incorporate accessibility retrofits during renovation projects and new
constructions for Town of Tillsonburg facilities and public spaces.
• Engage/consult during project planning, design and implementation stages.
• Continue to comply with the legislated requirements for:
o Recreational Trails and Beach Access
o Outdoor Public Eating Areas
o Outdoor Play Spaces
o Exterior Paths of Travel – Ramps, Stairs, Curb Ramps, Depressed Curbs,
Accessible Pedestrian Control Signals, Rest Areas
o Accessible Parking
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o Obtaining Services – Service Counters, Fixed Queuing Guides, Waiting
Areas
• Continue to comply with the Barrier-Free Design of the Ontario Building Code for
new construction and major renovations.
• The Town will continue committing to encouraging the private sector, when
undergoing material alterations, to retrofit existing buildings for accessibility and
developing suitable policies and procedures.
• Continue annual sidewalk inspection program in accordance with O. Reg 239/02
Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways.
• Continue accessible sidewalk crossing design in all road reconstruction projects.
• Staff will document barrier issues identified through site tours by the Accessibility
Advisory Committee and explore solutions.
• Installation of a wheelchair swing in a public park.
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Appendix C: Accessibility Comment or Complaint Form
Accessibility Comment or Complaint Form
Name: _____________________________
Phone: _____________________________
Email: _____________________________
Address: _____________________________
Subject: _____________________________
Message Body:
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