2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 1
2020 Accessibility Plan
City of St. Thomas
This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 2
OFFICE OF THE MAYO R
t. (519) 631.1680 x4131
f. (519) 631.9970
545 Talbot St., P.O. Box 520, City Hall
St. Thomas, Ontario, N5P 3V7
In the City of St. Thomas we strive to make our City the best it can be.
St. Thomas is committed to providing an accessible community for people with
disabilities and the maturing population.
In 2019, the city addressed several issues which had been identified in previous
plans. These projects included: New sidewalks, ensuring new development designs
are AODO compliant, installation of accessible Porto Johns at Pinafore Park year-
round, Horton Farmers’ Market parking lot, and a new fully accessible pavilion at
Valleyview Home.
As we move forward the City will remain committed to removing barriers and
improving accessibility for those who live, work, play and visit the City of St.
Thomas.
Joe Preston
Mayor
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 4
Table of Contents Page
Section 1: Municipal Overview 5
1.1 Municipality 5
1.2 Executive Summary 5
1.3 Accessibility Objectives 6
1.4 Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee 7
1.5 Accessibility Technical Committee 7
Section 2: Legislative Requirements 8
2.1 2019 Accessibility Report 8
City Clerk 8
Environmental Services 9
Human Resources 9
Mayor’s Office 9
Parks Division, Parks, Recreation & PM Department 10
Planning and Building Services 10
Property Maintenance Division, Parks, Rec & PM Department 10
Recreation Division, Parks, Rec & PM Department 11
St. Thomas Public Library 11
Valleyview Home 11
2.2 Accessibility Measures 12
2.3 2020 Strategic Actions 13
City Clerk 13
Environmental Services 13
Mayor’s Office 14
Parks Division, Parks, Rec & PM Department 14
Planning Department 15
Property Maintenance Division, Parks, Rec & PM Department 15
Recreation Division, Parks, Rec & PM Department 16
St. Thomas Public Library 17
Conclusion 17
Appendix 1 – Glossary of Terms 18
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 5
Section 1: Municipal Overview
1.1 Municipality
The City of St. Thomas is located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, approximately
halfway between Toronto and Detroit, and approximately 25 kilometers south of London
and 13 kilometers north of the Lake Erie shoreline.
St. Thomas is a single tier municipality within Elgin County with a population of
approximately 42,000. Surrounding St. Thomas are numerous picturesque towns,
lakeside villages and historic hamlets, each with their own unique charm.
The Council of the City of St. Thomas is comprised of nine members – one Mayor and
eight Councillors. Under the guidance and leadership of the Mayor and City Council,
the City Manager and City Departments provide administrative and operational services
considered essential for living.
1.2 Executive Summary
Statistics Canada reports that approximately 1.85 million Ontarians have disabilities –
over 15% of the population including more than 40% of people over age 65.
Municipal governments play an important role in the planning and development of
communities: in our streets, parks, libraries, social housing, programs, services, public
buildings and elections. The Province of Ontario recognized that accessibility is a
shared responsibility and passed the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) on
December 14, 2001. In addition, municipalities with populations of 10,000 and over
must have an Accessibility Advisory Committee.
In June 2005, the Province of Ontario furthered its commitment to accessibility by
expanding previous legislation to include the private sector with the goal to achieve
accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities by 2025. The purpose of the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities in five important areas of their lives within specified time limits:
• Customer Service (Reg. 429/07: must be compliant by Jan 1, 2010)
• Transportation
• Information and Communication
• Employment
• Built Environment
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 6
On June 3, 2011, the Ontario government passed the Integrated Accessibility Standards
Regulation 191/11. The regulation, which combines accessibility standards in three
areas – Information and Communication, Employment and Transportation, came into
force July 1, 2011.
The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191/11 was amended on December
12, 2012 to include the Design of Public Spaces Standard.
On December 27, 2013, Ontario Regulation 368/13 was filed to amend the new 2012
Building Code, Ontario Regulation 332/12, to include new accessibility amendments.
The effective date of the amendment was January 1, 2015.
Amendments were also made to the Customer Service Standard effective July 1, 2016.
Council is committed to ensure that persons with disabilities share the same rights,
freedoms and obligations so that they may live as independently as possible and are
able to participate in all that the City of St. Thomas has to offer. The annual
accessibility plan plays an important role in recognizing the needs of persons with
disabilities that reside in St. Thomas.
This Accessibility Plan was prepared in consultation with the St. Thomas Municipal
Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC), the City of St. Thomas Accessibility
Technical Committee, City staff, the Province of Ontario and other municipalities.
This Plan contains a review of accessibility initiatives undertaken in 2019, a summary of
barrier prevention measures the City currently has in place, and a description of
strategic actions planned for 2020.
Information about accessibility is also available on the City of St. Thomas’ website at
www.stthomas.ca.
1.3 Accessibility Objectives
The objectives of the City of St. Thomas in regards to accessibility are:
• To promote public awareness and sensitivity to all persons with disabilities;
• To encourage co-operation between all service and interest groups;
• To identify and document relevant issues and concerns;
• To create a community that provides opportunities for barrier-free access to
housing, transportation, education, recreation, health care and employment;
• To embrace the concept of universal design to include the needs of disabled
citizens and an aging population;
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 7
• To ensure that policies and practices are maintained in relationship to the
development and redevelopment of services and facilities that have regard to
persons with disabilities and aging population statistics;
• To ensure that the City receives the maximum economic benefits from building
an accessible City including an increased potential for tourism, retail business
and accommodating conventions.
To achieve these objectives, the 2020 Accessibility Plan involves the following:
• Representation of City Departments on the Accessibility Technical Committee;
• Information sharing with the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee,
Province of Ontario, other Ontario municipalities and the general public;
• Ongoing review of selected City of St. Thomas by-laws, policies, programs
practices and services to determine their impact on accessibility;
• Monitoring the legislated AODA, 2005 Accessibility Standards, 2009 Customer
Service Standard, 2011 Integrated Accessibility Standards, 2013 Design of
Public Spaces Standard, 2015 Accessibility Amendments to Ontario’s Building
Code and 2016 Amendments to the Customer Service Standard; and
• Continued allocation of dedicated capital funds to remove barriers in municipal
buildings.
1.4 Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee
The mandate of the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC) is to advise
and assist the City of St. Thomas, including the City’s agencies, boards and
commissions, in developing and facilitating a barrier-free St. Thomas. As required by
the Act, a majority of the members of MAAC include persons with disabilities.
Duties of the Committee under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Section 29(4) of the Committee shall,
a) Advise Council about the requirements and implementation of accessibility
standards and the preparation of accessibility reports and such other matters for
which the Council may seek its advice under subsection (5);
b) Review Special Events applications to ensure that organizations adhere to
accessibility requirements;
c) Review in a timely manner the site plans and drawings described in section 41 of
the Planning Act that the Committee selects; and
d) Perform all other functions that are specified in the regulations.
1.5 Accessibility Technical Committee
The Accessibility Technical Committee consists of seven members from the following
departments in the City with knowledge of the following standards:
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 8
• Human Resources – Employment Standard, Information and Communication
Standard
• City Clerk’s – Customer Service Standard
• Roads and Transportation – Transportation Standard & the Road Infrastructure
Portion of the Accessibility Amendments to the Building Code, Design of Public
Spaces Standard
• Building – Accessibility Amendments to the Building Code, Design of Public
Spaces Standard
• Parks, Recreation and Property Management – Accessibility Amendments to the
Building Code, Design of Public Spaces Standard
• Library – Information and Communication Standard
• Valleyview – Accessibility Amendments to the Building Code, Information &
Communication Standard, Design of Public Spaces Standard
The Committee works with the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee toward the
improvement of accessibility issues in the City and reports directly to the City Manager.
Committee members meet to discuss issues, provide updated information on
accessibility initiatives and suggestions to the City Manager. A representative attends
MAAC meetings.
Section 2: Legislative Requirements (Integrated Accessibility Standards, Regulation
191/11)
This section of the Accessibility Plan captures the City’s commitment to accessibility
and contains:
• A report on measures taken to remove barriers in 2019;
• A summary of measures adopted to identify, remove and prevent barriers to
access; and,
• A list of initiatives to be undertaken in 2020.
2.1 2019 Accessibility Report
Measures achieved under the 2019 Accessibility Plan are highlighted in this section
which is organized based on the City’s departmental structure. Suggestions from the
Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee are also included in this portion.
City Clerk
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
2019 Accessibility Plan
2019 Plan produced in
recommended font and available in
accessible formats upon request
Completed
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 9
Environmental Services
Accessibility
Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
2019 Annual
Sidewalk Program
- Install new sidewalks to fill in missing links in
sidewalk network
- replace narrow or poor condition sidewalks
- install tactile warning plates at intersections
ongoing
2019 Annual Road
Rehabilitation
- install new surface to improve road crossing for all
modes of transportation.
Complete
New
Developments
- ensure designs are in conformance with City and
Provincial AODA requirements
Ongoing
2019 Construction
Projects
- installed new sidewalks to fill in missing links and
replace narrow or poor condition sidewalks
- installed tactile warning plates at intersections
- installed new surface to improve road crossings for
all modes of transportation
- installed new pedestrian crossings in various
locations around the City
- installed new pedestrian crossovers at Elm Street
and LNPS trail
- installed new pedestrian crossover at Elm Street
and Fifth Avenue
- installed new traffic signal at Elm Street and Meehan
Complete
Transportation –
Accessible traffic
signal (APS)
installation
- Ontario Ministry of Transportation released policy
regarding implementation of APS in accordance with
AODA Ontario Regulation 413/12
Ongoing
Human Resources
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Communications and
Employment
Updated employment policies to be current
and in line with Integrated Standards.
Complete
Mayor’s Office
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Website accessibility
Purchase of software for scanning website
accessibility issues
Complete
Members of the public
physically unable to
attend Council meetings
Installation of equipment and software to video
Council meetings
Complete
Parks Dept - Pinafore Park
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 10
Accessibility
Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Physical - railing
on pavilion
Installed railings on south stairs of the Lakeside
Pavilion
Completed
No accessible
Porto Johns
Moved location of Porto Johns to an accessible area
and provided year-round access to an accessible unit
Completed
Parks Dept - Waterworks Park
Accessibility
Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Physical -
accessible
washroom
Needs a ramp
Door threshold into
accessible washroom under
review in 2020
Physical -
women’s
washroom
Door does not swing, no grab bar
*please note exterior door does swing
out, with handle to pull open from the
outside*
To swing out under review
in 2020, installation under
review in 2020
Physical - family
washroom sink
pipe
Family washroom has exposed pipe,
requires clearance for
wheelchair/scooters/knees
Review in 2020
Physical -
playground
Bit of a lip
Ongoing maintenance -
safety surface topped up
every three years. Last
install in 2018. Surface
inspected daily through
summer
Planning and Building Services Department
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Policy Constraints/Land
Use Regulations in the
new Official Plan
Accessibility policies will be reviewed and
recommendations will be made at the time a
report is made to Council
Ongoing
Policy Constrains/Land
Use Regulations in the
new Official Plan
This is part of an internal review and
consolidation of the Official Plan
Ongoing
Standards and
definitions in the Zoning
By-law 50-88 supporting
barrier-free access (i.e.
ramps, parking,
signage)
- Part of an internal review and consolidation of
Zoning By-law 50-88
- Barrier-free access provisions will be
recommended for implementation at the time a
report is presented to Council
Ongoing
Property Maintenance - City Hall
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 11
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Physical - water fountain
Stem to be changed to a bottle filler
In progress
Physical - Washrooms
No grab bar for urinal - 2019 - reviewed
application and unfortunately the urinal will
not accommodate wheelchair access due to
lack of space - no grab bar required for rising
from seated position
Close
Property Maintenance - Horton Market
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Physical - Parking Lot
Parking lot updated
Complete
Physical - Parking Spaces
No van parking spaces
Complete
Communication Sign
Exit sign not over actual west door exit
Complete
Physical - shelving
Shelving not secure yet to the wall
Complete
Approach - curb transition
S/E corner of curb redone
Complete
Recreation
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Physical, JC Pool
Parking lot repaving and line painting
Denied capital
Physical, JC Pool
Lit exit door sign
Not required
Physical, JC Pool
Grab bar across top of urinal
Reviewed
Physical, JC Pool
Grab bar outside washrooms (1M, 1F)
Reviewed
Physical, JC Pool
Coloured depth markers
Not required
Physical, JC Pool
Colour contrast on interior fencing
Not required
St. Thomas Public Library
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Library catalogue was
not AODA compliant
Overlay catalogue called Bibliocommons was
purchased and it is AODA compliant
Complete
Main service desk does
not have a proper
accessible area in it
Purchased a new desk that will arrive in 2020
Incomplete
Valleyview Home
Accessibility Issue
2019 Action that Took Place
Status
Noreen and Ralph Counsell Pavilion built -
fully accessible
Complete
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 12
2.2 Accessibility Measures
The City of St. Thomas has conducted a comprehensive review of its many by-laws,
practices, policies, procedures and services to ensure that consideration for
accessibility takes place where appropriate. This section of the report contains a
summary of measures and practices in place that ensure consideration for accessibility
routinely takes place.
Accessibility
Issue
General Municipal Practice/Procedure
Consideration for
accessibility is an
element of the
corporate culture
The Corporate Policy was approved by Council on November
12, 2013. This policy outlines the City’s responsibilities related
to the integrated accessibility standards under the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
Accessibility awareness information is delivered to staff
throughout the Corporation.
MAAC provides feedback on municipal capital projects, Special
Events applications, site plan applications and Facility Audits.
The Accessibility Technical Committee ensures
interdepartmental cooperation for accessibility initiatives.
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is regularly monitored by
MAAC, staff, the ATC, and Council.
Documents are available in alternative formats upon request.
Consideration for
accessibility is built
into municipal
decision making
processes
Staff respond to accessibility concerns in reports.
Accessibility is
given consideration
during the
procurement
process
The following clause is included in bid documents for the City of
St. Thomas: The Bidder shall ensure that all its employees and
agents receive training regarding the goods and services
contemplated herein to persons with disabilities in accordance
with Section 6 of the Ontario Regulation 429/07 and Section 7
of Ontario Regulation 191/11 made under the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, as amended. The Bidder
shall ensure that such training includes, without limitation, a
review of the purposes of the Act and the requirements of the
regulation, as well as instruction regarding all matters set out in
section 6 and section 7 of the applicable Regulation.
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 13
In addition, designated public sector organizations shall
incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or
acquiring goods, services or facilities, except where it is not
practicable to do so.
Municipal Policy
and Planning
A member of the Accessibility Technical Committee attends the
MAAC meetings to address accessibility policies and concerns.
Recreational
Programs
Individuals with a disability may bring their own volunteer
support to the recreation programs at no charge.
2.3 2020 Strategic Actions
The following tables outline the City’s 2020 accessibility initiatives based on the
Department/Branch with the responsibility for “delivering the initiative”. Suggestions
from the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee are also included in this portion.
City Clerk
Accessibility Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Customer Service
Installation of computer monitor
at front counter for additional
visual media element for
customers
2020
Environmental Services
Accessibility
Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Transit
Strategic Plan
- Working with Stantec to complete strategic
plan and report to Council
2020
Advisory
2020 Annual
Sidewalk
Program
- install new sidewalks to fill in missing links in
sidewalk network
- replace narrow or poor condition sidewalks
- install tactile warning plates at intersections
2020
2020 Annual
Road
Rehabilitation
- install new surface to improve road crossing
for all modes of transportation
2020
2020
Construction
Projects
- install new sidewalks to fill in missing links and
replace narrow of poor condition sidewalks
- install tactile warning plates at intersections
- install new surface to improve road crossings
for all modes of transportation
2020
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 14
- new pedestrian crosswalk to be installed on
Elm Street between Bailey Avenue and
Elmwood Avenue
New
Developments
- ensure designs are in conformance with
provincial AODA requirements
2020
Mayors Office
Accessibility Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Website
accessibility
Ongoing monitoring
ongoing
Parks Department - Doug Tarry Complex
Accessibility Issue
2020 Action to be
Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Physical - grade
changes
Grade changes are not
marked with a contrast
colour to distinguish
changes
To be reviewed in 2020
Communication
signs
Lack of Large print,
well lit, visible signage,
exit signage under
review
Bathroom signs installed
in areas that are lit when
the building lights are on –
2018
Will review exit signs –
2020
Physical –
Automatic Doors
Family washroom
complete
Entrance to Ron
Baldwin room to be
reviewed
2020
Physical – One exit
from entire complex
During play exit games
are open between each
diamond
Ongoing
Parks Department – Emslie Field
Accessibility Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Physical – bleachers
No ramp to covered bleacher
area
Under Review
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 15
Physical – showers
Change room showers not
accessible
Under Review
Physical –
clubhouse; change
room and
concession
Accessibility upgrades
Under Review
Physical – grade
changes
Any trip hazards/grade
changes to be marked with a
contrast colour
To be reviewed in
2020
Planning and Building Services Department
Accessibility Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Policy
Constraints/Land
Use Regulations in
the new Official
Plan
Accessibility policies will be
reviewed and recommendations will
be made at the time a report is
made to Council
2020
Consultation
Policy
Constraints/Land
use Regulations in
the new Official
Plan
This is part of an internal review
and consolidation of the Official
Plan
2020
Consultation
Standards and
definitions in the
Zoning By-law 50-
88 supporting
barrier-free access
(i.e. ramps, parking,
signage)
- part of an internal review and
consolidation of Zoning By-law 50-
88
- barrier-free access provisions will
be recommended for
implementation at the time a report
is presented to Council
2020
Consultation
Property Maintenance - City Hall
Accessibility
Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Physical -
Backstairs
2nd and 3rd floor back stairs strip
carpet and tile and rubber nosing with
yellow marking tape
2020 if budget
permits $5-10k
Physical -
Council
Chambers
Plans have been updated - upgraded
railing, safety glass, supports
2020 if budget
permits $37k
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 16
Property Maintenance - Horton Market
Accessibility
Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Washrooms
Hot and Cold taps not marked, Signage needs
to be larger
2020
Property Maintenance - Tourism Building
Accessibility
Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Physical - parking
lot
Upper St. Catharine parking
lot area needs repair
2020 - Redeveloping
for Child Care facility
Physical - Entrance
door
Door not self opening, lip at
door entrance needs to be
modified
2021 - Requires
budget funds
Physical - doors
Requires ramp modifications
2021 - requires
budget funds
Property Maintenance - Wellington Block
Accessibility
Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Physical -
ramp
Ramp not marked or painted
with contrast colour
N/A - City looking for
leasehold/rent arrangement
with new tenant
Physical - 3
sets of stairs
from entrance
door do not
have contrast
colour
Yellow marking tape needs
to be installed on the edge
Suggest a railing for the
centre of the north exit door
stairs
N/A - City looking for
leasehold/rent arrangement
with new tenant
Physical -
Washrooms
Install grab bar for urinals
Automatic door openers
installed
N/A - City looking for
leasehold/rent arrangement
with new tenant
Recreation Division
Accessibility
Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
Physical, JC Pool
Parking lot repaving and
line painting
2020 capital submission
Report
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 17
Physical, JC Pool
Grab bar across top of
urinal bar
Not required, may do
budget pending
Report
Physical, JC Pool
Grab bar outside
washrooms (1M, 1F)
Not required, may do
budget pending
Report
Physical, JC Pool
Braille signage for change
room
Not required, may do
budget pending
Report
Physical, JTCC
Front stairway tread
colour (top/bottom treads
only)
Pending budget
Report
St. Thomas Public Library
Accessibility Issue
2020 Action to be Taken
Timing
Role of
MAAC
3
rd
floor accessible
washroom not available due
to security issues
Working to move the non-
fiction section upstairs and
to have seating areas for
customers; hope to staff the
area when this happens to at
least have the washroom
open some of the time
October
2020
Main service desk does not
have a proper accessible
area in it
New desk with accessible
area has been ordered and
is set to be delivered and
assembled
March 2020
Accessible Ramp entrance
is at the corner of Mondamin
Street and Curtis Street, a
distance from the front of the
building
Courtyard will be redesigned
and a new ramp will be built
that will be entered near the
front of the building
Spring 2021
Conclusion
The City of St. Thomas’ long term vision is to ensure that St. Thomas will be a caring
and responsive community known for its accessibility. With the commitment of City
Council, staff, the Accessibility Technical Committee, the Municipal Accessibility
Advisory Committee and community partners, barrier removal continues to be a priority
in St. Thomas.
2020 Accessibility Plan City of St. Thomas 18
Appendix 1 – Glossary of Terms
What is a disability?
“Disability” is:
• any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is
caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree
of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual
impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment,
or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other
remedial appliance or device;
• a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
• a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in
understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
• a mental disorder; or,
• an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the
insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Barriers
A “barrier” is anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in
all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, an
architectural barrier, an informational or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a
technological barrier, a policy or a practice. An example of each of the different kinds of
barriers is shown below:
Barrier type
Example
Physical
A door knob that cannot be operated by a person with limited upper-
body mobility and strength
Architectural
A hallway or door that is too narrow for a wheelchair or scooter
Informational
Typefaces that are too small to be read by a person with low-vision
Communicatio
nal
A professor who talks loudly when addressing a deaf student
Attitudinal
A receptionist who ignores a customer in a wheelchair
Technological
A paper tray on a laser printer that requires two strong hands to
open
