THE CITY OF THUNDER BAY’S
NINTH ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
Presented to City Council: March12, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Acknowledgements
2. Introduction
3. 2011 Plan Achievements, Integrated Accessibility Regulation
Compliance and Physical Barriers Removed
4. City of Thunder Bay 2012 Annual Accessibility Plan
5. Review & Consultation Process
6. The City of Thunder Bay Municipal Overview & Organization
Structure
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City Manager’s Office
City Solicitor & Corporate Counsel
Community & Emergency Services Department
Development Services Department
Facilities and Fleet Department
Finance & Corporate Services Department
Infrastructure & Operations Department
Affiliated Boards and Commissions
7. Municipal Jurisdiction
8. 2012 Transit Accessibility Plan
PART 1: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The City of Thunder Bay would like to thank the Accessibility
Advisory Committee for its guidance in the development of
‘Moving Beyond Barriers: The City of Thunder Bay’s Ninth
Annual Accessibility Plan’.
Tessa Soderberg (Chair)
Christine Auger (Vice Chair)
Sharon Bryenton
John Duncanson
Karen Higginson
Darren Lillington
Maurice R. Rubenick
Randy Sponchia
Amy Vaillant
John Robert Wheeler
Councillor Rebecca Johnson
A very special thank you is extended to the above committee
members for representing the community in the planning process,
hosting the open houses for community members and for their
assistance and input for the development of this Plan.
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PART 2: INTRODUCTION
The Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) came into effect
on September 30, 2002. Approximately 16% of the population of
Ontario is representative of people with disabilities with this
number expected to reach 20% in two decades. Currently in
Thunder Bay, 17% of the population is representative of people
with a disability.
The purpose of the Act is to improve opportunities for people with
disabilities to participate fully in the community and to provide for
their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of
barriers.
The ODA mandates the preparation of annual accessibility plans
for all municipalities in Ontario. The City of Thunder Bay, like all
Ontario municipalities, will meet the requirements of the Act by
implementing the Ninth Annual Accessibility Plan to progressively
identify and remove barriers that may exist in its by-laws,
services, policies, procedures or facilities.
The Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2005
(AODA) strengthens the ODA with the goal of achieving
accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods,
services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings,
structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025, by
developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards.
The Act also provides for the involvement of people with
disabilities, representatives of sectors of the economy and the
Government of Ontario in the development of accessibility
standards. In July 2007, under Ontario Regulation 429/07, the
‘Accessibility Standards for Customer Service’ became law.
Even though new legislation in the form of the Accessibility For
Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) received Royal
Assent on June 13, 2005, and is now the law, the provisions of
the Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) remain in force
until the Act is repealed.
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Eliminating barriers for persons with disabilities has been part of
the City’s work practices for many years. Some of the highlights
of these practices include:
 In 1981, Council enacted a Policy to ensure that all citizens
regardless of physical, mental, developmental or sensory
disability, have equal right of access to services of their
community;
 The City’s Integration Services Section of Community
Recreation was established in 1986 to ensure that children
and adults with disabilities are given the opportunity to
participate fully in recreational programs by providing the
necessary resources and trained staff to support participants
and staff;
 It is standard procedure for all City facility renovations to be
carried out with the consultation of the Built Environment
subcommittee of the Accessibility Advisory Committee;
 All new buses ordered since 1994 are of the low floor design
and are fully wheelchair accessible;
 The City has an ongoing capital program to upgrade
sidewalk ramps at intersections. As well, all rebuilds
incorporate new ramp standards;
 With the advice of the Canadian National Institute for the
Blind (CNIB), the City has a program to install Audible
Crossing Signals at strategic intersections;
 In 2004, the implementation of a policy allowing attendants
of persons with disabilities to ride public City Transit services
at no cost;
 In 2004, audible signals were added to pedestrian signals at
two additional intersections;
 In 2004, the City of Thunder Bay’s First Annual Accessibility
Plan was recognized on the Ministry of Citizenship’s website
as a ‘best practice’;
 In 2004, the City of Thunder Bay was recognized as
‘Organization of the Year’ by the Independent Living
Resource Centre for removing barriers for persons with
disabilities;
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 In 2005, the Recreation & Culture Division, in partnership
with Community Living Thunder Bay, received a grant for
$42,000 from the Ministry of Health Promotion to develop
and implement an ‘Inclusion Services’ project which provides
the necessary supports for persons with disabilities to
participate in programs at City recreational facilities;
 In 2006, the Recreation & Culture Division worked with the
‘Leisure Resources-Thunder Bay Committee’ to implement a
Personal Attendant for Leisure (PAL) card that allows a
person with a disability to attend a variety of public and
private sector recreational programs and events with an
attendant who is not charged an admission fee;
 In 2006, two City staff were selected to sit on the Ministry of
Community and Social Services’ ‘Customer Service’ and
‘Transportation’ Accessibility Standards Committees;
 In 2007, through the acquisition of two new buses, the City
fleet is now 100% accessible for all mobility devices;
 In 2007, the City received the Ontario Mainstreet
Accessibility Award for outstanding achievement in
establishing long-term community partnerships to identify,
remove and prevent barriers to accessibility;
 In 2007, the City received recognition from the Independent
Living Resource Centre for outstanding achievement and
proactive approach to achieving accessibility and inclusion
for each member of their community;
 In 2008, the City received a grant from the Northern Ontario
Heritage Fund to plan an ‘Inclusive Recreation Forum’ that
attracted recreation providers from across Ontario to learn
how to make recreation inclusive to those with disabilities;
 In 2009, Community Living Thunder Bay, in partnership with
the City of Thunder Bay, received funding from the Ontario
Trillium Foundation to host the Inclusive Recreation Forum
‘Recreationable’ from September 30 - October 2, 2009;
 In 2010, with the closure of Frank Murphy Community
Centre, City indoor pool facilities prepared themselves to
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accommodate people with disabilities moving the aquatic
fitness programs at Frank Murphy to City programs;
 In 2010, City Archives made significant renovations to
enable more people with disabilities to access its services
including the addition of an accessible parking spot and a
ramp to the front entrance.
The foundation for accessibility planning was incorporated in the
first year of the Plan with a three-pronged approach that included:
1.
2.
3.
The development of accessibility assessment tools to
identify barriers to access that may exist in: a) City facilities,
and b) City By-laws, services, policies or procedures.
To engage citizens in two-way communication to identify
barriers that may exist.
To educate employees on accessibility awareness and
ensure employees are actively engaged in eliminating
barriers and ensuring accessibility.
Building on the foundation of earlier plans and incorporating the
principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of
opportunity, the ninth annual plan focuses on:
1.
2.
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4.
5.
The creation and implementation of a 5 year Accessibility
Plan by January 1, 2013 (as required by legislation)
Compliance with new and existing Provincial standards of
the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA),
2005
Removing physical barriers deemed to be priorities with
Retrofit Programs for washroom renovations, ramps,
automatic door openers and curb cuts
Preventing barriers by continuing to review site plan
developments, City of Thunder Bay plans for facility
renovations and new builds in addition to participating in
corporate initiatives including the Active Transportation
Committee and the Public Art Committee
Preparation for the Built Environment Standard to be
released in 2012 or 2013
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PART 3: 2011 PLAN ACHIEVEMENTS, INTEGRATED
ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION COMPLIANCE AND
PHYSICAL BARRIERS REMOVED
Accessibility Advisory Committee Successes:
Updated Committee’s Terms of Reference
Hosted two successful Open House events on September 19
and 20 with 42 people attending. These events utilized remote
real-time captioning for the first time.
Offered updated Emergency Preparedness Guides to public
Provided Feedback on:
 City of Thunder Bay Strategic Plan
 Thunder Bay Transit Master Plan
 Safety and Accessibility during road and sidewalk
construction
 Draft IAR of the AODA and submitted to Ministry of
Community and Social Services
 Accessibility of Public Meetings and Events
 Accessible Formats of documents produced by the City
Participated in:
 selection of the final local medal bearer for the 25th
Anniversary Rick Hansen Event
 the Ministry of Community and Social Services Regional
Forum on Accessibility
 developing customer service tips for the City Voice
newsletter for staff
 Urban Design Guidelines Workshop
 meetings with representatives of Engineering and Transit
Division to raise awareness and voice issues
 a meeting with Persons United for Self Help (PUSH)
Northwest representatives to build working relationship
and discuss issues
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Built Environment Sub-committee:
 Toured the Waterfront development and provided feedback
as well as guidance on automated door button placement.
Provided report to the Waterfront Development office and the
architect.
 Reviewed four Site Plan Controls
 Reviewed 6 plans for City-owned facility renovations and
new builds including the new Mary J. L. Black Library
 Reviewed plans for Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse
Additional Corporate Accessibility Successes:
Responses to
Concerns
Centennial Park
Inclusion
Services
PAL Cards
Junior Inclusion
Services
City Hall
Thunder Bay 55
Plus Centre
Responded to more than 44 accessibility
concerns from the public.
Installed barrier free washrooms in Chalet.
Supported 179 adults with disabilities in City
of Thunder Bay recreation programs and
activities for a total of 6,845 participant
hours.
Issued 134 Personal Attendant for Leisure
(PAL) Cards which allow a support worker
of a person with a disability free entry when
providing support
Provided 109 children and youth with
disabilities for a total of 3,494 hours of
support in City of Thunder Bay recreation
programs
Included accessible counter and power door
operators with interior renovations of Office
of the City Clerk and Legal Services offices.
Completed exterior upgrades including
accessible curb, walkways, ramps and new
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stairs.
Canada Games
Complex
Sir Winston
Churchill
Community Pool
Renovated front lobby including new
accessible counter and power door
operators.
Accessibility improvements made to parking
lot.
Added more accessible fitness equipment.
Removed some of the exercise equipment
in the Cardiac Rehab Room to create more
space for those needing to transfer into
equipment.
Added a “Sit and Be Fit” for those with
mobility issues.
Added a lift for pool and a large changing
table in the birthday party room.
Widnall Pool
Added a railing to assist people entering
and exiting the pool.
Victoriaville Civic Incorporated an accessible lowered counter
Centre
in interior renovations to Development
Services Office.
EMS
Accessible design has been incorporated
Headquarters
throughout the design of the new EMS
Headquarters building.
Port Arthur Arena Added more disabled parking spaces.
Zoning By-law
New Zoning By-law and new accessibility
standards are now in effect.
Accessible PDF
The Corporation upgraded to Office 2010
Documents
which provides the ability to create
accessible PDF documents from Word.
Instructions were provided to staff on how to
make documents accessible.
Grace Remus
Installed railings on outdoor stairway leading
Child Care Centre to playground area.
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Accessibility
Sidewalk
Ramping
Specific Trip
Constructed 28 sidewalk ramps at the
following intersections where a barrier to
access existed:
 S/W corner 205 Shuniah Bay
 N/W corner 209 Shuniah Bay
 N/E corner 150 Huron Cr.
 N/W corner 224 Huron Cr.
 S/E corner 253 Huron Cr.
 N/E corner 116 Huron Cr.
 Castlegreen & Superiorview
 Superiorview, Coady, (2)
 Superiorview, Coady to Wardrope (5)
 N/E corner Brant & Hastings
 S/E corner Brant & Hastings
 Peel & Brant
 S/E corner of Connolly & McLaughlin
 West side of Brodie @ Victoria (south
entrance to Victoriaville Mall)
 S/E and S/W corners of Donald &
Brodie
 West side of Brodie @ Victoria (north
entrance to Victoriaville Mall, CIBC
entrance & south of Victoria)
 S/E corner of Donald & Archibald
 S/E and S/W corners of Ford & Amelia
 S/W corner of Brown & Christina
 S/E, N/E and N/W corners of Brown &
Isabella
 N/W corner of Isabella and Oakwood
 S/E Ridgeway & Selkirk
 West side Selkirk at Ridgeway (beside
Vickers Park)
All new ramps are marked with a texture to
alert people that they are at an intersection.
Completed 33 projects on the following
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Hazard Removal
Program
streets to remove trip hazards and barriers
to accessibility caused by heaved and
sunken sidewalk slabs to provide a safer
and more uniform walking surface.
 Beverly
 Secord
 First, 421
 Emerald
 Ravenwood
 Winnipeg
 Darwin Crt
 Darwin Crs
 Windemere North, 153-159
 Shuniah, 90
 Wasco
 Chercover
 Walnut, 2218-2226
 Humber
 Syndicate North, 821
 Syndicate North, 844-852
 Frederica, 1402-1410
 Riverview
 Churchill
Grinding Sidewalk Locations
 James – Ryerson to McGill
 Rupert – John to Red River
 Summit – John to Red River
 High – John to Red River
 Ambrose
 Ridgeway, 408
 Brittany, 431
 Ridgeway, 1422
 N/E corner of Piccadilly & Brittany
 S/W corner of Victoria & Lillie
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Capital Sidewalk
Rehabilitation
Program
 Secord, 151
 Rockwood, 173
 S/W corner of Fitzgerald & Algoma
All existing sidewalks rehabilitated or hollow
walks replacements are constructed to
Engineering Standards to provide a safe
uniform walking surface which incorporate
barrier free ramps at each intersection.
Each new sidewalk ramp is marked with a
texture to alert people that they are at an
intersection. Completed the following 71
projects (with number of ramps in brackets):
 McComber & Hinton (2)
 N/W corner Shuniah & Huron (2)
 S/W corner Shuniah & Huron (2)
 Shuniah & Agnes (1)
 Shuniah & Clayte (2)
 Cumberland & Red River (4)
 Brock & Heath (1)
 Brock & Brown (2)
 Francis & Brown (1)
 Mary & Home (1)
 McIntosh & Connolly (2)
 McIntosh & Christie (2)
 Brodie & William (1)
 Athabasca & Atlantic (1)
 Gibson & Algoma (1)
 Hester & High (2)
 Peter & River (2)
 Queen & High, 4 corners (6)
 Queen & Lamont (2)
 Queen & Ontario (3)
 Winnipeg & Queen (4)
 Winnipeg & Markland (4)
 Walsh & Leland (1)
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Walsh & Mountdale (2)
Wiley & Southern (1)
Brodie & Donald (2)
Brodie & Arthur (3)
Algoma & Bay (2)
Algoma & Dufferin (2)
Algoma & Wilson (1)
N/W Algoma & Ambrose (1)
N/E Algoma & Ambrose (1)
Valley & Masters (1)
Pioneer & Wyndale (2)
Pioneer & Jameson (2)
Sherwood/Pioneer/Valley intersection
(2)
Audible pedestrian crossing signals were
installed at the intersection of Red River
Road and Cumberland Street.
Audible
Pedestrian
Crossing
Program
Special Olympics Thunder Bay Police Service led the
organizing of the 2011 Special Olympics
Ontario Winter Games in January.
Thunder Bay
The Tourism Division included information
Experience Guide on local resources for visitors with
disabilities in the 2012 Experience Guide.
In addition to the 2011 plan achievements which are outlined
above, the 2011 Integrated Accessibility Regulation requirements
have been met as outlined below.
Compliance Schedule:
Sections 81-87 of the IAR outlines the consequences of not
complying with the AODA, 2005 along with the detail on the
severity of non-compliance and associated fines.
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Required as of July 1, 2011: Compliance Met:
Part
Requirement
(section of IAR)
Transportation Non-Functioning
Standards
Accessibility Equipment
(35)
– If accessibility
equipment (e.g. ramp)
breaks Transit must make
reasonable
accommodations for users
of the equipment.
Transition, Existing
Contractors (39)
– If contracts to purchase
inaccessible buses were
in place on June 30, 2011
they were able to be
honored.
Transition, Existing
Vehicles (40)
-there was no requirement
to retrofit inaccessible
vehicles in place as of
July 1, 2011. If they are
retrofitted they have to
comply with the IAR
sections 53 and 62.
Fares (46(1))
-Transit cannot charge a
higher fare for riders with
disabilities, but they can
charge a lesser fare.
Storage of Mobility Aids,
etc.(48(4))
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Compliance Detail
Process in Place
Not applicable as no
such contracts
existed.
Not applicable as
City Transit fleet
was already
accessible and
improvements
continue to be made
over and above the
AODA
requirements.
Equal fee charged,
or a lesser fee
optional for people
with disabilities
No Fee charged for
storage of mobility
-Transit cannot charge a
fee for the storage of
mobility Aids
Pre-boarding
Announcements (51(1))
–Transit must, upon
request, provide preboarding verbal
announcements of route
and stop information.
aids
Automatic Vehicle
Announcement
(AVA) system
provided. Gives an
audio and visual
display of stops,
and other pertinent
information.
Information also
available verbally
from Transit
Operator while
boarding.
On-board
Automatic Vehicle
Announcements (52(1))
Announcement
–Transit must ensure that (AVA) system
there are verbal
provided. Gives an
announcements of all
audio and visual
destinations and routes
display of stops,
stops while the bus is on
and other pertinent
route or being operated
information.
Transportation Duties of municipalities,
No additional fee
Standards
taxicabs (80(1))
charged for riders
(Duties of
–municipality must ensure with disabilities or
Municipalities that owners and operators for storage of
and Taxicabs) of taxicabs don’t charge
mobility aids
an additional free to riders
with disabilities or for
storage of mobility
devices.
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Report on Customer Services Regulation 429/07:
The City was required to be Compliant with this Regulation on
January 1, 2010 and met this deadline. Compliance was reported
to the Ministry of Community and Social Services as required in
March, 2010. Compliance includes:
- Policies and procedures on providing goods and services to
people with disabilities in the areas of:
o Accessibility Policy incorporating dignity, independence
integration, and equity
o Use of service animals and support persons
o Notice of temporary disruptions
o Provision of a feedback process for the public to submit
concerns about accessibility
o Use of assistive devices
- Training on Accessible Customer Service is provided which
includes all content required under this Regulation
o All City staff complete 1.5 hours of Accessible
Customer Service Training as part of the 1.5 day
Corporate Orientation.
o All volunteers and contractors with the City are required
to complete the “May I Help You?” Handbook on
Accessible Customer Service.
o Training is being reinforced with articles in the City
Voice (staff newsletter) on accessible customer
services and barriers to accessibility.
- All policies and procedures are available on the WCAG 2.0
Level AA accessible City website
- Customer Service Regulation implementation to be reviewed
in 2012
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PHYSICAL BARRIERS REMOVED FOR FACILITIES
(2007 to 2011)
(Washrooms, Automatic Doors, Ramps)
Washroom and Ramp Projects
Completed:
Chapples Golf Course
washrooms
City Hall washrooms
Vale Community Centre
washrooms
Waverley Library washrooms
Chippewa Park R.V. Park
washrooms/ramp
Fort William Stadium
washrooms
Volunteer Pool family change
room
Automatic Doors Installed:
North McIntyre Community
Centre
Port Arthur Arena
Chapples Golf Course
Oliver Road Community Centre
South Neebing Community
Centre (rink shack)
Vickers Heights Community
Centre
Vale Community Centre
Projects to be Completed:
Conservatory
Current River Arena automatic
doors
Current River Community Centre
automatic doors
Delaney Arena automatic doors
Partly complete – external
door done
Completion in 2012
Completion in 2012
Completion in 2012
To be incorporated in future
Delaney Arena washrooms
renovation
Grandview Arena automatic doors Under review
Heath Pool ramp
Under review
Jackpine Community Centre
Under review
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Mountainview Cemetery
washrooms
Municipal Golf Course automatic
doors
Municipal Golf Course
washrooms
North Neebing Community Centre
automatic doors
Oliver Road Community Centre
washrooms
Strathcona Golf Course automatic
doors
Strathcona Golf Course
washrooms
Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre –
automatic back door
Volunteer Pool Community
Centre automatic doors
West Arthur Community Centre
automatic doors
Widnall Pool automatic doors
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Part of 2012 facility upgrade
Under review
Not feasible at this time
Under review
Not feasible at this time
Under review
Not feasible at this time
Completion in 2012
Not feasible – no elevator to
get to community centre
Completion in 2012
Not feasible at this time
PART 4: CITY OF THUNDER BAY
2012 ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is involved in this plan
by:
a) Developing the annual work plan for the Committee;
b) Providing input and advice into the development of the 5 year
Corporate Accessibility Plan
c) Assisting with garnering community feedback on the 5 year
Corporate Accessibility Plan. This will include hosting at least
one Open House event
d) Reviewing plans for new City-owned buildings, major
renovations to City-owned buildings and site plan controls
e) Providing on-going feedback regarding the accessibility of City
facilities, programs and services
Networking:
To help stay informed regarding best practices in the area of
accessibility, the City will continue to be an active member of the
Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals and Accessible
Thunder Bay. In addition to the City, Accessible Thunder Bay
includes representatives from Thunder Bay Regional Health
Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Thunder Bay Catholic
District School Board, Lakehead Public Schools, Lakehead
University and Confederation College.
ACTION ITEMS FOR 2012
1. Create and Implement a Multi-year Accessibility Plan for the
Corporation:
The AODA 2005 requires municipalities to have a multi-year
Accessibility Plan in place by January 1, 2013. The preparation of
the City of Thunder Bay’s 5 year plan will include:
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 significant involvement, leadership and input from the
Accessibility Advisory Committee
 an accessibility audit of City-owned and operated facilities
 extensive community consultation
2. Comply with Legislated Standards:
a) Newly Legislated Requirements as of January 1, 2012:
Part
Requirement
(section of IAR)
Information and Emergency Procedure,
Communication Plans, or Public Safety
Standards
Information (13) – This
information must be
available to the public
in an accessible format
or with appropriate
communication
supports upon request.
Employment
Transportation
Workplace Emergency
Response Information
(27)
–accommodation of
emergency response
needs for staff with
disabilities must be
made.
Availability of
Information on
Accessibility
Equipment (34)
– Transit must make
available to the public
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City’s Compliance
Action
Available on City’s
Web Content
Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG)
2.0 Level AA
accessible website.
72 Hour Guide for
people with disabilities
and general
population available in
accessible formats at
City Hall and on City’s
website.
Included in Facility
Emergency Plans and
on City’s WCAG 2.0
Level AA accessible
website.
Information on
Accessibility
Equipment (e.g.
ramps, AVA)
Available on buses
available on City’s
information on the
accessibility equipment
on their buses. Must
be available in
accessible format upon
request.
Emergency
Preparedness and
Response Policies (37)
– Transit must have
emergency policies for
people with disabilities
in place and make
them available to the
public in accessible
format upon request.
General
Responsibilities (44)
–Transit Operators
must deploy ramps on
request, ensure
enough time to board,
assist with storage of
mobility aids, allow
travel with a medical
aid (e.g. oxygen
supplies)
Transit Stops(44)
– requires that
accommodation is
made if Transit Stops
are not accessible.
Drivers are to drop off
and pick up riders at
the nearest accessible
area to the stop.
Storage of Mobility
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WCAG 2.0 Level AA
accessible website
and from Transit
office.
Policies in place and
available from Transit
office.
Process in place for
deployment of ramp,
time for boarding,
assistance with
devices, travelling
with medical aid.
Process in place for
accommodation with
boarding and
deboarding at transit
stops.
Space available in
Transportation
Standards
(Duties of
Municipalities
and Taxicabs)
Aids(48)
-Transit must ensure
storage of mobility
aides within reach of
the users
Courtesy Seating(49)
-Transit must ensure
clearly marked
courtesy seating for
riders with disabilities
and it shall be located
as close to the
entrance as possible.
Signage must be in
place to identify
seating and to notify
that other users other
than riders with
disabilities if it is to be
used by a rider with a
disability. A
communication
strategy must be
developed to notify
users of this seating.
Duties of
Municipalities, taxicabs
(80(2), 80(3)) –
municipality must
ensure that owners
and operators of
taxicabs place vehicle
registration and
identification
information on the rear
bumper of the vehicle,
and that this
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courtesy and priority
seating areas for
storage of mobility
aids.
Courtesy and Priority
seating areas in
place. Communication
Strategy to be
implemented.
Registration and
identification
information on rear
bumper and inside the
vehicle. Registration
in vehicle provided in
large print as an
accessible format.
information is available
in taxicab in an
accessible format.
b) Others:
 Update the Corporation’s Accessible Meeting Checklist and
create list of accessible meeting sites
 Corporate Information & Technology Plans to:
I.
Investigate options to improve accessibility of City website
for users of assistive technologies such as screen
readers. Currently meeting the accessibility legislation as
it currently exists.
II. Include the ability to resize the fonts to improve screen
readability in future custom built internal applications (e.g.,
Tax Inquiry System)
III. Further explore accessible mapping technologies for
those using assistive technologies
 Accessibility awareness training will continue to be included in
the corporate orientation provided to all new City employees,
Board members, volunteers and contractors. Evaluations
indicate that employees are very satisfied with the training and
have found it helpful in understanding accessibility issues and
the needs of people with disabilities. The training will be
regularly evaluated.
3. Remove Barriers:
a) Continue to remove barriers from existing facilities and
infrastructure as identified in the City’s previous plans in
addition to others that are identified including washroom
renovations, ramps and automatic door openers
b) Continue to remove barriers from City services and programs
c) Continue Accessibility Sidewalk Ramping Program to upgrade
or install new sidewalk ramps at intersections where a barrier to
access exits. The Roads Division will work with the
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Accessibility Advisory Committee, PUSH and other groups and
individuals who identify areas of concern. All new ramps are
marked with a texture to alert those with visual impairments
that they are at an intersection
d) Continue Lift and Level Program and Trip edge removal
program to remove trip hazards and barriers to accessibility
caused by heaved and sunken sidewalk slabs, which provide a
safer and more uniform walking, surface to all citizens of
Thunder Bay.
e) Continue program to install audible crossing signals at
pedestrian crossings at signalized intersections. Roads Division
staff consults with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the
CNIB and other groups and individuals to determine where this
technology should be strategically placed to maximize it
effectiveness for people with visual impairments.
f) The Parks Division plan to make the children's play structure
area at Marina Park accessible by removing the existing sand
surface and replacing with Fibar Engineered wood mulch, a
surface considered compliant with the Americans with
Disabilities Act, 1990. (There is not yet an Ontario standard in
place). Secondly, access connections to the play area will be
improved on the south side of the playground by connecting a
walkway from the existing concrete sidewalk to the play area,
and on the north side of the playground by resurfacing and
improving the layout of the existing unit paving walkway.
g) Improve accessibility at Chapples Park Field 4 to allow for
accessible travel from grand stand area to washroom building
h) Install new railing for people entering and exiting Dease Pool
i) Ongoing plans to upgrade the Thunder Bay Transit office
located at 570 Fort William Rd to meet standards. Interior doors
are narrow. Customer counter is too high.
j) Phase I Upgrade and rehabilitation of the Grace Remus Child
Care Centre playground and structures to improve accessibility
for children with diverse abilities.
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4. Prevent Barriers:
a) The Built Environment Working Group of the Accessibility
Advisory Committee will continue to review design plans for
new City-owned buildings and major renovations and comment
on site plan controls.
b) A representative of the Accessibility Advisory Committee will
participate in corporate initiatives including the Active
Transportation Committee, Walkability Sub-committee and the
Public Art Committee.
c) The Development Department plans to incorporate
accessibility components and standards into Urban Design
Guidelines being developed for the entire City.
d) Facilities & Fleet Department plans to incorporate accessible
counters, power door operators, assisted listening systems,
accessible washrooms, ramps and more when completing
interior renovations to Victoriaville Civic Centre and the former
BMO Building in Victoriaville (which is becoming a City office).
e) Incorporate accessible design throughout the Mountainview
Cemetery Office Building for staff and public use
5. Prepare for Release of Built Environment Standard:
a) Complete an audit of City facilities
6. Others:
Expand accessibility information in the Thunder Bay
Experience Guide for tourists and others with disabilities
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PART 5: REVIEW & CONSULTATION PROCESS
City Council approved the representation and appointed members
to the Accessibility Advisory Committee. The mandate of this
Committee is to advise City Council on the development and
implementation of the annual Municipal Accessibility Plan and
advise Council on issues relating to citizens with a disability. The
Accessibility Advisory Committee consists of one representative
from each of the following stakeholders:
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Culturally Deaf (2 representatives; one is non-voting)
Hard of hearing and deafened
Mental Illness
Mobility
Developmental disability
Visually impaired and blind
Brain injured
Senior with a disability
Deaf Blind
Parent/guardian of a child/youth with a disability
Citizen at large
Service agency with mandate/responsibility for persons with a
disability
Caregiver to a person with a disability
Learning disability
Speech impairment
City Councillor
Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee:
Tessa Soderberg (Chair)
Christine Auger (Vice Chair)
Sharon Bryenton
John Duncanson
Karen Higginson
Darren Lillington
Maurice R. Rubenick
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Randy Sponchia
Amy Vaillant
John Robert Wheeler
Councillor Rebecca Johnson
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is supported by the
following members of Administration:
Dana Heinrich (Recreation & Culture)
Stephen Holloway (Recreation & Culture)
Gordon Stover (Office of the City Clerk)
The Administrative Accessibility Committee provides input for the
annual Municipal Accessibility Plan. The Administrative
Accessibility Committee is made up of representatives from City
Departments and the following Outside Boards and Commissions
of the City of Thunder Bay.
Departments:
Phone # (Area Code 807)
City Manager’s Office
– Human Resources
Lorraine MacPhail
City Manager’s Office
– Office of the City Clerk
Sheelagh Hendrick
625-2236
(Marcy Vallelunga-acting)
Community and Emergency
Services
– Homes for the Aged
Caroline Cameron-Fikis 684-2853
Community and Emergency
Services
– Recreation & Culture
Dana Heinrich
Stephen Holloway
625-2419
625-6220
Development Services
– Planning
Development Services
– Parking Authority
Decio Lopes
625-2552
James Coady
625-3491
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625-3866
Facilities and Fleet
– Construction/Renovation
Services
Roberta Tait
684-2866
Facilities and Fleet
–Transit
Jonathan Hendel
684-2190
Finance and Corporate
Services
– Corporate Information &
Technology
Jeannette Belluz
625-2987
Community
Greg Hankkio
–Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue
625-2102
Infrastructure and Operations Brad Adams
–Roads
684-2408
Affiliated Outside Boards and Commissions:
Thunder Bay District
James McMahon
Social Services Administration Board
Thunder Bay Public
Library
Jesse Roberts
766-2111 ext 4006
624-4203
Review Process
The Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Administrative
Accessibility Committee will continue to meet with related service
agencies in Thunder Bay to monitor the progress of the Plan.
The Administrative Accessibility Committee will meet regularly to
review the Plan’s progress and to determine that barrier-removal
and barrier-prevention strategies are implemented effectively.
Recommendations will be brought forward by the Accessibility
Advisory Committee.
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PART 6: THE CITY OF THUNDER BAY MUNICIPAL
OVERVIEW & ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
The City of Thunder Bay was created on January 1, 1970.
Thunder Bay amalgamated the neighbouring cities of Fort William
and Port Arthur and the adjacent Townships of Neebing and
McIntyre. The City of Thunder Bay covers a total area of 323.5
km² along the shores of Lake Superior.
Since amalgamation, developments such as Lakehead University,
Confederation College, and the reconstruction of Fort William as it
existed in the early 1800’s have increased the community profile
as an education centre and tourist destination. More recently,
exciting developments in health, including the new Northern
Ontario Medical School and the new Thunder Bay Regional
Health Sciences Centre have further enhanced the community’s
profile.
Thunder Bay is culturally diverse and geographically large with
varied streetscapes, business centres, downtown shops, beautiful
parks, and tree-lined neighbourhoods. Thunder Bay is a mediumsized City with big city amenities such as a full-time symphony
and an international airport. This port city is the hub of regional
activity and services.
City Services
The City of Thunder Bay is responsible for the delivery of the
following direct services:
 City Manager’s Office:
City Clerk’s Office, Corporate Communications & Strategic
Initiatives, and Human Resources
 City Solicitor & Corporate Counsel
 Community & Emergency Services:
Aquatics, Community Recreation Programs, Special Events,
Culture, Services for People with Disabilities, Older Adult
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Centres, Community Centres, Golf Courses, Marina, Child
Care Centres, Homes for the Aged, Superior North
Emergency Medical Services, and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue
 Development Services:
Building, Licensing & Enforcement, including Animal
Services, Planning, including Committee of Adjustment,
Realty Services, Parking Authority
 Facilities and Fleet:
Management of Capital Building projects, asset
management, energy management, operations and
preventative maintenance of Corporate Buildings and Fleet
of Vehicles and Equipment and Transit
 Finance & Corporate Services:
Accounting & Budgets, Revenue, Materials Management,
Corporate Information & Technology, and Court Services
 Infrastructure & Operations:
Central Support, Engineering, Environment, Roads, Parks
 Affiliated Boards & Commissions:
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, Thunder Bay
Community Economic Development Commission, TBayTel
Municipal Service Board, Parking Authority,Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay District Health Unit
Board of Health, Thunder Bay District Social Services
Administration Board, Thunder Bay Police Services,
Thunder Bay Hydro Corporation Board, Thunder Bay Hydro
Electricity Distribution Inc. Board, Thunder Bay Public
Library, Victoriaville Board of Management
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
The City Manager’s Office is responsible for administering the
City’s eight departments, developing Corporate policy, and
providing advice to Council about City organization and
operating procedures. The City Manager also acts as
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department head for Corporate Communications and Strategic
Initiatives, Human Resources, and the Office of the City Clerk.
Divisions:
 Corporate Communications & Strategic Initiatives
 Human Resources
 Office of the City Clerk
Corporate Communications & Strategic Initiatives
The Corporate Communications & Strategic Initiatives
Division develops and implements communication strategies
and plans consistent with the corporate vision, corporate
identity, and the role of municipal government. The Division
provides in-house strategic communications consultation
and services to internal clients, both directly and through the
Corporate Communications Network, which brings together
communicators from across the Corporation.
Highlights:
 Communications planning
 Media relations services
 Manage communication resources
o My TBay, report to citizens
o City Voice
o e-News
o Internet/Intranet Development
 Major Issues
 Souvenirs
Human Resources
The Human Resources Division exists to provide high quality
services consistent with our customers’ needs relative to
people management. In doing so, Human Resources
guides, supports, and monitors the Corporation in its
endeavors to manage employees effectively.
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Highlights:
 Administers legislation requirements
 Manages recruitment, labour relations, compensation &
benefits, and training and development
 Promotes a healthy workplace
 Maintains official workplace records of employees of the
Corporation
 Implements a Corporate-wide safety management
program and coordinates occupational (health &) safety
issues
Office of the City Clerk
The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for maintaining the
administrative, as well as the legislative requirements
necessary for a City Council and a municipal corporation to
function.
Highlights:
 Provides civic information
 Administers municipal and school board elections
 Administers the Municipal Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act
 Maintains corporate policy manual and the corporate bylaw & report systems
 Provides committee support for community committees
such as HAC, Arts & Heritage, Sister Cities, etc.
 Provides Aboriginal liaison services
 Provides Court of Revision for local improvements
 Informs on office protocol
 Provides secretarial services for proceedings of Council,
Committees and Police Services Board
 Provides records management/archives
 Maintains vital statistics/assessment records
 Provides Council services and support for Ward meetings
 Provides marriage services
 Provides lottery licensing services
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 Provides the services of Commission of Oaths
CITY SOLICITOR & CORPORATE COUNSEL
City Solicitor & Corporate Counsel provides legal representation
and risk management services to the City of Thunder Bay, its
Council, administration, staff, and related boards and agencies
(as expressly assigned) on matters relating to the City’s
business and operations.
Highlights:
 Provides general day-to-day legal advice to the City, its
Council, administration, and staff in matters requiring legal
interpretation or questions arising from new or revised
legislation
 Provides legal advice, conducts title searches, prepares
documents, and provides representation with respect to
real estate transactions, including expropriation
 Reviews and prepares municipal contracts, reports,
documents, and by-laws
 Provides legal advice and representation with respect to
claims the City has against others
 Provides representation at courts and tribunals, as
required
 Liaises with external legal counsel retained from time to
time
 Provides legal advice and representation with respect to
development matters, including official plans, zoning bylaws, development agreements, Ontario Municipal Board
hearings, and site plan control
 Manages claims against the City
 Monitors, reviews, approves, and reports to Council for
instructions with respect to settlements of actions or
disputes
 Prosecutes individuals and corporations pursuant to the
Provincial Offences Act and for violations of municipal
legislation
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 Oversees and makes recommendations related to the
City’s insurance needs
 Provides corporate risk management for all areas,
excepting occupational health & safety
 Provides services of a notary public and commissioner of
oaths to members of the public
COMMUNITY & EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Community & Emergency Services Department strives to
better service the community of Thunder Bay by combining
health, social, cultural, recreational programs, services, and
facilities, as well as emergency services under one umbrella.
Divisions:
 Administration
 Waterfront Development
 Financial & Administrative Services
 Recreation & Culture
 Homes for the Aged
 Golf Services
 Tourism
 Emergency Medical Services
 Thunder Bay Fire Rescue
Recreation & Culture Division
The Recreation & Culture Division’s primary goal is to
provide a basic level of service by providing opportunities
which everyone can access and where benefits are far
reaching and long term - both for the individual and
community. These programs and services focus on the
shared management and ownership of resources.
The Division operates from a strong belief in a community
development approach to its work. Although some programs
and services are directly provided by the Division, the
majority are provided in partnership with the community.
The Division collaborates and cooperates with community
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groups in the planning and development of recreation
opportunities.
The core areas address key community issues and
concerns, for example, the need to:
• ensure positive opportunities for youth and increase youth
participation in active, healthy lifestyles;
• enhance the quality of life and access to opportunities for
people with disabilities;
• strengthen community identity and develop a sense of
place and pride;
• provide positive role models and develop community
leadership; and
• provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate
in recreation.
Highlights:
 Culture
 Older Adult Programs and Services (two older adult
centres)
 Child & Youth Programs
 Fitness and Wellness
 Volunteer Management
 Services for People with a Disability and Municipal
Accessibility Planning
 Sir Winston Churchill Community Pool and Volunteer
Pool, Outdoor Pools, the Boulevard Lake and Chippewa
Park Waterfront
 Physician and Healthcare Professionals Recruitment and
Retention
 Events/Festivals
 Community Centres
 Canada Games Complex
 Municipal Child Care Centres
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Golf
The Golf Services Division operates 45 holes of golf and one
driving range at three locations throughout the City. The
City’s golf courses are used by individuals of all ages,
abilities, and skill levels. The Division also operates a golf
development program for adults and youth throughout the
spring and summer months.
Highlights:
 Chapples Golf Course (18 holes)
 Chapples Driving Range
 Municipal Golf Course (9 holes)
 Strathcona Golf Course (18 holes)
 Golf Development Programs
Homes for the Aged
The Homes for the Aged Division operates three long-term
care facilities: Grandview Lodge, Dawson Court, and
Pioneer Ridge and two community outreach programs:
Meals on Wheels and Jasper Place support services
program. The Homes Division is committed to the journey
towards excellence in care and services to seniors.
Highlights:
 Nursing
 Nutrition & Food Services
 Housekeeping and Maintenance
 Life Enrichment and Activation
 Meals on Wheels
 Jasper Support Program
 Laundry
 Finance & Administration
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Tourism
The Tourism Division strives to establish Thunder Bay as a
premier vacation destination and gateway to the tourism
experiences of the region. The Division operates the Terry
Fox Information Centre.
Highlights:
 Leisure Tourism Marketing
 Meetings and Convention Marketing
 Visitor Services including travel information and fulfillment
support through the Terry Fox Centre (year-round) and
the Pagoda (seasonal)
 Travel Trade and Group Tour Product Development and
Marketing
 Media Relations
 Coordination and Hosting of Media and Industry
Familiarization Tours
 Sport Tourism Marketing
 Product Development and Management
 Industry Education Support
Superior North Emergency Medical Services
Superior North Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provides
comprehensive and cost effective ambulance/emergency
care to the citizens of the District of Thunder Bay. Its
objectives are to provide quality patient care within the five
fundamental principles of accessibility, integration,
seamlessness, accountability, and responsiveness. To this
end, EMS will work to maintain/exceed legislative response
times, expand training opportunities for paramedics, and
continue to provide effective and efficient professional
emergency care to our citizens.
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Thunder Bay Fire Rescue
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue provides the citizens of Thunder
Bay with a highly trained emergency service, which is
capable of handling various emergency situations ranging
from the following: fire suppression; emergency planning;
auto extrication; hazardous materials; industrial accidents;
medical assistance; and high/low angle, water/ice, and
confined-space rescue. Fire Rescue also delivers fire
protection to the fifty-two square mile Fort William first Nation
Reserve. The Fire Rescue includes a Fire Prevention and
Investigation Division, which inspects mercantile and
residential buildings, and provides public education and fire
investigative services to the community. The Mechanical
Division is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of
the Fire Rescue fleet which includes all apparatus from road
vehicles to off-road and water craft. The Training and
Administration Divisions provide support to all divisions
within the Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.
Highlights:
 Operates eight fire stations
 Emergency Planning – Community Emergency
Management Coordinator (CEMC)
 Level II Provincial CBRN (HAZMAT) Response Team
 Tiered Response – Medical Response with Defibrillation
 Total alarms - 7,181 (2007)
 In-service Inspections – Home Inspections 3696
 Prevention Inspections – 2804
 Smoke Alarms Installed – 1263; batteries replaced 397
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Development Services Department focus is on facilitating
development initiatives designed to attract visitors and investors
to the community, and administering regulatory functions that
maintain the quality of life and make the community attractive to
residents, visitors and investors.
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Divisions:
 Building
 Licensing & Enforcement, including Animal Services
 Planning, including Committee of Adjustment
 Realty Services
 Parking Authority
While each Division has a specialized area of expertise,
cross-functional teams are in place to manage projects.
Staff from the various divisions work together to manage
development projects. Teams are established to reflect the
needs of individual developers in an effort to provide a
coordinated approach and enhanced service.
Building
The Building Division provides information and guidance to
the public relative to construction related matters and is
responsible for enforcement of the Ontario Building Code
through the review of construction plans prior to the issuance
of a building permit, the inspection of construction projects,
and the issuance of orders and laying of charges where
voluntary compliance is not forthcoming. In addition, the
Building Division provides Building Inspection Certificates,
which are required by most lawyers handling real estate
transactions.
Licensing & Enforcement
The Licensing & Enforcement Division is responsible for the
enforcement of most Municipal By-laws including the Zoning
By-law and the Property Standards By-law. This Division
also administers the Police Services Board By-laws. This
Division receives and reviews applications and related
financial reports for business licenses. The City's Animal
Services falls within the Licensing & Enforcement Division
and provides animal control services in compliance with
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Municipal By-laws and other legislation. The Animal
Services Section encourages responsible pet ownership and
participates in community programs to reinforce its mandate.
Planning
The Planning Division provides information and guidance to
the public relative to planning related issues and is
responsible for land use planning functions including
updating the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, and
processing amendments to these documents. The Division
also processes subdivision/condominium applications and
prepares and negotiates Site Plan Agreements,
Development Agreements and Notification Agreements. The
Committee of Adjustment falls within the Planning Division
and is responsible for processing minor changes to the
Zoning By-law and has the authority to grant land severance.
The Planning Division's Mapping Section is responsible for
maintaining the City's digital parcel, topographic and
orthophoto mapping, as well as the City's air photos and
municipal address database.
Realty Services
The Realty Services Division manages the City's property
holdings and provides services such as property acquisition
and development, sales and leases, public street and lane
transactions and miscellaneous property administration.
Parking Authority
The Parking Authority operates and maintains a onethousand and six-hundred (1,600) on and off-street parking
meter system, fifteen (15) surface parking lots and two (2)
parking garages complete with automated revenue collection
systems. It also administers parking enforcement services
throughout the City, including the downtown cores and
residential areas.
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The Parking Authority promotes reasonable motorist
compliance to a variety of parking restrictions established for
traffic safety, traffic flow, street maintenance, parking
turnover and residential convenience reasons.
Highlights:
 Two parking structures
 1330 on-street parking meters
 300 off-street parking meters (8 surface lots)
 7 long-term parking off-street lots
FACILITIES AND FLEET DEPARTMENT
The Facilities and Fleet Department is responsible for the
sustainable and strategic life cycle management of the
Corporation’s facilities and fleet portfolios and a consultative
role in Outside Boards and Agencies.
The Department leads environmental stewardship and energy
conservation programs in the Corporation and serves as a role
model in the community at large. It administers preventative
maintenance, life safety, and training/education programs and
manages strategic asset renewal/energy audit programs and
capital works projects for all Corporate buildings/fleet; leads
teams of professionals in the design construction and
commissioning of new construction and facility redevelopment/revitalization projects for the Corporation, outside
boards and agencies, regional boards and projects in regional
municipalities.
Divisions:
 Administrative Services
 Facility Services
 Construction/Renovation Services
 Fleet Services
 Transit Division
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FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The Finance & Corporate Services Department exists to provide
financial leadership and support to ensure the long-term
sustainability of services to the public. The Department
manages the financial affairs of the Corporation, including the
development of effective control measures for the protection of
the City’s assets and resources; the maintenance of the City’s
books of accounts; financial planning including fiscal policy
recommendations, budgeting, and debt administration; the
acquisition of materials, supplies, and services for all City
departments; and the evaluation, integration and support of
innovative technology solutions.
Divisions:
 Accounting & Budgets
 Revenue
 Supply Management
 Corporate Information & Technology
 Internal Audit & Continuous Improvement.
Highlights:
The vision is to continue to be on the leading edge, within
available resources in:
 Professional Excellence
 Customer Service
 Business Practices
 Employee Satisfaction
Accounting & Budgets
The Accounting & Budgets Division is responsible for the
payment of goods and services to City suppliers and
contractors, banking, accounting and financial functions for
the City of Thunder Bay.
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Highlights:
 Provide financial statements and reports
 Banking for the general, reserve, and trust-fund accounts
 Investment of short-term funds
 Accounting for municipal departments and enterprises
 Input and maintenance of financial information systems
 Debt analysis, studies, and record keeping
 Subsidy applications for various federal and provincial
grant programs
 The Ontario Home Renewal Program – accounting and
administration
 Accounts payable cheque processing
 Goods and services tax and provincial sales tax
processing
 Report on remuneration of expenses paid to members of
City Council and Council appointees to local boards and
other bodies
 Capital and operating budgets
 The Employee Suggestion Program
 Status reporting/variance control
 The Financial Assistance Program
Revenue
The Revenue Division is responsible for the billing and
collecting of the following revenues: taxes, water, general
accounts receivable, cashiering, and Provincial Land Tax
Administration on behalf of the Province of Ontario.
Highlights:
 Provide tax billing and collecting as governed by the
Ontario Municipal Act, 2001
 Water billing and meter reading under the authority of the
Public Utilities Act
 Sewer rate billing as a percentage of the water bill to raise
funds for capital improvements to sewage works including
secondary treatment facilities
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 General accounts receivable collection on behalf of all
City departments
 Cashiering, which includes the receipt, control, balancing,
and depositing of payments
 Update of accounts for tax, telephone, water, general
receivable, and general hydro accounts paid to the City
 Control of payments of utility accounts received from
depots throughout the City
 Provincial Land Tax Administration on behalf of the
Province of Ontario
Supply Management
The Supply Management Division is responsible for
providing centralized purchasing for all City departments.
Tenders, contracts, proposals, and consulting services are
processed in accordance with Chapter 187 of the City of
Thunder Bay Municipal Code, which governs the
procurement of good and services and the disposal of
surplus goods.
The Stores Section operates four stores areas, providing
centralized stocking and control of inventory items common
to multiple City departments. The section also operates two
weigh scales to provide weighing services for City
departments for the receipt of materials which are both
invoiced and issued by weight. Refuelling facilities are
provided at seven different locations to accommodate all City
vehicles. Courier services provide internal mail delivery and
postal services for all City departments.
The Printing and Graphics Section handles a wide variety of
in-house printing needs. Graphic services handles a range
of services from forms, layout and design, civic promotional
brochures, book covers, report material, charts and graphs
to business cards. Camera-ready art work is also offered to
all City departments.
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Highlights:
 Continually work with departments to develop quality bid
documents that will attract competitive bids from reputable
suppliers, and continue to work with other public agencies
in the City of Thunder Bay through the local purchasing
consortium to obtain economies of scale on purchases
 Provide competitive and cost-effective graphics, printing,
and duplicating services for all City departments and
several outside tax-supported organizations
 Maintain appropriate inventory levels so as to minimize
stock outs and to reduce inventory carrying costs
Corporate Information and Technology Overview
Vision: Be a leader in providing municipal information
technology services that are balanced between business
solutions, cost effectiveness, and customer expectations.
Mission: We evaluate, integrate, and support innovative
technology solutions that enhance the City’s effectiveness in
servicing the individual and corporate citizens of Thunder
Bay.
Highlights:
 Establish strategic IT directions, departmental priorities
and programs, which align to corporate goals and
objectives
 Ensure that best practice performance-based clientcentered service delivery models are designed to enhance
and improve services on a continuous basis
 Maximize the value of the Corporate owned IT
infrastructure, including the development of network
architectural design and the implementation of cost
effective network solutions
 Create and administer the Business Continuance Plan
 Identify, design, and implement interface solutions for
converging technologies
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 Strategically develop, implement, and maintain data
management storage, while ensuring data security
 Be proactively involved in client strategic and operational
planning and project management processes
 Identify new and emerging business application solutions,
to evaluate and, where beneficial, implement solutions
that improve client performance and corporate operational
efficiency
 Provide technical expertise in designing and developing
geographical applications
Court Services
The City of Thunder Bay, on behalf of itself and its municipal
partners within the Thunder Bay District, is responsible for
the administration of the Provincial Offences courts.
Including the following partners: the Town of Marathon; the
Townships of Conmee, Dorion, Gillies, Manitouwadge,
Terrace Bay, Nipigon, O’Connor, Red Rock, Schreiber, and
Shuniah; and the Municipalities of Greenstone, Neebing, and
Oliver-Paipoonge.
The Court Services Division is responsible for the provision
of court facilities and staff, the administration of the courts,
the prosecution of charges and the processing of matters
under municipal by-laws and Provincial legislation that
proceed through the court, records keeping, and the
collection and enforcement of fines imposed in relation to
provincial offences and federal contraventions. The Court
Services office processes about 25,000 tickets per year with
approximately 650 hours of court time scheduled for trials,
motions, etc.
Internal Audit & Continuous Improvement
The Internal Audit & Continuous Improvement team provides
an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity
designed to improve the Corporation’s overall efficiency and
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effectiveness. The Division conducts work in three major
areas: performance measurement / benchmarking; audit
assignments; and special projects.
Highlights:
 Lead the Corporation’s benchmarking and performance
measurement initiatives such as OMBI (Ontario Municipal
Benchmarking Initiative) and the provincially mandated
MPMP (Municipal Performance Measurement Program)
 Plan and conducts internal compliance audits and special
audits as assigned
 Examine, evaluate, and determines the adequacy of the
Corporation’s systems of internal control
 Conduct operational reviews and feasibility studies in
consultation with departmental and divisional managers to
improve municipal service delivery
INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
The Infrastructure & Operations Department is responsible for
the planning, operation, and maintenance of all infrastructure
and operations assets in the City of Thunder Bay. This includes
roads and bridges, street lighting, traffic control, water supply,
water distribution, waste reduction, recycling, garbage collection
and disposal, sewage collection, sewage treatment, drainage,
parks, and all administrative functions.
Divisions:
 Central Support
 Engineering
 Environment
 Roads
 Parks
Central Support
The Central Support Division is responsible for the financial
management and budget process for the Infrastructure &
6-19
Operations Department. It also provides a number of other
support services such as records management and
technology transfer.
Highlights:
 Provide payroll services for over 300 staff in the
Infrastructure & Operations Department
 Manage the budget and in-year reporting process for the
department
 Oversee the Eye on the Street program, supporting the
Steering committee and maintaining and reporting on
cameras.
 Provide school crossing guards at over 40 crossings in the
city
 Provide technology transfer services for the Department,
including specialized systems support and advice for
program specific IT projects
 Respond to over 8000 calls annually through our 24 hour
dispatch service
 Monitor, track and report on a $24 Million Capital program
Engineering
The Engineering Division is responsible for the long-range
planning, design, construction supervision, and records
management for storm drainage systems; sanitary sewage
collection and treatment; water supply, treatment and
distribution; and roads and bridges.
Highlights:
 Internal consultant to Infrastructure & Operations
Department
 Responsible for majority of surveying, designing, contract
administration and inspection for the annual paving and
road reconstruction programs, and local sewer and water
and road projects
 Design and implement traffic control systems
6-20
 Establish development standards, administration and
monitoring of site control planning, and land subdivision
control agreements.
 Design and contract administration of street lighting
upgrade works
 Annual inspection of bridges and culverts
Environment
 The Environment Division is responsible to operate the
Water Authority and provide sewer and water services to
the residents of Thunder Bay
 Repair, test, and replace the Corporation’s 34,500 water
meters
 Sewer and water service connections, construction of new
distribution and sewer systems
 Water Pollution Control Plant – sewer and sewage
treatment (Atlantic Avenue)
 Water Treatment Plant (Bare Point & Loch Lomond)
 Technical and laboratory services
Roads
The Roads Division maintains, inspects, and carries out
minor repairs on bridges and roads within the City and
boundaries. The winter season’s snow plowing and snow
removal, as well as sanding and salting operations provide
for safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians in their daily
functions. Summer activities include sidewalk maintenance,
dust control, roadside maintenance, drainage, bridge repairs,
street sweeping, gravel patching, and lane maintenance.
Highlights:
 Carry out asphalt patching, crack repairs, and general
road maintenance on 850 km of roadway
 Maintenance and repair of the City’s 440 km sidewalk
network
6-21
 Winter operations include snow plowing; snow removal;
sidewalk plowing, sanding, and salting
 Maintain traffic lights and service street lights
 Year-round collect and deposit of refuse at the City’s
landfill site
 Operate bi-weekly blue bag and depot recycling program
 Permanent household hazardous waste depot
Parks
The planning, design, development, operation, maintenance,
and evaluation of the park facilities is the responsibility of the
Parks Division. Over 150 sites located throughout Thunder
Bay over an expansive area of approximately 4,000 acres.
Of this, 1,400 acres are maintained by the Parks Division.
Highlights:





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
Regional Parks (Chippewa, Centennial, etc.)
District Parks (Boulevard, Chapples, etc.)
Conservatory
Cemeteries
Playfield Sites
Arenas and Stadia
Fort William Gardens
Marina
Parks Services
Parks Planning
Urban Forestry
Winter Rinks
AFFILIATED BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Community Auditorium
At the heart of our community stands the Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium, an impressive 1500 seat multi-use
performing arts centre. Considered one of the finest concert
6-22
halls in North America, the auditorium’s acoustics are truly
exceptional. The Auditorium maintains state-of-the-art
sound, lighting and theatre systems equipment to fulfill the
range of requirements of local presenters and large touring
companies. The Box Office can provide a range of ticketing
services for internal and external events. The Auditorium’s
Marketing Department is available to assist in promotion of
any event as well.
Highlights:
 Home of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
 Present live theatre, dance and music
 Present Stage Door entertainment (cabaret style)
 Present education for the arts programming
 Present children’s programming
In addition to many live performances, several nonperformance events also take place each year. The
flexibility of the Auditorium comes into play for these events
which have included meetings, conventions, business
presentations, conferences, weddings, graduations, socials,
banquets, bazaars, travelogues, mini-trade shows and
exhibitions.
Community Economic Development Commission
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development
Commission (CEDC) is responsible for business
development, business retention and expansion,
entrepreneurial support, opportunity promotion, and
collection and assessment of key business data.
Incorporated in December 2006, CEDC is an arms-length
Community Development Corporation, led by an
independent board with core funding from the City of
Thunder Bay.
CEDC receives formal proposals on projects that will
contribute to economic development. It responds quickly to
6-23
new opportunities and initiatives to attract direct financial
involvement from government and private sectors. CEDC’s
staff provides business with key business information and
development services.
The Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre, located
within CEDC’s administrative office, provides seminars,
workshops, and free and confidential business counselling
services to new and existing small businesses.
The CEDC is a one-stop source for business investments
and expansions.
Thunder Bay District Bay Social Services Administration
Board
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration
Board (TBDSSAB) was established in 1999 under the
DSSAB Act. The Board is comprised of twelve (12)
members, representing member municipalities and territory
without organization within the District of Thunder Bay. The
TBDSSAB delivers provincially mandated social services on
behalf of the citizens of the District of Thunder Bay in an
equitable and cost-effective manner.
The TBDSSAB is also the sole shareholder of the Thunder
Bay District Housing Corporation (TBDHC), who
amalgamated with the City of Thunder Bay Non-Profit
Housing Corporation on January 1, 2006 becoming the
largest landlord in Northwestern Ontario.
HAGI Community Services for Independence
HAGI is under an Agreement with the Corporation of the City
of Thunder Bay to provide Specialized Transit Services.
Thunder Bay Police Services Board
The Thunder Bay Police Service is committed to working in
partnership with the public to serve and protect the
6-24
communities we serve in a sensitive, efficient and effective
manner. This service provides legislated core policing
services including emergency response, investigation,
apprehension, prevention, victim services and community
policing. In keeping with the mandate of the Police Services
Act and related policing standards the Thunder Bay Police
work towards achieving compliance and improved program
efficiencies. In particular, they maintain the current
commitment to neighbourhood policing which is designed to
sponsor greater citizen involvement in both the identification
and resolution of neighbourhood and downtown core
problems.
The Thunder Bay Police are responsible for the protection
and safety of all persons and property in the City of Thunder
Bay. This includes enforcement of Federal, Provincial, and
Municipal laws. The Police preserve the peace and serve
and protect the citizens of Thunder Bay.
Highlights:
 Police Services Board - Youth Corps
 Office of the Chief of Police - Neighbourhood Liaison
Committees, Intelligence Unit & Media Relations
 Executive Services Branch - Training Unit, Public
Complaints & Professional Standards
 Criminal Investigation Branch Investigation/Identification/Street Crimes & Drug
Enforcement
 Uniform Patrol Division - General Patrol, Traffic
Enforcement, Neighbourhood Policing & Emergency Task
Unit
 Administration Branch - Central Records, Court Section,
Human Resources & Support Services
Thunder Bay Public Library
The Thunder Bay Public Library strengthens our community
by engaging people in the pursuit of local and global
6-25
information and knowledge, and promoting literacy, lifelong
learning and leisure. The vision for the community as
outlined in the Thunder Bay Public Library 2006-2008
Strategic Plan is: a citizen enlightened, a community
engaged, a city enriched. There are 4 public libraries:
Waverley Resources Library, Brodie Resource Library,
County Park Branch Library, Mary J.L. Black Library.
Victoriaville Centre
The operation of Victoriaville Centre includes maintaining
and generating new lease agreements for the rental area of
the pedestrian promenade. Maintenance of the Centre is
also included in this area.
6-26
PART 7: MUNICIPAL JURISDICTION
City of Thunder Bay
500 Donald Street E
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7E 5V3
KEY CONTACT
Dana Heinrich
(807) 625-2419
danaheinrich@thunderbay.ca
POPULATION
109,140 (2006 Census)
7-1
ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
2012
Updated November 2011
8-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary
Page 3
2. Thunder Bay Transit: 2011 Conventional Service Profile
Page 4
3. External & Internal Committees
Page 5
4. Summary of recent measures taken to enhance universal
accessibility and services
Page 6
5. Measures taken to enhance universal accessibility and
services in 2010
Page 7
6. Measures planned to enhance universal accessibility and
services in 2011
Page 8
7. Identifying, Prioritizing, and Developing of Plan
Page 9
8. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act, Integrated
Regulations
Page 10
8-2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Please note: this publication is available in alternative formats
upon request.
The travel needs of people in Thunder Bay continue to change
and evolve. Thunder Bay Transit plays a key role in the
community by offering an affordable and efficient transportation
option for people to utilize. There has been steady and consistent
ridership growth and an increase in demand for conventional
transit service is expected for the foreseeable future. This will also
see an increased demand for improved accessibility. The demand
will be driven by customer expectations and the increasing
legislation with which the transit industry is required to comply.
Accessibility standards are created as part of the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) which sets a goal of
making Ontario accessible by 2025. On July 1, 2011, the
Transportation Standard of the Integrated Regulation came into
effect. Requirements in the standard will be phased in between
2011 and 2017.
It is imperative that Thunder Bay Transit comply with defined
implementation timelines as well as plan, implement and manage
accessibility initiatives in a pro-active manner.
Thunder Bay Transit has been pro-active being the first
community of over 100,000 population to have a fully accessible
fleet of forty-nine buses. However, a fully accessible system
means much more. It includes service levels, facility access,
landing pads for wheelchair ramps, shelters, signage, and access
to information.
For many residents, transit is the only means of travel to and from
work, school, and medical appointments, to run errands, attend
community social and recreational events or activities. As the
accessibility access of Thunder Bay Transit is improved, all
residents will benefit, and improvements will also lead to
increased use of transit (continued ridership growth).
8-3
Thunder Bay Transit is dedicated to:
 the continual improvement of access to public transportation
premises, facilities, and service for customers and
employees with disabilities.
 participation in the City of Thunder Bay’s Accessibility Plan
with the inclusion of people with disabilities, in the
development and review of its annual accessibility plan.
 the providing of high quality accessible services to all
passengers and employees.
 using transit dedicated funds to invest in Thunder Bay
Transit’s conventional services to become more accessible.
In addition to providing an update on previous measures taken to
remove accessibility barriers, this report includes discussion
regarding 2011-2012 accessibility plan initiatives that form part of
Thunder Bay Transit’s business planning process. Linking
accessibility plan initiatives to the business planning process
provides the mechanism to chart progress in identifying and
removing existing barriers, and safeguarding against new barriers
being created and ensuring gains are sustainable.
CONVENTIONAL SERVICE PROFILE
Type of service:
Fixed Route-interlined – two terminals
Service area:
Urban area within City boundaries
Hours of service:
Monday to Saturday-6:00 am to12:30am
Sunday/Holiday-8:30 am to 11:00 pm
Annual passenger trips:
3,465,012
Annual Rev. service hours:
151,025
Annual Kilometers:
3,241,369
Number of Routes:
14
8-4
Fleet makeup:
49 low floor accessible buses,
equipped with automated stop
announcement system
Fare Structure:
Cash
Adult
$2.50
Children 8 & under free when accompanied by an Adult
Ticket
Single Ride
$2.00 – 10 tickets for $20.00
Passes
Adult (Monthly)
$69.50
20-Ride Punch
$1.75 – 20 rides for $35.00
Day/Family Pass
$6.00
Discount (Monthly) $59.50
Discount passes can be purchased and used by
Seniors (over 65), High School Students (18 & under),
Children (ages 9-12), Disabled persons with a valid
Transit Disabled ID card. Support Persons – free with
approval of Thunder Bay Transit. Without approval
fares are as indicated above.
U-Pass (Lakehead University & Confederation College)
– Tuition based - 8 months
8-5
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL COMMITTEES
Administrative Accessibility Working Group
Thunder Bay Transit recognizes the need to share accessibility
initiatives across divisions throughout the corporation to ensure
consistency for citizens. The representatives on this group
collectively have an understanding of:

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
Engineering
Information Technology
Resources
Policy & Procedures
Communications
The role of the Administrative Accessibility Working Group is to
identify accessibility opportunities and plan and recommend a
feasible range of measures, solutions, and policies.
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
Although not specific to transportation, the Accessibility Advisory
Committee is a valuable resource for Thunder Bay Transit in
providing advice on a variety of accessibility-related matters. Over
the past year, Transit has been able to gain useful information
from this resource for the Transit Master Plan currently underway.
The AAC currently includes persons with a range of disabilities
including:





Non-ambulatory;
Partially ambulatory;
Visual impairments;
Hearing impairments; and
Guide or skills dog user.
8-6
SUMMARY OF RECENT MEASURES TAKEN TO ENHANCE
UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY AND SERVICES
In 1990, Thunder Bay Transit began to formulate and plan its first
moves to becoming an accessible service. The first kneeling
feature buses were purchased in 1992. In 1994, the first low-floor
buses were put into service, with the total fleet of 49 buses
accessible March 2007. All new vehicles ordered include easier
access enhancements: brightly coloured on-vehicle grab rails,
hand rails, stanchions, high-contrast electronic destination signs,
and lowered stop request cords or buttons. Transit facilities and
terminals were designed to be barrier-free, with electric access
doors, lower counters, and large print information.
Transit shelters were put on a refurbishing schedule to have them
become accessible (leveled with sidewalks).
Electronic signs have been located at the Water Street terminal,
Intercity Mall, TBRHSC, Confederation College and Lakehead
University to display next bus arrival times. The signs are also
equipped with an accessibly located push button to enable
audible read out of the sign.
All staff and employees have been provided with Sensitivity
Training and the Ambassador Customer service training. Training
is ongoing for all existing and newly-hired Transit Operators.
Thunder Bay Transit has partnered with HAGI Community
Services for Independence to provide service for those who may
be unable to access the conventional bus for any reason.
Priority seating is available to persons with disabilities on all
Thunder Bay Transit buses. If a person with a disability is required
to be accompanied by a support person, the support person may
be qualified to assist and not pay a fare. To receive this support
person status, the disabled person must make arrangements with
the Thunder Bay Transit office.
8-7
Thunder Bay Transit policy permits passengers to travel with
assistive animals, should they require one.
If there is a disruption in service, proper notice of the disruption
will be made to the public.
Implemented Automated Stop Call Out system on all buses.
TTY is provided for the hearing impaired to receive transit
information.
The Transit division has in place a Customer Contact System that
allows customers to contact our Customer Service
Representatives to report any concerns or requests they may
have with regards to our system.
Customers can either telephone or email and receive assistance
to develop route plans or answer any general questions regarding
the accessibility of transit services.
8-8
MEASURES TAKEN TO ENHANCE UNIVERSAL
ACCESSIBILITY AND SERVICES IN 2010
We are pleased to announce that we have met or exceeded most
of our objectives as described in the 2011 Thunder Bay Transit
Accessibility Plan. The information contained in this section
addresses the status of the initiatives that were documents in the
Thunder Bay Transit Accessibility Plan for 2011.
BARRIER
HOW IT WAS
RESOURCES TIMING
REMOVED/PREVENTED
Accessible bus
access – Hilldale
Rd at Wardrope
Ave.
Installation of new
accessible stop/shelter
coupled with the route
modification greatly
reduced the walking
distances for the large
numbers of seniors and
persons with disabilities
living in the area
Accessible stop
conditions –
Winnipeg Ave. at
the Canada
Transit
Division
September
2010
Coordinated upgrades to
existing stops in
conjunction with Lisgar
Street area rehabilitation
– curb cuts, platform,
Games Complex & sidewalk leveling
Port Arthur Stadium improvements
Transit
June 2010
Division/
Transportation
Accessible stop
conditions –
Ravenwood at
Beverly St.
Transit
Division
Installed hand rail at stop
to help those with
mobility problems
negotiate boulevard
grade from shelter to
curbside for easier
access onto buses.
8-9
& Works
May 2011
Winter season ramp An aggressive ramp
deployment issues cleaning program was
of low floor buses
initiated in order to
reduce maintenance
issues caused by slush,
snow conditions.
Operators supplied with
cleaning brushes to
assist with on-road
performance. Ramp
inspections added to bus
circle checks
Fleet Services November
/ Transit
2009 –
Division
Ongoing
On-board stop
announcements
As of July 1st, 2011 the
Transit / Fleet
AODA Integrated
Services
Accessibility Regulation
Division
required that all transit
route stops must be
called out audibly.
Installed an electronic
automated call stop
system which audibly and
visually announces all
transit route stops.
Developed a program
which includes regular
performance monitoring,
Operator training and
back-up procedures in
the event of a
malfunction
September
Delay in clearing
snow and ice from
bus stops and
shelters
During the winter,
snow/ice conditions at
stops are problematic.
Transit contracts the
removal of snow from
Ongoing
8-10
Transit
Division
2009 Ongoing
bus stops and shelters.
Current standards require
that all stops be cleared
with 3 days, terminals
within 8 hours and priority
stops within 12 hours
8-11
ONGOING MEASURES PLANNED TO ENHANCE UNIVERSAL
ACCESSIBILITY AND SERVICES IN 2012
Thunder Bay Transit recognizes that its infrastructure may
present barriers to some people with disabilities. A table detailing
identified barriers is attached below.
The availability of resources and implementation of mandatory
compliance dates are major factors in determining the pace of
progress in reducing or eliminating the identified barriers.
BARRIER
ACTION
THUNDER BAY TRANSIT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Interior doors are narrow.
Customer counter is too high.
Thunder Bay Transit recognizes
there are some barriers to
accessibility at the transit office
located at 570 Fort William Rd.
Ongoing plans to upgrade the
facility to meet standards will be
done.
SHELTERS AND STOPS
Delay in clearing snow and ice
from bus stops and shelters.
Thunder Bay Transit contracts
the removal of snow from bus
stops and shelters. The
Agreement requires that all
stops be cleared within 3 days,
the terminals within 8 hours,
and priority stops within 12
hours.
Landing Pads: Boarding and
alighting from bus is difficult as
many of the stops do not have a
proper concrete pad.
Thunder Bay Transit continues
to improve stops and shelters.
In 2011, additional shelters
were lowered to become
accessible. Improvements will
8-12
continue in 2012.
Shelters: Timing between buses Same as previous.
can be 30 minutes or more.
During inclement weather the
absence of a bus shelter can be
a barrier to using Thunder Bay
Transit. 15% of the bus stops
have a shelter (124 of 810
stops).
Info-post schedules are not
easily readable, due to small
print or being too high to read.
Info-post schedules are being
upgraded to the largest font
possible. Height position is
being checked as schedules are
replaced.
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Legibility of printed material –
Printed materials are now being
font size or colour contrast are
created with consideration to
difficult for some people to read. the barriers for the vision
impaired.
Signage: The height, location,
All signage is being placed with
and visibility of signs at
consideration to the barriers for
terminals and stops are barriers the vision impaired.
for some people.
Thunder Bay Transit intends to make its services more accessible
by taking the following action:
 3 new accessible low-floor buses will be received in 2011,
with additional buses planned for 2012.
 Operators circle check of vehicle now includes proper
functioning of the ramp & AVA.
 Continue to work with the Accessibility Coordinator to work
towards AODA compliance.
8-13
 Continue the upgrading of Shelters and Bus Stops to
become fully accessible.
 Continue Sensitivity Training and Customer Training of all
new employees.
8-14
IDENTIFYING, PRIORITIZING, AND DEVELOPING OF PLAN
Thunder Bay Transit is committed to the following actions on an
annual basis:
 Consulting with people with disabilities through the City of
Thunder Bay Accessibility Advisory Committee, to seek
advice on which barriers and remedial action should have
priority for the coming year.
 Seek funding in the Transit capital and operating budget to
address the highest priority barriers.
 Take advantage of opportunities to secure funding to extend
or accelerate the removal of barriers.
 Consulting, on a regular basis, with the City of Thunder
Bay’s Accessibility Plan Administrator with respect to
addressing barriers to accessibility.
 Improve methods of assisting customers with
disabilities in a way that maintains their dignity and
demonstrates the Division’s respect for them.
 Monitor customer feed and conduct periodic reviews of
existing accessible services and facilities. Any required
enhancements or improvements are implemented as quickly
as resources allow.
 Provide accessible workplace accommodations for
employees with disabilities on a case by case basis through
individual ergonomic assessments, building/work area
modifications, and/or modified work duties. Thunder Bay
Transit’s goal is to promote self-reliance and dignity for all
members of the Transit workforce, as it does with customers.
8-15
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITY ACT
(AODA), INTEGRATED REGULATIONS
Thunder Bay Transit is pleased to announce that we have met all
July 2011 AODA - Integrated Regulation Transportation
Standards before the deadline date. We continue to work towards
meeting the accessibility needs of our community, passengers
and workforce into the future.
Below if that at a glance reference guide for AODA
implementation focusing on Part IV Transportation Standards:
Conventional – General
Sec.
34
35
36
37
38
Sub
Sec.
Short Description
Availability of Information
make information re. accessibility
1
equipment and features available to
the public
provide this information in accessible
2
format upon request
Non-functioning accessibility equipment
take reasonable steps to
accommodate passengers with
1
disabilities and effect repairs as soon
as possible
Accessibility Training
conduct employee and volunteer
1
accessibility training regarding:
the safe use of accessibility
2a
equipment and features
acceptable modifications to
procedures in situations where
2b temporary barriers exist or
accessibility equipment on a vehicle
fails
emergency preparedness and
2c response procedures that provide for
the safety of persons with disabilities
3
keep a record of the training provided
July
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
Jan
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

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Emergency preparedness and response policies
establish, implement, maintain and
1a document emergency preparedness

and response policies
make those documents available to
1b

the public
make the documents available in
2

accessible formats, upon request
Fares, support persons
8-16
39
40
no fare to be charged for attendant
passenger's responsibility to
demonstrate need
Transition, existing contracts
existing vehicle purchases prior to
July 1, 2011 to be honoured
Transition, existing vehicles


1
41
42
43
44
45
46
no vehicle retrofit required
retrofit required if vehicle is
2
refurbished
vehicle exempt if structural integrity
3
would be affected
Accessibility plans, conventional transportation services
identify the process for managing,
1
evaluating and taking action on

customer feedback
hold at least one annual public
2

meeting to review accessibility plan
applies to conventional and
3

specialized, if provided
Accessibility plans, specialized transportation services
accessibility plans shall identify the
1a process for estimating the demand for

specialized transportation services
plans shall develop steps to reduce
1b wait times for specialized

transportation services
Accessibility plans, conventional and specialized transportation services
plans shall describe their procedures
1
for dealing with accessibility

equipment failures
Part IV - Transportation Standards: Conventional Transportation Service Providers - General
General responsibilities
deploy lifting devices, ramps or
1a
portable bridge plates upon request
ensure that adequate time is provided
1b to persons with disabilities to safely
board, be secured and egress
assist with safe and careful storage of
1c
mobility aids
allow a person with a disability to
1d
travel with a medical aid
make information available in
2
accessible formats, upon request

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


Alternative accessible method of transportation
provide accessible alternative if no
1
specialized service
Fares
cannot charge higher fare on
1

conventional service
make alternative fares available if no
2
specialized service


8-17
47
48
49
50
Transit Stops
ensure passengers can board and
1
alight at safe locations if stop not
accessible
consider accessibility needs in
2
locations
3
operators report stop issues promptly
Storage of Mobility Aids
ensure mobility aids are stored in
1
passenger compartments
in baggage compartment of same
2
vehicle if not possible
safe and secure carriage of mobility
3
aid
4
no fee for transporting aid




signed with vacate policy

4
develop communication plan

Service Disruptions
1b
53

3
1a
52

Courtesy Seating
provide clearly marked courtesy
1
seating
2
as close as possible to front door
1
51

where advance information available
make alternative arrangements for
travel
ensure proper communication


Pre-Boarding Announcements
provide verbal pre-boarding
1

announcements on request
provide electronic pre-boarding
2

announcements
On-Board Announcements
ensure audible verbal on-board stop
1

announcements
provide audible electronic
2a

announcements
provide visual electronic
2b

announcements
Part IV - Transportation Standards: Conventional Transportation - Technical Requirements
Requirements - grab bars etc.
provide grab bars on vehicles built
1
after Jan 2013 or purchased after July
2011
1a in fare area








at mobility aid positions
at courtesy seating
2
3
on sides of entrances and exits
doorway grab bars accessible from
ground level
various technical requirements
8-18
54
55
56
57
58
Floors and carpeted surfaces
ensure all vehicles built after Jan
1

2013 or purchased after July 2011
1a non-glare, slip resist floors

any carpeted surfaces firm, low-pile
1b

and secure
Allocated Mobility Aid spaces
ensure all vehicles built after Jan
1

2013 or purchased after July 2011:
have 2 or more mobility aid spaces
1a

(1222mm x 685mm)
are equipped with securement
1b

devices
Stop-requests and emergency response controls
ensure all vehicles built after Jan
2013 or purchased after July 2011
1

have accessible stop-request and
emergency response controls
2
meeting various technical standards

Lighting Features
ensure all vehicles built after Jan
2013 or purchased after July 2011
1
are equipped with lights above or
beside each door
lights must illuminate ground surface
2a
when door is open
be shielded to protect eyes of
2b
entering and exiting passengers
Signage
ensure all vehicles built after Jan
2013 or purchased after July 2011
1
display route or direction or
destination
2a visible at boarding point
















consistently located


2c
have glare-free surface


2d




3bi
avoid glare
consistently shaped, coloured and
located
high contrast text


3bii
appearance of solid characters


Lifting Devices etc.
ensure all vehicles built after Jan
2013 or purchased after July 2011
are equipped with lifting devices,
ramps or bridge plates
1a bottom-edge high contrast colour strip




1b




1c
60

2b
3a
59

slip-resistant surface
raised edges to prevent mobility aid
from slipping off
Steps
1

high-contrast colour strip on edge of
8-19
each step
61
62
2
slip-resistant and non-glare surface

3
uniform closed risers and treads

Indicators and Alarms
ensure all vehicles built after Jan
2013 or purchased after July 2011
1
are equipped with lifting device or
ramp with visual warning lamp and
audible alarm on exterior
must function with ramp, kneeling or
2
lifting device in motion
3
not required for manual operation






Accessibility, Rail cars
1
2
at least one accessible car per train
ensure one accessible washroom if
washrooms provided


Source: Ontario AODA Implementation Quick Reference Guide July 2011 prepared by GENIVAR.
8-20