Accessibility Spotlight
Accessibility Advisory Committee Updates
The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) provides advice to Council and consults on projects required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and many more, where the City benefits from an accessibility lens.
The Committee meets at least eight times per year, with additional special meetings as required. In addition to their meetings, the group provides feedback by email, and many members participate in working groups or other sub-committees.
Next Meeting
Date: March 17 (Special Meeting)
Time: 6pm
Members of the public are encouraged to attend AAC meetings, which take place via Zoom.
If you have any questions or are interested in speaking or providing comments to the AAC about an item they are considering at a meeting, please contact Committee Coordinator, Jérôme Courchesne.
Public Engagement Strategy
Each year, the City of Ottawa conducts hundreds of public engagement activities to gather feedback on municipal policies, programs and initiatives. Typically, these engagement opportunities take different formats, such as public meetings (both in-person and virtual), surveys, online forums, and workshops.
The City of Ottawa is updating the Public Engagement Strategy to build deeper trust with residents and support more responsive, equitable, and effective decision-making. To give your feedback on the proposed changes to the Public Engagement Strategy, please complete the survey by February 28. Please feel encouraged to share this information with your network.
Any other feedback can be sent to public.engagement@ottawa.ca.
Ottawa Public Library is in the loop!
As part of a new pilot project, hearing loops have been installed at the service desks of the Stittsville and Nepean Centrepointe library branches.
A hearing loop is a wireless assistive listening technology. It sends sound from a microphone directly to a person’s hearing aid, cochlear implant, or headset receiver. Look out for the International Symbol of Access for people who are D/deaf and people hard of hearing in these two branches.
This pilot aims to improve library service for clients who are D/deaf and clients who are hard of hearing. When approaching a service counter equipped with a hearing loop, clients can simply stand at the counter and switch their hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting to hear clear sound.
Have you used the hearing loop at an Ottawa Public Library branch? We’d love to hear your feedback! Please contact the Ottawa Public Library via phone, email or chat to tell us about your experience.
For more information about accessible services at Ottawa Public Library please visit the Accessibility Overview webpage.
Retrofit of 735 Industrial Avenue
The City of Ottawa’s business licensing centre is located at 735 Industrial Avenue. Recently, the facility has undergone a retrofit to significantly enhance accessibility for both clients and staff. The redesigned space now meets current accessibility standards, providing a more inclusive environment for business licensing applicants. Key accessibility improvements include:
New accessible visitor entrance and exit, featuring protective awnings and accessibility ramps
Dedicated parking space near the entrance for business licensing clients
A fully accessible universal washroom for clients
Ten accessible staff workstations, designed to support an inclusive workplace
Two staff washrooms upgraded to meet the latest accessibility standards
These changes reflect By-law and Regulatory Services’ ongoing commitment to accessibility, client service excellence, and employee well-being.
Para Transpo Talk events
Join OC Transpo’s Customer Care team at Para Transpo Talk events across Ottawa! We’ll be out at the following locations in March:
Monday, March 2, from 10 am to 5 pm (City Hall main lobby)
Tuesday, March 3, from 12 pm to 7 pm (Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre, near the Rexall entrance between American Eagle and Purdy’s)
Wednesday, March 4, from 12 pm to 7 pm (Carlingwood Shopping Centre, in the Community Hub)
Para Transpo Talk is a series of drop-in events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions, and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you use Para Transpo.
Staff will be available to answer your questions and concerns about anything related to Para Transpo. Find more information about the upcoming events on the Para Transpo Talk webpage.