Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion in City Parks

The City of Ottawa is committed to enhancing accessibility in its parks by seeking community input on the features and information that would improve the experience for all residents, in alignment with its 2025-2029 Municipal Accessibility Plan.

February 7, 2025 by Andrea Shane

Parks are essential community spaces that offer opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and social connection. Over the years, significant strides have been made to ensure that these public spaces are welcoming and inclusive for all. As part of the 2025-2029 Municipal Accessibility Plan, there is a focus on improving accessibility features in Ottawa’s parks, ensuring everyone—regardless of ability—can fully enjoy these spaces.

We Want Your Input

Feedback is being sought from the community on how park features and information can be enhanced to better support all residents. Through an online survey, residents are invited to share their thoughts on the accessibility features they’d like to see in Ottawa’s parks and how they’d prefer to access this information. This input will directly help shape future efforts to improve park accessibility for everyone.

How to Participate

To provide input, simply complete the online survey. Your ideas are invaluable in making sure that Ottawa’s parks meet the needs of all visitors.

For accessible survey formats or communication supports, such as:

Hardcopy surveys
Large font
Audio or Braille versions
Phone surveys

Please contact us at:
Email: AccessibilityOffice@ottawa.ca
Phone: (613) 580-2424 ext. 33544

The City of Ottawa’s Commitment to Accessibility

The City of Ottawa is committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their abilities, can equally enjoy the services, programs, and spaces our city has to offer. This commitment is reflected in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, which ensure that people with visible or non-visible disabilities, whether permanent or temporary, are treated equitably and with respect.

Additionally, the Accessible Canada Act emphasizes the principle of “Nothing without us,” ensuring that people with disabilities are actively involved in decision-making processes. This spirit of inclusion will guide ongoing efforts to make Ottawa’s public spaces more accessible.

Disability in Our Community

In Ottawa, it’s estimated that approximately 290,000 people live with one or more disabilities, and this number grows when considering family members, friends, and colleagues. According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, nearly one in three Canadians experience disabilities, highlighting the importance of continuing to improve accessibility in all areas of life.

A Broader View of Disability

Accessibility goes beyond just physical disabilities. It’s important to consider the intersectional factors—such as age, gender, race, and culture—that influence how individuals experience barriers in their daily lives. This broader approach ensures that the diverse needs of all residents are addressed as we work toward removing barriers and fostering inclusivity in Ottawa’s public spaces.

Moving Forward Together

Efforts to improve accessibility in Ottawa’s parks are part of a broader initiative to ensure that everyone in our community feels included and can participate fully. The input gathered from this survey will help guide the way forward, ensuring that everyone’s needs are taken into account as we work to make Ottawa a more accessible and inclusive city.