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Winnipeg’s 2016-2018 Accessibility Plan

Jul 7, 2017

Accessibility is the complete ability to join in, participate or attend an activity or conversation.  We ALL benefit from accessibility when we and our family members, friends, neighbours and co-workers are able to fully participate and contribute in our communities and workplaces without barriers.

Currently, one in seven Canadians has a disability, and that number is expected to grow with an aging population. It is clear that these barriers to accessibility can no longer be ignored.

This is why the City of Winnipeg has developed a 2016-2018 Accessibility Plan.  The ideas in this plan are intended to identify, prevent, and remove accessibility barriers that limit a person with disabilities from participating fully in activities of daily living in Winnipeg.

In 2017, Winnipeg was honoured to be acknowledged by the Rick Hansen Foundation as one of three Canadian cities to receive an Accessible Cities Award. More information is available at Rick Hansen Foundation.

Key findings from Winnipeg’s 2016-2018 Accessibility Plan include:

  • The City of Winnipeg is a leader in removing barriers. The City has had a Universal Design Policy since 2001, and has included persons with disabilities in decision-making through the Access Advisory Committee for over 20 years.
  • The City of Winnipeg has created many accessibility award-winning facilities, including Mayfair Recreation Centre, East Elmwood Community Centre, Sinclair Park Community Centre, Bronx Park Community Centre, Charleswood Library, North Centennial Recreation & Leisure Facility, St. Vital Park Duck Pond picnic area, and the Kildonan Park play structure and outdoor pool.
  • Winnipeg Transit buses have low-floor access.
  • Most pedestrian crossings in the City include visual, audio and countdown components.
  • The City of Winnipeg has enhanced its disability awareness staff training.
  • When sidewalks are being renewed, the City of Winnipeg now includes detectable warning panels as warnings for people with vision loss.

Winnipeg’s 2016-2018 Accessibility Plan was created in consultation and collaboration with a number of stakeholders, including community members, City Council, and the Winnipeg Public Service. The Plan aligns with the requirements of the Province of Manitoba’s Accessibility for Manitobans Act.  For more information, visit:

 

 

 

 

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