Accessibility Plan 2027 to 2031

The City of Sarnia is preparing a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to guide operations and decision making from 2027 to 2031. This five-year plan will establish the priorities that will guide actions toward improving accessibility across all departments and services.

As part of the process, we are engaging the public and individuals with lived experience for their input on these priorities and any potential new priorities.

Work so far

Our new Multi-Year Accessibility Plan will focus on establishing guiding priorities to ensure accessibility considerations can support decision making and establish action items as it relates to all City services. The new plan will focus on strengthening accessibility practices, addressing identified gaps, and improving the overall experience of residents, visitors and employees.

So far, we have reviewed progress under our previous accessibility plan and completed an internal review across all departments to identify not only past successes but potential areas for improvement and current gaps. Based on this review we have identified emerging priorities that will form the core of the plan.

Emerging priorities

Six emerging priorities for accessibility have been identified so far. Please review these priorities before providing your input.

Priority 1 - Enhancing Accessible Customer Service

Internal consultation confirmed that accessible customer service practices are well established across the organization, and identified this as a priority for continued improvement to support equitable access to municipal services. Past successes in this field include the introduction of interpretation and language services for all front-line staff.

Examples:

• Increasing employee awareness of accessibility supports and resources
• Strengthening staff understanding of interpretation and language services
• Continuing to enhance front-line service practices
• Building on existing processes to address barriers identified through public feedback

Priority 2 - Enhancing Accessible Information and Communications

We’ve identified continued efforts to improve the accessibility of communications as a priority. While the City has continuous efforts underway to improve accessibility in communications, further focus is required to improve accessible access to information.

Examples of actions under this priority include:

• Improved screen-reader compatibility
• Accessible PDF formatting
• Logical document structure and reading order
• Colour contrast considerations

Priority 3 - Enhancing Accessible Transportation Services

Accessible transportation supports community participation, independence and access to municipal services. Past successes include Care-A-Van service and accessible buses.

Examples of actions under this priority include:

• Accessibility improvements to bus stops and shelters
• Enhancements to specialized transit booking systems
• Improved communication of transit-related accessibility information

Priority 4 – Enhancing Accessible Public Space and Infrastructure

Accessibility continues to be an important consideration within infrastructure renewal, capital planning and asset management programs. This priority emphasizes the importance of incorporating accessibility improvements into infrastructure renewal projects whenever opportunities arise.

Examples:

• Pedestrian connectivity improvements
• Accessible intersections
• Tactile walking surface indicators
• Barrier curb removals
• Accessible pathways

Priority 5 – Enhancing Accessibility in Recreation Facilities and Community Amenities

Accessible recreation opportunities support inclusion, participation and quality of life for all residents. This priority underscores the importance of continuing to evaluate recreational facilities through an accessibility lens as improvements and upgrades are planned.

Examples:

• Beach access improvements
• Park and recreation facility pathway enhancements
• Accessible washroom upgrades

Priority 6 - Strengthening Accessibility Awareness and Organizational Accountability

Creating and maintaining accessible services and facilities requires ongoing collaboration across departments and continued engagement with persons with disabilities. This priority focuses on ongoing collaboration, engagement, and shared responsibility across the organization.

Examples:

• Accessibility training
• Staff awareness initiatives
• Ongoing engagement with SAAC
• Annual reporting and progress monitoring
• Integrating accessibility considerations into planning and decision-making

What’s Next

Building on this internal review, we are looking to our community for their insight to ensure the plan’s priorities reflect the lived experience of our residents and visitors. We will review that input and incorporate it into a draft version of the plan for public review before presentation to City Council.

Public Engagement

A significant portion of public engagement will focus on individuals with lived experience as it relates to accessibility needs. We’re engaging directly with interest-holder organizations such as local accessibility advocacy and support organizations directly as part of the process.

Provide Your Input

Individuals wishing to provide their insight as it relates to the plan’s priorities and potential areas to expand, can complete our online survey below before 4:30 p.m. on December 3, 2026. Paper copies of the survey are available at the City Hall Customer Service Desk during business hours, and must be returned by 4:30 p.m. on December 3, 2026.

If you require any additional assistance or accommodation please email access@sarnia.ca