June 8, 2020
As part of its 2018-2022 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, the City of Mississauga has delivered on its 2019 initiatives, helping to remove barriers for the nearly 25 per cent of Mississauga residents with disabilities.
“Our commitment to increasing accessibility will help ensure we can serve all our residents better while improving the quality of life for those living with disabilities in our community,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “I’m proud of our achievements, and I look forward to continuing to make progress on our efforts to ensure Mississauga remains a welcoming place where everyone can participate in all that we have to offer.”
As the City continuously works to go above and beyond the requirements for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), City staff has provided an update to residents on the current status of the City’s second multi-year plan. Accessibility requirements under the Act are grouped into five standards: Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation and Design of Public Spaces.
“Every year that we make improvements to accessibility throughout Mississauga is another year advancing towards the ultimate goal of an accessible Ontario by 2025,” said Ward 8 Councillor and Accessibility Advisory Committee member, Matt Mahoney.
This year’s annual status update includes three key achievements made by the City in 2019:
- Raising awareness through hosting and participating in accessibility-themed events.
- Accessibility improvements through the Civic Centre’s Great Hall Modernization Project.
- The City filing its fourth fully compliant accessibility compliance report with the Government of Ontario.
“I’m particularly pleased with our efforts to increase awareness in the community by promoting City services and programs,” said Councillor Pat Saito, Ward 9, Accessibility Advisory Committee member. “Our involvement last year in the Inclusion by Design Conference, Connections Resource Fair, the City of Mississauga’s Smart City Idea Jam and the Annual Seniors’ Fair that I host in my ward has helped create exposure on the issue of accessibility.”
In step with other accessibility projects in Mississauga, MiWay is improving the City’s transportation system through planned and completed work, ensuring its services and operations are accessible to everyone.
“These accessibility advancements could not have happened without the dedication of the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee and our impassioned City staff,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner, Corporate Services, & Chief Financial Officer. “Together, we continue to remove barriers and build a more accessible Mississauga.”
The 2019 annual status update is available in an accessible format on the City’s website: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/accessibility