At today’s Committee of the Whole Meeting (April 1, 2025), Council will review an annual report of actions taken to support the 2024-26 Accessibility Plan. The report outlines progress made in enhancing accessibility and inclusion during 2024.

"The City of St. John's is dedicated to fostering an accessible, inclusive and equitable community for all residents and visitors,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “We are pleased with the progress made during year one of the Accessibility Plan, with a number of notable actions taken to create a more accessible and inclusive city.”

In 2024, the City completed 13 actions and progressed on 38 actions under its multi-year Accessibility Plan.

The following are highlights of accomplishments outlined in the report:

• Incorporated CSA B651-23 Accessible Design Standards in new and existing facilities, where possible.
• Enhanced park and playground accessibility with six new accessible swings, a beach access mat at Rotary Park and accessible rest areas at Bidgood Park, Rotary Park and along the Kelly’s Brook shared-use path.
• At the end of 2024, 18 kilometers of shared-use paths have been completed and 11 more kilometers are being planned and constructed.
• Installed five new accessible bus shelters, bringing the total to 75.
• Improved accessible transportation with new wheelchair-accessible buses and a GoBus service review that increased weekend availability and reduced ride denials.
• Installed accessible pedestrian signals and improved crosswalk accessibility.
• Updated the City’s websites, including Curb It St. John’s and Robin Hood Bay, to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA.
• Launched an accessible parking webpage featuring an interactive map.
• Purchased additional assistive listening devices for recreation facilities and Access 311.
• Enhanced workplace inclusion and employee support by establishing a Psychological Wellness Committee, launching the accessible Reach 360 learning platform, and updating the Employment Equity Policy with inclusive language.

"The 2024 progress report reflects our dedication to creating inclusive spaces and services. We still have more work to do, however the Accessibility Plan, guidance from our Inclusion Advisory Committee and feedback from the community is helping us identify and remove barriers," added Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft, lead for the Inclusion Advisory Committee.

The City of St. John's remains focused on implementing the remaining goals and actions outlined in its multi-year Accessibility Plan, with further initiatives planned for 2025 and 2026.

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Connected City, one where people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and are actively engaged in community life. The Accessibility Plan is advancing this direction by improving access to programs, services and public spaces that build safe, healthy and vibrant communities.

Helpful Links:

• Annual Accessibility Plan Report
• 2024-26 Accessibility Plan