The City of St. John’s is seeking feedback from the public on its draft 2027-2029 Accessibility Plan, which builds on the work completed through the City’s first Accessibility Plan and identifies further actions to improve access to City and Metrobus programs, services and public spaces.

“Accessibility is about removing barriers so everyone can participate fully in our community,” said Councillor Lynn Hammond, lead for inclusion. “We have made important progress through our first Accessibility Plan, working with the Inclusion Advisory Committee, Metrobus Accessibility Committee and community partners. This next plan builds on that work and helps identify where we can continue to improve.”

Since the first plan was developed, the City has advanced accessibility in many areas, including improving its website and communications, adding accessible pedestrian signals and tactile walking surface indicators, improving sidewalks and public spaces, adding accessible and inclusive playground equipment, expanding accessible recreation opportunities and facilities and continuing to improve access to Metrobus and GoBus services.

The draft 2027-2029 plan includes actions across seven areas:

• Programs and services: Improve accessibility in public engagement, recreation, emergency planning and municipal elections.
• Built environment: Improve accessibility in City buildings, housing, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, sidewalks, trails, parking and public washrooms.
• Information and communication: Make City information, websites, forms, documents, meetings and emergency communications more accessible and easier to understand.
• Employment: Improve accessible recruitment, training, workplace technology and employee supports.
• Procurement: Build accessibility into procedures for purchases goods and services.
• Accommodations: Finalize and pilot an Accessible Accommodations Policy and improve staff awareness and training.
• Public transportation: Continue improving accessibility of Metrobus and GoBus vehicles, routes, bus stops, services and information.

“An accessibility plan touches many parts of City operations,” added Councillor Hammond. “The actions in this plan range from improving how we communicate and engage with residents to making physical spaces more accessible and improving the way people access recreation and transportation. Feedback from people with lived experience is important to help us get this work right.”

The City is looking for feedback from people who live with disabilities, as well as people who care for or advocate for people with disabilities. The feedback received will help inform the final 2027-2029 Accessibility Plan.

Provide Feedback

People can review the draft plan and provide feedback through:

• Online survey
• Email: engage@stjohns.ca
• Project page: EngageStJohns.ca
• Pop-up engagement events at City community centres
• Virtual meeting: Wednesday, October 14, noon to 2 p.m. Registration is required.
• Open House: Thursday, October 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at H.G.R. Mews Community Centre

The City recognizes that some people may need alternate ways to provide feedback. ASL interpretation and captioning will be available at the virtual meeting and open House. There is also a plain language version of the plan available.

Requests for other accommodations should be made when registering, preferably seven days before the event. For more information about alternate ways to provide feedback, call 709-576-4450 or email engage@stjohns.ca.

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Connected City, where people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and are actively engaged in community life. The Accessibility Plan supports this direction by working to improve access to programs, services and public spaces for everyone.

Visit Engage Page