Public Engagement Open to Help Build a More Accessible City

The City of St. John’s is seeking feedback from the public to develop a new Accessibility Plan which will enhance access to its programs, services and public spaces.    

 “Our vision for the city, as a welcoming and progressive place, is closely tied to enhancing accessibility, ensuring that all people can easily live and belong here,” said Councillor Ron Ellsworth. “The City has been fortunate to work directly through its Inclusion Advisory Committee and many disability organizations to improve accessibility and inclusion over the years, but there is still more we can learn and do.”    

 The City is looking for feedback from people in the community who live with a disability, or those who care or advocate for people with disabilities. This feedback will help with the development of the new plan which is anticipated to be completed by December 2023 and implemented over the next three years.  

 The Accessibility Plan will focus on actions to improve accessibility and remove barriers. As part of the process, the City will also review current accessibility practices and determine priority areas for recommendations.    

 “The plan aims to make things easier for people with disabilities by finding and fixing the barriers. This way, everyone can take part in, and enjoy, what the City has to offer,” added Councillor Ellsworth. 

 A variety of tools are available to provide feedback such as an online survey, providing written feedback and ideas through the Engage St. John’s website or registering for one of the following scheduled public meetings:  

• September 19, 2023, 12 to 2 p.m. - Virtual via Zoom 
• September 26, 2023, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - 35 Carrick Drive (Francis Lambe Room at Paul Reynolds Community Centre) 
• October 3, 2023, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - 245 Freshwater Road (St. John’s Community Market)

 The City recognizes that some people may need alternate ways to provide feedback. If accommodations are required for a public meeting, please ensure registration is completed seven days in advance of the event. For more information about alternate options, please call 709 576 4450 or email engage@stjohns.ca. 

 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. A new accessibility plan will advance this direction by improving access to programs, services and public spaces that build safe, healthy and vibrant communities. 

Related Links:

• Accessibility and Inclusion at the City of St. John’s

• Engage St. John’s project page
• Accessibility Act