Accessibility and Inclusion

The City of St. John's believes in an accessible, inclusive, healthy and safe community for everyone. As we work towards this goal, we will continue to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessing programs and services.

Below is a listing of program and service information - just click the plus sign to find more information. Alternate formats for information are also available upon request.

Accessibility Plan

The City of St. John’s is committed to an accessible, inclusive, healthy and safe community for everyone. We strive to meet the diverse needs of our community by identifying, preventing and removing barriers so that all people can equitably live, work, play and learn here. Council has approved the City’s 2024-2026 Accessibility Plan which creates awareness and identifies accessibility barriers and actions to build on and improve accessibility in City programs, services and public spaces.

The plan was developed based on recommendations from:

The Accessibility Working Group of the Inclusion Advisory Committee
Public engagement
The requirements of the Provincial Accessibility Act

If you require an alternate format, contact the Accessibility and Inclusion Office

Affordable Housing

Housing should be affordable, adequate and accessible in our community. Our goal is to prevent homelessness and help individuals live a quality life.

Attendant Pass

An Attendant Pass enables a support person to accompany an individual requiring support to activities and/or events for free or at a discounted rate determined by the accepting venues.

Business supports

St. John's is home to and visited by a large untapped market of consumers with significant spending power. Up to 54% of the greater St. John's area includes consumers with disabilities, seniors, racialized groups, 2SLGBTQIA+ and indigenous populations. Together with friends and family, this is the third largest market in North America. Their ability to spend at your business depends on their ability to access your goods and services.

Inclusion & Accessibility Considerations for Businesses is a free, on-demand webinar brought to you by the City of St. John's and the Inclusion Advisory Committee. Discover why inclusion and accessibility matters and makes good business sense and learn tips to easily improve inclusion and accessibility.

Closed captioning is available. Captions may be placed anywhere on your screen by dragging and dropping. If you require this information in an alternate format or have questions, please contact us.

Elections

The City is committed to making elections accessible for voters.

Financial support

Financial support may be available for individuals and families facing financial barriers to participate in recreation and leisure programs. The financial support is based on, age, program type, family income and family size (Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut Off). For more information, please contact us.

Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Inclusion Advisory Committee provides Council with information and advice on inclusion and accessibility for City programs, policies and services. City projects and initiatives are vetted through this experienced and knowledgeable committee.

Parking and transportation

Residents who have mobility difficulties/disabilities and who do not have access to off-street parking may be eligible for an Accessible On-Street Permit.

Metrobus offers accessible low floor buses. These buses give more freedom and flexibility when using fixed-route bus service.

GoBus Accessible Transit is the St. John's area para-transit system for individuals who are unable to access conventional Metrobus services.

Some taxi service providers in the St. John's area offer accessible taxi vans, increasing flexibility and convenience. Please call ahead to request an accessible taxi.

Parks and playgrounds

There are playgrounds with accessible features in many City parks.

Recreation programs

Inclusive recreation opportunities provide participants with the opportunity to build the necessary skills for active living in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Adaptive recreation equipment improves accessibility for those with mobility related disabilities. This free, lending service is based on availability and reservation.

Report an Accessibility Concern

If you are aware of a non-emergency accessibility barrier or concern, let us know. Emergency, lifesaving matters should be directed to 911.

Report an Accessibility Concern Online by choosing the category and type of accessibility concern you want to report. Alternate ways to report your accessibility concern are also available.