The Corporation of the Town of Espanola Accessibility Status Report 2023

In 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), was passed by the Provincial Government with the intent of achieving accessibility with respect to goods, services, facilities, employment, buildings, structures and premises by January 1, 2025. The AODA is supported by the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation O. Reg. 191/11 (IASR) which consists of standards addressing Customer Service, Information and Communication, Employment, Design of Public Spaces, Built Environment, and Transportation. 

Per Section 4 of the IASR, the Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall: 

4.(1)(a) establish, implement, maintain and document a multi-year accessibility plan, which outlines the organization’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under this Regulation; 

(b) post the accessibility plan on their website, if any, and provide the plan in an accessible format upon request; and 

(c) review and update the accessibility plan at least once every five years. (3)(a) prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the strategy referenced in clause (1) (a), including steps taken to comply with this Regulation; and (b) post the status report on their website, if any, and provide the report in an accessible format upon request. 

The Municipality is committed to remove and prevent barriers that limit individuals with disabilities accessing services and facilities. The municipality continues to identify any opportunities to enhance accessibility needs within the community and implement as permitted. We will continue to work creating an inclusive community that will allow everyone equal opportunity to access services, programs and facilities.

The following is the 2023 Annual Status Report outlining the accessibility initiatives that were completed by the Municipality in 2023, a mandatory requirement of the legislation.

Accessibility Status Update for 2023
This annual report describes the progress and measures taken by the Town of Espanola in 2023 to improve accessibility and implement the requirements set out in the AODA.
Information and Communications Accomplishments
The municipality began work in creating a new Strategic Plan in 2023.  Throughout this process our consultants held several meetings which were held in accessible locations, that being, the Library Boardroom as well as the Recreation Complex Rink Side Auditorium.  In addition, there were meetings conducted via Zoom and by telephone to accommodate any participants needing accommodations. 

Our Social Media Policy #M05-01683 was reviewed, updated and approved by Council. As the policy allows the creation of department social media accounts this policy provides direction to ensure information is being created in an accessible format that can be used and enjoyed by persons with a disability, through conscious planning, design, and/or effort to ensure it is barrier-free to persons with a disability and practical for the general population as well.

The Municipality continues to have the option to meet virtually using Zoom and eScribe. This process allows Council members and guests to attend meetings virtually and allows the public to watch live or recorded versions without leaving home on their own devices, all while following along with the agenda package that is uploaded to the website in a HTML format.

The municipality has introduced Council Rundown which is a summary of Council Meetings and posted to our Facebook page the day following a Meeting of Council.
This allows anyone to access the results of a meeting, anywhere at any time.

A communications committee was established to ensure consistent messaging is achieved through all social media platforms as well as the website.  The committee members will be registered to take the Social Media – Do It Accessibly! course through Accessibility Services Canada. 

Customer Service Standards Accomplishments 
AODA customer service training continues to be provided to all new employees through HR Download software, giving the tools to our front line staff to properly assist anyone requesting accommodation.  In addition, it allows all employees to identify any barriers throughout the community then steps can be taken to remove them.

The Espanola Public Library offers a collection of large-print books, audio books on CDs as well as mp3 players and digitally, CNIB materials and a collection of Braille items.  New items are brought in throughout the year as they become available.
 
Throughout the Strategic Planning process, survey monkey was used to gather information needed to build the plan.  In addition, paper copies of the survey were made available throughout municipal departments for those not able to access the information online. Copies were also provided to our specialized transit driver to distribute and collect.

Council approved the capital expenditure to purchase a specialized transit vehicle that will service Espanola and surrounding area residents.  The vehicle will travel to Sudbury for doctor appointments three times per week and bring residents from outlining areas to Espanola, which is the service hub for many neighbouring Townships the other two days per week.  

The municipality has rolled out a mass notification system through an agreement with Everbridge.  This app allows you to be notified of local road closures, severe 
weather emergencies and major utility interruptions.  Staff has provided in-person Everbridge registration assistance for those who do not have a device or having trouble registering. 

The municipality was awarded funding through the Inclusive Communities Grant to hire consultation to create a Age-Friendly Community Assessment and Action Plan.   The initial meeting between the consultant that the steering committee was held on December 7th, 2023 where discussions took place on moving the Plan forward into the new year.

Built Environment Accomplishments
Council approved funding to be placed in the 2023 Municipal Budget to prepare for the required renovations at the Public Works Office to meet AODA standards.  Tendering of this project will be the early 2024 with the completion of the work to wrap up November 2024.

Connecting Link Phase 3 construction along Hwy 6, from Annette Street to Second Avenue took place from Spring to late Fall. An Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS), complete with audible push button actuators and tactile warning plates was installed and now operating on the south end of the highway.  

The Trunk Watermain Part 2 construction Mead Blvd from Queensway Ave to Second Ave began in the Spring of 2023.  The section of roadway being completed in 2023 is from Queensway Ave to Wood Street.  New sidewalks will be installed with tactiles warning plates. 

Design of Public Spaces Accommodations
Funding was awarded to the Espanola Public Library through the Enabling Accessibility Fund to assist with the installation of an accessible door for the public washroom at the library.

The W.P. Foster Park and Splash Pad was officially opened in June 2023.  The new and improved Park offers accessible equipment and interconnecting pathways.  The Splash Pad is 2,480 square feet in size and features two wheelchair accessible activators.

The municipality provided a donation to the Espanola Game and Fish Protective Association to help offset costs of making the Black Creek Trail more accessible in the summer months for people using walkers and wheelchairs. In addition, the accessible porta-potty is now available year-round.

All suggestions and comments to improve accessibility within Espanola are welcomed. By working with all stakeholders, the Town of Espanola will meet these goals by focusing on improvements that can be made within our existing services and infrastructure as well as ensuring any new facilities, programs and services are AODA compliant. 

Public input may be submitted to the Municipality by contacting us by email at town@espanola.ca; by phone at 705 869 1540 or in writing using the following address: Town of Espanola; 100 Tudhope St.; Suite #2; Espanola, ON P5E 1S6.