Whereas in 2022, Statistics Canada reported that 28% of Ontarians identify as having a disability; and
Whereas residents and visitors with disabilities continue to regularly face physical, attitudinal, environmental and technological barriers that prevent them from working, shopping, travelling, volunteering or accessing community spaces which negatively impacts our communities, economic opportunities and personal sense of belonging; and
Whereas both the County of Bruce and all 8 of the Lower Tier Municipalities are obligated to and have committed to removing barriers and workings towards ensuring their facilities, services and amenities are compliant with both the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA); and
Whereas improving accessibility and implementing best practice requires significant technical knowledge and expertise in order to ensure capital and operational projects, programs, services, site plans, bylaws and more are complaint or exceed ODA, AODA and other related legislation; and
Whereas Lower Tier Municipalities, including those with highly engaged Accessibility Advisory Committees, would benefit from a collaborative approach that increases their ability to access this type of knowledge, expertise and experience; and
Whereas the neighbouring Counties of Huron and Grey as well as others such as Elgin and Middlesex, employ Accessibility Coordinators that act as a single point of contact for the County itself and the Lower Tier municipalities, and
Whereas these Accessibility Coordinators consult on accessibility related projects, assist with implementation of accessibility standards, providing training, communicate best practice, identify grant opportunities and share resources with staff, committees and the public;
Whereas the County of Bruce has already taken positively aligned actions by setting a goal of becoming a barrier-free community (Multi-Year Accessibility Plan), achieving a Dementia-friendly designation for Bruce County Public Libraries, introducing an Age-Friendly Strategy and adopting a Transportation Master Plan that highlights the importance of accessibility;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of Kincardine requests that the County of Bruce introduce an Accessibility Coordinator position to acts as a collaborative, capacity-building resource for County and Lower Tier staff, Accessibility Advisory Committees and the public so that Bruce County can become a leader in building accessible, welcoming communities for residents and visitors of all abilities.
Carried.