Accessible Parking Permit
Accessible Parking Permits are available for both on-street and off-street parking.
People with physical disabilities may apply to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for an Accessible Parking Permit (APP). Drivers or passengers who display this permit are entitled to special parking privileges in public parking areas and on public roadways.
To apply for an Accessible Parking Permit:
- Visit the local office of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation or visit the ServiceOntario website
To find out about City of Ottawa privileges for drivers with an Accessible Parking Permit:
Grit Box program
The City of Ottawa has placed "do-it-yourself" grit boxes at various locations across the City to make the sidewalks safe for everyone to walk on in the winter. The boxes, for residents use, contain the same winter grit used by the City's snow operations' staff.
The grit boxes are located close to steep hills, and in areas where there are many pedestrians, older adults and persons using mobility devices. All residents are encouraged to spread the grit on slippery spots on sidewalks and other problem areas.
For more information about the Grit Box program, view the Grit Box Locations webpage or call 3-1-1.
Public transit (OC Transpo)
OC Transpo makes travelling around the city easy for older adults. All vehicles are fully accessible with no stairs. Buses can lower to the curb for easy boarding. Other features to make travel easier include:
- Bilingual announcements of each stop so you always know where you are along the route
- Priority seating near the front of the bus and on the O-Train for anyone who has difficulty standing in a moving vehicle
- Free Priority Seating cards and Attendant cards
- A free Travel Training program is offered to organizations to help you learn how to travel safely and independently
- Safe Stop - after 7 pm, you can ask the driver to drop you off at a safe spot along the route closer to your destination
- Let us know if you feel threatened or unsafe: complete an incident report, call Transit Law at 613-741-2478 (TTY 613-842-3699), use an emergency phone, or tell an operator or special constable
Discounts and free fares for seniors 65+
If you are 65 or older, take advantage of these services from OC Transpo:
- Ride free on Wednesdays on all routes
- Reduced cash and Presto card fares on regular routes
- A discounted monthly pass, with unlimited travel on all routes (with valid ID or Presto card)
- Free Rural Shopper’s Routes 201 to 205
For more information about these services:
- Call the Access OC Hotline 613-842-3625 (TTY 613-741-5280)
- Call 613-741-4390 (TTY 613-741-5280); staff can assist in answering your questions in more than 170 languages
- Visit octranspo.com
Schedule information: For real-time arrivals of your bus 24/7, call 613-560-1000 or text 560560 plus your four-digit stop number.
Para Transpo
If you are unable to use OC Transpo some or all of the time because of a disability or health concern, consider using Para Transpo’s door-to-door service. Registered Para Transpo customers may also join the Taxi Coupon program to get lower rates for taxis.
To apply for Para Transpo or to get more information:
Rural transportation options
If you are a senior or an adult living with a physical disability in rural Ottawa, there are many options available to help you travel to, from, or within your community. The City of Ottawa partners with Rural Community Support Services to offer additional transportation options.
Please contact the Community Support Service organization serving your area for more information:
- Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre - serving Nepean, Kanata, and West Carleton 613-591-3686
- Rural Ottawa South Support Services - serving Osgoode and Rideau-Goulbourn 613-692-4697
- Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre - serving Gloucester, Orléans and Cumberland 613-741-6025
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), formerly known as audible pedestrian signals, communicate information about the WALK and flashing DON'T WALK intervals to blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind pedestrians at signalized intersections. Information identifying the "right-of-way" to cross a roadway is available through various means including locator tones, audible tones, vibrotactile indicators, raised tactile arrow points in direction of crossing, or any combination of these non-visual methods. All APS deliver sounds when activated that indicate when pedestrians can start crossing an intersection and in which direction. Currently, over 800 signalized intersections are equipped with audible tone components throughout the city and the number continues to grow every year.
Using Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS): To activate the audible and/or vibrotactile indicator portion of the walk signal, pedestrians must push and hold a crosswalk button for a minimum of three seconds. The audible signal and/or vibrotactile indicator function will not be activated if the button is held for less time.
For more information about Accessible Pedestrian Signals, please e-mail 311@ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY 613-580-2401)
Map of public washrooms
If you want to find a public washroom when exploring the city, take a look at this map. It has over 170 public and portable washrooms in City buildings and parks. It shows locations, hours of operation and level of accessibility.