Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) provides advice to Council and consults on projects required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and many more, where the City benefits from an accessibility lens. Currently, there are 12 voting members from the community who have lived experience and/or expertise with disability.

The Committee meets at least eight times per year, with additional special meetings as required. In addition to their meetings, the group provides feedback by email, and many members participate in working groups or other sub-committees.

Recent work

Below are some recent City projects the AAC has reviewed to ensure accessibility was considered. Click on the link below to read the minutes and motions carried concerning these projects.

• E-Scooters
• Multi-Use Pathways (MUP's)
• Low-Speed Electric Vehicles
• Availability and Protection of Accessible On-Street Parking Spaces
• Inclusive Communications

Agendas and past meeting minutes

Meeting agendas and minutes for the Accessibility Advisory Committee can be accessed through the City’s agendas and minutes web portal.

See using the City’s Agendas and minutes web portal for more information.

The following is available through the portal:

• Meeting schedules
• Agendas
• Minutes
• Meeting documentation
• Live streams
• Meeting recordings for meetings held on or after June 27, 2022

​​​Agendas are available in both HTML and PDF formats. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

Please note if you do not see the meeting and/or agenda posted, the information may not yet be available. Please contact Committee Coordinator Rosa Ramos if you have any questions.

Meeting materials for meetings that took place between 2001 and 2012 are available on the City Council & Committee Agendas and Minutes legacy application.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend AAC meetings online via Zoom.

If you have any questions or are interested in speaking or providing comments to the AAC about an item they are considering at a meeting, please contact Committee Coordinator, Rosa Ramos.

• Wayne Antle
• Ian Bourrie
• Ana Maria Cruz-Valderrama
• Matthew Eliot
• Holly Ellingwood
• Jodi Fisher
• Adele Furrie
• David Humphries
• Vania Karam
• Murray MacDonald
• William Van Veen
• Hannah Walhad

Councillor Liaison: Councillor Marty Carr

The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is to fulfill the duties of a Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee as outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and to provide advice to Council on programs, policies and services provided to persons with disabilities and seniors.

Responsibilities

The Accessibility Advisory Committee is responsible for fulfilling the duties outlined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005:

Duties of committee

4. The committee shall,
   1. advise the council about the requirements and implementation of accessibility standards and the preparation of accessibility reports and such other matters for which the council may seek its advice under subsection (5);
   2. review in a timely manner the site plans and drawings described in section 41 of the Planning Act that the committee selects; and
   3. perform all other functions that are specified in the regulations. 2005, c. 11, s. 29 (4).

Duty of council

5. The council shall seek advice from the committee on the accessibility for persons with disabilities to a building, structure or premises, or part of a building, structure or premises,
   1. that the council purchases, constructs or significantly renovates;
   2. for which the council enters into a new lease; or
   3. that a person provides as municipal capital facilities under an agreement entered into with the council in accordance with section 110 of the Municipal Act, 2001 […]

The Accessibility Advisory Committee will be available as a resource to staff, providing input on matters being pursued to achieve Council’s strategic priorities.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee is also responsible for providing advice to Council on programs, policies and services provided to persons with disabilities and seniors. Furthermore, the Accessibility Advisory Committee is responsible for ensuring that its business aligns with, and serves to complement, City Council’s strategic priorities.

Composition

The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be organized as follows, with a total maximum membership between 9-15:

• In keeping with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, a majority the members of the committee shall be residents with disabilities.
• At least two (2) members would be residents who are 60 years of age or older
• As much as practicable, the membership should reflect the City’s diverse population.
• The membership shall also include one (1) Member of Council in a liaison capacity.

Reporting Relationship

The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall report to Council through the Finance and Corporate Services Committee. It may also report to another Standing Committee where appropriate, depending on the issue.

Keep in touch with the Accessibility Office and get accessibility-related information, including updates regarding the Accessibility Advisory Committee, through the Accessibility Spotlight newsletter.

Sign up using the City's eSubscriptions sign up form to receive the monthly e-newsletter directly to your email.

For information on or to receive previous Accessibility Spotlight articles, contact:

Accessibility Office, City of Ottawa
accessibilityoffice@ottawa.ca

You can also sign-up for an e-subscription to receive City Council Updates and a weekly advisory of upcoming meetings at City Hall.

As a subscriber, you will receive a City Council Update following each council meeting that summarizes some of the major decisions made by City Council. You will also be sent a weekly notification of upcoming Meetings at Ottawa City Hall.

Rosa Ramos, Coordinator
613-580-2424 ext. 21934
Rosa.Ramos4@ottawa.ca