In 2001, the Province of Ontario passed the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Under the Act, municipalities were mandated to establish an annual accessibility plan that identified barriers to people with disabilities in its buildings and services and what action would be taken to remove these obstacles, as well as to prevent new barriers from being established.
The Town of Midland has made great strides over the years in removing a significant number of the barriers identified. As required under the Act, the Town, in conjunction with its Accessibility Advisory Committee, reviews the Plan annually ensuring a current plan is in place by September 30, as legislated under the ODA.
The Town's annual accessibility plan provides a historical account of obstacles that have been removed from its facilities and services, as well as an update on new and/or existing barriers and proposed remedial action to be undertaken.
Comments from the public on the plan are encouraged to assist in the identification and removal of barriers to municipal services, programs and practices.
Under the ODA, municipalities were also mandated to develop barrier-free design guidelines to provide accessibility to its buildings, structures and premises. The Town of Midland developed the guidelines below in consultation with its Accessibility Advisory Committee.
