The leader of a disability rights organization in Ottawa says the group is struggling to get business owners in Centretown West to meet the province’s accessibility goals.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), passed 20 years ago, was meant to make the province fully accessible by 2025. But some businesses still don’t seem to value accessibility, says Kenzie McCurdy, co-coordinator of StopGap Ottawa, which has been making portable wooden ramps to place outside local businesses since 2015.
“You’re dealing with ignorance, you’re dealing with attitude, a lot of things going on. So we’re struggling,” McCurdy said.
StopGap Ottawa runs the local division of an Ontario-wide ramp program. The ramps the group provides are painted in bright colours to draw attention to accessibility features, but they can only be used for single steps. Buildings with several steps or a gap of more than seven inches are out of luck.
With a lot of older buildings, it’s really difficult to find an accessible venue or concert hall or even just a coffee shop. So, I mostly spend my time in other parts of the city that have more accessibility.
Ottawa resident Jessica Franklin uses a wheelchair
McCurdy says the ramps are temporary and it’s “really frustrating” that “no one seems to be looking into more permanent kinds of options.”
StopGap Ottawa is considering moving to an education focused model because of the misunderstandings the group encounters.
“The foundation was saying that they want to look a little bit more into perhaps moving towards the education side, creating awareness,” she said.
Ottawa resident Jessica Franklin would like to spend more time in Centretown, but she says area businesses can’t always accommodate her electric wheelchair.
“There are some wonderful places that have been able to adapt or acquire ramps that have made them more accessible to more people,” said Franklin.
“But with a lot of older buildings, it’s really difficult to find an accessible venue or concert hall or even just a coffee shop. So, I mostly spend my time in other parts of the city that have more accessibility.”
Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr, the council liaison for the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, says there is a paradox for people who need mobility devices.
“Oftentimes, our accessible apartments, where there’s density, are located in the core, but the services are more accessible out in the suburbs. So, it’s not very intuitive,” said Carr.
Small business owners and advocates have cited high costs and red tape as obstacles to improvements.
“I think a lot of businesses are losing out on some great opportunities. If you limit who can get into your establishment, you limit who can spend money there,” said Franklin.
But small business owners say it’s difficult and costly to make older buildings accessible.
Louise, a vintage shop owner in Centretown West, wants to make her business accessible. She says it’s hard to know where to start, adding information and financial support for small businesses is lacking.
Since most buildings in Centretown West were built before comprehensive accessibility laws existed, small business owners are expected to foot the bill for renovations. Louise says however that she and many other small business owners would require financial support to become fully accessible.
“It feels like if we want to get something done, we are totally on our own. We want to be accessible for everyone, but the cost is a huge hurdle,” she said.
Ramps or elevators are only one piece in the puzzle of comprehensive accessibility. Automatic doors, handrails, wider aisles, braille options and accessible washrooms are essential to spaces that welcome people of all abilities, according to the AODA.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee advises City Council on projects, working with programs, policies and services for those on the disability spectrum as required by the AODA. The committee has 15 members, all of whom have lived experience or expertise on disability.
Although the committee deals strictly with city matters, Carr says, many citizens reach out with concerns over accessible businesses and housing.
“They [committee members] do try to assist with private requests if they can, but the purview is really to support city programs in accessibility,” said Carr.
Current regulations do not require all older buildings to adhere to accessibility codes, “so, it’s really a business’ own choice if they make the modifications,” she added.
Some disability advocates say that to meet AODA targets, all governments must place more value on building accessible communities.
Heather Lacey, executive director of Able2, a not-for-profit working to empower those across the disability spectrum, says “it bothers me a lot that we have been relegated to the back. So, I think it needs to be more focused on, how do you build a community that is inclusive for everyone,” she said.
We want family-owned businesses, we want to support community businesses so, lets advocate for the government to make those programs a little less of a barrier to a business and more of an incentive.
Heather Lacey, executive director of Able2
Advocates know there is a lack of support for businesses. Many programs require businesses to put money out upfront to be reimbursed after renovations.
“We want family-owned businesses, we want to support community businesses so, lets advocate for the government to make those programs a little less of a barrier to a business and more of an incentive,” said Lacey.
Spontaneous outings in Ottawa is a far away dream for those who use mobility aids. Businesses rarely include accessibility features on their websites.
Franklin says that the burden of finding accessibility information falls on the disabled community. Platforms like AccessNow share accessibility stats on thousands of businesses across the city, making it easier to know where to go.
Ottawa has made strides towards accessibility since the AODA, and despite missing targets, advocates say they’re committed to building an accessible future in the city.
“People with disabilities deserve a community they can fully participate in, it is 2025 and we are no where near the goal is shameful,” said Lacey.
“My message to the province ‘you can do better! Get this done!”
