Thank you to everyone who was involved in the accessible ramp by Adams Rd and Simcoe Blvd. The project is now complete and we are excited to now have an improved space that is AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliant and accessible to all.

Why did we make these improvements?

The Town has a commitment to continuous improvement and to comply with accessibility guidelines. Making progress to an accessible Innisfil is a strategic priority as identified in the Community Strategic Plan. Improving accessibility benefits everyone who accesses Town goods, services and facilities and is a component to making Innisfil a diverse and inclusive community that strives to improve the quality of life for all persons.

When an exterior path of travel is being redeveloped, the AODA requires that it be done in an accessible manner subject to some exceptions. Since the existing staircase has exceeded its useful life, it requires a full replacement. The pathway serves a functional purpose by allowing pedestrians to walk from one road to the other, the AODA requires that a ramp be constructed at this location given the difference in elevation between the two roadways.

This section of roadway was identified in the Town's Trails Master Plan (TMP) as a connection for users of active transportation, including but not limited to cyclists and pedestrians. The TMP identifies these roadway sections of Lakelands Ave, Adams Rd and Simcoe Blvd as an area that will receive sharrows to better facilitate cycling activities and connections to downtown Alcona for all users.

In order to make this area accessible to all pedestrians, the ramp now:

• Improves the condition and safety of pedestrian access between Adams Rd and Simcoe Blvd.
• Complies with the AODA;
• Complies with the Town of Innisfil's Community Strategic Plan which highlights that improving accessibility within the Town of Innisfil is a strategic priority; and
• Makes the community connections provided in the Town's Trails Master Plan.