Gravenhurst Unveils 2026–2030 Accessibility Plan to Boost Inclusion

The plan sets goals for public spaces, transportation, and recreation while ensuring compliance with Ontario’s accessibility legislation

Gravenhurst outlined its new 2026-2030 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP), in the January 20, 2026, meeting.

The MYAP is a way to continue the Town’s commitment to improving access and inclusion for residents and visitors of all abilities and meet requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

The plan outlines the Town's commitments and initiatives aimed at advancing accessibility throughout the community, while ensuring compliance with provincial accessibility legislation.

Although the legislated deadline for Ontario to become fully accessible under the AODA concluded on January 1, 2025, municipalities remain legally obligated to demonstrate continued progress through successive accessibility plans.

The plan provides a forecast of projects and initiatives over the next five years and aligns with key municipal documents, including the Capital Budget and Multi-Year Plan, Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan, and the Service Delivery and Organizational Review.

The structure of the new MYAP has been refined to deliver clearer and more concise messaging, supported by research into accessibility plans used by comparable municipalities.

Key goals for the 2026–2030 period include ongoing updates to Town policies, procedures, and the accessibility plan which will serve as a roadmap for improvements, demonstrate measurable progress, identify gaps, enhance awareness through ongoing AODA training for staff, and ensure that people with disabilities receive goods and services in a manner consistent with others remains a core priority.

Additional objectives include developing a recreation policy for the Recreation, Arts and Culture Department, removing barriers within public transportation, and ensuring newly designed public spaces incorporate accessibility features that promote comfort and usability.

The plan also emphasizes informing the public about accessible materials, formats, and community supports, and providing accessible web content through both in-person and digital engagement channels.

The Town is required to submit Accessibility Compliance Reports to the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility on a biennial basis, with the next report due before the end of 2027. Annual status reports outlining progress on MYAP commitments will continue, reinforcing the Town's long-term commitment to building a barrier-free community.

The clerk, said, “This is currently what’s in the works. More projects can come and be removed… This is a snapshot of today.”