Help shape Pickering’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2026 to 2030)

The City of Pickering is renewing its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for 2026 to 2030. This Plan will guide how we improve accessibility in our services, programs, facilities, employment practices, and public spaces.

Your feedback will help identify barriers, highlight priorities, and shape our next five-year plan. The survey is open to all residents, including people living with disabilities, caregivers, advocates, and anyone interested in building a more inclusive community.

Ways to get Involved

1. Provide your feedback through our online survey.

2. Attend a virtual or in-person focus group session to connect directly with staff and others (details below). Registration link available here.

Why Your Input Matters

About 27 percent of Pickering residents live with at least one disability. As our population grows and ages, accessibility needs are increasing. Your experiences and ideas will help the City understand what is working well and where improvements are needed.

Engagement Sessions

Upcoming accessibility focus groups

To support broader participation, the City is offering both in-person and virtual sessions tailored to different community groups.

People with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of accessibility barriers:

• Tuesday, November 3, 9:30 to 11 am (in-person)
• Tuesday, November 10, 7 to 8:30 pm (virtual)

Family members, caregivers, and support persons

• Tuesday, November 3, 1:30 to 3 pm (in-person)
• Thursday, November 12, 7 to 8:30 pm (virtual)

Community organizations, service providers, and partners

• Thursday, November 5, 9:30 to 11 am (in-person)
• Tuesday, November 17, 7 to 8:30 pm (virtual)

All in-person focus groups listed above will take place at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (O'Brien Room). Refreshments will be served.

Participants who register for a virtual session will receive meeting details by email in advance of their session.

Additional in-person session

For individuals unable to attend their designated focus group, an additional session will be offered on Thursday, November 5, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Pickering Central Library.

About the Plan

Municipalities are required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to develop and maintain a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. Pickering’s current plan concludes at the end of 2025. The new 2026 to 2030 Plan will:

• Maintain compliance with the AODA
• Support barrier-free access to services, programs, and facilities
• Improve digital and physical accessibility
• Strengthen inclusive employment practices
• Reflect the needs of residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors

There are 60+ actions across four service delivery areas:

1. Customer Service
2. Information and Communication
3. Employment
4. Design of Public Spaces (Built Environment)

How the Plan Will Be Developed

The City will consult with:

• Residents with lived experience
• The City's Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Community partners and service providers
• The City’s Accessibility Core Staff Team

Survey results will be analyzed, along with this feedback, to inform the new Plan.

Our Commitment

Pickering is committed to creating an accessible, inclusive, and equitable community. Thank you for sharing your insights and helping us shape a stronger future for everyone.