St. John’s seeks public feedback on draft accessibility plan

The City of St. John’s is asking residents for feedback on its draft 2027-2029 Accessibility Plan, which outlines proposed actions to improve access to municipal programs, services, transportation and public spaces.

The plan builds on the City’s first accessibility plan and includes proposed actions in seven areas: programs and services, the built environment, information and communication, employment, procurement, accommodations and public transportation.

Among the proposed actions are improvements to accessibility in public engagement, recreation, emergency planning and municipal elections.

The City is also proposing accessibility improvements to municipal buildings, housing, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, sidewalks, trails, parking and public washrooms.

Other areas include making City websites, forms, documents and emergency communications more accessible, improving accessible recruitment and workplace supports, and incorporating accessibility into the procurement of goods and services.

The plan also proposes finalizing and piloting an Accessible Accommodations Policy and continuing improvements to Metrobus and GoBus vehicles, routes, bus stops, services and information.

The City is particularly seeking input from people living with disabilities, as well as caregivers and advocates. Feedback will be used to help finalize the 2027-2029 plan.

How to provide feedback

Residents can review the draft plan and provide feedback through an online survey, by email at engage@stjohns.ca, or through the City's Engage St. John's project page.

The City is also holding several engagement opportunities:

• Virtual meeting: Wednesday, October 14, from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is required.

• Open house: Thursday, October 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at H.G.R. Mews Community Centre.

• Pop-up engagement events at City community centres.

ASL interpretation and captioning will be available during the virtual meeting and open house.

A plain-language version of the draft plan is also available.

Residents who require other accommodations are asked to make the request when registering, preferably at least seven days before an event.

For more information, contact the City at 709-576-4450 or engage@stjohns.ca.