MTO 2008-2009 Accessibility Plan

Report on Other Accessibility Commitments

Focus area: Built Environment

Focus area:

Built Environment / Customer Service

Impact:

Program / Policy / Practice / Service

Commitment:

Ongoing

Formalize current policy on accessibility at ministry Public Information Centre (PIC) events by including it in the Class Environment Assessment (EA) when it is next updated.

Implementation Timeframe:

October 2007 to November 2008 reporting period

Results Achieved:

Class EA projects require public consultation which is outsourced to external consultants. Specific directions are given through contract documents. MTO's contract documents refer consultants to the Environment Reference for Highway Design for details on MTO's expectations regarding delivery of Class EA projects.

The precise timing of the PIC is determined during the development of the study schedule and the submission of the consultation plan. The schedule and plan are subject to review and approval by MTO. Accessibility requirements as per the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 must be taken into account when developing the consultation plan and the selection of facilities. The document, Planning for Accessible Meetings, issued by the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario is offered as a resource to assist in the planning of meetings and reflects an optimal level of accessibility. The consultant is responsible for all arrangements for the PIC including, but not limited to, booking a suitable, universally accessible facility.

Focus area:

Built Environment

Impact:

Service

Commitment:

Complete / Ongoing

The Facilities and Business Services Branch as well as the Provincial Highways Management Division work closely with the appropriate parties including service providers, Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) and building management with respect to improving built environment accessibility features.

Planned Action(s):

• The Highway Standards Branch in collaboration with the MTO Accessibility Committee will review and recommend the best practices for the sidewalk width standards for bridges. Timing of this commitment is subject to the progress of the AODA built environment accessible standards currently under development.
• Eastern Region will replace or add accessible signage to a number of locations including the regional complex, Port Hope and Bancroft with an anticipated completion date of March 2009.
• In Eastern Region, an accessible pedestrian signal will be installed during the construction of a traffic signal in Norwood with an anticipated completion date of spring/summer 2009.
• Commuter parking lots are currently under construction or at the design stage at the following locations: QEW-Casablanca, 400/Essa Road, 400/King Road, 404/Queensville. Accessible / designated parking spaces specifications will be in accordance with the newly revised Highway Design Bulletin 2007-002 for Carpool Parking Facilities where all new or expanded ministry carpool parking facilities will be designed and constructed in accordance with the Standards for Barrier-Free Design of Ontario Government Facilities.
• The construction plan of a patrol yard located at 401/Hurontario has been designed in accordance with barrier-free requirements as per Ontario Building Code 2006 Compendium, which includes the following provisions: barrier-free washrooms, building access (entrances and corridors), and accessible parking. The construction of the new building started this summer and scheduled for completion in May 2010.
• In Downsview, retrofit to the lift in Building A by installing automatic door openers and paddles to allow staff and visitors using a wheelchair to exit the lift safely is scheduled for this fiscal year.
• MTO will continue to work jointly with Profac, ORC and service providers to incorporate accessibility into design construction and alteration projects following the Standards for Barrier-Free Design of Ontario Government Facilities.

Implementation Timeframe:

Relevant dates are inserted under listed achievements, commitments and activities in progress.

Results Achieved:

The Facilities and Business Services Branch and the Provincial Highways Management Division worked diligently with the appropriate parties including service providers, Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) and building management to remove and prevent built environment barriers. As a result, the following accessibility improvements have been achieved during this reporting period:

Northeastern Region

• Huntsville District Office - two automatic door openers were installed in the fall of 2008.
• New Liskeard District Office - the front counter was renovated in October 2007 to allow access to people with disabilities.

West Region

• Five washrooms at 659 Exeter Road were renovated in December 2007 to meet the Standards for Barrier-Free Design of Ontario Government Facilities.
• Larger font, directional signage was installed to assist seniors in locating the senior sessions during the fall of 2007.

Eastern Region

• John Counter Boulevard location - implemented automated speech attendant system on all the telephone lines. This accessibility improvement provides the option of someone speaking to the automated system with appropriate prompts rather than using the touch pad on the telephone. This system was activated in September 2008.
• Shrine Hill lookout/picnic site along Hwy 60 (Wilno) - construction of a new accessible outdoor privy. The Shrine attracts bus tours, seniors and veterans.

Central Region/Head Office/Queen's Park

• Profac/ORC lighting project (light sensor installation) completed in Buildings B and D in Downsview, St. Catharines and Queen's Park Head Offices. This automatic lighting system avoids the manipulation of light switches.
• Retrofitting of the 3rd Floor, Ferguson Block, Queen's Park included numerous accessibility improvements:
  • Proper sized stalls installed in the washrooms
  • New water closets with proper seat height
  • Grab bars and mirrors
  • Door operators and paddles installed at correct heights on all main entrance, washrooms and kitchen entrance doors
  • Proper sized glass doors installed on the side entrance and corridor
  • New kitchen installed with proper sink height
  • The project was completed in March 2008
• In St. Catharines, an accessibility feasibility study for an appropriate alarm system for staff and visitors with a hearing disability was completed in March 2008.
• All washrooms in St. Catharines were equipped with hands free soap dispensers.
• In St. Catharines (public washrooms), approximately 30 sinks were equipped with sensor-activated taps and a combination of 15 urinals and toilets were outfitted with auto flush sensors. Eleven accessible door operator devices were installed on the mezzanine floor washrooms and other access areas as well as public washrooms on the ground floor, north grounds and cafeteria.

Focus area:

Built Environment / Customer Service / Information and Communications

Impact:

Service

Commitment:

New / Ongoing

Improve overall quality of the Learning Centre located in St. Catharines

Implementation Timeframe:

October 2007 to November 2008 reporting period

Results Achieved:

Numerous features were added / improved at the Learning Centre. Employees attending functions at this location favourably commented on the improved sound quality as well as appropriate visual equipment. Employees are now given the option to participate at meetings that occur out of town without having to travel, as this centre offers modern video conferencing services with large screens, overhead projectors and wireless teleconference phones in all rooms. This facility is located in an accessible building and is also available for use by members of the community.

Focus area:

Built Environment / Customer Service

Impact:

Services

Commitment:

New / Ongoing

Planned Action(s):

Service Centres on Highways 400 and 401 will be refurbished.

Implementation Timeframe:

Multi-year project with an anticipated completion date of 2012

Results Achieved:

Proposed procurement agreement includes additional built environment accessibility features in addition to those currently in place.