In the City of Burlington, we are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy the same opportunities as they live, work, play and visit our city. Learn more about how we are always working to improve accessibility.
Accessibility Design Standards
Our Accessibility Design Standards help guide the construction and renovation of City-owned and leased facilities to create more accessible spaces for everyone.
Accessibility legislation in Ontario
Learn more about specific accessibility legislation in Ontario, such as the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ontario Building Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Accessibility in Ontario's Building Code
Within a building, the accessibility of most elements is regulated by the Ontario Building Code (OBC). The OBC defines the minimum accessibility requirements for most new construction and extensive renovations of buildings and work together with the Design of Public Spaces standard. These include requirements for:
- Access to pools and saunas
- Barrier-free access paths of travel
- Fire safety devices
- Public washrooms
- Seating in public spaces
Existing buildings are not affected unless an extensive renovation is planned.
Houses, including semi-detached houses, townhouses and duplexes must comply with smoke alarm requirements, but are not affected by most other accessibility requirements.
It is important to note that even if the OBC and the AODA are complied with, all landlords, employers and service providers should be aware of potential human rights complaints under Ontario's Human Rights Code as they relate to accessibility to their buildings.
Accessible Parking Permits
Accessible parking spaces help reduce barriers for people living with disabilities. Accessible Parking Permits are issued by Service Ontario to either a driver or a passenger with a disability or health condition.
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Accessibility Advisory Committee advises Council on ways to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities in Burlington. Our Multi-year Accessibility Plan guides our commitment to accessibility in our goods, services and facilities until the year 2023.
Accessible Recreation Programs
We are committed to offering accessible recreation programs by offering access to assistive devices, personal support persons and recreation fee assistance.
Corporate Accessibility Policy
Our Corporate Accessibility Policy provides instruction for applying the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to the corporate policies, procedures and bylaws in Burlington.
Accessible Document Requests
If you require PDF communications in an alternative format you can request accessible formats and communication supports using our Accessible Document Request Form.
Service animals
Learn about how people use service animals and find customer service tips and etiquette for addressing people with service animals.
United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Having a disability puts you in the world's largest minority group. Currently around 10 per cent of the world's population, or roughly 650 million people, live with a disability, and that number will increase as the population ages.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is held each year on December 3 to focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide. The global observance has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992. Its aim is to:
- Encourage a better understanding of people living with disabilities
- Make people more aware of the rights of disabled people
- Raise awareness about the benefits of integrating people living with disabilities into every aspect of life, from economic, to political, to social and cultural
Events are held around the world to mark IDPD. Communities are encouraged to organize meeting, talks, discussions, forums, performance and campaigns relating to disability in their local areas.