The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) contributes strategic input and advice to City Council and City staff on matters outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Act includes the Integrated Accessibility Standards and awareness of the Ontario Human Rights Code. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the AAC shall advise and assist the City on the requirements within the AODA and related legislation. The AAC can advise on promoting and facilitating an inclusive and equitable community that is universally accessible. This aim shall be achieved through the review of municipal policies, programs and services and the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
The AAC performs various functions specified in the AODA, including:
- advise Council about the requirements and implementation of accessibility standards and the preparation of accessibility reports and such other matters for which the Council may seek its advice within this section;
- review in a timely manner the site plans and drawing described in section 41 of the Planning Act that the committee selects;
- perform all other functions that are specified in the regulations.
- be prepared to advise Council on their duty to:
- seek advice from the committee on the accessibility for persons with disabilities to a building, structure or premises, or part of a
building, structure or premises;
- that the council purchases, constructs or significantly renovates;
- for which the council enters into new lease; or
- that a person provides as municipal capital facilities under an agreement entered into with the council in accordance with Section 110
of the Municipal Act, 2001.
Further, the AAC plays a crucial role in advising on, and promoting, accessibility within the municipality. Through partnerships with staff, the AAC effectively carries out its mandate, helping the City build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable community for everyone.
Board Information
The AAC will meet monthly, as required, on the third Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m., excluding August.
The length of meetings will typically not exceed two hours.
All meetings will be conducted in a hybrid format, where possible.
Strategic Plan Alignment
Foundations - 5. Provide excellent service
5.3 - Remove barriers by integrating Guelph’s Equity Lens into everything we do
The AACs advice has the potential to impact all departments within the City, ensuring that every aspect of Guelph’s work is inclusive and equitable.
50 per cent + 1 of the currently appointed members, to a minimum of three members; additionally, of the members present, 50 per cent shall have a disability.
The AAC shall consist of 11 members appointed by Guelph City Council as per the Public Appointment Policy.
The majority of the members (minimum of six) shall be persons with disabilities
(Please refer to the definition of disabilities in the Ontario Human Rights Code).
The remaining positions (maximum of five) may be filled by individuals who do not have a disability. These members may include:
- parents representing children with disabilities;
- members from organizations involving persons with disabilities;
- members interested in issues related to persons with disabilities and accessibility issues and policies.
The AAC’s composition should also reflect demographic diversity, including ethnicity, gender, disability, etc., to ensure that the committee's advice to City Council reflects Guelph's diverse community, with a focus on engaging those who are underrepresented in local policy making.
City Clerk's Office
519-822-1260 ext. 5603
advisorycommittees@guelph.ca
Alex Goss
Manager, Equity and Community Investment
519-822-1260 ext. 2675
Leanne Warren
Supervisor, Accessibility Services
519-822-1260 ext. 2670
Email: accessibility@guelph.ca
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