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RM of Gimli
Accessibility Plan - 2017
RM of Gimli
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The RM of Gimli is committed to providing equal service to all citizens and visitors regardless of
their abilities. We strive to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility and to meet the
requirements of the "Accessibility for Manitobans Act".
Accessibility Legislation
The Accessibility of Manitobans Act(AMA) was passed December 5, 2013. Its goal is to enable
the implementation of the measures, policies, practices and other requirements necessary to make
significant progress towards achieving accessibility in Manitoba by 2023. Municipalities with
populations less than 10,000 must have an accessibility plan in place Dec 31, 2017. The
legislation requires accessibility standards to be developed over the next several years. The
standards will address barriers and set out requirements in five key areas of daily living. These
standards are:
1. Customer service
2. Information and communication
3. Transportation
4. Employment
5. Built environment
The Customer service standard requires organizations to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to
customer service. Where this is not possible they must provide equivalent customer service. To
provide accessible customer service, organizations need to: - review physical barriers that
prevent customers receiving service - consider the communication needs of clients - allow
service animals - allow assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen tanks - let
customers know your accessibility policies and procedures - let customers know when accessible
services aren't available - Invite customers to provide feedback - Understand The Human Rights
Code (Manitoba) and provide reasonable accommodations - train staff on accessible customer
service
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Part 1 - Baseline
a. Overview of programs and services
The RM of Gimli (RM) provides municipal services to approximately 6,000 residents of the RM
and countless seasonal visitors. Core services include water and sewer, streets and sidewalks
maintenance, waste and recycling services, land administration, parks and recreation facilities
and recreation programming. To provide these services the RM, operates a variety of facilities,
with varying levels of public access. The RM is also responsible to communicate with the
residents and visitors, about the programs and services that the RM provides and responding to
public inquiries. As a public entity, with the goal to provide service to the entire community, the
removal of accessibility barriers is an important component of providing a high level of service
to our residents and visitors to our community.
Accessibility achievements
- Most facilities have ramps and automated accessible doors.
- Accessible parking is located close to entrances for the major public buildings.
- New construction has been built to accommodate accessibility concerns.
- Mobi-Mats have been purchased for the beach front improving access across the beach
sand.
- RM Staff are empowered to accommodate residents and guests access municipal
programs and services. This includes assisting with payments, explaining process and
assistance in filling out forms.
- Elevators have been added to public buildings with multiple stories.
Accessibility Barriers
The RM of Gimli Facilities range greatly in their physical accessibility. Recently constructed
buildings have included accessibility features in their design, and the heavily trafficked public
buildings are continually working to improve their physical accessibility.
Facility
Accessibility Barriers
RM Office
- RM Front Office (interior) door has no accessible entry.
- Front desk is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Gimli Recreation
Centre
- Automatic Door Openers are hard to access at Arena and Curling
entrances.
- The Office front counter is not accessible for customers in
wheelchairs.
- Access to both Arena and Curling ice requires the use of stairs.
Both ice surfaces have direct access from outside, at ground
level.
- Accessibility stickers are needed on several bathrooms and
entrances to promote awareness.
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- Fitness Centre change rooms are not accessible.
- Hockey change rooms are not accessible.
Gimli Beach
- Signage required to promote accessible features.
- No accessible access into the water.
- Beach path ends at the North washroom.
- Picnic Tables and Benches are not accessible by visitors in
wheelchairs.
- Curb cuts are not at regular intervals along parking lot.
Public Works
- Main office does not have door openers.
- Office is not well setup for accessibility.
RM of Gimli Dump
- To be completed.
Gimli Fire Hall
- To be completed.
Gimli Aquatic Centre
- Facility should be accessible but review will wait until
construction is completed. Spring 2018.
Gimli Sports Park
- No hardened surfaces.
- Washrooms are not accessible.
Gimli Race Track
- To be completed.
Multi-Purpose Building
- To be completed.
Visitors Centre
- No automatic door openers.
- The front desk is no accessible for visitors in wheelchairs.
- The bathrooms need improvements for accessibility.
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Part 2 - Accessibility Plan
a. Statement of Commitment
The RM of Gimli is committed to ensuring all residents and visitors have the opportunity to
access and participate in RM programs and services. Treating people with disabilities in ways
that allow them to maintain their dignity and independence is important to our community. We
will strive to enable access by; identifying, removing and preventing barriers and by meeting the
requirements of The Accessibility for Manitoban's Act.
b. Policies
The RM of Gimli will undertake a review of all programs, services, facilities and new initiatives
to ensure accessibility accommodation is available.
The RM of Gimli will make information available in an accessible format or provide
communication supports to people with disabilities in a way that considers their disability.
c. Actions
Action
Status
Develop accessibility committee:
An accessibility committee will be
created to identify barriers in services,
facilities and programs. The
committee will be comprised of RM
staff and community members.
Completed
- Chris Hornby - Manager Parks and
Recreation Services
- Brittany Isfeld - Economic
Development Clerk
- Gimli Age Friendly Committee -
consultation on plan
Staff Training & Awareness:
1. The Accessibility Committee will
research available training
resources.
2. A training plan will be created to
assist municipal staff and council
to recognize specific accessibility
barriers and take steps to
accommodate.
3. Initial training will focus on front
line staff with high levels of public
interaction.
4. All staff will receive accessibility
training. The scope of training will
be related to positions and level of
public interaction.
Ongoing - To be implemented for Summer
2018 staff training.
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Facility Accommodations;
1. A list of facilities and
corresponding barriers will be
created.
2. General Signage for all facilities
indicating accessibility features
and available assistance will be
developed.
Ongoing
Ongoing
Processes;
1. The Accessibility Committee will
review and document specific
accessibility situations as they arise.
2. The Accessibility Committee will
create a process for staff to follow as
barriers are identified.
Ongoing
Communications;
1. Accessibility Plan will be
communicated to all employees,
through internal postings and during
staff meetings.
2. Accessibility Plan will be posted
publicly for residents on the website
and in hard copies at the Municipal
and Recreation Offices.
Ongoing
Budget;
Budget will be allocated based on identified
needs and availability of funds, during annual
budgeting processes.
Ongoing
Monitor Progress;
The Accessibility Committee will meet
several times a year to assess progress on plan
and address accessibility barriers that are
identified.
Ongoing
d. Expected Outcomes
- Residents and visitors to the RM of Gimli, who are affected by disabilities will be better
able to access RM services, programs and facilities while maintaining their dignity.
- All levels of RM staff will be more conscious and aware of accessibility barriers and
recognize accessibility barriers more readily.
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- Staff will feel confident assisting with accessibility issues, having been provided with
training and tools to assist the public.
- Senior staff will consider and incorporate accessibility requirements in their short and
long-term planning going forward.
Contact Person:
Chris Hornby, Manager - Parks and Recreation Services
204-642-6670
[email protected]