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Approved by Council 2026-02-19
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Municipality of the
District of St. Mary's
Accessibility Plan
2025-28 Update
Approved by Council 2026-02-19
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Contents
1
Background ......................................................................................................................................... 3
2
What We Heard: Community Consultation .................................................................................... 4
3
Achievements ..................................................................................................................................... 5
4
Recommendations ............................................................................................................................. 7
4.1
The Built Environment .............................................................................................................. 7
4.2
Information and Communications ......................................................................................... 8
4.3
Employment .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.4
Services ...................................................................................................................................... 9
4.5
Transportation ......................................................................................................................... 10
5
Implementing & Monitoring the Plan ............................................................................................ 11
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1 Background
The Municipality of the District of St. Mary's is committed to creating an inclusive and
accessible community where residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can fully participate
in civic life. The Accessibility Plan is a strategic tool designed to guide the Municipality in
identifying, removing, and preventing barriers in municipal facilities, programs, services, and
public spaces.
This Plan builds on previous accessibility initiatives and reflects the Municipality's ongoing
commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. It provides a framework for
implementing practical improvements, setting priorities, and monitoring progress over time.
This Accessibility Plan will be integrated into a broader Inclusion Plan that addresses inclusion,
diversity, equity, anti-hate, and accessibility. The Accessibility Plan is being completed first to
meet the update requirements of the Government of Nova Scotia, with the broader Inclusion
Plan anticipated for completion in 2026.
The development of the Plan was informed by the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act and best
practices in accessibility and universal design. It also draws on input from community members,
municipal staff, and other stakeholders to ensure the Plan responds to the real experiences and
needs of those who use municipal services.
The Municipality aims to foster a more welcoming and accessible environment, promote safe
and equitable participation in community life, and ensure that accessibility is considered in all
aspects of municipal decision-making and service delivery. In 2023 the Municipality of the
District of St. Mary's published its first Accessibility Plan. Barriers to accessibility were assessed
throughout the Municipality and a list of actions was created to support the removal of these
barriers. To support this, we engaged in a process to update and refresh the Plan's actions that
address the needs of residents in our community.
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2 What We Heard: Community Consultation
2.1 Background
Community engagement was a key component in completing the Accessibility Plan update.
Residents are the primary users of municipal programs, services, and facilities, and their lived
experiences provide valuable insight into what works well and what barriers exist. To gather
this information, the Municipality conducted a range of consultation activities in the fall of
2025, including two in-person workshops held in September, an online survey available to all
community members, and attendance at community events across the Municipality. Through
these efforts, feedback was collected from over thirty-four participants, helping to identify
accessibility needs, priorities, and opportunities for improvement. This input has directly
informed the recommendations and initiatives outlined in this Plan.
2.2 Feedback Summary
Community feedback played a vital role in shaping this Accessibility Plan update. Through in-
person workshops, an online survey, and engagement at community events, residents and
visitors shared their experiences, identified barriers, and suggested opportunities for
improvement.
Participants highlighted several common themes, including the need for improved physical
accessibility in municipal facilities and outdoor spaces, improved and more equitable access to
programs and services across the Municipality, and more transportation options to support
participation. Feedback also emphasized the importance of clear communication, flexible
program delivery, and affordability to ensure everyone can take part in community life. The
insights gathered helped the Municipality better understand what is working well and where
improvements are needed. This feedback directly informed the priorities, achievements, and
recommendations outlined in this plan and will continue to guide future accessibility efforts.
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3 Achievements
This section highlights the ways the Municipality has taken action to create a more inclusive
and accessible environment. Each initiative and improvement reflects our shared commitment
to supporting all residents in living, working, and engaging in St. Mary's.
3.1 The Built Environment Accessibility Achievements
- In 2024, automatic door buttons were installed on all public washrooms and dressing
rooms at the St. Mary's Recplex, improving ease of access for all visitors.
- In 2025, automatic door buttons were installed at the Sherbrooke Public Library
entrances, exits and the washroom, improving ease of access for all visitors.
- In 2025, new rubber flooring was installed at the St. Mary's Recplex, designed to
eliminate gaps and heaves for safer, smoother movement.
- In 2025, accessible parking spaces were added at the St. Mary's Recplex to support
convenient access for visitors with mobility needs.
- In 2025, accessible parking spaces were added at the 16 Main Street Parking Lot,
enhancing access to Pioneer Park.
3.2 Information and Communication Accessibility Achievements
- In 2025, the audio-visual equipment in Council Chambers was upgraded to improve
clarity and accessibility for virtual meeting attendees.
3.4 Employment Accessibility Achievements
- In 2023, the Municipality adopted a new Human Resources Policy that strengthens
inclusive employment practices by supporting the hiring, training, and accommodation
of individuals with disabilities.
- Standing desks were purchased, supporting workplace accessibility and comfort for
employees with diverse needs.
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3.5 Service Accessibility Achievements
- The Municipality's Equipment Loan Program has expanded its inventory to include
adaptive equipment such as sleds and sledges, making recreation more accessible for
everyone.
- Recreation programs are open for registration both in person and online, ensuring easy
access for all community members.
3.6 Transportation Accessibility Achievements
- To improve access and connectivity for residents, the Municipality supported the
development of a non-profit transportation service. In 2023, the St. Mary's Association
for Rural Transit was formed, helping community members travel more easily
throughout the Municipality.
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4 Recommendations
These recommendations reflect the voices and experiences of the people who live, work, and
visit our community. They are designed to help the Municipality identify and remove barriers,
enhance access to programs and services, and foster an environment where everyone--
regardless of ability--can fully participate in community life. By taking these actions, the
Municipality can build a more inclusive, welcoming, and connected community for all residents.
4.1 The Built Environment
The Municipality of the District of St. Mary's is committed to ensuring that public buildings and
spaces are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, whether the spaces are owned, leased,
or operated by the Municipality. Building on this commitment, the following recommendations
outline practical actions the Municipality can take to remove barriers, improve accessibility, and
create a more inclusive community for everyone.
- Provide accessible seating at key community facilities, including St. Mary's Recplex and
the Sherbrooke Public Library, to ensure all residents can comfortably participate in
programs and activities.
- Provide seating throughout Pioneer Park and Stonewall Park to improve accessibility
along trails and open spaces, ensuring all residents can comfortably enjoy outdoor
areas.
- There currently are no fully accessible washrooms available in municipal spaces. Ensure
at least one fully accessible washroom is available at each of the four municipal facilities.
- Repair Municipal Office entrance accessible door.
- Support community partners, local businesses, and organizations in making accessibility
improvements by promoting available funding programs and sharing information about
grants, resources, and best practices.
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- Improve lighting in municipal parks to increase safety, accessibility, and usability for all
residents, including during evening hours.
- Equip public and staff washrooms at the Municipal Office with push-button access to
improve accessibility and independence for all users.
- Equip the Community Room at the Municipal Office with push-button access to improve
accessibility and independence for all users.
4.2 Information and Communications
The Municipality is committed to providing information and communications that are clear and
accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Using plain and simple language helps ensure
that residents, visitors, and stakeholders can easily understand and engage with municipal
services. Building on this commitment, the following recommendations identify actions the
Municipality can take to enhance accessibility in communications and better serve the entire
community.
- Establish a Communications Strategy that clearly outlines how to ensure all municipal
communications are accessible, inclusive, and available in multiple formats to meet the
diverse needs of the community.
- Develop programs and resources to help residents, staff, and community partners better
understand accessibility, remove barriers, and foster an inclusive community for
everyone.
4.3 Employment
The Municipality is committed to providing barrier-free employment opportunities for people of
all ages and abilities. It strives to make employment practices and workplaces accessible for
both new and existing employees. Building on this commitment, the following
recommendations outline actions the Municipality can take to further support an inclusive and
accessible workplace for all.
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- Develop an inclusive hiring strategy to promote diversity, equity, and accessibility in all
recruitment and staffing processes.
- Deliver Foundations of Accessibility training to municipal staff and Council to build
awareness, strengthen capacity, and support inclusive decision-making.
- Encourage leadership and staff to model inclusive language and call out harmful
language when it occurs, fostering a respectful and supportive environment.
- Establish a clear process for employees to request accessibility support, ensuring all staff
have the tools and resources they need to work effectively.
4.4 Services
The Municipality is committed to providing equitable services to individuals of all ages and
abilities. Building on this commitment, the following recommendations identify practical actions
the Municipality can take to ensure services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the
needs of the entire community.
- Deliver recreation programs throughout all districts of the Municipality, helping remove
location-related barriers and improve access for all community members.
- Create a subsidy to help residents overcome cost-related barriers, ensuring that
municipal programs and services are accessible and inclusive for all community
members.
- Develop a family-based registration form that allows families to register as a unit, rather
than requiring individual forms for each family member, making participation more
convenient and accessible.
- Offer flexible service and program options to support participation by residents who are
unable to attend during regular hours.
- Enhance the Equipment Loan Program by adding accessible equipment for all seasons,
ensuring residents of all abilities can enjoy recreation year-round.
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- Ensure residents can attend fitness programs without requiring a companion,
supporting independence and participation.
4.5 Transportation
The Municipality is committed to providing accessible transportation for people of all ages and
abilities in St. Mary's. The following recommendations outline ways to make travel easier, safer,
and more inclusive for everyone.
- Develop an accessible multi-use trail network connecting Main Street, Sherbrooke, and
northeast Sherbrooke, improving safe and inclusive access to schools and essential
services through active transportation.
- Explore creating a network that connects residents who need transportation with those
willing to provide it, improving access to municipal programs, services, and community
activities.
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5 Implementing & Monitoring the Plan
The Municipal Inclusion, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Anti-Hate & Accessibility Advisory
Committee, along with appointed staff and council are responsible for adopting and
overseeing the MODSM Enabling Accessibility Plan.
The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for implementing the plan and assigning an
Accessibility Coordinator.
The MODSM Accessibility Coordinator is responsible for receiving and responding to public
concerns, complaints, and suggestions. You can contact the Accessibility Coordinator at
mailto:info@saint-mary's.ca or by calling 902-522-2049.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is responsible for giving feedback and recommendations
to the Municipal Council. The Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee will prepare an
annual report for council for the fiscal year ending March 31 of each year. This report card will
measure the performance of the actions in this plan. The Committee may also make
recommendations to improve the plan. The annual report will be a public document that will
be posted to the MODSM website.
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6 Glossary
Accessibility: the practice of making information, services, transportation and/or
environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible.
Accommodation: a personalized adaption of a service or environment to overcome the
barriers faces by individuals of all ages and abilities.
Active Transportation: refers to all forms of human powered transportation. Most
commonly, it refers to walking and cycling, but also rollerblading, skateboarding,
running, wheelchair use, skating, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and cross-country
skiing.
Barrier: anything that stops or challenges the full and effective participation in society of
an individual of any age or ability.
Communication: the process by which information is exchanged between individuals
through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.
Disability: Nova Scotia's Accessibility Act defines a disability as a physical, mental,
intellectual, learning or sensory impairment, including an episodic disability, that, in
interaction with a barrier, hinders an individuals full and effective participation in society.
Equity / Equitable: an individual or group is provided with the same resources or
opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has a different circumstance and
allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
Plain Language: language that is clear and easy for the reader or listener to understand.