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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Schedule A to By-law No. 2021-80
Municipality of Northern Bruce
Peninsula
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
2022-2026
This document is available in an alternative format upon request.
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Contents
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan ........................................................................................... 1
Contents ...................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3
Barriers to Accessibility ............................................................................................ 3
Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula's Commitment ............................................ 5
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Overview ........................................................................ 5
Overview of 2017-2021 Accessibility Achievements .................................................... 6
2017 Achievements .................................................................................................. 6
2018 Achievements .................................................................................................. 6
2019 Achievements .................................................................................................. 6
2020 Achievements .................................................................................................. 7
2021 Achievements .................................................................................................. 7
2022-2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan ...................................................................... 9
What we heard ......................................................................................................... 9
Consultation ........................................................................................................... 13
General .................................................................................................................. 13
Feedback and Contact Information ........................................................................ 13
Appendix A: Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Consultation Survey ................................................................................................... 14
Appendix B: Photographs of Accessibility Initiatives .................................................. 16
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Introduction
In 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed by the
Government of Ontario to expand on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) that was
passed in 2001. The Human Rights Code promotes and protects the rights of people
with disabilities to be free from discrimination. These Acts and Code outline accessibility
standards focused on dignity, integration, independence and equal opportunity for all
Ontarians.
The ADOA identifies various approaches for businesses, governments, and
organizations to remove barriers to accessibility. The development of a Multi-Year
Accessibility Plan is one aspect of complying with the AODA and acts as valuable
resource in identifying and removing barriers to accessibility within the Municipality. In
addition, the Municipality's Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy establishes
requirements for the Municipality in the areas of Information and Communications,
Employment, Transportation, Design of Public Spaces, and Customer Service.
The AODA defines a disability as follows:
"(a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is
caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis,
amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or
hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide
dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
(b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
(c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in
understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
(d) a mental disorder, or
(e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the
insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997;
("handicap")".
Barriers to Accessibility
The AODA and accessibility plans aim to remove barriers that prevent people with
disabilities from accessing services, facilities, and information. Barriers to accessibility
can be described as anything that prevents an individual from participating in aspects of
society based on their disability. Barriers can be organized into five types:
Environmental Barriers
Physical barriers within buildings or outdoor spaces that restrict or limit physical access
for people with disabilities.
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
To prevent environmental barriers:
- Design accessible spaces including entryways and exits from buildings, parking,
customer service counters, meeting spaces, and washrooms.
Communication Barriers
Lack of consideration for people with disabilities when sending or receiving information.
To prevent communication barriers:
- Use clear and simple language
- Create accessible documents when presenting to the public
- Use clear and large fonts
- Use closed captions when posting videos
- Place signage that is easy to read with contrasting colours
- Make meetings organized and easy to understand
Attitudinal Barriers
Judgements, assumptions, and perceptions that discriminate against people with
disabilities. Attitudinal barriers are often related to lack of knowledge or understanding.
To prevent attitudinal barriers:
- Avoid making assumptions
- Encourage the public to submit feedback on accessibility concerns
- Educate the public by posting information relating to accessibility on the website
and Facebook page (promote National Accessibility Week)
Technological Barriers
When technology cannot be or is not modified to support various assistive devices
and/or software.
To prevent technological barriers:
- Ensure the municipal website is compliant with current accessibility laws and
standards
- Ensure website content and attachments can be read using a screen-reader
Systemic Barriers
Policies, procedures, or practices established by an organization that limits people with
disabilities from participating and does not consider accessibility.
To prevent systemic barriers:
- Advertise a an accessible recruitment process that encourages applications from
people with disabilities where accommodations are available upon request
- Support community groups that consider accessibility and are removing barriers
- Offer Individualized Employee Accommodation Plans
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula's
Commitment
The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (the Municipality) is committed to
ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed
to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and
independence. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and
meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act and Ontario's accessibility laws.
The Municipality is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the
Ontario Human Rights Code with respect to non-discrimination. The Municipality is
committed to excellence in serving and providing goods, services or facilities to all
customers including people with disabilities.
One of the major roles of municipalities is to plan and develop our communities in the
areas of roads, parks, transportation, housing, libraries, recreation, emergency services,
facilities, elections, and more. Included within this role is enforcing barrier-free access
requirements under the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and ensuring that new
development incorporates accessible features that can be used by future generations.
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Overview
The creation of a Municipal Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is a requirement under the
AODA and Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (ISAR). The purpose of the
plan is to act as an organizational strategy to prevent and remove barriers to
accessibility and enact requirements within the standards. In addition, the Plan
highlights key priorities that are important to Northern Bruce Peninsula residents and
was developed in consultation with the public as their opinions are valuable. The Plan
must be reviewed and updated every five years. The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is a
guiding document and certain goals or priorities are subject to change.
The five standards of the ISAR are:
- Customer Service
- Information and Communications
- Employment
- Design of Public Spaces
- Transportation
The five ISAR standards have been incorporated into this Plan.
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Overview of 2017-2021 Accessibility
Achievements
There are several achievements to recognize from 2017-2021 with respect to improving
accessibility in Northern Bruce Peninsula. Achievements include removing barriers and
creating more inclusive communities. A comprehensive list of achievements are
identified within our annual Accessibility Status Reports.
2017 Achievements
Accessible Fire Rating Sign Installed on Highway 6
- A sign with larger font and contrasting colours was installed for better visibility.
Placement of Additional Accessible Picnic Tables
- Accessible picnic tables were placed at various locations.
Renovations to Bruce Peninsula Family Centre
- Accessible taps, sinks, and a lower countertop were installed.
2018 Achievements
Launch of New Municipal Website
- The new municipal website was designed to promote a user-friendly experience
with a fresh and modern layout.
Renovations to Front Entrance/Reception Area at Municipal Office
- Installation of accessible desks, work stations, automatic door openers, signage,
and building entrance/reception area.
Development of the 2018 Election Accessibility Plan
- Internet and telephone voting methods were utilized for the 2018 election
eliminating travel barriers.
Purchase of a Second Mobi-mat
- A second mobi-mat was purchased to allow water/beach access to enhance
mobility and access at beaches/parks.
2019 Achievements
Accessible Sidewalk at School Bell Park
- An accessible sidewalk was extended into the School Bell Park in Tobermory for
easier access to accessible swings and playground equipment.
Accessible Bucket Swings
- Two accessible bucket swings were installed at Lion's Head Beach Park and
School Bell Park in Tobermory for older children.
Tobermory Concession Stand Washrooms
- Bathroom renovations were completed at the Tobermory Concession Stand
washrooms to improve access.
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Service Animal Signage
- Signage for "Service Animals Only" was purchased and installed.
Online Burn Permits
- Burn permits transitioned to an online system for where the public can easily
obtain a burn permit by creating an account and renewing annually.
2020 Achievements
HR Downloads Online Training
- Provides AODA and other accessibility training to Municipal employees.
Accessibility Requirements for Site Plan Control Agreements
- The Clerk has mandated that accessibility requirements be considered when
preparing new Site Plan Control Agreements, such as the need for accessible
parking spaces.
New Accessible Customer Service Window and Wall in Front Office Space
- The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the need to adapt to new service
delivery processes. The accessible customer service window in the Municipal
Office allows everyone to access a receptionist while protecting the public and
municipal staff.
- A wall was constructed in the front office space of the Municipal Office that
eliminated a trip hazard while creating more useable space for staff.
Accessibility Audit
- Successful completion of AODA Desk Audit.
2021 Achievements
National Accessibility Week
- Promoted National Accessibility Week through postings on the municipal website
and Facebook Page (May 30-June 5, 2021).
Website AODA Compliance
- As outlined within the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the
Information and Communications Standards section reflects that "by January 1,
2021, all internet, websites, and web content must comply with the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level AA. These guidelines make websites
more accessible for people who use computers differently because of their
disabilities."
- Webpages within the municipal website are AODA compliant. All webpages were
scanned by our website provider to detect any noncompliance and all necessary
changes were completed. Staff detected some accessibility non-compliance
within third-party documents posted on the website, therefore all third-party non-
compliant documents were removed and replaced with website links (all non-
compliant third-party documents must be removed to comply with new
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
regulations). Links to third-party websites are permitted despite whether the
linked website is accessible.
- Staff compiled a list of all attached documents within the website and updated
municipal documents to meet the new accessibility requirements.
- An accessible template for Council reports was created and staff are encouraged
to scan finished reports through the accessibility checker on
Word prior to approval.
- Staff began working on creating accessible fillable forms through Adobe Acrobat
and are building fillable forms into the website that are submitted online.
News V3 Module
- An improved V3 News Module was configured into the Municipal website that
allows the public to subscribe to Municipal News and receive clear
communications.
Facebook Page
- The Municipality created a Facebook page as another communication channel.
Audio/Video Council Meetings
- Staff began live streaming Council meetings on Zoom due to the COVID-19
pandemic restricting public gatherings. To improve transparency and
participation, Council approved the implementation of audio/video technology in
the council chamber including livestreaming and meeting recordings. The
technology upgrades and new software allow the public to watch Council
meetings comfortably from their homes and view the meeting recordings at a
later date/time. Closed captions will be added to meetings.
Accessibility Policy
- Policy/By-law No. 2021-27 Integrated Accessibility Standards was passed on
April 26, 2021 including several schedules: Accessible Meeting and Event
Guidelines, Employee Individual Accommodation Plan, Emergency Response
Plan and Individualized Emergency Response Plan Form, Disruption in Service
Notification, Customer Service Feedback Form, and Record of Customer
Feedback Form.
Internet/Telephone Voting Approved for the 2022 Municipal Election
- Council approved internet/telephone voting for the 2022 Municipal Election
allowing all electors to vote safely and comfortably from their homes. Voter help
centre(s) will be available for people who require assistance casting their ballot.
Online Harbour Applications and Campground Bookings
- Harbour applications and Lion's Head Beach Park Campground bookings can be
completed through the Municipal website.
Funding Received for Lion's Head Community Centre/Arena Renovations
- Provincial funding was received to renovate the facility including relocating
change rooms to the main floor and other accessibility updates.
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Agreement with Celtic Sports and Arts Centre. Inc. for the Provision of Shuttle
Services within the Village of Lion's Head
- The public/private partnership allows the company to operate a shuttle bus
around Lion's Head while offering free transportation to seniors and children
under 5 years of age. The shuttle bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift/ramp.
Training for all Municipal Office Staff on Accessible Documents
- Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Professional Accessibility Training (online)
was completed by municipal staff. Staff greatly benefited from training on how to
create and remediate accessible documents in Microsoft Office and Adobe
Acrobat programs. This training will ensure that accessible documents are being
created across all departments.
Tobermory Community Centre Door
- Installed an outward facing door at the Tobermory Community Centre serving as
a separate entrance to the Information Centre.
Purchase of Ergonomic Office Chairs
- Ergonomic office chairs were purchased for some office staff that will assist in
better sitting posture and any accessibility needs.
2022-2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
What we heard
The following sections provide an overview of what we heard from the community
through the public survey posted on Let's Talk NBP (Bang the Table), the Municipality's
community engagement platform. Some of the feedback received relates to planned
accessibility initiatives, which confirms that these priorities are responsive to the
priorities of the community. Some comments were not within the scope of the
Municipality and these comments were shared with the appropriate
organizations/authorities (such a private operators or groups).
Customer Service
This includes but is not limited to recreational programs and services, customer service
provided at harbour offices, the Lion's Head Beach Park Campground, Municipal Office,
community centres, and Lion's Head Arena.
Public Comments:
- Good online application forms on the municipal website
- Permanently allow online participation in Council and Committee meetings
- Implement flexible meeting times for Council and Committee meetings with no
penalization for missed meetings
- Excellent customer service from staff at the Lion's Head Marina
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
2022-2026 Goals:
- Ensure new staff, council, and committee members receive accessible customer
service training through HR Downloads
- Continue the use of fillable applications forms on the website
- Investigate and implement new software and programming to improve and
simplify customer service, such as online parking pass registration
Information and Communications
This includes but is not limited to technology and signage, the Municipal website, the
Municipal Facebook page, printed materials and other Municipal correspondence, water
and property tax billing, charts and maps, and public meetings, consultations and
events.
Public Comments:
- Install clearer paid parking signage
- Place paper copy surveys in well-used facilities, such as the bank, pharmacy,
grocery store, etc.
- Facilitate in person meetings between Council, staff and the public (seniors) to
gather input
- Council Meeting Highlights provide a good summary of Council meetings
- Continue publishing Council minutes in the Bruce Peninsula Press newspaper
- Reorganize the website for easier access to join online Council meetings
- Better publicize Let's Talk NBP, the Municipality's online engagement tool
2022-2026 Goals:
- Ensure paid parking areas are well signed
- Offer paper copies of surveys and documents to the public upon request
- Continue holding public meetings to gather feedback on important Council
decisions (virtually and/or in person)
- Continue writing and posting Council Meeting Highlights and publishing minutes
in the Bruce Peninsula Press
- Continue updating the municipal website and reorganizing information to improve
accessibility
- Continue using the municipal Facebook page to share important municipal
information and communications
Employment
This includes but is not limited to opportunities for employment and volunteering with
the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, including our online application
submission form on the Municipal website and job postings.
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Public Comments:
- Accept in person/hard copy employment applications
- Consider organizing a volunteer job fair in the Municipality
- Continue updating policies and procedures
2022-2026 Goals:
- Continue advertising that the Municipality is an equal opportunity employer
committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and
welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all
aspects of the selection process.
- Encourage employment opportunities, economic development, local businesses
and growth
- Support and promote local job fairs
- Update employment policies and procedures as required
Design of Public Spaces
This includes but is not limited to Municipal facilities, sidewalks, pathways and roads,
and Municipally-owned parks.
Public Comments:
- Avoid interlocking pathways
- Improve grading along Main Street and Webster Street
- Construct shoulders into roads in Lion's Head for people using walkers and
wheelchairs
- Design spaces for residents rather than focusing on tourism
- Improve and construct additional cycling paths
- Encourage local businesses to provide accessible main entrances
- Improve accessibility in Tobermory and Lion's Head: issues with narrow
sidewalks, dangerous curbs, steps to access restaurants and stores, and narrow
aisles
- Great boardwalk by the Tobermory Harbour
- Construct an accessible washroom at the Lion's Head Harbour
- Construct more wheelchair friendly sidewalks
- Improve access/egress from the road to the Golden Dawn (bad slope)
- Install more accessible washrooms for wheelchair users
- Promote wheelchair friendly retail environments
- Amalgamate Lion's Head Marina single sex washrooms into one accessible
facility for all users
- Place an accessible dock at the Lion's Head Marina
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
2022-2026 Goals:
- Completion of the Lion's Head sidewalk construction project including the
installation of 659 metres of sidewalks and repair of some poured concrete curbs
throughout the Village of Lion's Head; sidewalks will be wheelchair, walker, and
stroller accessible
- Place at least one accessible portable washroom in locations where portable
washrooms are located and ensure new/renovated washroom facilities
incorporate accessible washrooms
- Consider installing an accessible kayak launch and/or accessible dock at the
Lion's Head and/or Tobermory Harbour and investigate funding opportunities
- Place accessible picnic tables in public parks and areas within the Municipality
- Encourage accessible retail spaces
- Install communication boards at the Lion's Head Beach Park and downtown
Tobermory area
- Completion of Lion's Head Community Centre/Arena renovations incorporating
accessible features and designs in accordance with AODA and Ontario Building
Code (OBC) regulations
Transportation
This includes but is not limited to accessible parking at Municipal facilities and private
transportation companies operating within the Municipality.
Public Comments:
- Increase the number of accessible parking spaces based on the high senior
population
- Doing well providing resident parking passes
- Provide resident transportation to connect to existing transportation systems
south of the Municipality
- Ensure accessible parking spaces are properly sized and situated to safely
access sidewalks/pathways safely
- Increase accessible parking in Dyers Bay, Tobermory, and Lion's Head
2022-2026 Goals:
- Investigate new accessible transportation opportunities and support accessible
private transportation initiatives
- Ensure ample accessible parking in new parking lots and facilities
- Attempt to increase accessible parking spaces in existing parking areas when
reviewing parking designs
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Consultation
Under the AODA, the Municipality is required to consult with individuals and people with
disabilities. The Municipality is committed to working with members of the community
and visitors to ensure legislation is met and the Municipality is accessible.
A survey was created as outlined within Appendix A to gather feedback regarding
accessibility in the Municipality relating to the five Integrated Accessibility Standards.
The survey was advertised in the local Bruce Peninsula Press newspaper, municipal
Facebook page, municipal website, and emailed to community groups. The survey
acted as a valuable tool to receive clear comments and recommendations for
improvements. A print copy of the survey and alternate formats were available upon
request at the Municipal Office.
General
Accessibility Policy
The Municipality's Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy establishes requirements
for the Municipality in the areas of Information and Communications, Employment,
Transportation, Design of Public Spaces, and Customer Service. The policy is posted
on the municipal website and available in alternate formats upon request. The policy
outlines the Municipality's commitment to accessible procurement, reporting, and
training.
Feedback and Contact Information
The Municipality encourages feedback from the public regarding accessibility including
suggestions on how to improve services and ideas on new initiatives.
Copies of the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and the most recent annual status and
compliance reports are available on the municipal website. To provide feedback or
request a document in an alternative format, please contact the Accessibility
Coordinator at [email protected] or (519) 793-3522 X229.
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Appendix A: Municipality of Northern Bruce
Peninsula Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Consultation Survey
We need your help to make Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula services,
programs, and buildings more accessible for people with disabilities!
The purpose of this survey is to record your experiences with Municipal services,
programs, and facilities, as we create the next Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
Accessibility Plan as part of our commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act (AODA). The answers you provide today will help inform the Municipality
of gaps and barriers that currently exist for people with disabilities and provide us with
ideas on how to reduce and/or eliminate existing barriers.
For accessible survey formats or communications supports (paper, large font, etc.),
please contact [email protected] or 519-793-3522 X229.
1. Customer Service- This includes but is not limited to recreational programs and
services, customer service provided at harbour offices, the Lion's Head Beach Park
Campground, Municipal Office, community centres, and Lion's Head Arena.
a) What is the Municipality doing well in this area?
b) What barriers do you, your clients, family members or friends face in this area?
c) What could be done to improve accessibility in this area? (Please rank your ideas
by importance, with 1 being the most important)
2. Information and Communications- This includes but is not limited to technology
and signage, the Municipal website, the Municipal Facebook page, printed materials
and other Municipal correspondence, water and property tax billing, charts and maps,
and public meetings, consultations, and events.
a) What is the Municipality doing well in this area?
b) What barriers do you, your clients, family members or friends face in this area?
c) What could be done to improve accessibility in this area? (Please rank your ideas
by importance, with 1 being the most important)
3. Employment- This includes but is not limited to opportunities for employment and
volunteering with the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, including our online
application submission form on the Municipal website.
a) What is the Municipality doing well in this area?
b) What barriers do you, your clients, family members or friends face in this area?
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
c) What could be done to improve accessibility in this area? (Please rank your ideas
by importance, with 1 being the most important)
4. Design of Public Spaces - This includes but is not limited to Municipal facilities,
sidewalks, pathways and roads, and municipally owned parks.
a) What is the Municipality doing well in this area?
b) What barriers do you, your clients, family members or friends face in this area?
c) What could be done to improve accessibility in this area? (Please rank your ideas
by importance, with 1 being the most important)
5. Transportation- This includes but is not limited to accessible parking at Municipal
facilities and private transportation companies operating within the Municipality.
a) What is the Municipality doing well in this area?
b) What barriers do you, your clients, family members or friends face in this area?
c) What could be done to improve accessibility in this area? (Please rank your ideas
by importance, with 1 being the most important)
You can request accessible formats of Municipal public documents and we welcome
your comments on the accessibility of our services, programs and facilities through the
following channels:
-by phone at (519) 793-3522 X 229
-by email at [email protected]
-in person at the Municipal Office (56 Lindsay Road 5, Lion's Head, ON, N0H 1W0)
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Appendix B: Photographs of Accessibility
Initiatives
Accessible desks in the renovated front office area at the Municipal Office
Accessible entryway to the front office area at the Municipal Office with automatic door
openers
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
New front doors with automatic door openers at the Municipal Office
Accessible bucket swing at the Lion's Head Beach Park
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Accessible bucket swing and extended accessible sidewalk at the School Bell Park in
Tobermory
Communication board example, communication boards are scheduled for installation in
2022 at the Lion's Head Beach Park and downtown Tobermory area
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Accessibility Coordinator
Clerk's Department
Accessible reception counter at the Municipal Office