Accessibility
Statement of Commitment
The Township of Essa is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The purpose of an Accessibility Advisory Committee is to advise Council on ways to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities in respect to municipal programs, services and facilities. Per the AODA, the Committee provides advice on the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to persons with disabilities, and additionally, provides input into the preparation, implementation and the monitoring of the Township of Essa's Accessibility Plans.
New for the 2022 - 2026 Term of Council - The Accessible Advisory Committee, Healthy Community Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee have been amalgamated into one Committee now know as the Healthy, Accessible Community and Parks Committee.
The Healthy, Accessible Community and Parks Committee is dedicated to advise and assist the Township in promoting and facilitating a barrier-free healthy community while improving the quality of life for all persons and promoting equal opportunity for citizens of all abilities.
Feedback
Input from the public is important to the Township of Essa. It allows us to know how we are progressing with our accessibility goals.
The Township of Essa will accept feedback in various forms, such as:
In-person or in writing to:
Township of Essa Administration Centre
5786 County Road 21
Utopia ON, L0M1T0
Attention Accessibility Coordinator
By Email: scorbett@essatownship.on.ca
By Telephone, TTY or Fax:
Tel: 705-424-9917 ext. 116
TTY: 705-424-5302
Fax: 705-424-2367
The municipality will respond in a manner that takes into consideration the individual's needs, upon request.
Communication Supports and Alternate Formats
The Township of Essa recognizes that persons with disabilities use various methods to access information. Upon request, the Township will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats or communication supports for persons with disabilities. The cost of these goods and services will be no greater than the regular cost charged to others.
All documents posted on this website are available in alternative formats, upon request. If you have an accessibility-related comment or inquiry, please contact our office at (705) 424-9917 extension 116, or email scorbett@essatownship.on.ca
If you require a document in an alternate format or communication support, or for more information, please contact the Clerk's Office at 705-424-9917.
Questions? Have questions about the legislation? Please email your questions to accessibility@ontario.ca
The Township of Essa Accessibility Plan was prepared by Township staff with input from members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee. The plan describes measures currently in place, and measures that will be taken over the next five years to comply with new and emerging legislation. It will assist Council with the identification of barriers, helping Council prioritize for their removal, as the budget permits. This Plan will be a communication tool for residents, informing them of strides taken in the removal and prevention of barriers with the Township of Essa, thus creating a community inclusive and accessible to all.
The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is to develop, implement and enforce accessibility standards in order to achieve a fully accessible Ontario by 2025, with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises; and, to provide for the involvement of persons with disabilities in the development of the accessibility standards.