AODA Compliance | PROW

The City of Ottawa wished to implement an enhanced policy requiring a wider pedestrian clearway than required by the AODA - Design of Public Spaces.

The project involved conducting accessibility audits of the public realm and pedestrian clearway in key City commercial and tourist sectors, including the Byward Market, Preston St., Bank St. Westboro, Wellington West and Hintonburg; to determine the overall accessibility of the pedestrian clearway and encroachments upon the public right of way. Patio accessibility was also assessed. A report on each patio was prepared indicating the level of accessibility, where and how accessibility could be improved for pedestrians in the clearway, opportunities to widen the clearway, opportunities to increase accessibility of the patios, and to provide direction to the City on improving public realm accessibility overall.

Research was conducted and a report prepared on leading examples of policies, practices and standards in other Ontario, Canadian and International jurisdictions with respect to PROW patios and pedestrian clearway requirements.