Over 1.85 million people (15.5%) in Ontario have a disability. In Ajax, this represents over 18,000 residents! This number will continue to grow over the next few years.
Planning for Accessibility
To plan for accessibility in Ajax, the Town creates a multi-year accessibility plan that outlines the steps to be taken to prevent barriers and meet provincial accessibility requirements.
The Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee reviews the plan, policies, programs and services to help identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers.
Accessibility Plans
Here’s a look at the multi-year document identifying strategic actions and priorities to enhance accessibility and inclusion within the Town of Ajax.
- Read the 2023-2026 Accessibility Plan
- Read the 2024 Mission: Inclusion Plan Status Update
- Read the 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan
Accessibility Reports
Reported to the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility every two years.
Accessible Parking
Did you know? Each year, Ajax By-law Services issues nearly 330 accessible parking tickets.
It is important to leave accessible parking spaces open for those who are legally entitled to use them and have an accessible parking permit. A driver or passenger with an accessible parking permit could have a disability or health condition that requires them to park close to the entrance of a building.
Respect the Space Initiative
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/knrrUl6kteo?rel=0&cc_load_policy=1&cc_lang_pref=en
Did you know that drivers can receive a ticket for parking/stopping over a sidewalk or pedestrian path of travel? Fines range from $45-$60. Parking over a sidewalk creates a physical barrier for people who may be visually impaired, use a mobility device, or who may be pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon. When vehicles are parked, blocking sidewalk access, pedestrians may have to maneuver around the vehicle, by moving onto the road to pass, which is very unsafe and inconvenient. When visiting friends and family, or parking at your own residence, remember to do your part and #RespectTheSpace in our community to avoid creating barriers and help to maintain access for all!
Library and Recreation Accessibility
Ajax Public Library
The Library’s Main Branch has an accessible computer workstation equipped with special hardware and software, including:
- fully adjustable table;
- computer mouse options;
- a large print keyboard;
- various assistive software.
The Main branch also has a CCTV print magnifier, a DAISY player, a UbiDuo and TextNet software. Please feel free to ask a staff member for additional information.
Inclusion Services in Ajax Facilities
People of all abilities can participate in our programs and services. Special needs may include difficulty with physical mobility, behavioural challenges, developmental challenges, visual/hearing impairments, or medical conditions that prevent them from participating in a program/service without support.
Please call 905-619-2529, ext. 7259 or email InclusionServices@ajax.ca to discuss options if your child/youth requires enhanced staffing or Inclusion Support Services.
Accessible Outdoor Spaces
Applicants will be added to the program within seven days of your application being processed.
Residents 65 years of age or older, with no able-bodied persons under the age of 65 residing at this address. Or; Unable to do the work due to a physical disability, as indicated by a doctor’s note
For more information and pricing, or to apply for the program, download the Application Form (PDF Version) or contact Operations & Environmental Services at 905-683-2951, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Accessibility and inclusion in outdoor spaces matter. It ensures residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can feel a collective sense of barrier-free belonging when enjoying the amazing trails, parks, playgrounds and open spaces that Ajax has to offer.
To meet the needs of the Ajax Community, and ensure our parks and playgrounds are inclusive, the Town has installed three large communication boards at the following playground locations:
- Ward 1 – McLean Community Centre
- Ward 2 – Audley Recreation Centre
- Ward 3 – Rotary Park
This feature incorporates Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) to provide unique alternative/augmentative communication supports for limited or non-speaking persons.
Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) use sounds and vibrations to help communicate intersection signals if you are affected by any form of visual or hearing impairment.
APS are linked to “walk/don’t walk” lights. Two sounds are used to point out the direction of traffic and which light is on:
- A cuckoo sound tells you when the walk symbol is on and you have right-of-way going north or south.
- A Canadian melody sound tells you when you have right-of-way going east or west.
- A pedestrian clearing tone and the “don’t walk” light is turned on after these sounds end.
For more information on accessible pedestrian signals in Durham Region, including how to use APS, or how to request installation, please visit the Region of Durham’s Accessible Pedestrian Crossing web page.
Mobility Support and Charging Stations
Stop by any of the Power up, Ajax! locations listed below for free access to a dedicated power receptacle to plug in and power up.
- Carruthers Marsh Pavilion (exterior)
- 55 Ashbury Blvd.
- Veteran’s Point Washrooms (exterior)
- Lake Driveway W. & Clover Ridge Dr. W.
- Rotary Park Pavilion (exterior)
- 177 Lake Driveway W.
- Ajax Community Centre (3 interior)
- 75 Centennial Rd.
- Pat Bayly Square (interior)
- Harwood Ave. S. & Bayly St.
- St. Andrews Seniors Centre (interior)
- 46 Exeter Rd.
- Ajax Town Hall (interior)
- 65 Harwood Ave. S.
- Ajax Public Library – Main Branch (interior)
- 55 Harwood Ave. S.
- Audley Recreation Centre (2 interior)
- 1955 Audley Rd. N.
- Sportsplex (exterior)
- 2001 Audley Rd. N.
- McLean Community Centre (interior)
- 95 Magill Drive
- Millers Creek Park Washrooms (exterior)
- 95 Magill Drive
- Quaker Meeting House (interior)
- 457 Kingston Rd. W.
- St. Francis Centre (interior)
- 78 Church St. S.
- Village Seniors Centre (interior)
- 29 Linton Ave.
- Greenwood Discovery Pavilion (exterior)
- 2290 Greenwood Rd.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/1By33w8PRNk?rel=0&cc_load_policy=1&cc_lang_pref=en
We Welcome Your Feedback
Have an accessibility question, comment or concern?
Feedback regarding accessibility in the Town of Ajax can be submitted through regular mail, email, telephone, facsimile, or by using the Town’s online general Customer Feedback Form, which also is available at all service counters in Town facilities.
Are you looking for an alternative format or communication support? Please submit your request through the online Request for Alternate Format/Communication Support form, or by any of the contact methods listed above.
Contact Info
Accessible Ajax
