Stage 1: General Outreach and Engagement

In this initial stage, we will Listen & Learn and Consult with participants. We'll gather their insights on what is effective and what needs improvement in the Access Design Standards. This feedback will guide the next phase of our outreach and engagement.

Stage 2: Targeted Outreach and Engagement

During this phase, we will Consult and Collaborate through targeted workshops and meetings. We'll collect feedback from participants with lived experience and subject matter expertise, incorporating insights from the first stage.

Stage 3: Report Back

In the final stage, we will Inform/Communicate by sharing information with the community. We will present the completed "What We Heard" and "What We Did" reports

The Access Design Standards (ADS) are The City’s standards for improving the accessibility of City-owned infrastructure. First introduced in 1988, the ADS are regularly updated to reflect changes in provincial building codes, exceed minimum legal requirements, and incorporate current accessibility best practices.

Through the application of these standards, the ADS aim to remove barriers and support the full participation of people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.

The Standards apply to all new construction and renovation projects on City-owned land. This includes any of the following types of sites or projects:

• City-owned and operated infrastructure, such as:

• Mobility infrastructure and public rights-of-way (sidewalks, pathways and crossings),
• Transit infrastructure (bus stops and shelters, LRT platforms),
• Parks and open spaces
• Buildings and facilities owned by The City of Calgary

City-owned sites and buildings operated by external organizations, including Civic Partners, Arts and Culture partners, and Recreation partners.

Spaces and facilities leased by The City of Calgary for use by employees or the public.

City-funded projects on non-City-owned land, when the funding agreement requires compliance with the ADS.

The ADS is not retroactive, so will not be applied to existing facilities or other public spaces until a renovation is taking place. At that time, only those components that are within the scope of the renovation will be required to apply ADS.

Private landowners and developers are not required to meet the ADS. The 2023 National Building Code – Alberta Edition and municipal Bylaws such as the Land Use Bylaw outline the requirements for development and building on privately owned land.

The Calgary Corporate Accessibility Policy outlines the City of Calgary’s commitment to providing the greatest level of access and the right of people with disabilities to reach, use and participate in City facilities and open spaces. The ADS achieves the desired outcomes outlined in the policy through the development and application of standards that address areas not mandated by the building code. The premise of the ADS is to ensure that public spaces are useable and functional for people with disabilities.

Municipal infrastructure includes but is not limited to the following:

• Buildings and facilities owned and operated by The City of Calgary

• Other buildings and facilities on City-owned land (e.g. civic partners such as Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park etc.)

• Roads

• Sidewalks

• Pathways

• Parks

• Pedestrian crossings

• Bus stops and transit stations
• Etc.

Accessible: Refers to products, devices, services, facilities, public spaces, and information that can be accessed and used independently, equitably, and with dignity by people with disabilities.

Built Environment: This refers to the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity. This includes buildings, parks, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Universal Design: Design that is usable and understandable by people of all ages and abilities.