The 2024 Future Directions Plans for Community Services was presented by City staff from various departments across Community Services and addressed recommendations to enhance inclusivity and accessibility, increase awareness and communication on accessibility in the community, library, parks, fire stations, culture and recreation.
The deputants provided the Committee information about various recommendations that would increase accessibility including:
- low cost programming and support for low income residents;
- reviewing gaps in service delivery;
- monitoring capacity and use of recreation spaces to ensure they are aligned for equity deserving groups;
- enhancement of parks to reduce barriers and increase accessibility;
- flexible spaces in libraries, furniture, pop up libraries and technology;
- awareness of cultural events and spaces to support the arts, culture and heritage experiences and reducing barriers to participation in cultural events; and
- renovations at various fire stations that would increase accessibility and the vulnerable persons' registry.
Committee members inquired about pop up libraries in older condominium buildings, types of computers loaned out at library and their accessible features, library apps and partnership with CNIB, the vulnerable persons' registry, and facilitating encouragement and support for people with disabilities to remain active.