Toronto is making stronger efforts to make our city a “barrier-free” community for all. That means any new park, housing or community initiative must be accessible for everyone.
Because Toronto was established in 1793, this doesn’t come without some challenges.
WHY IS THIS A THING?
20% of Toronto’s population lives with a disability and our growing senior population adds another 20% that need accessible routes. Throw in our shopping carts and baby strollers and that means a whole lotta’ wheeled mobility.
Toronto is working to step up its game when it comes to accessibility for its people. With an initiative to get us barrier-free by 2025, we give props to the city for hoping to achieve this goal that will exceed the province’s standards.
SO WHAT IS BEING DONE, EXACTLY?
SUBWAY SYSTEM
Our subway has made improvements since the ‘90s and claims 55 out of our 70 stations are currently accessible. 2 more will be complete by 2024 and 9 more to be accessible by 2025. Let’s aim for full accessibility, Toronto!
OUR UNDERGROUND PATH
The PATH system is great, but was built piecemeal over the last 50 years. This creates a maze-like structure with minimal signage, so navigation can be tricky.
my-toronto.ca is continually adding Accessible Video PATH Maps to guide users through our tunneled walkways.
The PATH has become vital to our city. These brightly lit corridors along the world’s largest shopping mall are a warm and dry way to traverse our city and connects us to:
- 70 Buildings
- 1,200 Restaurants
- 6 Subway Stations
- 3 Major Department Stores
- 9 Hotels
- Union Station
- Roy Thomson Hal
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Scotiabank Arena
- …and More!
With new entry points to the PATH being constructed, this will bring more accessible options to older sections that remain dependent on stairs, gaps and narrow hallways.
OUR WATERFRONT
Waterfront Toronto has proven their dedication to accessible areas with newly built recreational trails, beach access, public-use areas and paths. Even their newer cobblestone walkways are smoothly accessible for wheeled transport.
With the anticipated addition of the Equinox Bridge, Port Lands Bridge and Five Timber Foot Bridges, Toronto’s waterfront is undergoing exciting growth — all accessible projects.
WHAT OTHER MOVEMENTS ARE HAPPENING?
Thanks to Luke Anderson, founder of the non-profit organization StopGap, many businesses have installed colourful StopGap ramps for entry into their stores.
If you walk along Queen Street in particular, you will see many of these blocks that help entryways become accessible for everyone. However, according to StopGap, over 65% of places in Toronto remain inaccessible.
With Toronto’s barrier-free 2025 goal and organizations like StopGap, we are cheering our city and hoping that Toronto will one day be known as the most accessible, historical city in North America.
