Breaking Barriers & Improving Access

At the City of Saskatoon, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive community where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to accessibility is a testament to our belief in inclusion and belonging through the shared dignity of all residents.

As we break down barriers in our accessibility journey, we recognize the importance of opening pathways and creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in the life of our city. While we understand that this is an ongoing process, we are committed to making meaningful progress and celebrating each milestone along the way.
With the completion of the City’s first Accessibility Plan, our next steps will include:

 
Improved Community Engagement

•    Regular Updates and Communication: Keep the community informed about progress and upcoming initiatives through newsletters, social media, and public meetings.

Strengthening Partnerships

•    Collaboration with Local Organizations: Partner with local disability organizations, advocacy groups, and businesses to leverage their expertise and resources. Co-collaborate on conducting workshops for businesses and public institutions on best practices for accessibility and inclusion.

Continuous Feedback Mechanisms

•    Accessible Feedback Channels: Ensure that feedback mechanisms are accessible to all, including online forms, phone lines, and in-person consultations. By listening to and working with communities that experience barriers, the City can improve our chances of becoming a barrier-free city. 

Policy and Infrastructure Improvements

•    Review and Update: Regularly review and update policies to ensure they align with the latest accessibility standards and best practices. Prioritize the implementation of infrastructure improvements, such as ramps, signs, bylaws, elevators, accessible pathways, and more.

Training and Awareness Programs

•    Staff Training and Public Awareness: Provide ongoing training for city employees on accessibility and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. Work with local organizations to promote and conduct campaigns to raise awareness about accessibility issues and the importance of an inclusive community.

Monitoring and Report

•    Track Progress and Report: Establish clear benchmarks to track the progress of accessibility initiatives and publish an accessibility plan report regularly on the status of the City’s accessibility efforts, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.

Celebrating Milestones

•    Recognize Achievements: Celebrate milestones and achievements in the journey toward greater accessibility, acknowledging the contributions of community members and stakeholders.

We invite you to join us in this effort. Your insights, feedback, and participation are invaluable as we work together to build a more accessible and inclusive Saskatoon. Thank you for being a part of this important journey.