Accessibility

2018 - 2022 Multi-year Accessibility Plan

2013 - 2017 Multi-year Accessibility Plan

2025 Status Report for the City's Accessibility Plan

2024 Status Report for the City's Accessibility Plan

2023 Status Report for the City's Accessibility Plan

2022 Status Report for the City's Accessibility Plan

2021 Status Report for the City's Accessibility Plan

2020 Status Report for the City's Accessibility Plan

2019 Status Report for the City's Accessibility Plan

2018 Status Report for the City's Accessibility Plan

2026

Crafty Corner Tea Room

Crafty Corner Tea Room infuses accessibility into its workplace culture in a way that goes beyond basic compliance. The organization excels in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace by actively hiring individuals with disabilities and implementing creative solutions to improve customer and employee experiences. The organization’s innovative practices, community involvement, and dedication to continuous improvement position it as a strong candidate for accessibility recognition. For example, the management staff have completed disability awareness and confidence training and actively recognize staff’s improvement and reliability. 

Woodstock Navy Vets

The Woodstock Navy Vets Hockey Organization (WNV) has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement by actively reducing barriers for persons with disabilities. WNV has created an environment where individuals of all abilities are welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate meaningfully. For example, on any given game day, WNV relies on approximately 30 volunteers, including eight individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. As valued members of the WNV family, each volunteer is assigned responsibilities based on capabilities while accommodating individual limitations in a thoughtful manner. 

Your Farm Market

Your Farm Market (YFM) demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility through both physical design and exceptional customer service. The store offers accessible entrances, wide pathways, clear signage, accessible parking, and proactive staff support for seniors and customers with disabilities. YFM’s culture of personal service, community connection, and practical assistance sets them apart. For example, staff go above and beyond to assist customers who are elderly or have disabilities by carrying their grocery items to the checkout counter or to their vehicle. 

2024

Oxford County Naval Veterans Association

In recognition of the accessible washroom addition and changes made to the Woodstock Navy Club building at 959 James Street for the benefit of individuals with accessibility challenges of Woodstock.

Journey Well Health and Wellness

In recognition of the changes made to the Journey Well building at 514 Princess Street to make this facility a barrier-free environment for the benefit of individuals with accessibility challenges of Woodstock

2019

Burnt Brick Restaurant

The Burnt Brick Restaurant located at 529 Dundas Street was recommended by Donna Burleigh, a Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Board member, for a Certificate of Appreciation, for their efforts to reduce barriers to accessibility for their business during its renovations prior to the official opening in October 2017.

Manager Trudy Van Schepen said the location prior to the restaurant was a retail space so considerable time and though was given to renovations to the washroom and the entrance that would utilize ease of access.

Automatic doors were installed for both the entrance and bathroom. The bathroom was also outfitted with an emergency call button and no lower cabinets, so the sink placement allows anyone in a wheel chair to wheel directly up with no impediment.

2016

Lakeside Dental

Woodstock’s Accessibility Committee would like to formally recognize Lakeside Dental for their dedication to making their place of business more accessible for people with disabilities. Lakeside dental has increased their accessibility by improving their treatment rooms, washrooms, and reception area.

2015

Bethany Lutheran Church

Bethany Lutheran Church is a recipient of the Certificate of Achievement, awarded by the Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee in recognition of significant strides to break down accessibility barriers. The installation of the automated entry system and the fully accessible washroom has truly allowed this facility to be accessible to all individuals.

Ed Hoben Dentistry

Ed Hoben Dentistry was nominated as a recipient of the “Certificate of Achievement in Accessibility” for their outstanding accommodations and open floor plan. The business installed three automatic entrance doors, widened the interior doorways, added a wheelchair accessible washroom, and changed the grade of the front walk to make it more level.

2013

CIBC 

The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce located at 441 Dundas Street has been recommended by

The Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee for a Certificate of Achievement for the bank’s recent renovation of its front steps to include an accessible ramp and the installation of handrails. Previous accessible upgrades to the building include automatic accessible doors into the bank and a portion of the customer service desk being lowered to better accommodate individuals in wheelchairs. CIBC has demonstrated a commitment to provide service to all members of the community and make Woodstock a barrier-free community.

2011

Mel’s Fish and Chips

Mel’s Fish and Chips was nominated as a recipient of the “Certificate of Achievement from the Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee” after purchasing a ramp for the front entrance of the restaurant.

Dr. Sarah Andreasen

Members of the Woodstock Accessibility Advisory committee nominated Dr. Sarah Andreasen due to the office’s numerous accessibility features that serve to promote a more barrier-free community.

Scotia Bank

The Scotia Bank located in the Sobey’s Plaza was nominated as an award recipient due to the strides they have taken to promote a barrier-free environment. The bank installed an accessible teller, where patron’s needs can be met while sitting down or using a mobility device.

Gardenia Salon and Spa

Gardenia Salon and Spa, located at 423 Devonshire Avenue, was nominated for its ability to accommodate, and cater to individuals using mobility devices. The hairdressers purchased wheeled chairs to be able to offer the same quality of service to customers of all physical abilities.

2010

Food Basics

Food Basics is a store located at 868 Dundas Street which has been recognized for its efforts in improving accessibility for citizens. The Committee specifically nominated the business for this award because of the graded front entrance with automatic doors, the wide interior aisles, the accessible washroom, and the excellent customer service provided by staff.

Picard’s Peanuts

Picard’s Peanuts is a small business located at 876 Dundas Street. The Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee would like to recognize their achievements in improving accessibility by constructing an accessible ramp at the front entrance, a wide doorway and aisles and the placement of products at a level accessible to all patrons.

Inside U Health Centre

Inside U Health Centre is being recognized for the strides it has made towards universal accessibility due to the easy opening manual door and the level access driveway leading up to a small ramp at the side of the building. These features allow persons with mobility disabilities to easily enter and maneuver through the establishment.

Red Cross Transportation

Red Cross Transportation was a recipient of the “Certificate of Achievement for Breaking Down Barriers Within the City of Woodstock” in 2010 for the excellent service provided by its drivers, the beautifully maintained vehicles, and the removal of the front seat, allowing persons using mobility devices to sit in the front of the vehicle.

2009

Zehrs

Zehrs, located at 969 Dundas Street, has been recommended by The Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee for a Certificate of Achievement to recognize the store’s accessibility improvements in breaking down barriers within the City of Woodstock.  The Committee specifically nominated Zehrs for this award because of the recent upgrades to the public washroom which allows for easy wheelchair access.

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens Pub is a recipient of the Certificate of Achievement, awarded by the Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee in recognition of significant strides to break down accessibility barriers. The Committee specifically nominated the Charles Dickens Pub for this award because of the recent upgrades to the washroom which allows for easy wheelchair access.

2007

Active Physio

Recently, Active Physio moved to a new location and in moving renovated a place of business with a barrier free initiative in mind. The business has allowed for wheelchair access throughout the entire facility including washrooms, doorways, and entry ramps. When posting or corresponding they also use a large format print, proving their dedication to a barrier free community.  

 Cowan Soccer Club

The construction of the Cowan Soccer Club was completed in early 2007 and the facility opened its doors to the public for the 2007 soccer season.  During the Site Plan and building construction processes, the Club took a proactive approach to making the facility accessible. The facility now boasts of having a multitude of accessible features, including the regular washrooms having at least 1 wheelchair friendly stall and accessible sinks throughout, 2 family washrooms and the change rooms having accessible shower stalls.

Pilates Plus

Recently Pilates Plus renovated their facility with a barrier-free design, implementing a ramped front door, wider interior doorways, regulation 5 foot turning radius inside, allowing for persons using mobility devices to navigate throughout the facility.  The men's and women's washrooms are also accessible, complete with lowered light switches, mirrors and easy to use paper towels and soap dispensers.  For an overall commitment to making the facility barrier-free, the Committee is honoured to give Pilates Plus this award.

Louise Gartshore

When the Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee was first created in 2002, Louise Gartshore, Woodstock’s City Clerk, was delegated the responsibility of overseeing the Committee.  From 2002 to 2006, Louise sat with the Committee at all the meetings and through her experience and leadership helped to provide the Committee with direction, drive, and focus.  Louise has always been available to help explain City policies and procedures as well as changes to provincial legislation.  Through her 36 years of municipal experience, Louise has also been helpful in notifying the Committee of areas that require immediate attention for increased accessibility.  For going above and beyond the scope of her duties, Louise Gartshore is a worthy recipient of this certificate of achievement.

Jim and Bette Jones

When taking a moment to glance over the work Bette and Jim Jones have done throughout the years, it is evident that their dedication to increased accessibility has helped to make Woodstock a more barrier-free community.  Their participation in numerous organizations, conferences, and frequent contributions to the Woodstock Sentinel-Review and the London Free Press have served to educate the public and advance the fight for equal access for all.

As the founder and spokesperson of Coalition ROAM (Remove Obstacles to Access and Mobility), Bette has made restaurants and retailers in the Friendly City more aware of issues with accessibility. A pioneer in the struggle for equal access for all, Bette was very involved in the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee. It was Bette and Jim who oversaw rallying the grassroots support in Woodstock.

Over the years Bette has made numerous presentations to both committees and government ministers, increasing awareness and access for individuals with disabilities. Jim has also spoken on several panels and at conferences promoting changes to policy regarding accessibility.

For their outstanding accomplishments as supporters, activists, educators, and pioneers in the fight for equal access and treatment for all individuals, regardless of disability, we are pleased and proud to present Bette and Jim Jones with the Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee Certificate of Achievement in Accessibility.

Donna Burleigh, who lived with Muscular Dystrophy, was one of the original members of the Woodstock Accessibility Advisory Committee when it was established in 2002. During her 20 years on the committee, she was a vocal advocate for equal access for everyone and actively promoted the Certificate of Achievement Award. Donna worked as a claim adjudicator for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for 22 years before her death in 2023.

In 2023, the Certificate of Achievement Award award was renamed the Donna Burleigh Accessibility Achievement Award. The Accessibility Advisory Committee also dedicated a memorial bench in Southside Park in Donna's honour in 2024.