Trail Accessibility Audit & Strategy

Oakville is committed to developing and supporting an accessible recreational trail system as outlined in the town’s Design of Public Spaces Standard Procedure and in accordance with the province’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). 

The development of the Recreational Trail Accessibility Audit and Strategy (RTAAS) has identified opportunities to enhance accessibility across Oakville’s trail system.

2019 Recreational Trails Accessibility Audit and Strategy (RTAAS)

About the report

The RTAAS  provides guidelines for improvements which:

• Assesses the condition of trails and amenities
• Provides an update to local design standards to ensure they meet or exceed regulations and standards
• Develops a prioritization of trail improvements to address health and safety risks
• Develops a rehabilitation strategy, for redeveloping existing trails to help eliminate physical barriers and enhance the user experience
• Develops a recreational trail sign strategy that meets the requirements of the AODA

The findings of the study supports our effort to support a diverse and extensive trail network, including:

• Continuing to update our trail mapping and database
• Continuing to monitor and maintain our recreational trail system network
• Making sure trails meet or exceed standards
• Continuing to meet with the Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Engaging the public for future decision making

Our goal is to create an inclusive community where everyone has equal access to the town’s services, programs and facilities in a way that is integrated and promotes dignity and independence. The RTAAS delivers a means of improvement that is practical, fiscally responsible and outlines goals that are measurable, including:

• Implementing a 10-year Rehabilitation Improvement Plan to remove physical barriers and improve safety
• Undertaking a public awareness campaign to promote the town’s recreational trails system and accessibility standards
• Updating the town’s master plans, design standards and guidelines and by-laws to reflect current accessibility requirements
• Applying the proposed Accessibility Checklist in Appendix E when planning or designing new or redeveloping existing trails to ensure compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards of the AODA
• Exploring opportunities to collaborate with other town plans, to develop a wayfinding strategy. Connectivity between the recreational trail network and active transportation network should be promoted through wayfinding and network signs
• Adopting and implementing the proposed Trail Signage Strategy, which will consolidate multiple sign types and formats, ensure consistency in sign application and meet the requirements of the AODA
• Adopting the proposed Level of Difficulty Rating System that will assist trail users in choosing routes that best meet their skills and abilities, enhancing their overall experience