Accessibility Legislation and Compliance

The City of Peterborough is working to ensure that we provide goods, services and facilities to all residents, including people with disabilities, in accordance with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

The AODA is the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, passed in 2005.  This Act is meant to create accessibility for all Ontarians with disabilities in public, private and not-for-profit sectors with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment and buildings by January 1, 2025. 

The first standard to become law is the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. This law, Ontario Regulation 429/07, came into force on January 1, 2008.  The public sector had to comply with the Customer Service Standard by January 1, 2010 and the private sector by January 1, 2012.  This standard addresses business practices and training needed to provide better customer service to people with disabilities.

The second standard to become law is the Integrated Accessibility Standards (IAS) Regulation. This law, Ontario Regulation 191/11, came into force on July 1, 2011.  The IAS is divided into sections including General Requirements, Information and Communications Standards, Employment Standards, Transportation Standards and Design of Public Spaces Standards.  The compliance dates range from 2011 to 2021 for both the public and private sectors.

The third standard is the Built Environment Standard and is intended to enhance accessibility in buildings.  It is currently in draft mode only and not law.  The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing developed a consultation process on potential updates and changes to the current Ontario Building Code (OBC).  The approved updates and changes will be made law by amendments to the current OBC.