City becomes first municipality to join Accelerating Accessibility Coalition

Municipalinfonet.com
Oct. 6, 2023

The City of Vaughan is working to foster an accessible community now and into the future. As part of our forward-looking efforts, the City has become the first municipality to join the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition (AAC) and endorse its mission to support building a more accessible Canada.

The AAC launched in November 2022 as a first-of-its-kind community of real estate development and accessibility leaders working to create a future without barriers. The coalition is challenging home builders to make physical accessibility a greater priority as they build the millions of new homes needed across the country in the next decade.

Accessible and diverse housing options that offer independent living are critical in supporting the health and well-being of older adults and individuals who have experienced a life-altering injury or disease. Many people with disabilities - including seniors - face significant accessibility barriers, and the ability to age in place will become an increasingly important issue as our population ages.

Improved accessibility contributes to a holistic society where everyone can contribute and participate equitably. Accessibility planning is essential to Vaughan's future, and the City remains dedicated to working with our valued partners to foster a barrier-free community by 2025.

The AAC's mandate complements Vaughan's commitment to championing accessibility, empowering people with disabilities, and building inclusive and diverse communities in alignment with the City's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan (PDF), the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (PDF) and the Age-Friendly Community Action Plan (PDF).

To learn more about the AAC, visit the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition's website. For more information on Vaughan's accessibility initiatives, visit vaughan.ca/accessibility.

QUOTE

"The City of Vaughan is committed to fostering an inclusive community where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can thrive. Accessibility is an essential feature of such inclusive societies, which requires built form to meet residents' needs for their day-to-day lives across all stages of life. The availability of accessible housing options is critical for building a diverse, welcoming and prosperous city. We can and must do better to ensure that people with disabilities are treated equitably and with the dignity and respect they deserve. We are honoured to join the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition and encourage other municipalities to do so to create a more accessible future for all of us."
- Mayor Steven Del Duca

QUICK FACTS

• The City of Vaughan is the first municipality in Canada to join the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition.
• The AAC launched in November 2022 as a first-of-its-kind community of real estate development and accessibility leaders working to create a more accessible Canada. The coalition is challenging home builders to make physical accessibility a greater priority as they build the millions of new homes needed across the country in the next decade.

LEARN MORE

• City of Vaughan's website
• Accelerating Accessibility Coalition webpage
• City of Vaughan's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan (PDF)
• City of Vaughan's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (PDF)
• City of Vaughan's Age-Friendly Community Action Plan (PDF)