Facility Reviews of County owned properties have been a longstanding initiative of the AAC, permitting members to provide on the ground identification of barriers and suggestions for improving accessibility of existing buildings. In 2024, the AAC undertook the first significant review of the Facility Review Checklist used by Committee members since 2016. The Committee worked closely with staff to recommend changes and bring forward suggestions to ensure that the checklist remained relevant to existing legislation while simultaneously being easy to use during facility reviews. Changes included expanded sections on interior paths of travel, the addition of children’s play structures, and organization. A pilot of the revised facility review checklist was employed during the AAC’s review of the new County of Simcoe Affordable Housing facility located at 250 West St. N., Orilla with changes recommended by Committee members following its use. A final version was approved by the AAC and Council in the fall.

The AAC also reviewed site plans for the Simcoe County Museum and Archives renovations, set to be completed in early 2025. The Committee reviewed design drawings and recommended changes to improve accessibility, travel and access to services of both facilities. The Committee also provided input on the design of the new County of Simcoe 20 Rose Street Affordable Housing Project in Barrie. The new facility is expected to include 32 barrier free suites, an accessible play structure, and a barrier free community room and community kitchen to ensure the overall useability of the facility for all residents. The design of the facility has incorporated accessibility as a central feature with many improvements to access for residents. It is expected to be completed in 2027.

2025 will mark the 20^th anniversary of the AODA, and planning of an event to recognize the milestone was undertaken in 2024 at the direction of the AAC. The event is set for AccessAbility Week 2025 (May 25 – 31, 2025) and will include a keynote speaker, an accessibility event and the official opening of a legacy structure on the Simcoe County Museum grounds. County staff worked closely with the AAC and the Accessibility Event Working Group, comprised of select AAC members, to design the structure and plan the event. Further details will be revealed in early 2025.

Staff undertook a comprehensive review of the County of Simcoe’s Accessibility Standards Policy to ensure its continued applicability to the County’s practice and compliance with changes in legislation. The revised policy will include changes such as the addition of a section specific to the Transportation Standards in light of the formation of LINX Transit, updates to web content accessibility, removal of outdated deadlines, and other revisions to ensure that accessibility is central to the County’s operations. The revised policy is set to be reviewed and approved by the AAC in early 2025.

The AAC received legislative updates on the Independent 4th Review of the AODA and the recommended changes to the Accessible Built Environment Standards, as well as a variety of departmental specific presentations and updates.

The County of Simcoe’s new website www.simcoe.ca increased access through a responsive design approach to make web pages render well on all screen sizes and resolutions while ensuring good usability. It also includes a widget powered by EqualWeb, enhancing the user experience by enabling real-time control of accessibility features through voice or text commands.

Planning for the launch of a new Customer Relationship Management software was undertaken in 2024 that will permit greater options for communication with members of the public including text messaging and real time chat.

An updated policy on the transportation of Service Animals was adopted and implemented in 2024.

Planning continued for the implementation of Next Generation 911 which will include additional accessibility options, such as expanding on the existing text to 911 programs and providing more detailed location information for those unable to state where they are located.

Accessibility specific modifications were made to the County’s Supportive Rapid Rehousing facilities. The modular 14-unit temporary structures received modifications such as the installation of ramps, accessible washrooms and accessible units. Further modular structures are set to open in 2025.

The Simcoe County Positive Aging Strategy (2018-2023) came to a conclusion in 2023 with a new survey released that year. Age friendly focus groups were conducted in 2024 to maximize older adults’ input and perspectives into the revised strategy. The survey was separated into the World Health Organizations age friendly domains, with the addition of a section specific to Affordability and Accessibility. The survey received 2587 responses and 9 focus groups were completed with 43 participants in 2024. Challenges to accessibility identified in the focus groups included home repairs, public transportation access, housing costs, automobile expenses, food security and others. Focus groups indicated a desire for greater home and food affordability and greater access to transportation services. Further focus groups are planned for 2025.

The Age Friendly Housing Grant aims to foster the development of Age-Friendly housing by promoting designs that are accessible, adaptable, and inclusive. Additionally, it seeks to integrate a variety of support services that enable older adults to live independently in their homes and remain active participants in their communities for as long as possible. In 2024, the Age-Friendly Housing Grant approved 95 applications totalling $586,228. Grants included accessible bathrooms, walk in showers, lifts, ramps, handrails/grab bars, and various other structural improvements to the accessibility of homes for seniors in Simcoe County. The grant program is expected to be relaunched in early 2025.

Use of the Blaise app by LINX Transit has been fully implemented, improving specialized transit service management. Accessibility features include an easy-to-use interface for passengers with disabilities, real-time service updates, and better integration with paratransit services, resulting in a more inclusive and efficient transit experience.

In 2024, the County received a new, fully accessible ProMaster Van as part of the Transit Procurement Initiative (TPI). The vehicle includes low floors, a ramp, and seating to accommodate mobility devices.

Staff is working with local municipalities on improvements to the issue of snow removal at County bus stops. The County is hiring a consultant for the County-Wide Transit Delivery Study. The study will help assess strategies to improve snow-clearing and accessibility at bus stops, considering the operational setup between the County and member municipalities.

Specialized transit services saw a significant increase in demand in 2024:

• 2,270 total bookings, with 2,141 trips completed and a no-show rate of 4%.
• 106 cancellations or no-shows, with no unaccommodated bookings.
• Increase of 533 riders from 2023 to 2024 or 24.9% increase year over year
• 171 applications were processed, including 121 permanent, 33 visitor, and 19 temporary applications.
• Total mileage for specialized transit was 146,512 km, contributing to 2,062,761 km across conventional and specialized transit.

Since 2018, LINX Plus has provided more than 297,487 and 801,593 rides on LINX Transit.