The Town of Antigonish is pleased to share that on March 26, 2025, the Updated Accessibility Plan was approved by Council. The update comes in compliance with Nova Scotia's Accessibility Act, which requires public sector bodies to review and refresh their accessibility plans every three years.
The updated plan reflects the continued commitment of the Town of Antigonish to create a more inclusive and accessible community for all.
Purpose of the 2025 Update
The first Accessibility Plan for the Town of Antigonish was developed in 2023 with the intention to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. The implementation of the plan was briefly paused when the Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish explored municipal consolidation.
After the decision to not proceed with consolidation, the Town resumed implementation of the plan. Updating the Accessibility Plan was a legislative requirement, but also an important opportunity to build on past efforts and ensure accessibility continued as a priority across all Town operations, services, and infrastructure.
Plan Development Process
To support the development of the updated plan, the Town of Antigonish partnered with Left Turn Right Turn Ltd., a consulting firm with expertise in accessibility planning. Working closely with Town staff, they facilitated a comprehensive and collaborative review process that included:
- Community engagement, such as pop-up consultations at the Antigonish Farmer’s Market and the People’s Place Library, as well as a virtual drop-in session for residents.
- Collaboration with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, who reviewed the original plan and provided input on progress and priorities.
- Internal evaluation, involving Town staff to assess completed actions from the 2023 Plan and identify areas requiring further attention.
Plan Overview and Key Highlights
The update outlines the Town’s progress since 2023 and sets a clear direction for the years ahead. It reinforces the Town’s commitment to the original plan and emphasizes the need for stronger implementation timelines, improved communications, and continued community involvement.
Key areas of focus include:
- Awareness and Education
- Goods and Services
- Communications
- Employment
- The Built Environment
- Transportation
- Monitoring Progress
