Toronto Tackles Accessibility Gaps Citywide - Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee - May 4, 2026

Toronto’s Accessibility Advisory Committee reviewed accessibility planning for Tommy Thompson Park and the FIFA World Cup 2026, examined accessible parking permit exemptions and gaps in wheelchair-accessible taxi service, and heard deputations on barriers facing women with disabilities in Toronto’s housing system. Committee members and speakers repeatedly focused on practical access issues, including washrooms, seating, transportation between venues, and whether accessibility standards reflect a wider range of disability needs.

Topics Discussed

1. HOUSING ACCESS FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES: File DI17.5

The committee added a presentation by Michelle Pang, TWWA Housing Advocacy Coordinator, titled “Breaking Barriers: Housing Access for Women with Disabilities, Centering Lived Experiences in Toronto’s Affordable Housing System.” Pang said women and gender-diverse people with disabilities face “not only a lack of affordable housing, that's also a lack of housing that is truly accessible, safe, and dignified.”

The presentation said more than 100,000 households are waiting for affordable housing, with waits exceeding 15 years, and that some units labelled accessible remain inaccessible in practice. Recommendations included stronger accountability for landlords and housing providers, disability-informed staff training, application systems compatible with assistive technologies, and a formal disability priority pathway in rent-geared-to-income housing.

Nicole Curado also spoke about safety and sensory accessibility for neurodivergent women, saying, “a lot of the things that hasn't been looked at is neuroaccessibility and sensory friendliness in these homes.”

2. TOMMY THOMPSON PARK VISITOR EXPERIENCE PLAN: File DI17.2

City and TRCA staff presented the Tommy Thompson Park Visitor Experience Plan as an implementation exercise tied to the park’s existing master plan, not a major redesign. Staff said the work is looking at accessibility, wayfinding, safety, communications, amenities, and programming while maintaining the park’s car-free and pet-free rules.

Staff said, “We're now in the phase two ... where we're doing pretty in-depth engagement with community groups, with the Indigenous community, and with the public at general.” They also said the plan is considering “that full journey as part of the accessibility spectrum for Tommy Thompson Park.”

Questions from members and speakers focused on access to seating and washrooms, how people reach the park, and how ecological protection affects improvements. One speaker asked whether there would be “opportunities for [seating] throughout the park” and whether additional accessible washrooms were being considered beyond the one near the entrance.

3. FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 ACCESSIBILITY UPDATE: File DI17.3

Staff outlined accessibility planning for the tournament at Toronto Stadium, Exhibition Place and the Fan Festival. Measures discussed included accessible viewing areas, captioning, sign language commentary, audio description, family and accessible washrooms, adult change rooms, elevators, and service animal relief areas.

Staff said these features “have been incorporated into our stadium readiness work and will be implemented by FIFA as they manage the stadium during the specific tournament dates.” Sharon Bullenback said, “The exhibition loop will remain open only for people who have accessibility requirements.”

Committee members and speakers pressed staff on how visitors with disabilities will move between airports, hotels, venues and fan sites. Peter Athensopoulos said, “there are many people from across the country and around the world that have disabilities and are interested in participating in this tournament,” and asked how visitors would access transportation if they are not residents.

Member Nav’i also asked whether washroom planning includes equipment for people with higher support needs, saying, “a Hoyer lift would support someone who had a little bit more access needs.”

4. ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION AND TAXI SERVICE

Speakers said on-demand wheelchair-accessible taxi service has deteriorated despite years of discussion and funding collection. Christine said, “the on-demand wheelchair accessible ground transportation service in the city is all but gone,” and said the city now holds “$20 million of industry money” collected through the accessibility fund.

Staff said they did not have complete data from private transportation companies. In response to a question about ride-share requirements, staff said, “I do not have that data.”

The discussion also covered the difference between licensed accessible taxis and vehicles actually available for on-demand service, as well as whether ride-share companies should face stronger accessibility obligations.

5. ACCESSIBLE PARKING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS: File DI17.4

Staff reviewed Toronto’s accessible parking permit exemptions, including parking in no-parking zones, exceeding time limits, overnight parking without a residential permit, and free parking at Toronto Parking Authority paid spaces.

Staff said complaints have increased as permit use has grown, particularly in Toronto and East York. One staff member said city staff and councillors “received complaints related to accessible permits.” Committee members asked how misuse is verified and whether complaint numbers reflect confirmed abuse.

Kate cautioned against assumptions based on appearance, asking whether reported cases were “all validated cases of misuse” or “just self-reported where ... people see an ambulatory wheelchair user and make assumptions about that person not being a valid permit holder.”

Staff said a report with recommendations is scheduled to go to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on June 10.

Motions

• Receipt of Nicole Curado’s presentation on safety and accessibility for neurodivergent women — received
• Addition of Breaking Barriers: Housing Access for Women with Disabilities (File DI17.5) as new business — added to agenda

Attendees

Committee members identified in the notes as present or speaking: - Jamaal Myers (Chair) - Nav’i - Kate

Staff and presenters identified in the notes: - Michelle Pang - Danny Brown - MaryAnne Young - Sharon Bullenback - Michael Brewer - Michael Coupe - Dean Milton - Nicole Curado - Peter Athensopoulos - Christine - Louise Hidinger