Accessibility

Our goal is to remove barriers and provide accessible goods, services and facilities for all of our residents. 

This work is guided by the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and our own accessibility plan (PDF), annual status report (PDF) and accessibility policy (PDF).

The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee is a cross-disability municipal advisory committee seeking new members with disability knowledge and/or lived disability experience.  Learn more about this volunteer opportunity on the Committees web page.

On this page

  1. Report an accessibility issue
  2. Request an alternate format
  3. Apply for assistance and inclusion programs
  4. Accessible parking
  5. Assistive devices at city facilities

Report an accessibility issue

If you encounter an accessibility issue with a city service or product, you can report it using our online form.  If your issue requires follow up, you will be contacted within 1 to 3 business days. Responses are sent directly to the service area responsible for the issue selected. All responses are taken by city staff as information.

Report an issue

Request an alternate format

We publish specific alternate format information when documents are likely to be problematic for people using screen readers or other assistive devices. These requests are usually sent directly to project managers or support staff that can assist.

If you have a general request for an accessible document or communication support, contact Henny Bruce at 519-747-8780.

Apply for assistance and inclusion programs

We offer a number of assistance and inclusion programs an accommodation to take part in recreation programs.

Accessible parking

Accessible parking permit holders can park for free in all city-owned parking lots except the Uptown Parkade. View the parking page.

Assistive devices at city facilities

Facility Assistive device

Albert McCormick Community Centre
  • elevator

Community Pavilion
  • elevator
  • wheelchair
  • universal washrooms
  • adult change table on both levels
  • tactile wayfinding in foyer
  • automated door openers for most rooms
  • Assistive Listening System 
  • mobility scooter charging areas
  • convenient participant drop-off area

Moses Springer Community Centre and outdoor pool
  • elevator
  • water wheelchair (up to 250 pounds)
  • ramp leading into the main outdoor pool
  • wheelchair skates are stored at another facility and can be arranged to be brought over

RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex
  • elevator
  • wheelchair skates are stored at another facility and can be arranged to be brought over
  • single-occupant washrooms
  • universal washroom
  • tactile wayfinding into Eastside Library Branch
  • convenient participant drop-off area

Waterloo City Hall
  • elevators with smartphone controls
  • wheelchair
  • assisted hearing devices for use in council chambers

Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
  • elevator
  • ramp entry into the shallow pool
  • ramp entry in the swirl pool
  • three water wheelchairs (up to 250 pounds), one is a commode type
  • two adult adapted life jackets for persons age 12 and older to a maximum of 200 pounds
  • two youth adapted life jackets for persons age 5 to 12 to a maximum of 90 pounds
  • two wheelchair skates
  • single-occupant washrooms
  • universal washrooms
  • universal aquatic change room
    • includes a universal washroom with a ceiling track lift, universal slings and adult change table
    • universal sling sizes available or bring your own
  • convenient participant drop-off area
  • tactile wayfinding in foyer

Uptown universal washroom (Uptown Loo)
  • open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
  • gender neutral
  • wheelchair accessible
  • adult change table
  • automatic door opener
  • self-cleaning
  • tactile indicators
  • tactile map