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Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
Accessibility
Plan
2025-2028
IRemoving barriers and
building a more inclusive
community for all.
November 24, 2025
Chair's Message
George El-Jakl
Chair
01
On behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, I am pleased to present the 2025-
2028 Accessibility Plan for the Municipality of Barrington.
Since the adoption of our first plan, we have made meaningful strides toward creating
a more inclusive and accessible community for residents and visitors of all ages and
abilities. From improvements to our built environment and recreation spaces, to
supporting accessible transportation and enhancing municipal facilities, we are proud
of the progress achieved so far.
This updated plan builds on that progress. It highlights what we
have accomplished together and the important work that still
lies ahead to remove barriers and ensure that everyone can
participate fully in community life. We continue to be guided by
the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal
opportunity.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the
Accessibility Advisory Committee for their ongoing dedication,
and to the residents and community partners who shared their
experiences and ideas throughout this update process.
Our committee remains committed to listening, learning, and
working alongside Council, municipal staff, community
organizations, and citizens. Building an accessible community is
an ongoing effort--one that benefits us all.
We invite you to review this plan and continue sharing your
feedback as we move forward together toward a more inclusive
Barrington. Thank you for your continued support and
engagement.
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
Executive Summary
The 2025-2028 Accessibility Plan reflects our ongoing commitment to identifying,
preventing, and removing barriers so that all residents and visitors--regardless of
age or ability--can fully participate in community life. Building on the 2022-2025
plan, this updated version includes input from our Accessibility Advisory
Committee and the public, which highlighted both the progress made and the
barriers that still exist across our community.
Respondents noted several improvements, including accessible beach mats at
Stoney Island Beach, upgrades to municipal facilities, and increased awareness of
accessibility. However, key barriers remain--such as uneven or missing sidewalks,
limited transportation options, and the need for clearer communication and more
inclusive recreation and employment opportunities.
This plan follows the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal
opportunity, focusing on five key areas: goods and services, information and
communications, transportation, employment, and the built environment. The
Municipality will continue to work with residents and partners to make Barrington a
more inclusive and accessible community.
Information
Communication
Goods
Services
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
Public engagement is an essential part of updating the Municipality's Accessibility
Plan. The insights and experiences shared by residents, community organizations,
and individuals with disabilities help ensure that the plan reflects real needs and
priorities. As part of this update, the Municipality gathered input through ongoing
discussions with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, feedback received from
the public, and review of accessibility concerns reported over the past several
years. These conversations provided valuable guidance on what is working well
and where barriers remain. Going forward, the Municipality will continue to
encourage open communication and participation from the public, recognizing that
accessibility improvements are most effective when developed in partnership with
the community.
The following sections of this plan outline the Municipality's progress and future
goals in each of the five key areas of focus: Goods and Services, Information and
Communications, Transportation, Employment, and the Built Environment. Each
section begins by highlighting what has already been accomplished to make
services and spaces more accessible, followed by identified priorities and actions
to further reduce barriers. Together, these areas form the foundation of the
Municipality's commitment to creating an inclusive community where everyone has
equitable access to programs, services, and opportunities.
Introduction
37.9%
Nova Scotians aged 15
and older report having
one or more disabilities.
03
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
Goods & Services
04
Ensuring that all residents can access and use municipal goods and services is a
key priority of this plan. This area of focus aims to identify and remove barriers
that may prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in community
programs, events, and services. By providing accessible customer service,
offering alternative formats or supports when needed, and designing programs
with inclusion in mind, the municipality demonstrates its commitment to serving all
residents equally and respectfully.
Vision & Commitment
Ensure residents and visitors of all ages and abilities have equal access to all
municipal goods and services.
What We Have Accomplished
Sidewalks in Barrington Passage and Woods Harbour are accessible.
Accessible boardwalks at Island View Park and McGray Avenue.
Recreation Department provides accessible equipment like sledges and
hippocamps.
Customer service counters in the Administrative Centre renovated to be
wheelchair accessible.
New chair lift for the municipal swimming pool.
What We Still Want To Do
Increase accessible entryways to beaches and parks, including extended
beach mats at Stoney Island Beach.
Promote accessibility awareness, including quiet shopping hours and ASL
workshops.
Ensure automatic door buttons at public facilities and invest in maintenance of
accessibility features.
Purchase additional accessible recreation equipment.
Consult with CNIB, Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians, and
trail organizations.
Provide customer service training on accessibility and inclusion.
Designate resources for alternative communications (like ASL or captioning)
where feasible.
Continue to promote disability-related programs and ensure parks are usable
by all.
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
Information &
Communications
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
Accessible information and communication are essential to keeping all residents
informed and engaged. This focus area ensures that municipal information--
whether shared online, in print, or in person--is presented in clear, inclusive, and
easy-to-understand ways. By following accessibility standards and offering
alternative formats or communication supports, the municipality can make sure
that everyone has the opportunity to access important updates, participate in
decision-making, and stay connected to their community.
Vision & Commitment
Provide municipal information in a way that is timely, clear, and accessible to
people of all ages and abilities.
What We Have Accomplished
Agendas and minutes available on our website.
Committee of the Whole and Council meetings broadcast on Eastlink and now
livestreamed on our website.
Social media posts and municipal forms are generally accessible.
Large print and braille available on request.
What We Still Want To Do
Improve website navigation and accessibility, ensuring information is clear,
accurate, and in plain language.
Continue staff training on inclusive communication practices.
Explore options for ASL interpretation at public meetings.
Install more braille signage at all municipal facilities.
Reach out to disability organizations for guidance on improving
communications.
Transportation
06
Accessible transportation plays a vital role in helping residents participate fully in
community life. This area of focus recognizes that reliable, safe, and barrier-free
transportation options are necessary for people with disabilities to access
employment, education, healthcare, and recreation. The municipality will continue
to work with transportation providers and community partners to identify and
address accessibility challenges, ensuring that travel within the community is
equitable and inclusive for all.
Vision & Commitment
Work with partners to ensure transportation services are accessible to people of
all ages and abilities.
What We Have Accomplished
Continued financial support to Sou'West Nova Transit Association for
operations and fare reductions.
Snow and Ice Clearing By-law ensures timely clearing of sidewalks and
parking lots.
Increased the number of accessible parking spaces at municipal facilities.
What We Still Want To Do
Improve sidewalk and crosswalk accessibility throughout Barrington Passage.
Advocate for safe routes for scooters, e-bikes, and pedestrians between
communities.
Explore supporting taxi or on-demand services that improve accessibility.
Provide more accessible parking spaces at municipal facilities.
Maintain accessible parking enforcement and awareness.
Look at partnerships with employers to support employee transportation
needs, especially for low-income earners and persons with disabilities.
Assess transportation barriers for those with visual impairments.
Continue discussions with Sou'West Nova Transit to explore service
enhancements.
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
07
Employment
Accessibility in employment ensures that the municipality is an inclusive
workplace that welcomes and supports employees of all abilities. This focus area
emphasizes equitable hiring practices, accessibility in the workplace, and a
commitment to providing accommodations where needed. By fostering an
inclusive and respectful work environment, the municipality can attract and retain
a diverse workforce that reflects the community it serves.
Vision & Commitment
Make employment with the Municipality accessible and remove barriers for
people of all ages and abilities.
What We Have Accomplished
Renovated municipal offices are accessible with barrier-free entrances,
washrooms, and meeting spaces.
Councillors use digital devices to enlarge and adapt documents.
Municipal documents available in various formats on request.
What We Still Want To Do
Include accessibility and accommodation statements in all job postings.
Promote employment and recreation opportunities for youth with disabilities.
Provide assistive technology and discuss accommodations proactively with
applicants.
Encourage sharing of employment supports among local groups (Community
Services, TCRCE, NSCC, NS Works, Chamber of Commerce).
Ensure municipal spaces used for work are fully accessible.
Create inclusive policies for hiring and workplace accessibility.
Install tactile signs and railings for persons with visual impairments.
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
Built Environment
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
The built environment includes the physical spaces where residents live, work, and
gather--and accessibility within these spaces is essential to inclusion. This area of
focus aims to make municipal buildings, parks, sidewalks, and other public spaces
safe, usable, and welcoming for everyone. Through thoughtful design, ongoing
maintenance, and continued improvements, the municipality seeks to remove
barriers and create spaces that promote independence and participation for all.
Vision & Commitment
Make public buildings and spaces accessible and encourage businesses and
schools to do the same.
What We Have Accomplished
Received funding to install accessible entrances and washrooms in the
Administrative Centre.
Maintained accessible trails like the Sherose Nature Trail and funded other
multi-use trails.
Made improvements to beaches and ramps.
Constructed a fully accessible new Recreation Centre.
Ensured accessible counters and washrooms in Administrative Centre
renovations.
What We Still Want To Do
Improve sidewalks and crosswalks to ensure they are wide, flat, and well-
maintained.
Assess parking lots to ensure enough accessible spaces.
Add accessible playground equipment and improve access to public beaches
and parks.
Designate a budget for annual accessibility improvements.
Make picnic tables, benches, and other outdoor features accessible.
Explore accessibility upgrades to the swimming pool.
Promote the Province's ACCESS-Ability Grant to local businesses.
Ongoing Consultation
& Partnerships
The Municipality recognizes that achieving full accessibility requires ongoing
collaboration with organizations and experts who have the lived experience,
knowledge, and expertise to guide this work. While the Municipality is committed
to creating inclusive spaces and services for all residents, it does not have the
internal resources or specialized expertise to address every accessibility
consideration on its own. For this reason, maintaining strong relationships with
disability organizations and provincial partners continues to be an essential part
of the Municipality's approach.
09
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
10
The Municipality will continue to consult with disability organizations to ensure
that decisions, projects, and policies reflect the perspectives and needs of
people with disabilities. These consultations will provide valuable insights that
help identify barriers that may not otherwise be apparent and inform practical,
effective solutions. Engagement with these organizations also helps build trust
within the community and ensures that accessibility initiatives are grounded in
real-world experience.
In addition to local partnerships, the Municipality benefits from support and
guidance provided through broader networks. The Association of Municipal
Administrators of Nova Scotia's Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible (IDEA)
Support has been an important resource in helping municipal staff build
awareness, share best practices, and access training related to accessibility and
inclusion. Similarly, the Government of Nova Scotia's Accessibility Directorate
provides leadership, guidance, and resources that assist the Municipality in
understanding and meeting the requirements of the Accessibility Act and in
developing practical strategies to reduce barriers in municipal programs,
services, and infrastructure.
Together, these partnerships strengthen the Municipality's capacity to make
meaningful progress toward becoming a barrier-free community. Ongoing
consultation and collaboration will remain a key part of the Municipality's
accessibility planning and implementation process.
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
Implementation &
Monitoring
11
The Accessibility Advisory Committee will continue to
play a vital role in ensuring that accessibility remains a
priority within the municipality. The committee will meet
at least twice a year to track progress on initiatives and
provide guidance on emerging accessibility issues.
Supporting the committee, the Accessibility Coordinator
will organize meetings, record issues raised by the
public, and offer ongoing support to ensure accessibility
concerns are addressed effectively. The Chief
Administrative Officer (CAO) will ensure that this
accessibility plan is integrated into future operational
plans, as required under the Accessibility Act and will
continue to seek funding to support accessibility
initiatives
Council recognizes the value of implementing this plan
for the benefit of all residents and will update this plan
again in 2028, or sooner if significant changes are
required. Open communication with residents and
stakeholders will be maintained to ensure transparency
and community engagement. Progress on accessibility
initiatives will be reported regularly to the public,
reinforcing the municipality's ongoing commitment to
creating an inclusive and accessible environment for
everyone.
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan
The 2025-2028 Accessibility Plan reflects our ongoing commitment to
creating a barrier-free, inclusive municipality. Together with the
Accessibility Advisory Committee and the community, we will continue
working to ensure everyone can fully participate in municipal programs,
services, and spaces.
2447 Highway 3, Barrington
902-637-2015
www.barringtonmunicipality.com
Municipality of Barrington
2025-2028 Accessibility Plan