Temporary Ramps for Stepped Entrances - Amendments to Chapter 743

The City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks, Use of, regulates safe maintenance and operations of our sidewalks and maintenance of the pedestrian clearway. It is Transportation Services' position that a permanent barrier-free entrance into a building should be accommodated on the private side of a property line and should be the responsibility of the property owner or occupier. In many cases, this can entail substantial construction work to retrofit the entrance which may be many years before it is undertaken by the building owner. Transportation Services recognizes the need for interim solutions to provide accessibility. This report recommends amendments to Chapter 743 to allow the placement of temporary ramps as a permitted encroachment within the public right-of-way. The proposed amendments aim to balance the need for improved accessibility with the necessity of maintaining clear pedestrian pathways. The approach avoids the introduction of new permitting processes that could impose additional financial and administrative burdens and reduce the appeal of building owners or leaseholders providing this accessibility feature. Many property owners have already informally placed their own ramps, most of which are appropriately sized. This report and its adoption will provide guidance on best practice and hopefully encourage wider uptake, thereby providing an interim solution to the accessibility challenges posed by stepped entrances, while also ensuring that public sidewalks remain safe and accessible for all users.

modifications, technical amendments, or by-law amendments as may be identified by the City Solicitor, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services, in order to give effect to City Council's decision.