Back to SearchNational AccessAbility Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and promote efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion in Canada.
Facility Accessibility Design Manual
Stratford's Accessibility Advisory Committee is taking the opportunity to promote the City's new Facility Accessibility Design Manual (FADM), which was adopted by City Council in 2021.
What is the Stratford FADM?
The FADM establishes accessible standards that apply to all newly constructed and/or renovated facilities, owned, leased or operated by the City of Stratford.
It addresses the needs of persons with disabilities, including, but not limited to, persons who are mobility impaired, hearing impaired, visually impaired or cognitively impaired, persons who are deaf-blind and persons with limited stamina and/or dexterity.
This manual reflects minimum dimensional criteria required for adult persons.
Why was the Stratford FADM created?
The City of Stratford is committed to Barrier Free access and will:
- Take a leadership role in achieving and setting an example to the business, institutional and volunteer sectors in terms of access and integration, employment equity, communications, recreation, transportation, housing and education.
- Establish a process to identify barriers and gaps in existing services and facilities.
- Improve the level of accessibility of existing municipal services and facilities, where feasible.
- Facilitate input from all segments of the community in the design, development and operation of new and renovated municipal services and facilities.
- Provide resources and support to give effect to this commitment.
The Stratford FADM addresses accessibility requirements for the design and construction of new facilities, as well as the retrofit, alteration or addition to existing facilities, owned, leased or operated by the City of Stratford. Constructing or altering facilities to these minimum standards will assist the City with its commitment for barrier free access.
Does the FADM apply to privately owned facilities?
The Stratford FADM is only applicable to facilities owned or operated by the City of Stratford. The design requirements of the FADM manual do not apply to:
- privately owned houses, including semi-detached houses, town houses, row houses and boarding or rooming houses with fewer than 8 boarders or roomers;
- buildings of Group F Division 1 occupancy, as defined by the Ontario Building Code; and buildings which are not intended to be occupied on a daily or full-time basis, including, but not limited to, automatic telephone exchanges, pump houses and substations.
The use of the Stratford FADM is encouraged throughout the community. Although not a requirement, there are many benefits of meeting these standards in privately owned facilities, including but not limited to:
- Providing all persons with the opportunity to fully participate in and contribute to the community;
- Allowing all persons, including persons with disabilities, to approach, enter and use a facility or building; and
Promoting integration and independence through design that is safe, functional and dignified for everyone.
Where can I find a Copy of the FADM?
A copy of the FADM can be obtained by emailing the Clerk's Office, by calling 519-271-0250 extension 5237 or by attending the Clerk's Office at City Hall.
Questions about the FADM?
For more information, please email the Clerk's Office.
Accessibility at Heritage Buildings
The City of Stratford’s Accessibility Advisory Committee has also been working with Heritage Stratford to highlight local heritage properties where solutions have been found to overcome accessibility barriers.
Here are three videos showcasing those solutions:
The Bradshaw building - 245 Downie St.
Famme & Co. - 131 Ontario St.
City Hall - 1 Wellington Street
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