City seeking public input on guiding priorities for 2027 to 2031 Accessibility Plan

November 12, 2026 - As the City of Sarnia prepares to draft a new multi-year Accessibility Plan, public input is being sought on current experiences and the priorities that will guide accessibility improvements to City services and amenities.

The City is currently preparing a new Accessibility Plan for the next five years, creating a set of priorities to support decision making across the organization, ensuring the City continues to include accessibility considerations in future capital and service improvements. Staff have concluded an internal review of past successes, current efforts, and potential room for future improvement. The review identified six emerging priorities to inform the new draft plan.

"It's crucial that City services foster inclusivity in our community and serve all our residents. With that in mind, we must ensure the plan reflects the diverse voices and needs of our community. We're looking to the public, individuals with lived experience, and the organizations that serve them for their insight to inform the emerging potential priorities and any that may not yet have been identified," said Communications Manager Steve Henschel.

The six identified emerging priorities are:

• Accessible customer service
• Accessible information and communications
• Accessible transportation services
• Accessible public spaces and infrastructure
• Accessibility in recreational facilities and community amenities
• Accessibility awareness and organizational accountability

The City has launched an online survey at www.speakupsarnia.ca/AccessPlan, providing visitors the opportunity to review more information and provide their input. Printed surveys are available at City Hall Customer Service. Surveys close at 4:30 p.m. on December 3, 2026.

At the same time the City is directly engaging interest holder groups such as advocacy, caregiver and health care organizations.

Once public feedback has been considered, a draft copy of the plan will be posted to the project page for public review ahead of presentation to Sarnia City Council.