Gravenhurst Council agreed to consider adding new accessibility features in the Town for 2025, in the December 17, 2024, meeting.

Deputy Clerk, Johnathan Gilston, advised that based on staff research they recommend Council consider new accessibility features for the Town.

For instance, staff believe that although brail is a more traditional method used primarily for the blind population and is “in general decline, and the logistics and costs associated with brail are significant,” especially considering the wear and tear from the natural elements, it can still be used on the Town’s internal plaques and signs.

QR codes was another feature that staff indicate can be helpful by directing users to websites providing audio files. Gilston advised that this can be a more useful tool than brail because it’s “more feasible and requires less resources,” and because of the flexibility relaying sign information using small QR codes. He added that it can be incorporated on new and existing signs.

Tactile maps were another option for consideration. Gilston explained that this allows “three dimensional representations of an area that provides special understanding for blind people that touch the maps,” which can be used at entrances and publicly accessible municipal facilities, such as the Town Hall, and at events like the farmer’s market.

Gilston added, “Because it includes the advancements of technology and AI supports the blind community there’s a whole selection of smart phones and gadgets that have drastically improved the livelihood and experiences of blind individuals.”

As an example, he said there is a smartphone app that can scan a building and help navigate people through it via audio cues and tactic feedback. It’s an example of “valuable resources that have eliminated barriers for individuals navigating our facilities to even events.”

He said that staff would have to do more research if Council decides to incorporate the new features.

Councillor, Randy Jorgensen, expressed the importance of the physicality of signs in various locations.

Gilston advised, “Physicality and location of plaques would have to be on the level for all individuals of various physical abilities,” for instance, those using assisted devices, like wheelchairs, or with other limitations. A review would be required to determine ideal locations for the signs regardless of the accessibility feature is brail or tactile mapping.

He emphasized that brail and tactile mapping would coincide. For instance, if they used brail, they would also use tactile mapping, once they determined how widespread the use is.

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, expressed concerns about using QR codes given the prevalence of scams. She said that people are putting stickers over the codes and suggested access through the Town website where people can then find what they’re interested in from there. She added, “You know that you’re accessing safe information…because scammers keep on scamming every single way they figured out, especially to someone vulnerable who’s…visually impaired.”

Gilston indicated that staff “hadn’t considered” scams related to QR codes and will relay that information to the Accessory Advisory Committee for consideration about prevention and related information or whether “not to use them.”

Councillor, Peter Johnston, suggested that staff also investigate the potential of smart phone technology “where you point the phone at anything…and it will tell you verbally what it is you’re looking at.” He added, “It’s simple to use and no cost to the Town.”

Gilston said the next step will involve the AEC to help determine the features that are best suited to the Town. “The AEC will review the Town’s multi-year access plan and it’s policies to reflect the features that the Town incorporates regarding accessibility.” They will also incorporate them into their 2025 Work Plan and work with staff to create a report with recommendations.