The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for residents, job applicants, suppliers, visitors, and other community members who enter Town premises, access Town information, or use Town services. Please see our Statement of Commitment to Accessibility for further details.
Alternate formats for Town forms and documents are available upon request, and Staff will do their best to accommodate your needs in a timely manner.
StopGap Ramp Program
At the July 15, 2025, Committee of the Whole – General Meeting, Council supported the launch of the StopGap Ramp Program, a practical and visible initiative aimed at enhancing access to business storefronts across Niagara-on-the-Lake, through the distribution of a limited number of free StopGap ramps.
This initiative is grounded in the Town’s commitment to inclusion, as outlined within Council’s Strategic Plan. With a considerable portion of Niagara Region’s population aged 65 and older, many Ontarians identifying as having a disability, and Niagara-on-the-Lake welcoming millions of visitors annually, the StopGap Ramp Project represents a meaningful and visible step toward reducing physical barriers and enhancing access to public spaces for everyone.
To learn more, please visit the StopGap website or read the StopGap Ramp Accessibility Initiative Information Report to Council.
What are StopGap Ramps?
StopGap ramps are lightweight, portable, non-permanent structures designed to address single-step barriers at storefront entrances. They provide an immediate improvement for individuals using mobility devices, pushing strollers, or facing other access challenges.
In recognition of the Town's unique character and historical charm, Staff consulted the Municipal Heritage Committee (MHC) to ensure the program aligns with heritage considerations. The Committee was supportive of the initiative and provided feedback to enhance both safety and aesthetics. In response, one heritage-approved colour will be selected for all ramps to ensure visual consistency throughout the program. While the ramps are already designed with a textured, non-slip surface to prevent slipping, the Committee emphasized the importance of noticeable colouring to further support user safety and ramp visibility. Business branding, decals, or logos will not be permitted on the ramps. Ramp dimensions are customized to each location to achieve the minimum footprint required for safe entry, helping to preserve the streetscape while improving accessibility.
Who Can Apply?
The Town has established funding to support a limited number of ramps to eligible businesses free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are open now through August 31, 2025, with a targeted rollout planned for fall 2025.
Business Eligibility Criteria
To ensure safety, suitability, and program integrity, participating businesses must meet the following requirements:
- Be located within the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Have a single-step entrance between two and seven inches at the primary public access point
- Provide sufficient clearance for safe ramp deployment and usage
- If the applicant leases the space, landlords must not object to the use of the StopGap ramp
- Submit photos and measurements of the entrance with their application
- Sign an agreement with the StopGap Foundation, including:
- Acceptance of responsibility and liability for ramp use
- Commitment to store the ramp when not in use, ensure it is only out during business hours, and maintain it (e.g., snow/ice removal)
- Provision of proof of $2 million liability insurance
StopGap Photo and Measurements Requirements
Photos and measurements are required to apply. Please follow the steps below to take your step measurements and photos.
1. Take a photo of the entire storefront.
Take a look at your storefront and envision the placement of the ramp.
You will want to place your ramp in an area where there is enough space for a person using a mobility device to make a turn to get on and off the ramp. You will need 42″ of space in addition to the length of the ramp (which is six times the height of the step) to provide a turning space that works for many mobility aids, though not all.
Take a picture of the entire storefront, including the step and the sidewalk.
2. Take two photos of your step height measurement using a standard imperial tape measure placed up against the step to show the measurement. The two photos should be taken 34″ apart. One on the left side. The other one on the right.
Take these photos with the camera aimed straight on and at level with the step to make sure we are able to get clear and accurate measurements. Please include a small sign in the photo noting the side the measurement is being taken.
Once you have your measurements and photos, please fill out the form below.
Please note: if you need assistance to complete the photo requirements, please contact communications@notl.com.
This initiative has a limited budget, and businesses will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. As funding is limited, we encourage interested businesses to complete the application form as soon as possible.
Fill out the StopGap Ramp Program Application
Accessible Website
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is committed to ensuring that all Town website (www.notl.com) visitors can easily access the information they need. Staff have taken steps to ensure that the website complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 standards.
Access a TTY - Bell Relay Service
Call 1-800-855-0511 (Voice to TTY) or 711 (TTY to Voice).
Accessible Parking Permit
Holders of a valid accessible parking permit are entitled to parking privileges in public parking areas and on public roadways. Residents with temporary or permanent disabilities can apply for an accessible parking permit by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097 or by visiting your local ServiceOntario centre.
Should you require any accommodations for a disability in order to make a delegation to Council or speak at a public meeting, please contact the Clerks' Division in advance so arrangements can be made prior to the meeting. Call 905-468-3266 or email clerks@notl.com.
The Town is a member of the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC), a partnership between seven communities in Niagara: Thorold, Pelham, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Grimsby and Port Colborne. Together, with Council, we share a commitment to facilitate the identification and removal of barriers to people with disabilities, promoting equal opportunities to our citizens of all abilities.
Snow Shovelling Assistance
If you or someone you know could use a helping hand with snow removal, the Town is here to connect you with local volunteers. Here’s how it works:
- Fill out our Snow Shovelling Assistance Request Form online or give us a call at 905-468-3266 ext. 0, and Staff will complete the form for you.
- Once your request is submitted, we’ll reach out to our network of volunteers.
- A willing volunteer will contact you directly to arrange assistance.
While Town Staff will do their best to match requests with willing volunteers, please note that assistance cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is not liable for any actions, omissions, or outcomes related to the volunteer snow shovelling program.
We’re here to help make winter a little easier for everyone!
Snow Shovelling Assistance Request Form
Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC)
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is a member of the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC), which is a partnership between 6 communities in Niagara: Thorold, Pelham, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lincoln, West Lincoln, and Grimsby. Together with Council, we share a commitment to facilitate the identification and removal of barriers to people with disabilities, promoting equal opportunities to our citizens of all abilities.
“Accessibility Matters Here” Campaign Recognizes Municipal Accessibility Champions
This campaign aims to highlight local businesses, organizations, and municipalities that are exceeding expectations to make their spaces more inclusive and accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility Matters Here Campaign Nomination Form
For more information on the “Accessibility Matters Here” campaign or to nominate a business or organization, please contact:
Donna Herrington
Accessibility Consultant
Email: donna@theherringtongroup.ca
Phone: 905-380-4782
JAAC Niagara Facebook Page
Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC) Minutes:
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2022-2026
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018-2022
NOTL Annual Report 2019 of the MYAP 2018-2021
Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs
Feedback Process
Feedback may be provided by a person with a disability in the manner deemed most convenient to them, such as in person, by telephone, in writing, or by delivering an electronic text by email or otherwise. The Town will provide or arrange for accessible formats and communication support on request when requesting or receiving feedback from people with disabilities. Suitable formats will be provided in a timely matter and at a cost that is no greater than the regular cost.
Feedback may be provided directly to the service provider or to Kevin Turcotte, Manager of Parks and Recreation, at kevin.turcotte@notl.com or 905-468-3266 ext. 263.
All feedback will be kept in strict confidence and used to improve customer service.
The Responsible Officer for the Accessibility Policy will acknowledge concerns within five (5) business days and will respond in a timely manner with information regarding how the issue will be addressed.
The Town will make every effort to understand the problem, identify the appropriate contact and work towards a resolution. In addition, the author of the feedback will be provided a response in a format identified as accessible to him or her.