Thames Centre Releases Report on Accessibility & Inclusion Survey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thames Centre Releases Report on Accessibility & Inclusion Survey

Public Feedback Lists FlightExec Centre Expansion and Dream Park
as the Most Impactful Improvements to Improve Accessibility

THAMES CENTRE – The Municipality of Thames Centre has released a new report based on the results of last year’s Accessibility & Inclusion Survey, which was initiated by the Accessibility and Inclusivity Advisory Committee.

“It’s critically important to take time to listen to residents about these issues,” says Deputy Mayor Michelle Smibert, who chairs the committee. “We were able to get important feedback that will help guide our committee, and that will provide us with ideas on how we can work together to build a more inclusive community.”

The Accessibility & Inclusion Public Feedback Report is available on the municipal website.

Key Findings

When accessing municipal services, 75% of respondents reported that they did not experience any difficulties.

When asked about the most impactful actions that the municipality has taken, 26% of respondents selected the renovation and expansion of the FlightExec Centre, and another 26% selected the Dorchester Dream Park.

When asked about what areas the municipality should focus on to improve accessibility in the future, 31% of respondents selected work on sidewalks and trails.

“It’s important to know what we’ve done that’s worked well, so we can build on those successes,” says Mayor Sharron McMillan. “It’s also important to hear about which challenges people think need to be addressed next. Hearing positive responses to these questions is good, but we can always work to get better.”

50% of respondents indicated that they were a person living with accessibility issues, or that they lived in a household with a person living with accessibility issues.

“Having participation from people who have lived experiences in dealing with accessibility or inclusivity issues is valuable,” noted Deputy Mayor Smibert. “These are the people best able to identify barriers others may not notice, and to suggest ideas about what we can do to be more inclusive.”

The report also outlines actions that have been taken to address the concerns noted by residents, citing staff recommendations in Budget 2026, which include new sidewalk construction on major roads, funds for sidewalk repairs, and adding a second sidewalk plow to the snow removal fleet.

Mayor McMillan notes that “these upgrades underscore our commitment to improving accessibility, and to creating spaces that are useable by people of all abilities.”

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Contact:

Michael Ramnanan
Communications Manager
mramnanan@thamescentre.on.ca
519.268-7334 ext. 258