Ramp and Roll: StopGap Foundation and Accessibility on Roncesvalles

Over 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older live with one or more disabilities, affecting more than 8 million people. This statistic underscores the importance of accessibility, a concern that affects us all, either directly or as we age.

Leading an enlightening walk through Toronto to discuss this issue is Luke Anderson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of StopGap Foundation and Co-Chair of the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition.

In 2002, Luke sustained a spinal cord injury from a mountain biking crash, thrusting him into a world ill-prepared for wheelchair accessibility. Motivated by his own challenges, he co-founded StopGap Foundation, which raises awareness about the importance of accessibility. StopGap’s brightly coloured ramps spark vital conversations about the need for inclusive spaces. The ramps can be seen all over the city, including along Roncesvalles Avenue.

This walk will highlight some of the daily barriers faced by people with disabilities on Toronto streets, changing perceptions and fostering a call to action for community-driven advocacy.

Some stops along the way:

Businesses with single stepped entryways, with and without StopGap ramps:
Single-stepped entryways are a ubiquitous architectural feature in Toronto. We will talk about why that is, and how it creates a barrier for some people. We’ll talk a bit about StopGap ramps, pointing some out along the way, at businesses like Sava Crepes and Reunion Coffee. We’ll chat about how the ramps are a temporary solution to a problem, some of their positives as well as challenges like bylaws, inadequate building codes, and attitudinal barriers.

The elevated TTC platforms, or “bump outs”:
Created during the redesigning of Roncesvalles Avenue in 2013, these raised platforms in front of streetcar stops along Roncesvalles Avenue pose challenges for a variety of groups including mobility device users and cyclists.

Sacred spaces like Roncesvalles United Church, St. Casimir’s, St. Vincent de Paul: Some of these churches have had accessibility renovations over the years, while others have not. We can talk about the AODA requirements and exemptions for historic buildings.

High Park Public library branch: This branch went through a renovation in 2004 and is now partially accessible. We can chat about how different laws hold city infrastructure accountable over private businesses.

Participants will leave the walk as informed StopGap ambassadors, with a new perspective on accessibility in Toronto and the ability to spot access barriers in their own neighbourhoods.

Walk Start:
Roncesvalles: Howard Park and Roncesvalles.
Roncesvalles: Wright Avenue and Roncesvalles