Abstract Manager

At a time when technology is at the heart of building new smart cities, what can be done to leverage technology to support the creation of a transportation network that is inclusive and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion? Infrastructure improvements and community development projects are essential for maintaining the vibrancy of the City of Toronto. However, extensive construction activities can significantly impact neighborhoods, particularly affecting individuals with mobility and accessibility challenges. The City's Construction Hubs, identified as areas with high levels of construction due to various capital projects, transit expansions, and private developments, are guided by principles of safety, equity, vibrancy, innovation, and engagement.

This project aims to support the City in meeting these principles for people of all abilities. We will focus on groups facing mobility and accessibility challenges, including individuals with sight loss, those using mobility devices, people with reduced stamina, individuals with hearing loss, and those with cognitive disabilities. Each group has unique needs, such as reliance on non-visual cues, smooth and stable surfaces, level paths with resting spots, awareness of auditory cues, and simplified navigation.

Through this presentation we will report on the literature scan, jurisdictional scan and market scan that were completed to understand what technologies exist and who has used them to support equity and accessibility.  We will then outline how this information was used to create a pilot project for the City of Toronto at a construction hub and we will report on any outcomes at the time of the conference.