Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Ottawa Tourism is taking a bold step forward in enhancing accessibility for visitors with the launch of its 2025 Tourism Accessibility Fund. This initiative, which is part of the ongoing Capacity Building Cohort, has provided funding to 10 projects aimed at improving the accessibility of facilities and services across Ottawa’s tourism landscape. These grants, which total over \$100,000, are designed to help local businesses meet the growing demand for more inclusive visitor experiences, ensuring that the city’s attractions are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
The Tourism Accessibility Fund was piloted in April 2024 as a forward-thinking solution to address gaps in the city’s tourism offerings. The program provides one-time grants, which can be as high as \$20,000, depending on the scope and needs of the projects. These grants are awarded to eligible businesses that provide services directly to visitors, enabling them to enhance or retrofit their spaces to improve accessibility. The initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with mobility challenges or other accessibility needs, allowing them to enjoy Ottawa’s attractions and services just like any other visitor.
Key Projects Supported by the Tourism Accessibility Fund
The 2025 iteration of the Tourism Accessibility Fund focuses on both small-scale and large-scale upgrades to tourism facilities across the city. Each of the following projects was awarded funding to improve accessibility and promote inclusive tourism experiences in Ottawa:
- Andaz Hyatt Byward Market
The historic Andaz Hyatt Byward Market hotel will improve the accessibility of its facilities by installing an automatic push-button door to the lobby’s accessible washroom. This small but impactful upgrade will help guests with mobility challenges navigate the space with greater ease. - Brookstreet Hotel
Brookstreet Hotel is taking significant steps to enhance accessibility within its guest rooms. With the installation of automatic door openers, the hotel will make its accessible rooms more convenient and barrier-free for guests with physical disabilities, improving their overall stay. - Capital Pride
Capital Pride, one of Ottawa’s largest festivals, is committed to making its events more accessible. Funding will go toward accessible infrastructure at festival grounds, including the installation of viewing platforms, accessible portable washrooms, and the hiring of ASL interpreters. These improvements will ensure that all festival-goers, regardless of ability, can fully participate in the festivities. - Fairmont Château Laurier
Fairmont Château Laurier, a staple of Ottawa’s hospitality scene, will be retrofitting its washroom facilities to improve accessibility. The renovations include automatic doors, emergency buttons, and lowered amenities, making it easier for visitors with disabilities to navigate and use the restroom facilities. - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa East Orleans
Holiday Inn Express & Suites will enhance its accessibility offerings by installing a portable stairlift and retrofitting select guest rooms. The upgrades will also extend to restrooms and elevators, along with the addition of accessible furnishings in guest rooms and meeting spaces, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. - Let’s Go Cargo!
Let’s Go Cargo! is making a significant investment in accessible mobility options by purchasing a Black Iron Horse electric cargo bike. This addition will provide visitors with accessible transportation in Ottawa’s core, allowing those with mobility issues to explore the city more easily and independently. - Mahal Tanjore
Mahal Tanjore, a popular local restaurant, is committed to improving its accessibility standards. The funding will support upgrades to the restaurant’s main entrance, washroom, seating, and signage, ensuring compliance with current accessibility standards and creating a more inclusive dining experience. - OSEG (TD Place)
TD Place, home to major sports and entertainment events, is enhancing its accessibility with upgrades to its changerooms. This includes the installation of wider doorways, handrails, foldable shower seats, and a ramp to ensure that all visitors can safely and comfortably access these facilities during events. - Saunders Farm
Saunders Farm, a beloved outdoor destination for families, is investing in wheelchair-accessible pathways across key areas of the property. The upgrades will also include inclusive seating in the pavilion and improved signage to clearly mark accessible routes, ensuring that guests with mobility challenges can fully enjoy the farm’s offerings. - The Bytown Museum
The Bytown Museum is making critical improvements to its visitor services. These enhancements include the addition of a new accessible parking space, a compliant entrance ramp, and a dual-height visitor services desk. These changes will help make the museum’s exhibits and services more accessible to individuals with mobility challenges.
A Step Toward a More Inclusive Future
The \$100,000 investment through the Tourism Accessibility Fund marks a significant milestone in Ottawa’s efforts to make its tourism sector more inclusive. With these accessibility upgrades, the city is taking important steps toward ensuring that all visitors, regardless of ability, can enjoy the attractions, accommodations, and events that make Ottawa such a vibrant destination.
As tourism continues to play a vital role in Ottawa’s economy, the city’s commitment to accessibility is an essential part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore and experience its many offerings. With continued investment in inclusive initiatives like the Tourism Accessibility Fund, Ottawa is poised to become a model for accessibility in the tourism industry, making it a destination where everyone is welcome.
These projects will be completed by fall 2025, and their impact will be felt for years to come, setting a new standard for accessible tourism in Ottawa and inspiring other cities to follow suit.
