Winnipeg WCAG Accessibility Rules for Vendors

Technology and Data Manitoba 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Manitoba

Winnipeg, Manitoba vendors supplying websites or digital services to the City must meet web accessibility expectations rooted in WCAG standards. This guide explains typical procurement requirements, who enforces accessibility at the municipal level, common compliance steps, and how vendors can document and test WCAG conformance when contracting with Winnipeg. It is written for vendors preparing proposals, submitting websites for municipal use, or responding to accessibility-related corrective notices.

Scope & Applicable Standards

Municipal contracts and requests for proposals commonly require adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) at a target level (for example WCAG 2.1 AA). Vendors should confirm the RFP or contract documents for the exact required WCAG version and level before delivery.

Check the contract documents or RFP for the specified WCAG version and conformance level.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces accessibility requirements primarily through procurement contract terms and by-law or administrative compliance routes administered by the relevant departments. Specific monetary fines for failure to meet WCAG web requirements are not specified on municipal procurement or accessibility pages; remedies are usually contractual or administrative.

  • Enforcer: contract or procurement officers, By-law Enforcement or the responsible department for the vendor agreement.
  • Typical remedies: work orders to remediate accessibility defects, withholding of payments, contract breach processes.
  • Court or tribunal action: contractors may face contract claims or civil proceedings where obligations are not met.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: expect first remedial notices, then formal breach letters; specific timelines are set in each contract or notice.
  • Complaints & inspections: accessibility issues may be raised through departmental contract administrators or By-law Enforcement complaint channels.
If a contract includes remediation deadlines, act immediately to document and schedule fixes.

Applications & Forms

There is no universal municipal “WCAG compliance form.” Vendors typically submit accessibility conformance reports, test results, and an attestation or declaration of compliance as set out in the RFP or contract documents. If a specific remediation plan or form is required, the contract or procurement officer will provide submission instructions.

Compliance Steps for Vendors

  • Identify the required WCAG version and level from the RFP or contract.
  • Perform automated and manual accessibility testing against the specified WCAG criteria.
  • Document test results, including screenshots, test tools used, and remediation notes.
  • Prepare an accessibility conformance report and any required attestation for submission with deliverables.
  • Include a remediation plan and schedule for any known outstanding issues when handing over the site or application.
Maintain records of accessibility testing and remediation as part of contract deliverables.

Common Violations

  • Missing alternative text for images or non-text content.
  • Poor keyboard navigation or focus management.
  • Insufficient color contrast for text and interface elements.
  • Unlabelled form fields or controls.

Action Steps

  • Before bid: confirm WCAG level in the procurement documents and budget for remediation.
  • During development: implement automated checks and manual accessibility audits early and often.
  • After delivery: submit the conformance report and remediate any issues according to the contract schedule.
  • If contested: follow the contract appeal or dispute resolution process; document communications and remediation efforts.

FAQ

What WCAG level does Winnipeg require for vendor websites?
Requirements vary by contract; vendors must check the specific RFP or contract to confirm the required WCAG version and conformance level.
How do I prove my website meets WCAG?
Provide an accessibility conformance report showing test results, remediation notes, and an attestation as requested in the procurement documents.
Who do I contact about an accessibility complaint for a municipal website?
Contact the contract administrator listed in the procurement documents or the City department responsible for the service; municipal complaint routes are used for investigations and remediation.

How-To

  1. Review the RFP or contract to identify the exact WCAG version and level required.
  2. Run automated tools and a manual accessibility audit addressing the listed WCAG success criteria.
  3. Create a conformance report with evidence, remediation steps, and timelines.
  4. Submit the report and any required forms as part of deliverables by the contract-specified deadline.
  5. If notified of non-compliance, implement the remediation plan and notify the contract officer with proof of fixes.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm the WCAG version and level in the procurement documents before bidding.
  • Document accessibility testing and keep audit evidence as part of deliverables.

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