Burlington AODA Checklist for Public Events

This guide helps event organisers comply with accessibility obligations for public events in Burlington, Ontario, referencing provincial accessibility law and municipal event permit requirements^[1][2][3]. It covers what to check before, during and after the event, how enforcement works, common violations, and practical steps to document and demonstrate compliance when you apply for a City permit.

Accessibility checklist for event organisers

Use the checklist below to prepare accessible routes, services and communications so attendees with disabilities can participate. Keep records of decisions, communications and any accommodations offered.

• Designate accessible routes from transit stops, drop-off zones and parking to the event site.
• Provide accessible ticketing and registration options (phone, online with screen-reader compatibility, in-person).
• Publish a contact person for accessibility requests with phone and email and respond within a documented timeframe.
• Ensure accessible washrooms, seating, viewing areas and companion seating where applicable.
• Offer communication supports (ASL interpreters, captioning, large-print materials) when requested.
• Train staff and volunteers on accessible customer service and emergency procedures for attendees with disabilities.

Penalties & Enforcement

Compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and related provincial regulations is required; the City of Burlington enforces conditions of municipal event permits. Where specific monetary penalties or provincial enforcement amounts are not stated on the City event-permit pages or the consolidated provincial regulation pages, they are noted as not specified on the cited page below. Enforcement may include orders to remedy conditions, permit suspension or refusal, and court action for statutory offences.

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offences and specific dollar ranges are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct accessibility barriers, permit conditions, suspensions or court proceedings are possible under municipal permit authority and provincial enforcement.
• Enforcer: City of Burlington By-law Enforcement and the issuing permit office administer municipal permit compliance; provincial compliance falls to provincial authorities under AODA.
• Inspection and complaints: file complaints via the City of Burlington permit contact or provincial accessibility complaint processes.
• Appeal/review: appeal routes and statutory time limits depend on the instrument issuing the order or ticket; specific appeal periods are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The City requires a completed event or special use permit application and any supporting plans (site plan, crowd-control, accessibility plan) when applicable. Fee schedules, submission method and deadlines are published on the City event permit page; if a named form number is not published there, it is not specified on the cited page.

• Event permit application: follow the City of Burlington Events & Special Uses permit guidance and submit online or to the permit office as directed.
• Fees: consult the City permit page for current fees; fees are not specified on the cited page.
• Deadlines: apply early—permit processing times vary by event size and complexity.

How to demonstrate compliance

1. Prepare an accessibility plan listing routes, facilities, supports and staffing.
2. Attach the plan and any diagrams to your City event permit application.
3. Provide clear contact details for accessibility requests and respond promptly before and during the event.
4. Train staff and volunteers and keep an incident log for any accessibility-related complaints or incidents.

FAQ

Do all public events in Burlington have to follow AODA requirements?

Yes. Organisers must follow applicable AODA requirements and City permit conditions for accessibility; check the provincial regulation and the City event-permit guidance for details.

Who do I contact to report an accessibility violation at an event?

Contact the City of Burlington permit office or By-law Enforcement; for provincial matters, use the provincial accessibility complaint process.

What if I cannot provide a requested accommodation at short notice?

Offer a reasonable alternative accommodation, document the request and response, and communicate options to the attendee as soon as possible.

How-To

1. Identify all entry points, parking, drop-off areas and accessible washrooms at the venue.
2. Draft an accessibility plan with staffing and communication supports and attach it to the permit application.
3. Publish accessibility contact details on event pages and tickets and provide multiple ways to request supports.
4. Train staff and volunteers before the event and review the accessibility plan on arrival.
5. After the event, archive the accessibility plan and any incident records for future improvements.

Key Takeaways

• Plan accessibility early and include the plan with your City permit application.
• Provide a named contact for accessibility requests and respond promptly.
• Keep records of accommodations and staff training to demonstrate compliance.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Burlington - By-law Enforcement
• City of Burlington - Events & Special Uses
• City of Burlington - Building and Permits
• Ontario - Accessibility laws overview

1. [1] Government of Ontario - Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (e-Laws)
2. [2] Government of Ontario - Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (O. Reg. 191/11)
3. [3] City of Burlington - Events & Special Uses (event permit guidance)