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StopGap Ramp Pilot Project
The City is committed to developing an inclusive and welcoming community. City Council recently approved a StopGap ramp pilot project report with StopGap Foundation to help remove single step physical barriers to businesses in Oshawa.
StopGap Foundation
StopGap Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that promotes and provides temporary ramps to access to commercial buildings with a single entrance step. These ramps provide access to customers using mobility devices, strollers and those with limited ability to manage a step.
StopGap Ramp Pilot Project
Oshawa is pleased to be working with StopGap Foundation to purchase and provide temporary custom-built ramps for up to ten businesses in Oshawa with single stepped entrances between 2” and 9” high.
| The StopGap Program |
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StopGap works directly with each business to ensure a proper fit. Businesses acquiring a StopGap ramp must enter into an agreement with StopGap stating that they take on the responsibility and any risk associated with using the ramp. Additionally, the agreement will outline proper usage and storage of the ramp. Business owners can request a window sign from StopGap for business owners to inform community members that a ramp is available upon request. |
| Insurance and Other Requirements |
| Business owners will be required to indemnify the City and provide the City with a Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $5 million dollars annually, naming the City of Oshawa as an additional insured.
The business owner is responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement costs. Ramps may be placed on the sidewalks outside business entrances during business hours provided there is no more than a 1.2 m encroachment into the public right of way on an “as needed basis”. In some cases, the business may require entering into an Encroachment agreement with the City. |
Businesses can apply to receive a StopGap ramp through the pilot project until June 14, 2024.
How to get your ramp!
If you are an Oshawa business with a single step entrance and interested in this pilot ramp project, please follow the steps below:
- Visit StopGap.ca and take a photo of the entire storefront or patio area and two photos of your step/curb height as directed by StopGap. Upload your photos and complete the Ramps on Request Form. In the Any Other Details section – please add that you wish to participate in the 2024 Oshawa StopGap Ramp Pilot Project.
- StopGap representatives will contact your business to evaluate your measurements and may request additional photos to best design the ramp to fit your step.
- When you have completed the application and agreement for use of the ramp with StopGap staff, contact the City of Oshawa’s Accessibility Program Coordinator at [email protected] or 905-436-3311 ext. 2288 to make arrangements for submitting the signed sidewalk encroachment agreement (if required) and the annual submission of your $5 million Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Oshawa as an additional insured.
- When the requirements are complete, City staff will notify StopGap, and they will proceed with building the ramp, invoice the City for payment and coordinate shipping.