TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL (TCC)

ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE

General

Toronto Caribbean Carnival is committed to conform to the Accessibility for Ontarian’s with Disabilities Act. (AODA). The TCC Accessibility Guide is designed to assist guests with disabilities to navigate through events and activities. We hope that the information will help to make some of the potential challenges more manageable. For clarity and to provide feedback that might improve the festival, please email info@torontocarnival.ca or call 416 391 5608.

 

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is committed to making the entire Festival as accessible and inclusive as possible. The expectation is to provide a memorable experience for parking, getting around the grounds, on-site services, as well as venue specific details, and where to find medical care and other emergency services. In addition, there will be event specific information regarding accessibility, as venues could change.

Some events have designated wheelchair locations, which are available on a first come, first-served basis. However, we strive to make the entire sites accessible so that there are choices for people with accessibility needs.

Mobility Aids & Devices - For the Grand Parade, the TCC provides access to mobility aid from the main GO Transit and TTC & Wheel-Trans stops, to Grand Parade Central. Where required and with advance notification, Sign Language interpreters will be provided.

The sites will accommodate your wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and other mobility devices.

 

Wayfinding - Tools available to help navigate the sites, including but not limited to: Schedule with map, Pedestal signs, Directional signage, Information Booth, Customer Service Staff.

 

Accessible Transit - A designated drop-off address / location for Wheel-Trans and other para-transit services will be provided for each event. These locations will have sheltered/tented waiting areas and/or seating, where practical.

 

On-Site Parking - There may be a limited amount of vehicle parking available on-site. Each lot will have a designated accessible parking area, on a first- come, first-serve basis. Your accessible parking permit must be displayed on your vehicle. The TCC is not liable for tickets issued by Parking Enforcement agencies.

Moving Around at the Sites - There is a combination of outdoor and indoor spaces, with gradual changes in elevation. We recommend looking up any buildings you’re interested in going into before you do so, to check accessibility. The TCC will ensure that rented indoor spaces are well equipped with adequate Fire Protection/Alarm Services that meet code requirements.

Sidewalks/Roads – Sidewalk and road conditions are outside of the scope of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. However, where practical we will ensure that sidewalks remain clear of obstruction. The intent is to make the parade route and access to parks fully “Accessible.”

 

Washrooms - Some sites may have limited Indoor Washrooms that offer accessible washroom facilities, however based on the magnitude of the festival, adequate number of outdoor portolets will be provided and positioned at several locations throughout the grounds. Every location will include accessible portolets as well as accessible wash stations.

 

COVID-19 Concerns – At Toronto Caribbean Carnival, we understand the concerns regarding COVID-19. It is our intention to conform to the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health with regards to Covid-19 protocols, at the time of the festival.

Construction – If there is any construction going on during the festival, we will ensure that all safety measures are in place.

 

Large Crowds – Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a large festival that frequently attracts large audiences each year. Such a high number of folks coming together can result in limited space to maneuver easily. Our volunteers and staff will encourage attendees to be mindful of the space and share it with everyone, including those with accessibility needs.

 

Access to Services - Toronto Caribbean Carnival requires no proof of accessibility needs. If you require access to a service, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival staff and volunteers will be pleased to provide support, as we cherish our supporters with accessibility needs.

 

Updates - Toronto Caribbean Carnival is committed to expanding and increasing accessibility at the festival. Our website, https://www.torontocarnival.ca/accessibility , will continue to be updated as new requirements regarding accessibility becomes available for 2023.

 

Grand Parade

· Drop off location and access to Marilyn Bell Park are as follows:

1. Remembrance Drive and Lakeshore Blvd. W

2. Dowling Bridge, access located at 75 Dowling Ave

3. Colborne Lodge Dr and Lakeshore Blvd W. (* if distance is not an issue)

· Drop off Locations to Exhibition Place are as follows:

1. Dufferin Gate Entrance, 10 Dufferin St

2. Princess Gate, 11 Princess Blvd, off Strachan Ave

King and Queen Showcase

· The accessible entrance is the northeast gate to Lamport Stadium (Jefferson Ave and King Street)

Junior Carnival Parade

· The parking lot of St. Gabriel Lalemant Catholic School, 160 Crow Trail, Scarborough, is the designated drop off and pick up point. The parade route will be fully accessible.

Junior King and Queen Showcase

· For STC accessibility guidelines, follow: https://scarboroughtowncentre.com/accessibility/

Official Launch

· Follow City of Toronto accessibility guidelines for Nathan Phillip Square