Ottawa businesses with a single step blocking their front door now have a way to fix it for free. The city's Corporate Accessibility Office is launching a pilot program in partnership with the StopGap Foundation to provide free temporary ramps to local businesses, as directed by Ottawa's City Council in June 2026.
What the ramps do
The ramps themselves are lightweight and brightly coloured, and they're built to be temporary.
The goal isn't just about one step at a time. The ramps are meant to make it easier for people who use mobility devices, have limited mobility, or use strollers to access local businesses, while also raising public awareness about accessibility and helping businesses welcome more customers.
Who qualifies
The eligibility list is specific. To take part, a business must be located within the City of Ottawa boundary and have a single-step entrance, typically between 2 and 7 inches in height, at its main public entrance.
Businesses also need adequate space to safely position and use the ramp, and if the property is leased, the owner has to sign off on it. On top of that, applicants must show proof of at least $2 million in liability insurance and sign a participation agreement between StopGap Foundation and the business owner.
Applications are open now
Applications for the program are open as of the city's September 3 announcement. Funding for free ramps is limited, and the Corporate Accessibility Office says eligible businesses will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to its own review.
Why it matters locally
For Ottawa shoppers who use wheelchairs, walkers or strollers, a single step can be the difference between getting into a favourite café or bookstore and turning around at the door. City council's direction in June set this pilot in motion specifically to chip away at that problem without requiring businesses to fund permanent construction themselves, since the ramps are provided free and are removable.
The program is still a pilot, and the city hasn't said how many ramps it expects to distribute in this round or when it will report back on results. For now, the message from the Corporate Accessibility Office is straightforward: if a business meets the criteria, the application window is open.
Sources: Ottawa Times, Office of Councillor Glen Gower (City of Ottawa)
