With the addition of a power door to his office, local MPP Bill Walker has made his constituency office in Owen Sound a fully accessible space for people with mobility issues. The office building at 920 1st Avenue West already included a ramp and an elevator. The automated door brings the member's office into compliance with the provincial building code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

"I believe we should be constantly working to improve access for all people, and thought it important to lead by example" Walker said. "This addition of a power door will ensure that any constituent with a mobility issue will be able to enter safely and access their provincial representative."

As many as 1.85 million people or 15 per cent of the population in Ontario lives with a disability. Ontario's businesses and not-for-profit sectors have another ten years to ensure their built environments and customer service are fully accessible for people with disabilities. The Act, which was passed back in 2005, requires both the public and private sectors to improve physical space with the addition of features such as ramps, entrance with wider doors, grab bars and visual smoke alarms.

"The decision to make my office barrier-free is really about creating a space where every person, regardless of their ability, can visit and be actively involved in their community, and can safely and easily access me and my team" said Walker.

Walker added the change came at a minimal cost, and is covered by the Legislative Assembly.

"The more accessible we make our living environments, the greater our participation becomes in our communities," said Walker.

Source - Bill Walker constituency office