Accessibility

Statement of Commitment | Accessibility Policy | Accessibility Anonymous Feedback Form

Statement of Commitment

The vision of Parkin Architects is to create environments that positively impact lives. This includes our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. We seek to provide accessible services, information, goods, facilities, and employment opportunities. We are committed to meeting the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and all applicable accessibility and human rights legislation. We work to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility in our operations. Our commitment to collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life while prioritizing social impact has earned us a reputation for excellence which we are committed to maintaining and growing.

Accessibility Policies and Procedures at Parkin

For more information on accessibility at Parkin or to review our accessibility policies and procedures, visit the Accessibility page[AA1]  on our website.

• Accessibility Policy
• Accessibility Feedback Form
• Multi-year Accessibility Plan (2026-2030)

Emergency or Evacuation Support for On-Site Guests

If you think you might require support during an emergency or evacuation while visiting a Parkin facility, notify the person you are meeting with or the receptionist.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or feedback, accommodation requests, or would like to request a copy of Parkin’s accessibility policies in an alternate format, contact our Accessibility Advisor:

• By email: accessibility@parkin.ca[AA2] 
• By phone: 416-467-8000, extension 249
• In person or by mail: 5000 Yonge St, Suite 1601, North York, ON M2N 7E9

Accessibility Policy

Application

This Accessibility Policy applies to all full-time, part-time, permanent, fixed-term contract employees and sub-contractors at Parkin Architects Limited (“Parkin” or “the Company”).

Purpose

Parkin Architects Limited is an employee-owned, award-winning architectural practice that specializes in designing purposeful, beautiful, and functional buildings. Over the course of our 80-year history, we have designed some of the most notable buildings in Canada and elsewhere, changing the architectural landscape both nationally and internationally.

Parkin seeks to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for our employees and visitors. From our offices in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver, and with employees based throughout Canada, Parkin serves both Canadian and international clients.

This Policy is intended to comply with the principles and guidelines set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Information and procedures are designed to meet the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11 (IASR), as well as Parkin’s own accessibility and inclusion goals and all applicable accessibility legislation.

This Policy and the responsibilities described in Section 5 apply to Parkin’s operations, to support our commitment to identifying, removing and preventing accessibility barriers.

Statement of Commitment to Accessibility

The vision of Parkin Architects is to create environments that positively impact lives. This includes our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. We seek to provide accessible services, information, goods, facilities, and employment opportunities. We are committed to meeting the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and all applicable accessibility and human rights legislation. We work to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility in our operations. Our commitment to collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life while prioritizing social impact has earned us a reputation for excellence which we are committed to maintaining and growing.

Definitions

The following terms are used in this Accessibility Policy and have the following meanings:

Accessible: Services, goods, facilities, or environments that can be accessed, used by, or understood by all persons, including those with disabilities

Accessible or Alternate Formats: Include but are not limited to large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille, and other formats usable by Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent persons

Accommodations: Efforts to ensure that people with disabilities are not denied services or opportunities if they can be accommodated to the point of undue hardship through changes to a company’s policies, practices, training, technology, or other reasonable supports

Assistive Devices: Any device used to assist persons with disabilities in carrying out activities or in accessing services. Assistive devices include:

• Mobility assistive devices, such as a cane, walker, wheelchair, electronic scooter, or similar device used to assist with mobility;
• Communication devices, such as a hearing device, laptop computer, communication board, or similar device used to assist with communication; and
• Medical devices, such as a personal oxygen tank or similar device used to assist with medical requirements of a disability.

Barriers: Anything that prevents a person who identifies as Deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability or condition; barriers include physical, architectural, information or communications, attitudinal, technological, or systemic policies or practices

Communication Supports: Include but are not limited to captioning, alternative or additional communication methods or technology, and the use of plain language, sign language, or other supports that facilitate clear and effective communication

Disability: This Policy uses the AODA and Ontario Human Rights Code definition of Disability, which defines a disability as:

1. Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
2. A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
3. A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
4. A mental disorder; or
5. An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

This definition includes disabilities that may be visible or not visible and disabilities that may be temporary, permanent, or episodic.

Information: Includes data, facts and knowledge that exists in any format – including text, audio, images, digital or print – and that conveys meaning

Public spaces: As defined by the AODA, including service-related elements like service counters, fixed queuing lines and waiting areas.

Service Animal: An animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if:

1. The animal can be readily identified as one that is being used by the person for reasons relating to the person’s disability or condition, because of visual indicators such as an identifying vest or harness worn by the animal;
2. The person provides documentation from a regulated health professional confirming that they require the animal for reasons related to their disability or condition; or
3. The animal is trained as a guide for a person who is blind, Deafblind, or has low vision, having qualifications required by the Blind Persons’ Rights Act.

Support Person: Any person who accompanies a person who is Deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent, to assist with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or with access to goods, services or facilities

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines: refers to the internationally recognized World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recommendations, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Responsibilities

The responsibilities in this section describe commitments and procedures made by Parkin and its employees. All procedures have been developed to incorporate the four AODA principles:

Dignity – Parkin is committed to respecting and treating every person as valued and deserving of respect.

Independence – Parkin makes every effort to ensure that persons with disabilities have the freedom and resources available to make choices and decisions without unnecessary intervention of others.

Integration – Parkin is committed to making its services, facilities, employment opportunities, and goods available to persons with disabilities in an inclusive and integrated manner wherever possible. If complete integration is not possible, Parkin will make every effort to ensure that persons with disabilities receive, use, and benefit from services in an equally effective way.

Equality of Opportunity – Parkin will ensure that persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to obtain, use, and benefit from the services, employment opportunities, and goods that it provides.

Information and Communication

Parkin Architects Limited encourages open communication throughout the organization. Parkin makes every effort to provide information and communication in an accessible format. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to communicate their feedback and their requests for accommodation or information in alternate format if needed.

Information

Parkin will provide information about the Company and its services, including public safety information, in accessible formats or with communication supports, upon request.

For any web content that Parkin controls or manages, the Company will meet or exceed internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA website requirements as required by the AODA.

Parkin’s Statement of Commitment to Accessibility and accompanying contact information will be posted on the Company website at https://www.parkin.ca/accessibility.

Communication

Parkin is committed to communicating with persons with disabilities in ways that take into consideration their disability and any individual needs or requirements. To ensure communication is as accessible and inclusive as possible, Parkin is committed to the following:

• Training employees on how to interact and communicate with persons with disabilities, in a timely and respectful manner, guided by the AODA principles and by Parkin’s accessibility policies and procedures;
• Considering the person’s accessibility needs and requests, and providing information and services at no additional cost to that charged to others;
• Not making assumptions or generalizations about individual needs and consulting with individuals to understand their unique needs, circumstances, and requests;
• Considering and using appropriate language when communicating (e.g., plain language, inclusive language);
• Considering and using appropriate methods of communication and meeting individual requests for alternate formats wherever possible (e.g., phone, email, large print, audio formats); and
• Using appropriate assistive devices or services when required

Accessible or Alternate Formats and Communication Supports

Upon request, Parkin will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible or alternate formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities, in a timely manner and at no additional cost to the individual. The Company will take into account the person’s accessibility needs when responding to individual requests.

If Parkin determines that information or communications cannot be provided in the format requested, the Company will provide the individual making the request with an explanation. In such cases, when requested and where possible, Parkin will provide a summary version of the information or communication provided.

Training

Parkin Architects Limited will provide AODA and accessibility training as required under legislation. This training will include, at minimum, information related to awareness and the ability to perform responsibilities. Relevant topics include:

• The purpose and principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act;
• An overview of the requirements of the AODA’s Customer Service standard;
• Information on how to interact with persons with disabilities;
• Information on how to interact with people who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or support person;
• Information on what to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing Parkin’s services, goods, or facilities;
• An overview of Parkin’s Accessibility Policy and related procedures;
• Role-specific responsibilities of the AODA standards related to individual departments;
• Applicable Human Rights Code content, as it relates to persons with disabilities; and
• Access to further information for applicable provincial and federal accessibility legislation.

Parkin will provide training to its employees:

• During the initial onboarding period for new employees;
• When changes are made to the AODA or other applicable accessibility or human rights legislation;
• When changes are made to Parkin’s accessibility policies or procedures; and
• When requested or required as refresher training.

Parkin will also ensure that those who are involved in the development and approval of accessibility-related policies, practices, and procedures are trained on the AODA and Ontario Human Rights Code content that relates to persons with disabilities.

A record of training provided will be maintained by People and Culture and will include the date of training and the names of the participants in attendance.

Emergency or Evacuation Support for On-Site Visitors

All Parkin facility visitors are requested to notify the person they are meeting with (or the facility receptionist, Health and Safety, or People and Culture) if they might require accommodation or support during a meeting or during an emergency or evacuation situation while visiting facilities owned, managed, or controlled by Parkin Architects Limited.

Receptionists are trained on how to arrange accommodations for any emergency or evacuation support requests, as well as requests for information in alternate formats.

Assistive Devices

Wherever possible, Parkin will ensure that the access, use and benefit of goods and services are not compromised for individuals who require assistive devices or who are accompanied by a service animal or support person.

Parkin is committed to serving persons who use assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit from the Company’s services, facilities, or goods. Employees will be trained how to interact with persons who use an assistive device.

It is the responsibility of the person using an assistive device to ensure that it is operated in a safe and controlled manner.

Service Animals

Parkin employees will be trained how to interact with persons who require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal.

Service animals include but are not limited to guide dogs and other trained or certified service animals. Service animals can often be identified through visual indicators (for example, a harness or a vest with a certification badge). If a service animal cannot be identified easily, Parkin employees may request that a person accompanied by an animal provide documentation from a regulated health professional to confirm that the animal is required for reasons relating to their disability or condition.

Parkin is committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on Company premises that are open to the public and other third parties. This excludes areas prohibited by law (for example, in an area where food is being prepared in a commercial kitchen).

Service animals must remain under the care and control of the person with a disability or an accompanying support person.

Support Persons

Parkin is committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person. A support person may be a paid professional, a volunteer, a friend, or a family member. As with all Parkin facility visitors, support persons must abide by Company rules and regulations.

Parkin employees will be trained how to interact with persons with disabilities who require the assistance of a support person.

Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to access Parkin premises that are open to the public and other third parties. At no time will a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person be prevented from having access to their support person while on the premises.

Persons with disabilities shall determine whether a support person is necessary and are required to provide their own support person. Persons are requested to inform the Company that they will be accompanied by a support person upon entering the premises.

In some cases, a support person may need to sign a confidentiality agreement dependent on the information to be discussed (for example, where confidentiality is essential for the Company or for the client being served).

Notice of Temporary Disruption of Accessible Services or Facilities

Parkin will provide notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in accessible services or accessible facilities usually used by persons with disabilities. This notice will include information about:

• What accessible service or facility is disrupted and not currently available;
• The reason for the disruption;
• The anticipated duration of the disruption;
• A description of alternate facilities or services, if available; and
• Contact information for questions or follow-up regarding the disruption.

Notice of the disruption of facilities or services will be announced and posted as soon as possible after becoming aware of a disruption.

Notice will be posted at the location of the disruption and at the main Parkin facility entrance affected by the disruption.

For lengthy or planned disruptions, notice may also be posted on the Parkin Architects website at https://www.parkin.ca/accessibility.

If a disruption occurs, persons with disabilities will be accommodated using other possible means to access the disrupted services. Accommodation options will be discussed with those involved and alternate service methods may include:

• Using an alternate place and time to meet or meeting remotely;
• Providing services in another format (such as arranging a consultation or meeting with a client over the phone, online, or in person); or
• Using other appropriate measures available to deliver services.

Accessibility Feedback

Feedback regarding accessibility to services and goods and the way Parkin employees interact with others is welcome and appreciated. Our goal is to meet the needs of all of our clients, visitors, and employees.

Feedback can be provided in person, by phone, by email, or by using a Company Accessibility Feedback Form that is available upon request and on the Parkin Architects website at https://www.parkin.ca/accessibility.

The Company will provide an initial response to accessibility feedback within five business days. Concerns will be addressed according to the Company’s complaint management procedures. If necessary, the Accessibility Advisor and management will work with the person who submitted the feedback to address and resolve complaints.

Establishment of Accessibility Plans

Parkin will create and maintain a multi-year accessibility plan outlining its strategy to identify, prevent, and remove accessibility barriers and to meet its requirements under the AODA.

The Company will post its accessibility plan on its website at https://www.parkin.ca/accessibility and will provide the plan in an alternate format upon request.

The Company will review and update its accessibility plan a minimum of every five years, in consultation with Parkin’s Accessibility Advisor and senior management.

Procuring or Acquiring Self-Service Kiosks

Parkin currently does not require the use of self-service kiosks when providing access to its services. If the Company plans to procure or acquire self-service kiosks, it will incorporate accessibility criteria and features, except where it is not possible or practical to do so. If it is not possible and practical to incorporate accessibility criteria, the Company will provide an explanation upon request.

Hiring (for job applicants)

Parkin Architects Limited is committed to being inclusive in our hiring policies. We will notify the public that we will accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities throughout our selection and hiring process. During the selection process, we will include the following paragraph in print and online job postings:

Parkin Architects Limited is committed to inclusive recruitment and employment practices. If you have any accommodation requests during the selection process, please inform us as soon as possible and we will make every effort to fulfill your request.

When scheduling an interview, we will describe the interview process and ask applicants if they have any accommodation requests. If an interview candidate requests an accommodation, we will discuss their request with them and make every effort to fulfill their accommodation requests.

Workplace Information (for employees)

Upon request by an employee, Parkin will provide workplace information in an accessible or alternate format and offer communication supports when needed. Workplace information includes:

• Any information employees need to perform their jobs (for example, job descriptions and manuals), and
• General information that is available to all employees at work (for example, employee onboarding and training content, company newsletters and memos, and health and safety information).

Parkin will work with employees who request accommodations to determine how best to meet their needs and to provide accessible workplace information in a timely manner.

The Company will work with employees to develop individual accommodation plans where required. Where necessary, these plans will include individual emergency response plans and information to assist during an emergency or evacuation.

Parkin will consider and review any accessibility barriers and accessibility requests or needs identified by employees during onboarding, performance management, career development, and redeployment processes. This will include checking in with employees to review any current accommodation request arrangements, to confirm or modify arrangements, if needed.

Design of Public Spaces

When building new or making major changes to public spaces of facilities that it owns, manages, or controls, Parkin will ensure that accessible designs are incorporated wherever possible.

Communication of Policies, Plans, and Procedures

Parkin will inform all employees about policies to support persons with disabilities. Our Accessibility Policy will be reviewed with new employees when they are hired, and updates will be announced and, if necessary, refresher training provided when accessibilities policies or procedures are revised.

The current Parkin Architects Accessibility Policy, Multi-year Accessibility Plan, and other public accessibility policies and procedures are posted in an accessible format at https://www.parkin.ca/accessibility.

Changes to Existing Company Policies

Parkin Architects Limited will modify or remove any existing policies that do not respect and promote the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.

Contact Information

Accessibility Advisor
Parkin Architects Limited
5000 Yonge St, Suite 1601
North York, ON M2N 7E9
accessibility@parkin.ca
Office phone: 416-467-8000, extension 249

Date of Creation:	December 2025
Date Last Reviewed:	December 2025
Scheduled Review Date:	December 2026
Approved by:	Senior Management Team

Accessibility Anonymous Feedback Form

Feedback regarding accessibility to Parkin Architects services and information and the way Parkin employees communicate is welcome and appreciated. Your comments assist us in identifying and removing barriers and increasing inclusion at Parkin.

If you have any feedback, comments, questions, accommodation requests, or requests for information in an alternate format, contact the Accessibility Advisor using any of the following methods.

• This form is available online at Accessibility Anonymous Feedback Form
• Submit an email to accessibility@parkin.ca
• Call us at 416-467-8000, extension 249