Ottawa pilot offers free entrance ramps to small businesses with single-step doors
The City of Ottawa is giving out about 20 portable ramps at no cost to businesses whose entrances have a step between 2 and 7 inches high, under a new pilot approved by council in June.
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The City of Ottawa is providing free portable ramps to small businesses whose front entrance has a single step between 2 and 7 inches high, Capital Current reported on November 10, 2026. The pilot program, approved by council in June, gives out about 20 ramps on a first-come, first-served basis.
The City worked with the StopGap Foundation, an organization that designs and builds portable ramps, to run the program. Funding came from the mayor's office, Capital Current reported.
What the ramp does
A portable ramp from the StopGap Foundation sits at a step and can be moved away when not in use. Stephane Sauvé, the owner of the Glebe Meat Market, told Capital Current that the ramp works well because it is retractable and requires no large investment. His store has a 4-inch step at the entrance.
"That's just bringing more inclusiveness to everyone," Sauvé told Capital Current. "We can't have something blocking people with disabilities from doing whatever they want."
Megan Richards, the program manager, told Capital Current that by reducing accessibility barriers, the pilot helps local businesses welcome more residents and visitors.
Why the pilot focuses on portable ramps
Councillor Marty Carr, who represents Ward 18 Alta Vista and serves as the liaison for the Accessibility Advisory Committee, told Capital Current that putting in a permanent ramp would require significant renovations and construction to meet bylaw rules. A portable ramp is a simpler path.
Her campaign commitments include inclusive and accessible services for the ward. See her promises on the Ottawa tracker.
Ottawa's accessibility gap
A 2023 study by Access Now found Ottawa was 53 per cent accessible for people with disabilities, Capital Current reported. Downtown Ottawa was identified as an area with a high concentration of entrances people with disabilities cannot use.
The Glebe BIA had already trialled portable ramps during the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, held in Ottawa from September 9 to 19.
How to apply
Small businesses in Ottawa with a single step between 2 and 7 inches high can apply through the City's website at ottawa.ca. The City has not stated a deadline for applications, Capital Current reported. The pilot is scheduled to be evaluated at the end of 2026.
Questions this story answers
What is the City of Ottawa's portable ramp pilot program?
It is a pilot program the City of Ottawa approved in June 2026 to give free portable ramps to small businesses whose front entrance has a single step between 2 and 7 inches high. The program is run with the StopGap Foundation, which designs and builds the ramps. Funding came from the mayor's office, according to Capital Current.
How many ramps are available through the Ottawa ramp pilot?
About 20 ramps are expected to be produced and distributed, Capital Current reported on November 10, 2026. They are given out on a first-come, first-served basis to businesses that apply through the City's website.
Who can apply for a free ramp through the City of Ottawa program?
Small businesses in Ottawa with a single-step entrance between 2 and 7 inches high can apply. Businesses fill out an application at ottawa.ca. No application deadline was stated in the City's program description as reported by Capital Current.
What is the StopGap Foundation?
The StopGap Foundation is an organization that designs and builds portable ramps for businesses with single-step entrances. The City of Ottawa chose to work with the Foundation to run the pilot program, which provides ramps to businesses at no cost.
What did Glebe Meat Market owner Stephane Sauvé say about the program?
Capital Current reported that Sauvé said there is no reason for a business to say no to a free ramp. He said the portable ramp works well because it is retractable and requires no large investment, and that it brings more inclusiveness to everyone.
What did Councillor Marty Carr say about permanent ramps?
Marty Carr, the councillor for Ward 18 Alta Vista who serves as the liaison for the Accessibility Advisory Committee, said that putting in a permanent ramp would require significant renovations and construction to comply with bylaws. The portable ramp is a simpler option, Capital Current reported.
How accessible is Ottawa for people with disabilities?
A 2023 study by Access Now found Ottawa was 53 per cent accessible for people with disabilities, Capital Current reported. Downtown Ottawa was identified as an area with a high number of business entrances that people with disabilities cannot use.
When will the City evaluate the ramp pilot program?
Capital Current reported that the pilot is scheduled for evaluation at the end of 2026. The article did not say what the City will decide to do after the evaluation or how many businesses had applied by November 10, 2026.
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