--- title: "Ottawa pilot offers free entrance ramps to small businesses with single-step doors" description: "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." canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/ottawa-2026/news/ottawa-ramp-pilot-businesses-accessibility-november-2026" last_updated: "2026-11-10T17:43:27.875Z" --- 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](/on/ottawa-2026/candidates/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](/on/ottawa-2026/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. ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/on/ottawa-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.