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Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Services provides leadership, direction, and support to the City in the areas of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
The City of Cambridge is committed to delivering accessible, inclusive, and age-friendly programs, services and facilities as outlined in the Cambridge Connected Strategic Plan. As a provider of public services, we have a responsibility to ensure all people are welcome and included in all that we do.
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, contact Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Services.
The City's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Services team supports:
- Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Action Plan – implementation and yearly updates
- Accessibility- monitor legislation, standards, identify community needs, and provide guidance to program and service development and application
- Cambridge Newcomer Outreach Program- settlement information, events, and engage community in welcoming newcomers to Cambridge
- Indigenous Reconciliation- support the City in reconciliation efforts
- Commemorative Days- provide support to City staff in acknowledgement and recognition of days of significance
For information about arranging supports or accommodations to participate in City programs, please visit Support and Accommodations.
Initiatives
The City of Cambridge supports a number of initiatives to promote and advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Some examples can be found below.
| Celebrating Pride in June |
| Celebrating Pride each June is a strong tradition in the City of Cambridge. Signature events, including the Pride flag-raising at City Hall, bring our community together to honour 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across the region. These events allow us to reflect on key moments in the fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and to renew our personal and collective commitment to combating homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia wherever they occur.
Throughout the City, we are dedicated to supporting and welcoming all gender identities and expressions within our community We strive to address barriers, both visible and implicit, that may prevent individuals and employees from flourishing in ways that are true to who they are and what they aspire to become. Some of the initiatives below
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| Recognizing Indigenous History Month in June |
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On June 1, the City of Cambridge celebrates the beginning of National Indigenous History Month. The City of Cambridge is committed to reconciliation as an intentional, ongoing, and lifelong process. This commitment involves staff at all levels working towards reconciliation through Indigenous-led learning opportunities, effective communication, and meaningful relationship-building. The City actively participates in the Reconciliation Action Partnership group as part of this commitment. This collaborative group of municipal representatives works together to support Indigenous-centered initiatives across the Waterloo Region. |
| Emancipation Day Celebration in August |
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August 1, has been proclaimed as Emancipation Day, marking the day slavery was abolished. Celebrating this day acknowledges that oppression and captivity have caused intergenerational trauma for many African Canadians. Through this celebration, let us embark on this learning journey together to help eliminate prejudice, discrimination and longstanding disparity. Emancipation Day Celebration coming soon on July 28, 2024 at Soper Park, Cambridge. For more information stay tuned or reach out to Rhythm and Blues Cambridge
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| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Orange Shirt Day - September 30th |
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We will also be promoting various events planned in the region that highlight the voices and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. Stay tuned for more information regarding the unveiling of the Grand River Transit Bus Wrap, Every Child Matters Walk/Reconciliation Walk, Sacred Fire workshops, and many more.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour survivors, their families and communities on the tragic events and ongoing legacy of residential schools. The day is also a time to commit to truth, justice, and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across the region and Canada.
To acknowledge the loss of life and identity and to honour the survivors, their families and communities, the City will raise the Survivor flag at City Hall and light the Cambridge sign orange on September 30. Public commemoration of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are vital components of the reconciliation process.
What can I do? Reconciliation is acknowledging the past, respecting Indigenous treaties and rights, letting go of negative perceptions, and working towards solidarity. Reflect on how you can work towards reconciliation in your own life and create your personal reconciliation plan. Ways to get Involved Wear orange on September 30 for Orange Shirt Day. The orange shirt has become a symbol of hope, reconciliation and a commitment to a better future. By wearing an orange shirt on September 30th, you make a statement to support reconciliation and commit to the enduring truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS.
City of Cambridge
September 30th from 7 pm -9 pm - Civic Square (50 Dickson Street, Cambridge)
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Free Menstrual Products |
| The City of Cambridge offers free menstrual products throughout their facilities.
In 2021, city council approved a pilot project to introduce free menstrual products across our facilities. When visiting a facility, look for the following symbol to locate the washrooms with free menstrual products.
The following City facilities will have free period products available to the public:
Cambridge Food Bank The food bank offers free menstrual products at 54 Ainslie St South location. For contact and more info, visit Cambridge Food Bank. The following infographic will be displayed across City of Cambridge facilities to bring awareness to menstrual equity.
Additional Resources For more about menstrual equity, please access the resources below: |
| Sensitive Santa |
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This event is a special time to visit with Santa reserved for children with social, emotional or behavioral needs. This sensory friendly environment provides lower lighting and a quieter surrounding. The City of Cambridge in partnership with Cambridge Centre provides four event dates leading up to Christmas. To keep it sensory friendly and organized, registration is required. For more information visit our accessibility page. |
| Dynamic Symbol of Access |
| The Dynamic Symbol of Access is a new symbol to indicate accessible features and spaces in the built environment. It shows movement; an action that emphasizes differing abilities and reframes the way society views and interacts with people with disabilities. The symbol is dynamic, has a person first focus and is a catalyst for conversation, learning, and advocacy for issues surrounding accessibility.
The City will use the International Symbol of Access where legislated, while adopting the Dynamic Symbol of Access for all other indications of accessibility. The Dynamic Symbol of Access was adopted by the City of Cambridge in 2019.
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| Treat Accessibly |
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The Treat Accessibly movement aims to make a small change by encouraging communities to celebrate Halloween in an accessible way that's inclusive of children and youth who live with accessibility issues. The FREE Accessible Trick-or-Treating sign is a symbol promoting Accessible and Inclusive change, and one that tells families in your neighbourhood that if their child has a disability, they are welcome to experience Halloween without barriers at your home.
For more information visit our accessibility page.
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| Partnerships |
The City of Cambridge partners on a variety of community and external organization led initiatives. If you are organizing an initiative that aims to promote and advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, email edia@cambridge.ca.
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