The City of Toronto web page provides an overview of what Tactile Walking Surface Indicators are, why they are used, and the benefits of their use:

"Tactile walking surface indicators are intended to be detectable underfoot when walking or by a long white cane. They are used to alert people with low or no vision of potential hazards, such as moving vehicular traffic.

The indicators must also provide a high tonal contrast with the surround surface. The indicators that are installed in the City of Toronto are made of cast iron. Initially, cast iron will develop a rusty red colour which may stain the sidewalk in the first year following installation. The stain will eventually disappear and the cast iron will develop a natural patina, which provides an even greater tonal contrast with the sidewalk."

About Tactile Walking Surface Indicators:

Tactile walking surface indicators are intended to be detectable underfoot when walking or by a long white cane. They are used to alert people with low or no vision of potential hazards, such as moving vehicular traffic.

The indicators must also provide a high tonal contrast with the surround surface. The indicators that are installed in the City of Toronto are made of cast iron. Initially, cast iron will develop a rusty red colour which may stain the sidewalk in the first year following installation. The stain will eventually disappear and the cast iron will develop a natural patina, which provides an even greater tonal contrast with the sidewalk.

The web page also discusses the Consultation on Tactile Walking Surface Indicators Implementation:

"Toronto follows universal standards, in order to provide consistent indicators to persons with low or no vision.

Tactile walking surface indicators are universally used. The design is based on Canadian (CSA) and International (ISO) standards. Japan has been using them since 1967. The ISO standard was created in 1999, and the U.S. has been widely using them since 2001. The CSA standard was created in 2004 and updated in 2012. The Government of Ontario also had a significant consultation process involving advisory groups and representatives of various disabilities in the development of its accessibility standards.

A pilot project was conducted by the City at the intersection of Shuter Street and Victoria Street, by St. Michael’s Hospital, from November 2012 to July 2013. The purpose of the pilot project was to evaluate four different tactile walking surface indicator products, which were installed at the four corners of the intersection. View the Pilot Project Evaluation Report."

Here are some helpful links from the City of Toronto's Specifications and Construction Standards for Tacticle Walking Surface Indicators:

• Standard Specification TS 3.70: Construction Specification for Concrete Sidewalk and Concrete Raised Median
• Standard Drawing T-310.030-7: Signalized Intersection Configuration of Pedestrian Crossings
• Standard Drawing T-310.030-8: Controlled Non-Signalized Intersection Configurations of Pedestrian Crossings
• Standard Drawing T-310.030-9: Location of Dropped Curbs at Controlled Intersections
• Standard Drawing T-310.030-10: Tactile Walking Surface Indicator and Curb Ramp Detail
• Standard Drawing T-310.030-11: Tactile Surface Indicator and Depressed Curb Detail

In addition there are other helpful links about Tactile Walking Surface Indicators:

• Making Ontario Accessible
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
• Design of Public Spaces Standards – Part IV. 1 of Ontario Regulation 191/11
• International Organization for Standardization – ISO 23599: 2012 “"Assistive Products for Blind and Vision-Impaired Persons – Tactile Walking Surface Indicators"
• Canadian Standards Association – B651-12 (R2017) “"Accessible Design for the Built Environment"
• Canadian National Institute for the Blind – Clear our Path Guide

Landmark by Crozier is a proud supplier of Neena Foundry who produces TWSI's. We are proud to assist The City of Toronto with its effort and the goals to provide more accessible streets for locals and visitors alike.