Progress Report – June 1 2026 

Background and Purpose 

Since January 15, 2002, Utilismart Corporation has proudly and successfully provided software solutions, data management and analytic services supporting utilities, municipalities, industrial, commercial, and residential customers in Canada and the USA. In response to industry growth and evolving technology requirements, Utilismart Corporation began offering cellular data services to distribution utilities to enable their metering devices transition to cellular-based TCP IP communication technologies beginning in January 2016. 

Like the world itself, Utilismart has faced much evolution, growth and understanding over the years and with that, the company has embraced learning and demonstrating diversity and inclusion for all, including persons with disabilities. 

The purpose of this status report is to report on the progress made by implementing Utilismart Corporations Multi Year Accessibility Plan. The purpose of the plan is to prevent and  remove barriers to accessibility under the the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,2005 (AODA) , Utilismart can better provide services to our customers and facilitate a welcoming work environment. We know that there will always be improvements and new issues to navigate, and this progress report reinforces Utilismart Corporation’s ongoing commitment to doing just that! 

Feedback  

Utilismart Corporation welcomes feedback in helping to create a more accessible and forward-thinking company. The Office Support Coordinator is responsible for receiving accessibility-related feedback.  

Utilismart Corporation’s Accessibility Plan was published in June 2024. Zero feedback submissions have been received from clients or employees regarding services provided or internal training and documentation provided, as of May 2026. Although no feedback submissions were received during the reporting period, Utilismart recognizes the importance of continual improvement and remains committed to promoting accessibility and encouraging feedback that helps identify opportunities for enhancement.  

Consultations  

During 2026 , we revisited the individual who provided input during the initial Accessibility Plan process. Advice provided was to focus on sharing publications and information provided by accessibility groups that would be beneficial to the staff of Utilismart.  

Discussions included topics such as  transportation, using built in tools that aid in determining document accessibility, request for accommodation timelines, thinking outside the box about solutions and ensuring that all parties feel communication is a two-way street. Additionally, prior year conversations included topics regarding workplace location and the accessibility of public transportation, document production and using accessibility checks in Word and Excel, communicating with property management on accessibility tools that would be beneficial or necessary for the individuals physical needs, and finally, encouraging communication between employers and employees and customers regarding alternate solutions, allowing all parties to benefit from changes made. 

Applicable areas of the Accessibility Act 

Employment  

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan: 

Identified Barriers:  

1. Utilismart Corporation currently employs a very small population of individuals with disabilities. It is important to the company to ensure that diversity and inclusivity are recognized and that all hiring practices are equitable. 

Progress Update in 2026 (2024 to present and continuing): Utilismart welcomes all qualified applicants to apply for employment with the company, wording supporting this appears on all job ads and is lived during the recruitment process. Applicants invited to interview with the company are requested  to share accommodation requirements with the organizer and without hesitation the company would be pleased to accommodate.  

2. There is a lack of clarity among job applicants, recruiters and hiring managers on the types of accommodations available for persons with disabilities who are applying, interviewing, and qualifying for jobs. 

Progress Update in 2026 (2024 to present and continuing): Clarity has been provided on all steps of the recruitment process for all involved. Applicants are aware that the company welcomes any individual to apply for a position with the company.  Applicants are encouraged to communicate accommodation needs at any stage of the recruitment process. 

Staff members involved in the recruitment process have been AODA trained with a focus on best ways to support interviewees through accommodation, communication and the hiring process. 

3. Team members could have better awareness of the available accommodations and experienced barriers by persons with disabilities. 

Progress Update in 2026 (2024 to present and continuing): Employee AODA training continues to be part of the new hire onboarding process with a focus on customer service as well as personal accommodations that can be requested through the employer. 

Since the prior progress report, job postings have been reviewed to ensure that the posting does not contain an unintentional use of  language and or posting unnecessary physical requirements that may discourage an applicant from applying for employment with the company Continual focus on best practices will be observed and implemented. 

The built environment  

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan: 

Identified Barriers: 

Utilismart Corporation is located in an office space that was built prior to modern  accessibility design standards act, the company is located on the second floor of the two-story building and does not have access to an elevator or wheelchair accessible washroom facilities.  

1. The unit that Utilismart occupies has recently been upgraded to housing accessible desks, widened aisles and an accessible kitchen space. 

2. The company works a hybrid model, however, if space or accessibility requirements are needed for a team gathering collaborative workspaces can be rented. 

3. Utilismart offers a variety of in office working locations including plenty of natural light, small quiet spaces, larger collaborative spaces – these options allow employees to have choice in finding a workspace that accommodates their needs best. 

4. Refer all employees and leaders to the accommodation process if physical barriers are identified in the workplace. 

Prior Progress Update: The company physical environment has remained as is, with employee needs being continually assessed and the hybrid working model in place. Local hotel boardrooms, private restaurant dining rooms and group working spaces have been identified as possible collaboration workspace and meeting locations if physical space is necessary. Utilismart regularly utilizes technology based collaborative workspaces such as Teams or Zoom to also create connection and provide an accessible opportunity for communication. 

Regarding the current physical space, in 2024 the company requested an additional handrail be installed on the main staircase to support an employee who could benefit from the additional support. The building property manager arranged the handrail to be manufactured and installed. The employee was able to easily identify their barrier and communicate the need to the Office Support Coordinator, the process is simple and effective. 

Progress Update in 2026: An employee identified the need for wall posted or stand alone additional accessible parking signs to be added to the parking lot, as the only indication of an accessible spot was the painted outline in the spot. During snowy winter weather this sign could not be seen and visitors to the building were unaware that they were parking in a spot that may be needed by an individual with accessibility needs. 

Ongoing commitment: Continual reassessments are in place to determine the best working environment for Utilismart employees and visitors to the physical space. Needs regarding the physical space will be considered upon lease expiration. If determined that company relocation is necessary accessibility of said space will be evaluated. 

Information and communication technologies  

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan: 

Internally Identified Potential Barrier: Customers, prospects, and employees potentially face accessibility barriers when using some specific features of our publicly accessible website as well as some of our web-based software tools 

Suggestions for overcoming the barrier:  

1. Ensure all training and employee learning videos and podcasts have closed captioning capabilities. 

Prior Progress Update:  Employee training videos are hosted through Atlas Canada, a Human Resource training portal. Training activities have audio and closed captioning options and Atlas Canada also provides alternative training methods that can be obtained as required. 

If requested customer training videos can be recorded and uploaded to YouTube if necessary, closed captioning is a service available through this platform. 

Progress Update in 2026: The company is satisfied with this method to ensure videos, podcasts and training videos are accessible. 

2. Conduct an assessment on Utilismart web-based products using WCAG 2.1 guidelines to identify improvements related to accessibility 

Prior Progress Update: Utilismart Corporation has completed a thorough assessment of the EnerConnect platform to evaluate its compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. This evaluation revealed several accessibility gaps. The company is currently assessing the impact of these findings, developing a remediation plan, and outlining an implementation schedule—with the intention to close the identified gaps over a reasonable timeframe through a phased approach. 

Progress Update in 2026: The company is continually anticipating customer requirements in relation to proprietary portals and software tools. Required upgrades include regular assessment of features and will implement fixes that may enhance usage. Customer needs are currently being identified as discussion continues to close identified WCAG guideline gaps. 

3. Ensure that all net new developed Utilismart products are designed as per WCAG 2.1, subject to the approved policy defining this matter. 

Prior Progress Update: Utilismart Corporation affirms its commitment to ensuring accessibility across its platforms in alignment with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. 

Following the completion of a WCAG 2.1 compliance assessment of the EnerConnect platform, identified accessibility gaps will be addressed through a phased remediation plan. This plan will be executed via pre-scheduled product releases, each targeting specific WCAG 2.1 compliance items in parallel with the deployment of new functional features. 

Utilismart remains committed to continuous improvement and to providing an inclusive user experience for all customers. 

Progress Update in 2026 (2025 and continuing):  While the company eagerly looked forward to redesigning the organizations main website, budgetary restrictions delayed the rebuild for 1 -2 years. To prepare for the update, significant research has been made into determining the needs and design requirements that would allow visitors a user friendly and accessible experience in using the site. 

Continual assessment of current products has been planned to ensure that all product offerings meet WCAG2.1 standards and accessibility standards are considered during maintenance and upgrades. 

Communication about procurement and the design and delivery of programs and services 

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan: 

Identified Barrier: Customers may not be aware that they can request certain types of documents in alternate formats to meet their accessibility needs. Additionally, document templates and communication guidelines may not always be accessible and employees have not been trained on how to create accessible documents. 

Suggestions for overcoming the barrier: 

1. Develop accessibility guidelines for creating documents.  

Progress Update in 2026 (2024 to present and continuing): an Accessibility Guideline document has been developed and published, based on Government of Canada recommendations. This document is available as a resource on the company SharePoint site for guidance and outlines how to prepare accessible documentation. This document will be reviewed and updated as needed and/or as company used technology requires. 

2. Adhere wording on applicable documents (invoices, brochures, training materials) providing customers the ability to request alternative formatting.  

Progress Update in 2026 (2025 to present and continuing): Appropriate wording has been determined, with variations for circumstances (social media, invoices and physical brochures), Wording guidelines are published on the company SharePoint site for guidance. Invoicing updates are currently a priority, and all outgoing customer invoice emails have additional AODA wording effective December 2025. 

3. Create official Utilismart Corporation social media posts with accessibility in mind. 

Prior Progress Update: Our Marketing representative has prepared a posting schedule, featuring accessibility topics for the year, either directly related to company accessibility upgrades or to recognize AODA topics, these posts will be highlighted on Utilismart’s social media platforms and website.  

Progress update in 2026: Social media posts were minimal throughout 2025.  Looking forward, the company is dedicated to demonstrating our commitment to AODA support and in turn will be continuing to implement and review materials we develop and distribute, as well as information we share with our employees, customers and the public. As another method to ensure that employees are involved, requests will be sent out to employees asking for submissions of accessibility topics to feature in internal communications. 

The procurement of goods and services  

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan: 

Identified Barrier: Existing procurement practices may not consistently meet accessibility requirements. 

Suggestions for overcoming the barrier:  

1. Ensure all new accessibility procurement processes are communicated to targeted employee groups.  

Prior Progress Update: Accessibility needs are discussed when identifying goods or services that the company requires. The process is being developed and is currently being communicated with decision makers with a formal document to be published on the company website for reference. 

The process will provide key points to consider throughout the procurement process and  encourages conversation about immediate needs and long-term benefit to those with accessibility needs. 

Progress Update in 2026: The company SharePoint site houses a document providing rules for procurement based on guidelines found on the Government of Ontario website. This is a working document with the ability to add additional resources as required. Any employee involved in procuring goods, services or facilities are encouraged to reference and add to the document. 

2. Conduct an assessment and identify Certified Accessible Suppliers who provide accessibility solutions for our employees. 

Prior Progress Update :  The company uses Office 365 for day-to-day work. We have identified the benefits of the suite and its ability to assist our employees for accessibility needs.  (E.g. Teams allows voice and video recording and transcription services).  

Progress Update in 2026: While these services have not yet been formally requested, their availability has been recognized as a valuable accessibility resource that supports both current operations and future accommodation needs.  

3. Ensure Utilismart Corporation’s new CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system meets WCAG 2.1 accessibility standard. 

Prior Progress Update: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales Hub is developed with accessibility in mind and is generally aligned with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, Section 508, and EN 301 549 standards. Microsoft uses the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) to document this compliance. According to Microsoft’s Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs), Dynamics 365 products, including Sales Hub, are assessed for conformance to global accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1, Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, and EN 301 549. These reports, based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), provide detailed information on how Microsoft’s products meet accessibility criteria. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/conformance-reports 

Progress Update in 2026 and ongoing: Continual discussion and assessment will take precedence in conversations regarding procuring new goods and services. With this focus in mind meeting AODA standards will continue to be normal business practice and assessments will provide favourable results.  

The design and delivery of programs and services  

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan: 

Identified Barrier:  

• Team members have different levels of knowledge and awareness related to how Utilismart Corporation’s programs and services impact customers regarding the accessibility standards and requirements. 

• Not all services are initially designed with accessibility requirements. 

• Alternate options and methods of communications are not consistently made available to persons with disabilities when they try to complete certain transactions, or when requesting support. 

Suggestions for overcoming the barrier: 

1. Develop a policy that requires an inclusion of the accessibility standards as part of the new services/programs design. 

Prior Progress Update: As of the time of this report, due to delay, the policy regarding the inclusion of accessibility standards policy regarding new services and program design, as awaiting management approval. Once approved, the policy will be shared and published on the internal company SharePoint site for reference and guidance.  

Progress Update in 2026: A draft policy is planned for 2026, and to be shared with management for review and approval. 

2. Establish a periodic evaluation of the services/programs design processes and identify improvements related to accessibility. 

Prior Progress Update: Beginning mid 2024 a semi annual AODA governance meeting has been in  

place for senior management and interested and involved stakeholders to discuss accessibility improvements. Each meeting has a specific group of employees invited to share insight and suggestions based on their personal perspectives.  

Progress Update in 2026 and Ongoing commitment: Continual conversations regarding accessibility and how to ensure that the organization is organically considering all individual needs will remain in place. Future discussions will involve those providing feedback (if applicable), additional staff members and experts. Policy implementation will provide solid considerations for decision makers. 

Training 

Upon implementation of the Accessibility Plan and to date there have been no barriers in place about the employee training process. The intention is to ensure that AODA remains top of mind. 

Currently the organization provides Accessibility training during the onboarding process as well as annual refreshers. 

Progress Update in 2026 and Ongoing commitment: Employee onboarding training will continue to be a focus in supporting AODA customer standards and providing employees with guidance on resolving personal accessibility needs. Annual refresher training will assist in ensuring that barriers do not go unnoticed and that employees feel comfortable assisting those with accessibility needs or finding the resources that will be helpful in doing so.  Going forward employees will receive additional AODA communications and internal emails mirroring those posted on the organization’s social media/website platforms. 

Conclusion 

Utilismart is committed to monitoring and measuring progress made in meeting the remaining accessibility goals and removing or preventing the remaining barriers that were identified in your accessibility plan – we look ahead to the future of the company and serving the needs of all individuals successfully and without barriers. 

Utilismart Corporation encourages communication using the feedback process and can ensure that ongoing feedback will be used to help you to fully implement your accessibility plan and address any future needs!