Privacy & Accessibility Policy

This page summarizes the privacy policy and practices of the TURKSTRA website.

Our web site does not automatically gather any specific personal information from you, such as your name, phone number or e-mail address. We would only obtain this type of information if you supply it by sending us an e-mail, submitting a general inquiry form, or registering in a secure portion of the site.

You should be aware of the inherent risks of interception when communicating with others on-line using unencrypted e-mail.

Visitors’ personal information received via e-mail is provided only to our office personnel, who require the information to respond to inquiries. We do not use this information for any other purpose.

TURKSTRA uses ‘cookies’ to improve the quality of your visit to our site by providing you with personalized information and features. Cookies are a software technology that enables our systems to recognize your computer and collect non-personal information about you. This type of information may include: type of browser used to access the Internet (i.e. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari), type of operating system (i.e. Windows XP, Macintosh, Linux), and the domain of your Internet service provider. Cookies are anonymous; TURKSTRA does not know the name, email address, phone number, or home address of anyone who visits our site. TURKSTRA LUMBER does not sell or rent any information that we gather through the use of cookies.

All personal information created, held or collected by TURKSTRA is protected under the federal Privacy Act.

Our servers automatically log information about visits to our Web site in the normal course of establishing and maintaining Web connections. Server logs record statistical information, such as visitors’ IP addresses, type of operating systems, time and duration of visit, Web pages requested, and identify categories of visitors by items such as domains and browser types. These statistics are reported in aggregate form to our Web and communications staff, and are used to improve our Web site and ensure that it provides the optimal Web experience for visitors.

We do not link server log information to any other data in a way that would enable us to identify individual visitors. However, we may review server logs for security purposes, for example, to detect intrusions into our system. The possibility therefore exists that server log data, which contains visitors’ IP addresses, could in instances of criminal malfeasance be used to trace and identify individuals. In such instances, raw data logs would be shared with appropriate investigative bodies authorized to investigate such breaches of security.

Turkstra Lumber – AODA Customer Service Policy

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

Turkstra Lumber is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination.

Turkstra Lumber understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005, (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.

Turkstra Lumber is committed to complying with both the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA.
Turkstra Lumber is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities.

Our accessible customer service policy is consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration, and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

People with disabilities may use their personal assistive devices (wheelchairs, canes, etc.) when accessing our goods, services, or facilities.

In cases where assistive devices present a significant and unavoidable health or safety concern or may not be permitted for other reasons, other measures will be used to ensure the person with a disability can access our goods, services, and facilities.

COMMUNICATION

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. We will work with the person with a disability to determine what method of communication works for them.

SERVICE ANIMALS

We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.

When we cannot easily identify that an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask a person to provide documentation (template, letter, or form) from a regulated health professional that confirms the person needs the service animal for reasons relating to their disability. In areas where health and safety are of increased concern, an employee may accompany the customer in those areas.

A service animal can be easily identified through visual indicators, such as when it wears a harness or a vest, or when it helps the person perform certain tasks.

If the service animals are prohibited by another law, we will do the following to ensure people with disabilities can access our goods, services, or facilities.

• Explain why the animal is excluded
• Discuss with the customer another way of providing goods, services, or facilities.

SUPPORT PERSONS

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.

In certain cases, Turkstra Lumber might require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person for the health and safety reasons of:

• The person with the disability
• Others on the premises

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY DISRUPTION

In the event of a service disruption, Turkstra Lumber will provide notice to the public and employees of any disruptions to facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities, including information about the expected length of the disruption and a description of any alternative facilities and/or services that are available.

The notice of disruption will be posted at the entrance of the appropriate branch/retail location and recorded on Turkstra Lumber voice mails and website when required.

TRAINING

We are committed to training staff and volunteers in Ontario’s accessibility laws and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities. We will train all our employees and volunteers on accessibility as it relates to their specific roles.

TRAINING INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

• Review the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the requirements of the integrated standards.
• How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
• How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person.
• How to use equipment or devices available on Turkstra Lumber premises.
• What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing Turkstra Lumber’s goods and services.
• Turkstra Lumber’s policies, practices, and procedures relating to the integrated standards
• Staff will also be trained when changes are made to these policies, practices, and procedures.
• Training will consist of electronic and written materials and content. Records will be kept confirming the name of the individual staff trained, what was included, and the date the training was completed.

FEEDBACK PROCESS

Turkstra Lumber welcomes feedback about how it provides customer service to persons with disabilities. Members of the public may provide feedback in the manner deemed most convenient to them as follows:

• In person at any store location
• By phone to our Human Resources Department at 905-388-8222
• In writing to the attention of our Human Resources Department – 1050 Upper Wellington Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L9A-3S6
• By e-mail to the attention of our Human Resources Department hr@turkstralumber.com

Turkstra Lumber will acknowledge all feedback received and advise the person providing feedback of any actions taken by Turkstra Lumber.

Turkstra Lumber will make sure our feedback process is accessible to people with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communication supports, upon request.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DOCUMENTS

Turkstra Lumber will notify the public that documents related to accessible customer service are available upon request by posting a notice on our website and in-store/retail locations.

Turkstra Lumber will provide this document in an accessible format or with communication support, on request. We will consult with the person requesting to determine the suitability of the format or communication support. We will provide the accessible format promptly and at no additional cost.

MODIFICATIONS TO THIS OR OTHER POLICIES

Any policies of Turkstra Lumber that do not respect and promote the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities will be modified and removed.

This document is available in an alternate format upon request.

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Message from the President

Turkstra Lumber & Turkstra Industries is committed to providing excellent customer service to its employees and customers, including those with disabilities. The policy of Turkstra Lumber is to function within the guidelines set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, and/or the related Ontario Regulation 429/07, Customer Service Standard.

Any policy, practice, or procedure that requires modification or removal will be done promptly and respectfully, in a way that promotes the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Our commitment is to review this plan at least every 5 years.

Our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan shows how Turkstra Lumber will play its role in making Ontario an accessible province for all Ontarians.

Jon Wagner, President

Introduction

Turkstra Lumber strives to meet the needs of its employees and customers with disabilities and is working hard to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility.

Our organization is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This accessibility plan outlines the work Turkstra Lumber has accomplished and the strategies planned to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. The current plan covers the five years from 2023 to 2028.

Section One: Past Achievements to Remove and Prevent Barriers

The following is a summary of the accessibility initiatives that Turkstra Lumber has completed.

Customer Service

• Turkstra Lumber has remained in compliance with the Customer Service Standard.
• Turkstra Lumber provides an opportunity to customers wishing to provide feedback, including complaints, on how we provide goods and services to people with disabilities. Customers may submit their input via email to hr@turkstralumber.com or by mail at 1050 Upper Wellington Street, Hamilton, Ontario L9A 3S6 or by phone at (905) 388-8222
• Turkstra Lumber has not received any feedback to date from customers. To address potential barriers that may have prevented people from giving feedback, the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service Policy has been provided to customers in accessible formats such as our website and hard copies in Branch locations.

Information and Communications

Turkstra Lumber has begun creating new websites that take into account how those with disabilities may use them and offer accessibility features. The multi-year accessibility plan and other required policies are posted on turkstralumber.com

Employment

Turkstra Lumber has made the following improvements:

• Created new AODA employment policies that highlight the procedure for accommodating disabilities. These new documents and communications are meant to make sure that all employees in need of support are aware of and supplied the assistance they need.
• Created the new position of Health & Safety Coordinator. This role includes any activity related to AODA.
• Hired a Training Coordinator whose role includes providing Orientation information in accessible formats and accessible transportation for Orientation tours.
• Guaranteed that new employees and volunteers complete training within 30 days of employment or placement

Section Two: Strategies and Actions

The following is a summary of the accessibility initiatives that Turkstra Lumber has planned for 2023-2028.

• All future bathroom renovations to be fully handicap accessible
• We will conduct a review of our entrances, and look to retrofitting with either push button or door sensors
• Mandate AODA refreshers through LMS

Information and Communications

Turkstra Lumber has committed to removing possible information and communication barriers. We will continue to complete the accessibility features on our website to make it easier for those with disabilities to access them.

Employment

Turkstra Lumber has committed to removing possible barriers to employment in our branches, offices, and manufacturing facilities.

We have a Human Resources Coordinator that streamlines the recruitment process. This position spends approximately 40% of its time focused on recruitment. That time includes:

• Acting as the single point of contact for those who apply for and interview for jobs.
• Actioning requests for accommodation throughout the interview process and making sure the recruitment strategy is inclusive company-wide.

Turkstra Lumber is committed to supporting employees who need accommodation. We have an internal accommodation process specifically designed to support these individuals.

Procurement

Turkstra Lumber is committed to keeping processes accessible to all by implementing an internal process to request capital expenditures that includes allowance for accessibility features. We hope this process will remind and encourage those responsible to consider adding accessible features when required by law and proactively.

Training

Turkstra Lumber is committed to training all employees in the requirements of Ontario’s accessibility Laws and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it applies to people with disabilities. We will:

• Include the modules provided on the AODA website in every Orientation session.
• Continue to track the training database of the employee names and dates of completion.

Design of Public Spaces

Turkstra Lumber will meet accessibility Laws when building or making major changes to public spaces (see Strategies and Actions above for planned changes).

Turkstra Lumber will put procedures in place to prevent service disruptions to the accessible parts of our public spaces. In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to accessible services, we will notify employees and customers promptly. Notices will be posted on the front door of the location, and recorded on the voicemail greeting and website when required. It will include the reason for the disruption, the anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

For More Information

For more information on Turkstra Lumber’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan or the accessible formats of this document, or to provide any feedback related to accessibility please contact:
Human Resources via email
1050 Upper Wellington Street
Hamilton, Ontario
L9A 3S6
Phone: (905)388-8222
Email: hr@turkstraLumber.com

This document is available in an alternate format upon request.

AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)

AODA Customer Service Policy

AODA Multi-Year Accessibility Plan