Tactile walking surface indicators are meant to function as a stop sign. The warning alerts visually impaired pedestrians to the presence of hazards in the line of travel, indicating that they should stop and determine the nature of the hazard before proceeding further.
Previously municipalities grooved the sidewalks to assist detection of an upcoming hazard. Studies done in 2001 for the ADA proved that groves are not detectable to the blind. The grooves fill with snow or debris. Groves should no longer be used.
This is a TWSI installed by the MTO at the exit from the 417 and Guillaume. They also are using the DoPS for the location of the pedestrian crossing signal placement.
TWSI in Russell
TWSI Exit Ottawa Hospital 
Innes Road Orleans 
TWSI New Development Long Sault 
Traffic Circle Millennium Park 
Lone Star Barrhaven 
Paris, France