City council has endorsed a comprehensive accessibility plan aimed at removing and preventing barriers for people living with disabilities.
The decision, made at the May 12 council meeting, marks a major step toward building a more inclusive city as noted in a staff report.
The plan, developed in response to the 2021 Accessible BC Act, is the result of 18 months of work by city staff, consultants, and the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC).
The AAC, formed in 2023, includes nine members and two alternates with lived experience or professional expertise in accessibility. Over the past year, the group has met monthly and provided guidance on issues across city departments, including communications, transportation, and the airport.
鈥淲e're trying to recommend meaningful, sustainable improvements, and proactive designs like the new PRC (Parkinson Rec Centre), which by the way, doesn't cost any more to be fully accessible,鈥� Paul Clark, committee chair, told council.
A public feedback portal launched in May 2024 has already logged more than 90 accessibility-related concerns, with recurring themes such as sidewalk barriers, snow removal, and misuse of designated parking.
"With the accessibility plan in place, we will have a roadmap forward, with common goals and understanding,鈥� Mariko Siggers, community and neighbourhood services manager, explained to council.
Some initiatives, such as accessibility audits of civic buildings and upgrades to park pathways, are already underway.
The plan will be updated every three years as required by provincial law, and council will receive annual updates on progress from the committee.
