Accessibility and inclusion benefits everyone. The City of Port Coquitlam is committed to providing accessible and inclusive spaces, services, programs and opportunities for all members of our community.
The Accessibility Action Plan aims to build on the City’s previous and ongoing work to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility, involve those with diverse abilities, promote inclusion, and foster a positive and respectful community through the City’s actions and services.
The City of Port Coquitlam has created this Accessibility Action Plan in accordance with the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act, which came into force for municipalities on September 1, 2022. This requires the City to establish an accessibility committee, develop an accessibility strategy, and implement a public feedback mechanism. This Action Plan provides the opportunity to align the City’s accessibility work with the Province – bringing together diverse efforts from across the City to build a culture where the City is actively seeking to identify and remove barriers to accessibility. The Action Plan was developed with input from the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable City staff, and community-serving organizations.
We’re making progress!
Check out the actions we’ve completed from our Accessibility Action Plan.
Service Delivery
Goal: City programs, services, and events are accessible, and staff exhibit accessibility awareness and competency.
- New Sensory Friendly Programs implemented, including two Sensory Friendly Swim times and new low noise level zones for City Parades. Day camps and programs for children and youth now include expanded sensory friendly tools and spaces.
- Recreation Program Support services have evolved to meet community needs, including expanded support for children and youth with disabilities to attend seasonal camps.
- Financial Assistance for Recreation continues to grow and provides support to residents to access recreation opportunities. Individuals with disabilities who are disproportionately represented as low-income benefit greatly from this program, along with the Program Assistant Access Program.
Built Environment
Goal: Prevent and remove barriers from public spaces, parks, and facilities to provide welcoming spaces for all.
- Community feedback guided priorities to remove environmental barriers in facilities and upgrade to meet best practices. This work includes:
- Power-operated doors for Hyde Creek changerooms and Lion’s Park washrooms Funding for this initiative was administered by the Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC), and supported by the Province of B.C.
- Handles in Hyde Creek Recreation Centre showers and change rooms
- Visual fire alarms at City Hall and Hyde Creek
- Accessible faucets at Leigh Square
- Park upgrades and expansions to meet community needs, including:
- A new Tot Lot at Elks Park to support inclusive early-years play
- An accessible “side-by-side” swing at Birchland Park to support adaptable play
- New ADA-compliant pathways at Elks Park, Birchland Park, and Eastern Park to improve access into the playgrounds.
- Sensory components added to the preschool playground at the PCCC and Hyde Creek
Transportation
Goal: Pedestrian, bike, and transit networks are accessible.
- Continued investments in accessible parking, sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements.
- Assessed and updated the snow removal program to provide accessible access to sidewalks and facilities during snow and ice events.
Employment
Goal: The City is an accessible and inclusive workplace.
- Updated staff resources to be more accessible, with a focus on mental health resources.
- Built connections with employment program service providers to support employment opportunities for those with disabilities
Information and Communications
Goal: All City communications are inclusive and meet accessibility standards.
- Website redesign meets accessibility standards with improved readability, navigation, and compatibility with assistive technologies.
- Expanded use of infographics, icons, and simplified visuals across City publications, service notices, and digital platforms to make information clearer and easier to understand
- Improved signages across parks to better serve residents of diverse backgrounds and communication needs
Share Feedback
We want to know your experience. Provide feedback on accessibility in Port Coquitlam related to the City's programs, facilities, information, and/or services.
Phone: 604.927.5371
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
City Hall – Access and Inclusion
2580 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2A8