Port Coquitlam, BC - Nov. 8, 2023... The City is committed to continue to be an accessible and inclusive City-a place where disabilities are not barriers to living full lives and where everyone, regardless of age or ability are able to participate in the community.
The Accessibility Action plan was presented to Committee of Council which provides a three-year framework to align the City's accessibility work with the Province and to bring together diverse efforts from across the City to build a culture that actively seeks to identify and remove barriers to accessibility.
"Accessibility is fundamental to the quality of life, well-being, and engagement of people with all abilities in all aspects of our community. We are committed in continuing improvements across all city services and programs to ensure all residents have equitable access and opportunities to grow and participate in the city," said Mayor Brad West. "We recognize the diverse needs of our community and will continue to provide municipal services and facilities that provide equal opportunities for all."
The Action Plan's development was guided by the Accessibility Committee, which included members of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Roundtable whose members identify as persons with disabilities, representatives of organizations that serve persons with disabilities and City staff from each department who also contributed to this plan.
The plan includes goals and actions under five focus areas- service delivery, built environment, transportation, employment and information and communications. The overarching goal is to incorporate a lens that creates opportunities for accessibility in all that we do as a municipality.
"We look forward to continuing to improve accessibility for all residents across the city," says Cllr. Paige Petriw, council designate for community experience, celebrations, events and inclusion. "Everyone deserves to have equitable access to buildings and programs, and the city has made significant improvements to make that possible."
In 2022, the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) achieved the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified Gold rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program. The rating and Gold certification acknowledges the universal and accessible options throughout the entire 205,000 square-foot building.Next Steps
City departments will use the action plan to guide their priorities creating action items identified in their annual work plans.
The Accessibility Committee will continue to inform priorities and update the Action Plan as needed. As per the Accessible BC Act legislation, the City will review and update the plan every three years.
Residents will be able to provide feedback on accessibility successes and barriers related to City facilities, services, programs, events and public spaces through the online accessibility feedback form at portcoquitlam.ca/accessibility.
The 2023 Accessibility Action Plan and related documents are available to view online at portcoquitlam.ca/accessibility or at letstalkpoco.portcoqutilam.ca/accessibility.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]