The Community Mosaic Roundtable (CMR) acts as a resource for the City of Port Coquitlam on promoting diversity, eliminating discrimination and engaging in community dialogue and action. The Roundtable represents a diverse cross-section of citizens whose lived experiences promote and enable a rich and deeper understanding and dialogue on important equity, diversity and inclusion issues and opportunities.
Volunteer members are appointed by the Mayor for a term of two (2) years with the possibility of re-appointment for additional terms.
Community Mosaic Roundtable Terms of Reference [PDF/194KB]
Accomplishments
Accessibility Action Plan
In Fall 2023, the City adopted its first Accessibility Action Plan, with the Roundtable serving as the Accessibility Committee. Members with lived experience offered valuable insights and continue to provide ongoing input on initiatives outlined in the Plan.
Members had the opportunity to provide input on the Provincial government’s draft Accessibility Standards.
Celebrating and Building Connection
With input and contributions from Roundtable members and seniors, the City held its first Lunar New Year celebration, receiving positive feedback from the community.
Members discussed the importance of Diwali celebrations with the community which inspired a parent involved Ramadan art making session for the City’s preschool programs and the City’s first community-led Diwali celebration.
Social Inclusion
Members offered valuable feedback on the City's new website development, helping to enhance communication and information-sharing with the diverse community.
Members connected with their communities to promote Terry Fox Library’s first Library Champion Project, engaging new immigrants to connect with each other and promote social inclusion.
The City continues to recognize awareness days and months to help people learn about and appreciate the diversity of Port Coquitlam.
Learning Opportunities
The Tri-City Local Immigration Partnership (TCLIP) attended the Roundtable with Members learning about TCLIP's initiatives and opportunities for involvement.
TCLIP’s Anti-Racism toolkit was shared on social media as part of Anti-Racism Awareness Week with discussions about additional community learning opportunities underway.
Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy
In 2022, Council unanimously adopted the City’s first Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy.
Roundtable members shared their insights and lived experiences regarding local realities of racism, as well as, the importance of building staff capacity to foster safe and respectful environments for everyone.
Proclamation for International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Roundtable members attended a Special Council Meeting and received the City of Port Coquitlam’s Proclamation recognizing March 21st as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Community Education and Awareness
The Roundtable drafted a list of days/months of acknowledgement and cultural celebrations with the goal to bring greater knowledge, understanding and appreciation of diversity.
These celebrations and days of acknowledgement are now included in the City’s communication mediums and community engagement work.
Promoting Social Inclusion
Roundtable members suggested actions to make City events more welcoming and inclusive. These recommendations resulted in including more diverse voices in events like May Days and Canada Day, as well as adding American Sign Language and sensory-friendly spaces.
Community Partnerships
The Asian Impact Society presented to the Roundtable as part of honouring Asian Heritage Month.
The Downtown PoCo BIA explored ways to enhance inclusion alongside the Roundtable, leading them to sponsor the City’s 2022 PoCo Pride event.
Setting a Foundation
Established a Terms of Reference that outlines the mandate, roles and opportunities for the Roundtable.
Formed a safe space for the diverse voices of the Roundtable to connect, build trust, and engage.
Education
Roundtable members emphasized the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion training for City staff.
Staff participated in training that gave them the tools to foster a respectful, safe, and inclusive workplace and community.
Anti-Racism Policy
Roundtable members provided input and lived experiences of the local realities of racism as part of drafting the City’s first Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy.
Improving Social Inclusion
Roundtable members highlighted how important it is for the City to respect and appreciate diversity and include everyone. This led to initiatives like the Little Library Read in Color Program and involving more diverse voices in events like May Days, Canada Day, and Port Coquitlam's first Pride in PoCo event.