Accessibility at the SRD
What is Accessibility and Inclusion?
Accessibility means creating environments where everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully participate in society—whether it’s in education, work, health care, social activities, transportation, or community life. When spaces and systems are accessible, people with disabilities can voice their opinions, contribute to decisions, and lead in their communities on an equal basis with others.
The Accessible British Columbia Act
The Accessible British Columbia Act became law on June 17, 2021, supporting the inclusion of over 926,000 British Columbians living with disabilities.
The Accessible BC Regulation, in effect since September 1, 2022, requires organizations such as local governments to:
- Establish an Accessibility Committee
- Develop an Accessibility Plan
- Create a feedback mechanism for accessibility-related input
Covered organizations were required to meet these obligations by September 2023.
About Strathcona Accessibility & Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD), in partnership with its member municipalities—City of Campbell River, Village of Gold River, Village of Sayward, Village of Tahsis, and Village of Zeballos—along with the Vancouver Island Regional Library and Vancouver Island West School District 84, has taken a regional approach to accessibility and inclusion. This joint effort promotes collaboration, reduces duplication, and allows for shared resources across organizations.
In September 2023, the SRD established its first Accessibility & Inclusion Advisory Committee, composed of residents with disabilities, disability advocates, support workers, and others who reflect the region’s diversity. The Committee was formed to guide and support participating organizations in fulfilling the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act, helping ensure a shared path toward compliance.
One of the committee’s first priorities was to guide the creation of the SRD Accessibility Plan, which:
- Highlights existing accessibility initiatives and progress
- Identifies current barriers
- Outlines actions to remove those barriers
This plan represents the region’s first coordinated effort to examine accessibility across local communities. It is intended to serve as a foundation for understanding the progress made so far and identifying opportunities to enhance inclusion for people with disabilities.
Accessibility is a continuous journey. The work to improve access for people with disabilities remains essential, and there is still much to learn and apply across organizations and communities.
View the Committee’s Purpose, Terms of Reference & More
Contact
For more information or questions you may have, please contact accessibility@srd.ca | 250-830-6700