District to launch Accessibility Plan at new accessibility-focused community event

The District of Squamish is launching a new Accessibility Plan to identify and work towards removing accessibility barriers related to District infrastructure, programs services and information. All residents are invited to attend the launch during the inaugural Squamish Walk ‘n’ Roll event and community celebration of people with disabilities, Sunday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stan Clarke Park.

“Living in a barrier-free environment is extremely important and this work will help to increase our awareness and ensure our citizens are cared for,” says District of Squamish Mayor Hurford. “This important step towards a truly inclusive community could not have been done without the valuable contributions from our committees, advocates, and local participants. As we move forward, we can now be assured that our actions, processes, and decisions are properly guided and informed so that all residents of Squamish receive equal access to our town and its services.”

The Accessibility Plan was created in consultation with the District’s Accessibility Committee to help identify and address accessibility barriers across District facilities, public spaces, policies and decision-making, information and communications design, transportation, service delivery and employment.

The District’s Accessibility Committee is comprised of District staff, representatives from partner organizations, and members of the public with lived experience of having a disability or supporting someone who has a disability. During the Plan’s development process, the committee heard from the community through survey, mapping tools, comment cards, and small group discussions to help identify local accessibility barriers.

View the community engagement results here.

Community invited to attend new Walk’n’Roll event

Hosted by the District of Squamish, Downtown Business Improvement Association, OurSquamish, and Squamish Accessibility Commitment, the Squamish Walk ‘n’ Roll is a celebration of people with disabilities. The accessibility-focused event will feature a loop through Downtown Squamish where participants can stop along the way and learn about accessibility from organizations stationed at participating businesses. Maps will be provided for participants to collect stamps at various stops and enter to win prize draws. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to view demonstrations of accessible equipment and transit options, including District of Squamish Emergency Management and Squamish Fire Rescue.

“Nearly one in four Canadians live with disabilities, including hidden and invisible disabilities,” says Squamish Accessibility Commitment member D’Arcy McCrea. “We want to educate our community about the importance of accessibility and celebrate our neighbours with disabilities in this fun and festive atmosphere. This will be a great afternoon for the whole family.”

The Squamish Walk ‘n’ Roll will take place on Sunday, September 10 at Stan Clarke Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

The BC Government legislated all municipalities to create an Accessibility Plan under the Accessible BC Act by September 1, 2023.

Feedback on the District of Squamish Accessibility Plan, or about accessibility in Squamish more generally, is welcome by email to accessibility@squamish.ca, or by phone to Municipal Hall at 604.892.5217.

Written feedback may be sent to:

Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
District of Squamish
37955 Second Avenue
Squamish BC V8B 0A3

September 1, 2023