District undertaking accessibility upgrades across facilities and services
The District of Squamish has made accessibility improvements that will help to remove barriers to access spaces, services and communications. Improvements include the installation of hearing loops and website upgrades, visual fire alarms, automatic doors, lever style handles and an accessible customer service desk.
“An inclusive community is one in which all citizens can access facilities and services, allowing full, barrier free participation in their community.” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “We recognize there is still much to do as we continue to understand what accessibility needs exist and the opportunities to address them. This ongoing work will help to ensure we are caring for and meeting the needs of our residents so that all Squamish citizens receive equal access to infrastructure, programs, services and information.”
Accessibility audits were conducted in 2024 across all District facilities as well as six parks and playgrounds. The audits identified recommendations that will help improve access for everyone.
Hearing Loop Installation
The District has installed a number of hearing loops across multiple facilities including Municipal Hall, Brennan Park Recreation Centre, The 55 Activity Centre and the Squamish Public Library. A hearing loop is a device that allows people who use hearing aids and cochlear implants to hear sound directly into their hearing device. It also improves sound clarity by muting background noise. Hearing loops can be accessed by standing in front of the loop and turning a hearing aid or cochlear implant to a T-Coil program. Spaces in which hearing loops are available will display a blue rectangle with a white ear and the letter "T" inside which is the universal symbol for a hearing loop. This allows people to maintain privacy and access the loop without having to disclose their disability.
Squamish.ca Upgrades
A number of upgrades are underway to achieve Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA in order to make website content more accessible. This work will remain ongoing as we work towards compliance.
Upgrades include:
- “Skip to content” feature for people who use screen readers and keyboards
- Descriptive links and headers to improve understanding of where to find information
- Simplified language
- Instructions for turning on live captions during power point presentations
- Improved colour contrast for better readability
- Simplified homepage graphics and footer
Print and Digital Communications
- Increased text size
- AAA contrast compliance
- Setting up documents for export to PDF and screen reader accessibility.
Video and social media
- Improved contrast and text size
- On screen graphics to match spoken word
- Language translations
- Providing multiple formats of communication (i.e. text, video, graphics)
Creating an Accessible Squamish
The District of Squamish is committed to increasing accessibility across all its spaces, services, and communications. Accessibility is a key component in many of the District’s existing strategies and plans as well as ongoing or planned projects and initiatives.
- The District’s Accessibility Plan, developed in collaboration with members of the District’s Accessibility Committee and people with disabilities, aims to identify and remove barriers to accessibility. The Plan was completed in 2023 in response to the Accessible BC Act and forms a crucial part of the District’s Strategic Plan.
- District staff undertake accessibility training related to vision loss and guide dog etiquette, accessible service delivery, plain language, screenreaders, and ASL and Deaf culture.
- The District’s Accessibility Committee has reviewed and made recommendations on several District initiatives including streetscape guidelines, accessible events guidelines, parking management, climate action and curbside collection review.
To learn more about the District’s accessibility efforts and Accessibility Plan visit squamish.ca/accessibilityplan
April 15, 2025