Maple Ridge endorses accessibility strategy aimed at removing barriers across community
Maple Ridge has laid out a roadmap to make the city more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.
On June 16, council unanimously endorsed the new Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy, which aims to remove physical and systemic barriers around the city.
The strategy is required under B.C.’s Accessible B.C. Act, introduced in 2021, which forces public sector organizations to establish an accessibility plan, an advisory committee and a public feedback mechanism.
According to a staff report, Maple Ridge has already completed those requirements, and the new strategy was developed following a lengthy community engagement process led by the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness.
More than 500 residents provided input through surveys, focus groups, community events and public feedback boards over a 12-month period.
Staff said the strategy is built around six objectives and 84 specific actions designed to improve accessibility throughout the community.
The actions are organized under six broad themes: the built environment; civic participation and programming; education, awareness and public safety; employment and volunteerism; communication, information, technology and engagement; and governance, policy and advocacy.
Proposed actions touch on areas including parks and open spaces, walkability and roadways, buildings and facilities, transportation, social inclusion, public events, employment opportunities, civic communications and policy development.
The strategy is guided by principles outlined by the province, including inclusion, adaptability, diversity, collaboration, self-determination and universal design. It also incorporates locally identified principles such as equity, justice and accessibility.
Staff noted that accessibility work has already been underway during development of the strategy. Of the 84 actions identified, 40 have either been initiated, completed or are already ongoing.
The report states that future objectives identified in the strategy will require financial support, with funding to be considered through annual business planning processes, existing budgets and potential grant opportunities.
Both the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness and the city’s Engaged, Healthy Community Committee endorsed the strategy before it was brought forward to council.
Staff said feedback received during consultations emphasized the importance of accessible language, affordability for people living with disabilities and ensuring accessibility remains a priority when designing new programs, services and public spaces.
The strategy will be reviewed and updated at least once every three years, as required by provincial legislation.
