Accessibility
November 22, 2023 update – Accessibility Plan publicly shared
October 24, 2023 update – Accessibility Plan adopted
The District of North Saanich Council adopted a multi-year accessibility plan yesterday that outlines a strategy to remove and prevent accessibility barriers.
The plan is currently being rebranded for the District, and will be available on this page later this fall.
District staff, along with the Town of Sidney and the District of Central Saanich, worked with consultants Left Turn Right Turn to complete the first-ever municipal accessibility plans for the three Saanich Peninsula municipalities.
This process has resulted in each municipality having its own accessibility plan, developed in consultation with the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee (SPAAC).
The District of North Saanich is committed to offering persons with disabilities the opportunity to pursue healthy and balanced lifestyles. This commitment extends to residents, visitors, and employees with visible and/or non-visible disabilities.
The District affirms its commitment to meet the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act (Accessible BC Act).
Accessibility in North Saanich
Making North Saanich more accessible is an ongoing priority for the District. Accessibility means that all people can take part in the community, including people with disabilities.
A disability is any physical or mental condition that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.
We strive to identify, remove, and prevent barriers whenever possible. The way we design municipal infrastructure and communicate with residents are key opportunities to facilitate greater inclusion in the community. Several initiatives are currently underway to improve accessibility in North Saanich, including:
- Adding accessible playground equipment and groundwork to our parks – starting with Jubilee Park.
- Reviewing our website to ensure we meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (Level AA where possible); and,
- Working with a consultant to develop North Saanich’s first Active Transportation Plan to ensure safe and accessible transportation options are available for all community members regardless of age and ability, including people using mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee
Under the Accessible British Columbia Act, local governments, among several other organizations, are now required to form accessibility committees to reduce barriers for people living with disabilities.
The Districts of North Saanich, Central Saanich, and the Town of Sidney have formed a joint tri-municipal committee: the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is to provide comments and recommendations to Saanich Peninsula local governments on policies, programs, services, built environments, infrastructure and outdoor spaces in order to continue to improve the livability, inclusivity, and accessibility for persons with disabilities who live, work and play on the Saanich Peninsula. The committee meets bi-monthly. Please review the Committee minutes and Terms of Reference.
Feedback
If you have feedback related to accessibility in North Saanich, please share your thoughts through the online form. Feedback will help the District make services more accessible. Input will be considered by District staff and shared with the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee. You can also send an email to corporateservices@northsaanich.ca – thank you for sharing your feedback.
