ShareAccessibility
Accessibility Plan Underway
Sidney, together with the District of Central Saanich and the District of North Saanich, are working with consultants Left Turn Right Turn to complete the first ever municipal accessibility plans for the three Saanich Peninsula municipalities. This process will result in each municipality having its own accessibility plan, which will be developed in consultation with the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee (SPAAC). Thank you to everyone who took part in an online survey on accessibility this summer to help identify barriers to accessibility in our communities. The plans are expected to be complete by Fall 2023.
Accessibility in Sidney
Making Sidney more accessible is an ongoing priority for the Town of Sidney. 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.
The Town strives 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 Sidney, including:
- Working toward the construction of downtown waterfront washrooms with a Changing Places washroom to support people with complex disabilities;
- Undertaking a Town of Sidney website redesign, which will aim to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (Level AA where possible); and,
- Working with a consultant to develop Sidney’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 Town of Sidney, District of North Saanich, and District of Central Saanich have formed a joint tri-municipal committee: the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is to provide comment and recommendations to Saanich Peninsula local governments on policies, programs, services, built environments, infrastructure and outdoor spaces in order 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. Committee minutes and Terms of Reference can be found here.
Feedback
If you have feedback related to accessibility in Sidney, please share your thoughts in the online form. Feedback will help the Town of Sidney make services more accessible. Input will be considered by Town of Sidney staff. It will also be collected and shared with the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee.
If you wish to share your concerns directly with Council, please send an email to admin@sidney.ca, addressed to “Mayor and Council”.
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
Relevant Links
Map of Accessible Parking Spots in Downtown Sidney
SPARC BC - Parking Permits for Persons with Disabilities - Report Permit Parking Violations
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