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.
In November 2023, in accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act, the Town of Sidney adopted its first Accessibility Plan. The plan was developed in consultation with the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee with community input gathered over the summer.
The Accessibility Plan details 35 initiatives related to transportation, municipal and emergency services, municipal communications and public engagement, employment and procurement with the Town of Sidney, as well as municipal buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces.
The plan outlines systemic changes to the Town’s operations. While some initiatives can be implemented in the short term, others will happen as infrastructure is renewed or new capital projects are undertaken, incorporating current best practices for accessibility.
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.
You can access the Committee minutes and Terms of Reference
If you have feedback related to accessibility in Sidney, please share your thoughts in the online form below. 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.
Feedback Form
If you have feedback related to accessibility in Sidney, please share your thoughts in the form below.
Alternatively, you can email Town Hall at admin@sidney.ca
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.