City of Kamloops updates residents of accessibility plan
An update to the 2023 accessibility Plan is now underway. The City is committed to being an accessible and inclusive city. A place where disabilities are not barriers to living full lives and contributing to the community. The City developed its original Accessibility Plan in collaboration with the Accessibility Engagement Group, which includes people with lived experience of disability, organizations serving persons with disabilities, and Indigenous representation. The City gathered public feedback through both in-person and online engagement opportunities. The current update builds on the City's 2023 Accessibility Plan and establishes new priorities to reduce barriers and improve accessibility across municipal facilities, services, programs, and operations. "The Accessibility Plan helps guide meaningful improvements that support participation, inclusion, and independence for people of all abilities," said Ashley Ekelund, the City’s Social and Community Development Supervisor. "This review is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made, identify barriers that remain, and ensure future actions continue responding to community needs." The update will review accomplishments since the plan's adoption, assess the status of existing actions, identify emerging accessibility priorities, and establish achievable goals for the next phase of work. The City will continue to advance accessibility improvements across five key areas: Accessible Built Environment - City facilities, parks, streets, sidewalks, trails, public spaces, and other City-owned infrastructure Accessible Programs and Services - How residents learn about, register for, access, and participate in municipal programs, services, events, and public engagement opportunities Accessible Employment - Recruitment, hiring, accommodation, training, onboarding, and workplace inclusion within the City organization Accessible Transportation - Transit infrastructure and services, pedestrian access, crossings, curb letdowns, sidewalks, snow removal, and other elements that support safe and independent mobility General Actions - Accessible communications, staff awareness, policies, accountability, feedback mechanisms, digital access, and the consistent use of an accessibility lens across City departments Updated actions in each area will be guided by input from the Accessibility Engagement Group, Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, community agencies, and the public. The community will be able to share their feedback online at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/AccessibilityPlan between November 13 and January 31, 2027. Community members can also provide input in person at Have Your Say Day on November 14, at the Sandman Centre, 300 Lorne Street, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. In addition, the City will work with local organizations to provide targeted engagement opportunities for individuals who may experience barriers to participating in traditional public engagement processes.
