Accessibility

Accessible Esquimalt—Where everyone is welcome!

Focus on Accessibility

In 2021, the Province of British Columbia passed the Accessible BC Act requiring municipalities to develop a plan that addresses accessibility to municipal services, programs, and infrastructure. Everyone will experience permanent, temporary, or episodic impairments over their lifetime either personally, or through caring for someone else. By focusing on accessibility, we can work towards becoming a municipality where every person is able to participate fully and equally and is empowered to pursue the life they wish to live.

Accessibility Plan 

To improve accessibility to our municipal services, facilities, and natural and built environments, the Township of Esquimalt is developing an Accessibility Plan to identify and reduce challenges people experience with our:

  • Information
  • Communications
  • Technologies
  • Policies
  • Practices; and 
  • Infrastructure

Once developed, it will also help to inform the planning of future activities with a long-term goal of becoming a barrier-free community. 

The Accessible BC Act identifies eight standards for inclusion in a long-term Plan. The first iteration of our Plan will focus on the first two of those standards: Employment and Service Delivery. It will take time to eliminate barriers, however the Plan is the first step in identifying how we can improve accessibility going forward. 

The Plan must be reviewed and updated every three years and will incorporate information gathered through multiple public engagement opportunities. Opportunities will be advertised on this page as they are scheduled.

Accessibility Committee 

An initial Accessibility Committee comprised of staff from partner municipalities, including the Township of Esquimalt, will review the Township’s internal practices for making information, activities, and environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible. Once a robust staff foundation is built, the committee membership composition will expand to reflect the Plan’s revised areas of focus to further enhance access and inclusion in Esquimalt. 

The Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee is preparing to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to retain an experienced professional to conduct public engagement sessions and gather input to develop the draft Accessibility Plan. As part of these preparations, the committee published a brief survey inviting input to help determine appropriate feedback opportunities that best suit the needs of the community. The survey closed in January 2024.

2024 Meeting Schedule, Agendas, Minutes, and Meeting Videos

Public Participation and Feedback

A critical part of developing, monitoring, and updating the Accessibility Plan is receiving valuable feedback from people experiencing barriers. While the first term of the Plan is internally focused, public input is always welcomed and appreciated. Sharing your experiences in or interacting with the municipality will help us to identify barriers and improve accessibility for all people. 

We invite your feedback in the following ways:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 250-414-7177
  • Deliver Comments: 1229 Esquimalt Rd, Esquimalt, BC, V9A 3P1

Engagement Surveys 

Two engagement surveys were conducted in 2024. Survey 1  was initiated to understand how to best engage the broader accessibility community. Survey 2 asked respondents for their accessibility experiences respecting each member  municipality and will inform the upcoming facilitated engagement sessions and assist with the development of an Accessibility Plan for the Township. 

Accessibility Plan and Next Steps

Once the draft Plan is developed, it will be presented to Council for consideration and approval. 

Opportunities for review and comment of the draft Plan will be posted to this page.

Community accessibility resources

Related links