The Town of Golden is taking steps to create a connected, accessible and inclusive community that promotes well-being and belonging for all residents. This work includes identifying, removing, and preventing barriers across our services, programs, and infrastructure, and treating all people in ways that allow them to maintain their dignity and independence.
In order to comply with the Accessible British Columbia Act, organizations like the Town of Golden must establish:
- An accessibility committee
- An accessibility plan
- A tool to receive feedback on accessibility
BC Accessibility Act
In 2021, the Government of British Columbia passed the Accessible British Columbia Act. Under the legislation, regional districts, municipalities and other public bodies are required to establish an accessibility committee, an accessibility plan and a build a tool to receive feedback on accessibility.
To become more familiar with the Accessible British Columbia Act, you can read the plain language summary of the act or view an ASL version on video.
A regional approach
The Town of Golden is partnering with member municipalities of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) including the CSRD, City of Salmon Arm, District of Sicamous, and the City of Revelstoke to create a shared vision and develop plans to remove barriers across the region.
The participants are committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and acknowledge the importance of the disability community's lived experience.
Accessibility committee
To meet the requirements of the legislation, a formal relationship and structure has been established with these local government partners. This includes the creation of a Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Its role is to provide recommendations that inform the Accessibility Plan and help improve the livability, inclusivity, and accessibility for persons working and interacting within the region.
The Committee will work to identify barriers and good practices, review draft plans, engage with the community and help increase public awareness on issues related to accessibility and inclusion.
Join the Committee
We are looking for people interested in accessibility issues to join this committee. The committee will meet a minimum of four times per year. Members will be appointed for a three-year term except in the first year where two appointments will serve a two-year term to allow for staggered expiration.
The committee will be comprised of:
- A maximum of six members,
- At least three or more of those members should be persons with disabilities or individuals who support or represent persons with disabilities,
- Members should reflect the diversity of persons with disabilities in BC,
- At least one of the members should be an Indigenous community representative,
- All members of the committee should reflect the diversity of persons in BC.
Candidates will be recommended for appointment to the CSRD Board based on eligibility and regional representation.
You can apply to join the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee by filling out the application form and submitting it by email, mail, or by dropping it off to the CSRD Office.
Access the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee Application Form (fillable PDF)
View the Terms of Reference (PDF)
The deadline for applications is November 12, 2024.
For more information, email access@csrd.bc.ca