At the Capital Regional District (CRD), we are committed to equal access and participation for people with disabilities. 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.
National AccessAbility Week is a time to recognize the important contributions of people with disabilities and promote accessibility and inclusion in our workplace and community. This year National AccessAbility week is taking place from May 31- June 6.
CRD Accessibility Plan
In 2023, the CRD Board established an Accessibility Advisory Committee with the purpose of providing recommendations to the Governance and First Nations Relations Committee and inform the CRD’s Accessibility Plan to help improve the livability, inclusivity, and accessibility for persons working and interacting with the programs and services provided by the CRD.
In 2024, the CRD developed its Accessibility Plan with guidance from the CRD’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Accessibility at the CRD
The CRD has taken, and will continue to take, meaningful steps to put accessibility into action. Some of the recent and upcoming initiatives include:
Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation
Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation completed accessibility audits using the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility review guidelines for CRD’s Rainbow Recreation, Salt Spring Island Multi Space, and Portlock Park recreation sites to establish priorities for barrier reduction. Provided inclusion staff in summer and spring day camps to support children with accessibility needs.
SEAPARC Recreation
A number of initiatives have occurred at SEAPARC to improve accessibility including the installation of clear and high contrast digital TV screens at reception to provide a better visual of facility information, the addition of icons into the activity guide to highlight accessible programs, website updates that include accessibility information, and updated way finding signage with icons. SEAPARC has also introduced new fitness classes and weight room equipment for those that have limited mobility.
Panorama Recreation
2025 was the first full year in which changes to the Leisure Involvement for Everyone (LIFE) program came into effect. The program now includes unlimited access to drop-in recreation at Panorama and a two-year application cycle to remove barriers to access. The LIFE program continues to play a crucial role in providing recreation access to individuals and families on limited incomes. Learn more about the LIFE program.
Panorama Recreation also hosted the Blind Hockey program, powered by Canadian Blind Hockey and supported by the Canucks for Kids Fund. This all-ages program began in the Fall, and staff collaborated with program providers to make a number of facility improvements to support better access for those who are blind or with low vision.
Regional Parks
Regional Parks continues to offer a range of programs for ages and abilities throughout the region. Recent features include an accessible program along the Elsie King boardwalk at Francis/King Regional Park, focusing on wildflowers.
Regional Parks continues to partner with Power To Be, where they provide adaptive equipment on partnered programs and attended Power To Be Have a Go events to lead accessible walks.
Events to Support Accessibility:
- Panorama Recreation Centre Drop-in Access: To kick off AccessAbility Week access to the pool and weight room will be free for everyone on Sunday, May 31 at Panorama Recreation Centre.
Throughout the week, more information will be posted on social media about Panorama Recreation's accessible amenities and programs, including the LIFE program and Leisure Assistance Pass (LAP). Click here to learn more.
- Accessible pop-up self-guided walk at Island View Beach Regional Park: June 2 from 12:30-2:30 pm. Visit CRD Regional Parks naturalists at Island View Beach Regional Park for an accessible self-guided walk on life in the intertidal zone. Find out how creatures survive life on the beach and how you can help play a role in their survival. The walk begins at the grassy area adjacent to the picnic shelter off Homathko Drive. Accessible washroom at parking lot. Wheelchair and stroller friendly.
- Wildly Diverse: on Saturday June 13 from 1:30-3 pm, at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Celebrate Pride with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist and Indigenous cultural programmer on a walk to explore diversity in nature. From fungi, slugs, turtles, bats and many more, we’ll discover how nature can help us question ideas of conformity. We’ll explore both the natural history and Indigenous cultural history of walking in two worlds. Meet at the Beaver Lake Picnic Shelter at the Filter Beds parking lot. Accessible washroom available near parking lot. Wheelchair accessible.
- Accessible programs: Additional accessible programs will be offered into the summer and beyond. Check out CRD’s Parks and Recreation page for more info.
- Red Shirt Day June 3: Red Shirt Day (of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion) is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red and show support for disabled people and celebrate the achievements of disabled Canadians. Learn more about Red Shirt Day and how you can show your support.
