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.
Accessibility is a responsibility embedded in our organizational mission and directly aligned with CRD Board Strategic Priorities. It is a culture and a way of designing systems, spaces, and services that reflect the realities of our diverse communities. Our dedication to accessibility is outlined in the CRD’s Accessibility Plan.
During National AccessAbility Week, we recognize the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities while also acknowledging the ongoing work needed to remove barriers in our communities, workplaces, and public spaces. National AccessAbility Week was first launched in 1987 and formally recognized by the Government of Canada in 2017.
In 2021, the Accessible British Columbia Act came into force, requiring public sector organizations to identify, remove, and prevent barriers in programs, policies, and services—ensuring everyone can thrive regardless of disability. In 2023, the CRD formally established the Accessibility Advisory Committee to help advance accessibility and support equal participation. This committee includes individuals with lived experience and accessibility expertise, providing direct insight into how our systems can evolve.
The CRD’s Accessibility Plan was developed in 2024 with guidance from the Accessibility Advisory Committee and identifies three broad priority areas:
- Built Environment Improvements,
- Resourcing, Awareness & Training, and
- Increased Access.
Since then, the CRD has taken, and will continue to take, meaningful steps to put accessibility into action. Some of the recent and upcoming initiatives include:
- Welcoming new Accessibility Advisory Committee members in January 2025, who bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to barrier-free design
- Enhancing access to nature and outdoor spaces across the region through trail-widening projects and the installation of Mobi-Mats
- Launching the redesigned CRD website, which reflects inclusive design practices and meets WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards
- Introducing assistive listening technology using Auracast in the 6th-floor boardroom to improve meeting accessibility for those with hearing loss
- Delivering accessibility training to the CRD Board, Executive Leadership Team, and Accessibility Advisory Committee members
Wear Red on Wednesday, May 28! The Easter Seals Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red to create a visible display of solidarity: to show their support for people with disabilities and their families, celebrate the achievements of Canadians living with disabilities, and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society.
As the CRD recognizes National AccessAbility Week, we affirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible region for everyone.
If you have experienced barriers when accessing the CRD or any of its services, we want to hear from you.
Online: Feedback form
Phone: 250.360.3069
Email: accessibility@crd.bc.ca
