An accessibility audit has been completed for the Township of Esquimalt. The audit inventoried existing conditions in the community and identified issues and opportunities to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. It included all municipal buildings, parks and recreation facilities, and local businesses.
“We now have a strategy to make the community a model for accessibility and inclusiveness,” said Manager of Parks Services Andy Katschor.
The audit—which took place between July 6th and July 10th, 2009—was recommended to Council by the Esquimalt Access Awareness Committee. The Access Awareness Committee was formed in 2007 to make Esquimalt more accessible to its citizens. Township staff as well as members of the committee participated in the project.
Among other recommendations, the audit proposes implementation of a Gold Star Program recognizing businesses that are accessible. The Committee plans on entering into discussions with the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce on recognizing these businesses through an award ceremony on Access Awareness Day in 2010.
The audit was made possible by a November 2008 grant from the provincial Measuring Up Fund/2010 Legacies Now. The Township contracted SPARC BC (Social Planning and Research Council of BC) to conduct the audit and write the report. The grant included $4,000 to begin implementation of the recommendations to improve accessibility. Items identified in the audit and prioritization workshop will begin to be addressed with the funds.
For more information, contact:
Andy Katschor, Manager of Parks Services
Tel: 250-412-8508