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Accessibility and Inclusion

The ability to freely and fully access and experience a community affects  individual wellbeing. The City is committed to improving accessibility  for all by identifying, removing and preventing barriers that limit access  to services, amenities and public life. Access is vital for all residents to have  an equitable and enjoyable experience of what Nanaimo has to offer.

In 2022, the Province of BC passed the Accessible British Columbia Act, which requires all public sector organizations to establish:

  • an accessibility committee
  • an accessibility plan
  • a mechanism for collecting feedback on accessibility

You can find information on each of these, and a link to our online feedback form, on this page.

Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (ACAI) was established in December 2019 to promote social and political equity within existing and proposed City plans, policies, bylaws and infrastructure and make recommendations to ensure that they are inclusive and accommodating to citizens of all ages, abilities and walks of life.

To learn more about this committee, view the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness webpage.

Collecting Feedback on Accessibility and Inclusion

This form will allow you to provide feedback on matters related to accessibility and inclusion in the City of Nanaimo. Submissions received from the online form will be reviewed by City staff and the ACAI. 

If you are not able to fill in the online form, please call 250-755-4460 ext. 4547 and a staff member would be happy to submit the feedback on your behalf.

Accessibility and Inclusion Feedback Form

Celebrate National AccessAbility Week

In recognition of National AccessAbility Week (May 25–31, 2025), the City of Nanaimo is celebrating the progress made in creating a more accessible and inclusive community — particularly for residents living with disabilities. The City remains committed to identifying, removing and preventing barriers that limit access to services, amenities and public life. Ensuring equitable participation in all aspects of City life is essential to building a welcoming and inclusive Nanaimo. 

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (ACAI) has played a vital role in shaping inclusive City policies, infrastructure and programming providing input and recommendations on the following:

  • Including accessible washroom upgrades and improved signage at Westwood Lake.
  • Enhancing accessible parking across the city.
  • Redesigning parking lot at Neck Point Park.
  • Ensuring there are inclusive practices at City-hosted events.
  • Providing input on form and character development permit guidelines to support inclusive design in future developments.
Westwood Lake Accessible Bathrooms

Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation & Culture department continues to champion inclusive programming and facility improvements. Over the past year:

  • The completion of Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility recommendations at Bowen Park, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Frank Crane Arena.
  • New audits are also completed at Oliver Woods Community Centre, Beban Park Pool, Cliff McNabb Arena and Nanaimo Ice Centre to identify further improvements.
  • Staff have received inclusive aquatics training.
  • The City held a Youth Dance, offering teens with diverse abilities a safe space to connect and celebrate.
  • Therapy Aquafit remains a priority program.
  • Mobi-Mats® are installed at Colliery Dam Park, Neck Point Park and Loudon Park, expanding seasonal beach access for individuals using wheelchairs, strollers and other wheeled devices.
  • Culturally, the City is developing interactive public art maps and virtual tours, featuring Mural Art, Indigenous Art and more, allowing residents and visitors to explore Nanaimo’s creative spaces both online and in person.

A blue Mobimat leading to the water at Departure Bay at low tide

Numerous City-wide initiatives are enhancing accessibility beyond recreation.

  • Assistive hearing devices have been installed at all recreation front counters thanks to a SPARC BC grant.
  • Making pedestrian infrastructure improvements, including tactile sidewalk indicators and audible crosswalk signals.
  • Digital accessibility has advanced with clearer navigation and plain language on the City’s website.
  • Residents are encouraged to share feedback using the Accessibility and Inclusion Feedback Form.
  • Transportation access has expanded with HandyDart passes now available at all five recreation centres.
  • Active transportation infrastructure continues to grow under the City’s "Complete Streets" approach and projects like Midtown Gateway.
Canoe with cultural design and accessible swings in the background

Learn more about National AccessAbility Week by visiting the Rick Hansen Foundation website. They are hosting three virtual events during the week:

The two following events are labeled as "youth" events. The website mentions that the language and topics will be geared to students for the two youth events, but the experiences shared are relevant to everyone and people of all ages are welcome to join.

Additional Links for Federal programs

A new townhouse development with some accessible lower units

Accessibility and Inclusion Plan

In July 2022, Nanaimo Council adopted City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined. City Plan, as it is commonly referred to, is a strategic planning document that serves as Nanaimo's Official Community Plan; Parks, Recreation, Culture and Wellness Plan; Active Mobility Plan; Transportation Plan; Climate Action and Resiliency Plan; and Accessibility and Inclusion Plan.

City Plan is our guide for how we will get to our future Nanaimo. The Integrated Action Plan is a supporting document to City Plan and is a full library of actions outlining what the City is already doing, and would like to do, to achieve the goals of City Plan.

An accessible version of City plan - Nanaimo ReImagine is available online. Below you will find the City Plan sections related to Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility:

Equity and Inclusivity (Section C4.2 of City Plan)

Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates resources and opportunities to support more positive outcomes for all regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, faith practice, ancestry, or background. By identifying inequities and targeting investment in prevention and intervention, the wellbeing and inclusion of the diversity of people that make up our entire community can be enhanced, creating a city that puts people first and supports a sense of belonging.

Desired Outcomes

  • An inclusive Nanaimo that provides opportunities for active involvement and prosperity for all; welcomes contributions of all members; facilitates participation and social interaction across cultures, genders, orientations, ages, and abilities; and recognizes and fosters respect for diversity as per the Province’s Accessibility BC Act
  • Environments and spaces across all areas of the city that are diverse and vibrant for the enjoyment of all residents.
  • Celebration of diverse cultures and a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and accepting of all.
  • Equitable access to services, programs and facilities for all residents.
  • Demonstrated City leadership by receiving training, sharing resources and knowledge, and applying an equity, diversity and inclusion lens in city initiatives and decision-making processes.

Access for All (Section C4.3 of City Plan)

The ability to freely and fully access and experience a community affects individual wellbeing. The City is committed to improving accessibility for all, by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers that limit access to services, amenities, and public life. Access is vital for all residents to have an equitable and enjoyable experience of what Nanaimo has to offer.

Desired Outcomes

  • There are many ways for people of all ages and abilities to move freely throughout the City and without barriers.
  • People of all ages, genders, abilities, and income levels have easy access to services and spaces without barriers.
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Equity and Inclusivity Policies

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Access for All Policies

Last updated: May 23, 2025

Give feedback on accessibility. Submit your feedback through our online accessibility feedback form. Help us understand barriers people face when accessing City services.

You can attach files to help explain the barrier you faced in the form, like: a video, voice recording or photos. If American Sign Language (ASL) is the best way for you to communicate, upload a video of yourself using ASL into the form.

Please include: what you were trying to access, where the barrier happened, what the barrier was and any recommendations you might have.

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Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.