Accessibility and Inclusion

C4.2.1 - Create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere in City owned facilities where all people feel safe, comfortable, and represented. 

C4.2.2 - Incorporate an equity lens into land use planning decisions across Nanaimo.

C4.2.3 - Encourage an equitable distribution of community amenities, social services, facilities, and mobility across the city, to support the diverse needs of residents. 

C4.2.4 - Strive to reduce financial barriers to community spaces, programs, and services for community members with lower incomes.

C4.2.5 - Encourage development of accessible and inclusive public spaces and buildings through universal design principles, and the provision of accessible and inclusive amenities and infrastructure for all ages, abilities, and genders.

C4.2.6 - Create and adapt programming and facilities to support respectful and inclusive services for all people. 

C4.2.7 - Design all new washroom facilities, and retrofit existing facilities, where possible, to include universal and gender neutral spaces.

C4.2.8 - Encourage diversity awareness and build a culture of compassion for people of all cultures, genders, orientations, ages, and abilities. 

C4.2.9 - Support and welcome newcomers to settle in Nanaimo and encourage their awareness, understanding, and respect for First Nations governments and Mustimuxw (peoples) and other Indigenous peoples. 

C4.3.1 - Continue to provide accessible meeting space for in person Council and Committee meetings as well as access to online live streamed and recorded options with closed captioning.

C4.3.2 - Ensure that online communications are adapted to reduce barriers for a range of audio-visual accessibility needs.

C4.3.3 - As requested, offer access to City services online, via phone, or in person, to support a person’s specific accessibility needs using a range of existing and emerging technologies, including use of video relay services to support those with hearing or speech disabilities.

C4.3.4 - Where applicable, include an “accessibility lens” to Council reports and consultant reports delivered to City Staff and Council.

C4.3.5 - Continue to address and remove barriers to employment consistent with BC’s Human Rights Code.

C4.3.6 - Where possible, ensure that all or most owned or leased City facilities meet accessibility requirements in the latest version of the BC Building Code.

C4.3.7 - Ensure that new City facilities and buildings, including major renovations, meet universal accessibility standards.

C4.3.8 - Include universal design principles in City plans, policies, designs, standards, programs, and services that consider the needs of all people, including those with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.

C4.3.9 - Provide opportunities for all people to pursue healthy, active, and social lifestyles through a range of inclusive, accessible, and affordable events, festivals, parks, recreational facilities, cultural facilities, and programs.

C4.3.10 - Ensure that public spaces are available and accessible to all members of the community where possible.

C4.3.11 - Continue to increase the provision of accessible play equipment and park amenities.

C4.3.12 - Where possible, provide safe, clean, and accessible washroom facilities, including change tables for children and adults, throughout the city to enhance public space experiences for all.

C4.3.13 - Provide universal access to parks, open spaces, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Where universal access is not possible in natural areas, prioritize meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in areas where universal accessibility is feasible.

C4.3.14 - Strive to make all City parks, recreation, and culture programs as inclusive and accessible as possible for all ages and abilities.

C4.3.15 - Continue to provide a variety of inclusive and barrier-free activities that support different age groups including seniors and youth.

C4.3.16 - Continue to offer adaptive sport options, working with partners and organizations, wherever possible.

C4.3.17 - Continue to partner with social clubs to provide meeting space for people with disabilities.

C4.3.18 - Continue to use Physical Literacy as a method of programming for youth to teach and adapt skills needed to learn purposeful physical pursuits.

C4.3.19 - Continue to incorporate accessibility and inclusiveness into recreational programs through adaptability and instruction.

C4.3.20 - Encourage private home owners, landlords, developers, and not-forprofit housing providers to build new or update existing buildings and spaces to meet adaptable and accessibility standards.

C4.3.21 - Encourage and consider incentives for private developers and not-for-profit housing organizations to develop and maintain a percentage of adaptable and accessible housing rental units in new or existing market and affordable developments.

C4.3.22 - Enable seniors to age-in-place by supporting alternative housing and care options, such as adapting existing housing to be accessible, supporting in-law or secondary suites, encouraging shared or co-housing opportunities, and enabling at-home care opportunities.

C4.3.23 - Continue to support Regional District of Nanaimo and BC Transit efforts to maintain and improve accessibility to public transit through bus design.

C4.3.24 - Ensure that the design of new or upgraded public transit infrastructure (e.g., transit shelters, exchanges, etc.) considers accessibility for all users, particularly those serving rapid and frequent transit routes.

C4.3.25 - Work to reduce transportation barriers to City owned facilities and City run programs.

C4.3.26 - Where possible, exceed minimum requirements for universal accessibility for parking access and design standards.