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

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.

Equity and Inclusivity Policies

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.

Access for All Policies

Last updated: June 20, 2024

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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. 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.