The Elk Valley Accessibility Plan was officially endorsed by three local councils in May, paving the way for development of more comprehensive services and support systems for residents with physical disabilities and limitations.
The Regional Accessibility Committee formed in November 2023 with representation from Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford councils, aiming to reduce barriers within Elk Valley communities for people with mobility issues. The plan's three main priorities include providing municipal staff with more education and training on accessibility, ableism, and disability awareness; addressing barriers in accessing municipal infrastructure; and increasing communication on accessibility through the municipal websites and public information.
"We're going to start training all three municipalities' staff to build awareness and incorporate an accessible lense in the work they do," said City of Fernie director of corporate administration Camille Neal. "Whether it's through clearing, or insuring curb cuts are clear of snow and ice for people with physical limitations. It's about incorporating incremental improvements. That definitely starts with staff training and awareness."
Neal said the Committee will also advocate to the provincial government for more accessible transportation, and pedestrian routes that are easier to navigate with features like audible crossing cues and more forgiving curbs.
There'll be a push to make municipal facilities more accessible with ramps and elevators as well, with proposed renovations being incorporated into capital plans and projects.
The Plan was developed with results from surveys that were circulated in three respective communities last summer, revealing that 91.3 per cent of respondents rated access to public spaces or buildings either difficult or moderately difficult. 65.2 per cent had significant concerns with transportation and navigation, and listed inadequate sidewalks, snow clearing, accessible parking, and public transit as key issues.
The survey reached 92 people, through online engagement, and at public events and the farmer's market.
Survey results also noted that residents were unclear about evacuation plans in case of an emergency.
Sparwood has made strides in helping protect the public during emergencies, with the creation of the Vulnerable Persons Registry. Residents who sign up for the Registry, can have their personal information shared with emergency responders in the event of evacuation from their homes. Neal said the City of Fernie is interested in implementing the initiative as well.
The Committee will host public meetings to get community input on the plan. The first gathering will be held on Monday, September 15, followed by a second meeting on Monday, November 3, both at 5:30 p.m. The meetings will be conducted virtually over Zoom, but Neal said a hybrid event with in-person and virtual attendance will launch in 2026.
The City of Fernie has introduced a new process to make payment of property taxes easier for people with accessibility issues. People who have difficulty accessing City Hall and do not have have a computer, can now pay their property taxes in-person at the Senior Citizens Drop-In Centre on June 19 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
The Elk Valley Accessibility Plan can be accessed through this link.
