Adam Walker Accessibility Questionnaire

Accurate

1. What universal access means

   “In Qualicum Beach, with so many older residents, accessibility is fundamental to people’s ability to remain active and connected as their needs change.”

   Accurate The Town’s Accessibility Plan says 56% of residents are over 65, from the 2021 Census.

   • The plan adds that many people face challenges with mobility and access as they grow older.

   Sources: Accessibility Plan (September 2024; the Town’s commitment, p. 7; 56% over 65, p. 9; accessible parking actions, p. 26) (Town of Qualicum Beach); Census Profile, 2021 Census: Qualicum Beach (Statistics Canada)

2. Accessible homes in new developments

   “BC’s updated Building Code has strengthened accessibility and adaptable housing requirements. Adaptable homes can accommodate changes in residents’ needs, but we also need homes that are accessible from the day someone moves in.”

   Accurate Right on both counts. The 2024 code added power doors and more elevators, and since 2025 one home in five in apartment buildings must be adaptable. No home has to be fully accessible from the day it’s built.

   • Since March 8, 2024, new commercial and public buildings need power-operated doors at building and accessible washroom entrances, and large two- and three-storey buildings need an elevator. Since March 10, 2025, one home in five in large apartment buildings, and on the first floor of small ones, must be adaptable.
   • The code defines an adaptable home as one “designed and constructed with some accessible features” that can later be changed to add more. It doesn’t require any home to be fully accessible when it’s built.

   Sources: Accessibility requirements in the BC Building Code (Province of British Columbia); Information Bulletin B25-01: Application of Adaptable Dwelling Unit Provisions in the 2024 BC Building Code (Mar 10, 2025) (Province of British Columbia); Information Bulletin B24-09-R4: Adaptable Dwelling Units, Frequently Asked Questions (revised Mar 10, 2025) (Province of British Columbia); Adaptable-dwelling, seismic provisions take effect March 10 (Mar 10, 2025) (BC Government News)

Promises and opinions: the record so far

We don’t rate promises or opinions. Where the document raises an issue with a public record, here is what it shows.

1. The Accessibility Action Plan

   “Yes, I support bringing the action plan forward. I would ask council to address its timing and resources during our first strategic planning and budget review, with clear priorities, responsibilities and timelines.”

   This is a promise, so we don’t rate it. Council scheduled the Action Plan for 2028, and the Eaglecrest funding plan moved it to 2029.

   • The Town’s Accessibility Advisory Team asked for the plan in July 2024. In October 2024 Council, meeting as the Committee of the Whole, scheduled it for 2028, with half a staff position for accessibility from 2029. In July 2025 the Eaglecrest funding plan moved it to 2029. That carried 4–1, with Councillor Harrison opposed.
   • The 2026–2030 Financial Plan shows $50,000 for it in 2029, and says Council will set its priorities for 2027 and later at its 2027 strategic planning.
   • He also promises to ensure Council “responds to their recommendations and reports publicly on progress.” The Town’s 2024 Accessibility Plan promises yearly progress reports. We found none published.
   On this site:

   • The Accessibility Action Plan

   Sources: Regular Council minutes, Sep 11, 2024 (Town of Qualicum Beach); Committee of the Whole minutes, Oct 21, 2024 (Ravensbourne housing deferral; railway stop signs; Accessibility Action Plan, p. 12) (Town of Qualicum Beach); Special Council minutes, Jul 23, 2025 (Town of Qualicum Beach); Special Council agenda and deferral lists, Jul 23, 2025 (Town of Qualicum Beach); 2026–2030 Financial Plan (adopted Apr 1, 2026) (Town of Qualicum Beach); Accessibility Plan (September 2024; the Town’s commitment, p. 7; 56% over 65, p. 9; accessible parking actions, p. 26) (Town of Qualicum Beach)

2. The Accessibility Advisory Team

   “Members have raised concerns with me that proposed waterfront changes could create new barriers to beach access.”

   This is about private conversations, so we can’t check it. We found no Town record of the waterfront plans going to the Accessibility Advisory Team.

   • The Town has budgeted $4.6 million in 2026, depending on grants, for the Highway 19A Waterfront Complete Street project. The team’s April 2026 minutes and September 2026 agenda don’t mention it. In April the team listed “Seawall walking path improvements” among future projects.
   • A $15,000 study of how people with limited mobility could reach the beach has been pushed back twice and is now set for 2029.
   On this site:

   • Foreshore access

   Sources: 2026–2030 Financial Plan (adopted Apr 1, 2026) (Town of Qualicum Beach); Accessibility Advisory Team minutes, Apr 27, 2026 (2026 projects approved) (Town of Qualicum Beach); Accessibility Advisory Team agenda, Sep 21, 2026 (door operators installed) (Town of Qualicum Beach)

Adam Walker’s record in office

• 2023 · Provincial record

  Removed from NDP caucus

  Misconduct found after a staff complaint; details not public.

• 2018–2020 · Council record

  On Council, 2018–2020

  Court fight over closed-door orders; Council disowned his survey.

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