Postponed Seniors & accessibility

Robust accessibility plan

$50,000 for a more detailed, Whistler-style accessibility plan, on top of the plan the law requires. The Eaglecrest funding plan moved it from 2028 to 2029.

Amount
$50,000
Got
$0
Where it stands
To 2029. Moved by the Eaglecrest funding plan, Jul 2025.

What it is

This is $50,000 for a consultant to write a more detailed accessibility plan. The Town calls it a “Robust Accessibility Plan, Whistler Village Style.” It is modelled on the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

It would add to the Town's existing Accessibility Plan, which Council endorsed in September 2024. Staff said the Town had not given its accessibility committee enough staff and money to explore detailed projects. Staff estimated 200 staff hours, plus half of a full-time job from 2028 or later.

The 2023 planning sheet says only that a request was made. It does not say who asked. Staff noted that Whistler has one full-time accessibility staff person, plus other staff who support that work.

What happened

  1. April 12, 2023Council set up the Accessibility Advisory Team, the committee the provincial law requires. Carried unanimously.
  2. November 10, 2023The Whistler-style plan was scoped at strategic planning (reference SI-18-24). Staff recommended budgeting it in 2028.
  3. September 11, 2024Council endorsed the Town's Accessibility Plan, dated September 2024, to meet provincial law. Carried unanimously.
  4. October 21, 2024Staff suggested combining this item with the new Accessibility Action Plan item if both go ahead in 2028.
  5. July 23, 2025Council moved it from 2028 to 2029 as part of the Eaglecrest funding plan (Resolution 25-180, carried 4–1, Councillor Harrison opposed).
  6. April 1, 2026The adopted 2026–2030 Financial Plan shows $50,000 in 2029.

Why it matters

  • The Accessible British Columbia Act has applied to B.C. municipalities since Sept 1, 2023. It requires an accessibility committee, an accessibility plan, a way for the public to give feedback, and a review of the plan at least every three years.
  • The Act does not require a detailed plan or a set budget. This item is an extra, on top of the plan the Town already has.
  • The Town has a committee (set up in 2023), a plan (posted in draft in September 2023 and endorsed in September 2024) and a feedback process through its Public Inquiry System, email and phone.
  • The required review of the existing plan falls due around 2026 or 2027, depending on whether it is counted from the draft or the final plan. We did not find a separate budget line for that review in the 2026–2030 Financial Plan.
  • Separately, the Town budgets $50,000 a year for physical accessibility fixes. In 2026 it was approved for automatic washroom doors at Town Hall and Leigh House and a trail repair. That money was not deferred.

Sources

Last checked September 18, 2026. Report a mistake.