Accessibility in Central Saanich
The District of Central Saanich adopted its first Accessibility Plan in 2023. The plan was developed in consultation with the Town of Sidney, the District of North Saanich, the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee (SPAAC) and the public. Making Central Saanich more accessible is an ongoing priority for the District. Accessibility means that all people can take part in the community, including people with disabilities.
The way we design municipal infrastructure and communicate with residents are key opportunities to facilitate greater inclusion in the community.
Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee
Under the Accessible British Columbia Act, local governments, among several other organizations, are now required to form accessibility committees to reduce barriers for people living with disabilities.
The District of Central Saanich, Town of Sidney and District of North Saanich have formed a joint tri-municipal committee: the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is to provide comment and recommendations to Saanich Peninsula local governments on policies, programs, services, built environments, infrastructure and outdoor spaces in order continue to improve the livability, inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities, who live, work and play on the Saanich Peninsula.
Feedback
If you have feedback related to accessibility in Central Saanich, please share your thoughts in the online form. Feedback will help the District make services more accessible and will also be collected and shared with the Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Accessible Feedback Form
Age-Friendly Community Plan
We are heartened by the progress made in partnership with local organizations since the Age Friendly Plan was adopted. This has included:
- sponsoring the CARE Fair, a free-to-the-public one-day event on June 6, 2024 (during BC Seniors Week) in Sidney that provided seniors and their care-giver families on the Saanich Peninsula information on aging, particularly of interest to those who wish to age “in place” in their own home or are considering transitioning to independent or assisted living;
- sponsoring Lunch N Learn sessions hosted at the Centre for Active Living 50+ with Beacon Community Services;
- providing funding for a Better at Home program for those who want to age in place through Beacon Community Services;
- opening a resource office in the Cultural Centre days a week with Beacon and Central Saanich Police Service volunteers;
- continuing to support a number of senior-serving organizations with municipal facilities at no charge for their organizations;
- promoting local volunteer opportunities;
- providing more print materials and in-person opportunities to engage on District projects;
- providing local businesses with materials about how to be more age friendly;
- and significant work in regards to the built environment—reviewing transportation policies, park and trail accessibility, signage, housing and more.
Resources
We're always looking at ways we can help make our community more accessible and age-friendly.
We've compiled a list of additional resources that may be helpful.