Development of RMOW Accessibility Action Plan

On February 4, 2020, Council endorsed the proposed approach, work plan, project team and timeline for creating a comprehensive Accessibility Action Plan (AAP) for the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). 

Development of the RMOW AAP

The RMOW’s commitment to accessibility is embodied in these vision characteristic statements within Whistler’s Official Community Plan (OCP):

• Residents and visitors of all ages, identities, abilities and incomes are welcome and included; and
• Everyone is treated with fairness, respect and care.

The AAP will provide actions to further the RMOW's efforts to make its workplace, services and built environment accessible and welcoming to everyone.

Further details on the development of the AAP are provided in the Administrative Report to Council. 

Focus areas for the actions

The AAP will concentrate on the eight focus areas listed below. Staff training and assessments of facilities and services are general focus areas that support the other six areas. The other focus areas align with six of the seven areas from the Accessible Canada Act.

1. Staff Training
2. Assessments of Facilities and Services
3. Service Design and Delivery
4. Built Environment
5. Employment
6. Communications and Engagement
7. Transportation
8. Procurement

Action development process to date

1. RMOW staff reviewed the state of accessibility legislation, standards, policies, plans, and best practices within Canada, the United States and Europe.
2. RMOW staff reviewed existing RMOW bylaws, policies, plans (e.g., the Whistler Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan), and accessibility initiatives in current department work programs.
3. RMOW staff analyzed the information gathered in steps 1 and 2 to determine the common themes and specifications that should be considered in the development of the actions. Key municipal staff were engaged in a review of the common themes to ensure their relevance and completeness, and staff feedback was integrated into the common themes.
4. Preliminary actions were developed based on the common themes, staff input and Accessibility Coordinator knowledge.
5. The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee provided initial action ideas and shared feedback on the preliminary draft actions. Their input was integrated into the draft actions that will be presented to the community for feedback in June.
6. Key partner meetings were held to review and refine the actions that the partners have a role in delivering.  
7. The public was engaged on the draft actions.

Next Steps

• Community and partner engagement – June
• Refine actions based on above engagement – June-July
• Draft the full AAP document – July
• AIC feedback on the draft AAP – August
• Council review of the AAP – September