Accessible and Adaptable Housing Design Guidelines endorsed by Council
On December 15, 2010 Council endorsed the
Accessible and Adaptable Housing Guidelines that were produced by a working group of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, with support from the Coast Community Builders Association. The voluntary guidelines raise awareness about the need for accessibility and also provide practical suggestions regarding how to achieve it (accessibility) and how to open up options for future accessibility (adaptability).
The idea for the guidelines came from a workshop for the building industry in September 2009 as part of the Sechelt Accessibility Challenge project. Funded by a grant from Affordability and Choice Today (ACT), a second workshop was held on November 9, 2010. Approximately 30 people attended this workshop, including architects and designers, builders and accessibility advocates. The draft guidelines were presented and
guest speaker Regan Myers, a designer / builder who uses a wheelchair himself, illustrated the many instances in the design and building process where accessibility should be included.
District of Sechelt realises requested accessibility improvements
In 2010 the following requested accessibility improvements were realised, funded by the District of Sechelt:
- Wharf – Dolphin intersection: adding audible signals to the pedestrian crossing lights
- Ebbtide Street: extension of walkway to Trail Avenue
- Trail Avenue: sidewalk extension from Mermaid to Cowrie Street
- Norwest Bay Rd: sidewalk extension for the bus stop at Mason Road
- Inlet - Boulevard: addition of accessible parking spot and access ramp
- Block 7: pavement of pathway between Library, along Seaside Centre to Teredo Street.
Accessibility Advisory Committee Vision
In 2009 the Committee developed a vision for accessibility and inclusion for Sechelt’s new Official Community Plan:
The District of Sechelt and its citizens value and respect individual differences and are welcoming and inclusive to people of all ages, cultures, economic levels and abilities;
• outdoor spaces, buildings and services are accessible;
• people are informed, connected, included and integrated;
• there is a full range of safe and accessible transportation options; and
• housing is adaptable, affordable, pleasing and close to amenities.
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Mandate of the Committee
To provide advice to Staff and Council on issues related to improving access and inclusion in community affairs for all residents. The Committee provides recommendations to Council on subjects such as reducing barriers and creating improved access to District buildings and parks, for people with mobility impairments, and makes recommendations of ways to increase involvement and participation of people with mobility and other functional challenges in community life.
The Committee has been involved in various awareness raising projects such as the Sechelt Accessibility Challenge, and the development of the Accessible and Adaptable Housing Design Guidelines. For more information please contact the
Community Planner.
Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference guide Committee members as how to conduct their meetings and what types of activities to undertake.