Plan guides how accessibility is included in all RMOW decision making

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Council adopted the first Whistler Accessibility Action Plan at the September 6 meeting.

The Plan is to provide inclusive actions so individuals of all abilities and ages can engage with the RMOW’s workplace, services and built environment. The Plan also ensures the RMOW meets the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act, which came into effect September 1, 2022.

“Accessibility is about including everyone. It ensures Whistler is designed for people with all abilities and at every life stage. This is a longstanding Council priority and embedded in the RMOW’s Official Community Plan,” says Mayor Jack Crompton. “Inclusivity ensures each of us can participate fully, it accommodates the needs of an individual recovering from a sports leg injury and the person who enjoys Whistler’s trails on an adaptive bike, a parent pushing a stroller, people with sensory sensitivities or a person who has age-related sensory deterioration. We’ve hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Whistler and we will also be welcoming the Invictus Games in 2025. This is an important value in our community and this plan is a strong tool to achieve our community vision.”

The Whistler Accessibility Action Plan was developed following community engagement led by the Whistler Centre for Sustainability. Community input was received through the online Engage Whistler platform and with an in-person display at the Whistler Public Library, as well as by phone interviews. The draft document was reviewed by Accessibility and Inclusion Committee members. Input was also provided by Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Whistler, the Whistler Housing Authority and Whistler Blackcomb.

For more information, visit whistler.ca/accessibility. View the Council package and minutes here.