A delegation is calling on the Town of Oliver to improve accessibility for the disabled in the community.
Janet Bednarczyk and Mike Stiles addressed council recently about accessibility issues in town. They proposed that a new accessibility audit be conducted in the municipality (for $10,000 to $15,000), and that council appoint an accessibility advisory committee to enhance access for residents and visitors with disabilities.
The audit would look at: designated parking, accessible entrances, doorway widths, obstructions, flooring material, washrooms, signage, seating and service counters.
Bednarczyk said some people think accessibility issues only impact individuals with disabilities. But Stiles said accessibility affects everyone.
Bednarczyk recognized the work done by the “Measuring Up” committee in 2007/2008, led by chair Linda Bartrom. But there is no final report because the group dissolved.
Bednarczyk quoted a 2011 national household survey, noting that 1,705 individuals in Oliver reported health activity limitations. Of the seniors living in town, 905 reported limitations in their health and activity. Bednarczyk said this comprises of nearly 55 per cent of all seniors living in the town, which is higher than the provincial average of 48 per cent.
She noted that Oliver has an unusually high number of seniors living here, and she is hoping council will identify a number of “local experts” in the disability field who would welcome the opportunity to sit on the committee.
“Oliver can become a model of how a small community can demonstrate full inclusion for everyone.”
Councillor Jack Bennest noted that council did follow through with a lot of recommendations made by the former Measuring Up committee.
Carol Sheridan, manager of Oliver Parks and Recreation, agreed there is much work to do as far as making local facilities more accessible.
She said the community pool, hall and arena have reasonable access, however, they would like to renovate the weight room to make it more accessible to customers with disabilities.
Rotary Beach is another area where accessibility could be improved, Sheridan noted.
Shawn Goodsell, public works manager for the Town, said there is always room for improvement, but there is always a cost to it as well.
He said some issues would be access to public and private businesses, but that is generally covered under building codes.
Council asked Town staff to submit a report on the accessibility requests.
By Lyonel Doherty
