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Ladysmith, BC — The Town of Ladysmith has developed the community’s first-ever draft Accessibility Plan and is now inviting the public to provide feedback.
Developed in partnership with the Town's Accessibility Advisory Committee, the plan is a living document designed to evolve as the Town continues to engage with the community and respond to emerging needs. Its scope includes Town-owned properties, public spaces, and facilities, with the goal of identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility so that all residents and visitors can fully participate in community life.
The Town is now asking residents to review the draft Accessibility Plan, which is available on Let's Talk Ladysmith, and provide their feedback by October 14. Input will help shape the final version of the plan.
“In Ladysmith, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment,” says Nicholas Pescod, the Town's Communication & Engagement Specialist and committee member. “This draft plan represents an important step toward making our community more welcoming for everyone.”
In 2021, the Province of British Columbia enacted the Accessible BC Act, requiring local governments to establish accessibility committees, develop accessibility plans, and seek public input to help identify barriers individuals face when interacting with municipal services. Ladysmith’s draft plan fulfills these requirements while setting a foundation for ongoing collaboration and improvement.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee was formed in 2023 and is a Council-appointed committee that helps the Town identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility. Made up of community members, including people with disabilities, representatives from disability-serving organizations, and Town officials, the committee provides recommendations to Council on how to make Ladysmith more inclusive.
The Accessibility Plan can be viewed on Let’s Talk Ladysmith or https://letstalk.ladysmith.ca/49770/widgets/209954/documents/157570.
Residents must create an account on Let’s Talk Ladysmith to participate in the survey. As part of the registration process, the Town requires basic demographic information to better understand who is providing feedback and ensure diverse voices are represented in decision-making. Demographic data is kept confidential.
For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
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Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606