COQUITLAM, BC, May 18, 2023 – Coquitlam is recognizing National AccessAbility Week this year with more than 30 hands-on events and activities from May 28 to June 3, including its first AccessAbility Resource Fair on June 1.
The City celebrates National AccessAbility Week each year as part of its ongoing work to remove physical, language, financial and other barriers to accessing recreation and other services. This year, Coquitlam is encouraging participation, showcasing opportunities and celebrating people of all abilities with seven days of fun, informative and inspiring free activities.
Drop by the Resource Fair June 1
The City will hold its first AccessAbility Resource Fair on June 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the new Maillardville Community Centre. Everyone is welcome to drop by to:
- Learn about programs and services that help everyone thrive, provided by local groups and support agencies;
- Find out about the work of Coquitlam’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program and the Universal AccessAbility Advisory Committee;
- Provide input to inform the development of the City’s new Strategic Transportation Plan; and
- Try out various sport and fitness sessions for people of diverse abilities and languages.
The event is fragrance-free and close to transit. Maillardville Community Centre has a variety of accessible features, including door openers, parking stalls, washrooms, elevator, tactile stairway floor markers and colour-contrasting window decals. More event information can be found at coquitlam.ca/RecAccess.
Enjoy Registered and Drop-in Activities
Featuring adapted sports and fitness, movies and art, instruction in different languages and more, Coquitlam’s lineup of National AccessAbility Week activities has something for people of all ages, interests and abilities May 28 to June 3.
While all activities are free, most require advance registration – visit coquitlam.ca/RecAccess for details and registration links. Activities include:
- Wheelchair Lacrosse Try-it with sport wheelchairs available, on May 28, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Activity Centre;
- Zumba Sentao® (19+ years) featuring seated exercises, on May 31, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at Glen Pine Pavilion;
- Pickleball for Newcomers (19+ years) instructed in Farsi, on June 1, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Maillardville Community Centre;
- Art for Positive Change (16+ years), a chance to create abstract art and de-stress, on June 1, 6 - 8:30 p.m. at Glen Pine Pavilion;
- Tours of Dogwood Pavilion on June 3 offered in Mandarin from 1:30 – 2 p.m. and in Spanish from 2:30 – 3 p.m.; and
- Family, Youth and Adult Boccia Try-its in partnership with SportAbility BC, on June 3 from 6:30 – 8:45 p.m. at Centennial Activity Centre.
Promoting Recreation Access
Coquitlam strives to provide recreation opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and means, with programs such as:
- Financial Assistance for Recreation program, providing each eligible family member 50 drop-in passes and a $225 credit towards City admissions, passes and programs;
- Low-cost and free swimming and recreation programs, including the Summer Child and Youth Pass, and Grade 5/6 Stay Active Pass;
- Free admission to caregivers providing one-on-one support to patrons;
- Free menstrual products at City facilities; and
- Recreation inclusion programs providing extra supports for program registrants.
Go to coquitlam.ca/RecAccess for information about these programs, or contact the Community Services team at 604-927-6076 or communityservices@coquitlam.ca.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Coquitlam
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is about breaking down barriers to ensure that everyone – regardless of race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability, financial means and other differences – is able to live, work and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. As an organization, Coquitlam is on a journey to better serve our vibrant and diverse community by applying EDI principles to all City work, policies, operations, language and services. EDI is a top organizational priority that guides decision-making across all lines of business. Learn more at www.coquitlam.ca/edi.
Learn More About Accessibility in Coquitlam
Accessibility is at the forefront of the services the City of Coquitlam provides. Delivering community facilities, infrastructure, neighbourhood plans and community recreation programs for people of all ages, abilities and means are just a few examples of the City’s commitment to accessibility. Visit coquitlam.ca/accessibility for information about City programs, regulations and policies that promote access and reduce barriers.
Media contact:
Jamie Ayson-Banico
Supervisor, Community Services
City of Coquitlam
604-927-6076
CommunityServices@coquitlam.ca