COQUITLAM, B.C., November 1, 2023 – The City of Coquitlam is committed to fostering a more inclusive community and has continued to implement measures to prioritize accessibility over the last year.
On Monday, City staff updated Council on a number of initiatives that have been implemented to remove barriers to access experienced by equity-deserving groups, including people with visible and invisible disabilities, as well as immigrants and newcomers to the community.
Grant Funding Supports Work to Make City Facilities More Inclusive
Coquitlam was one of eight B.C. municipalities and two Indigenous communities to receive a BC Accessibility Grant, delivered through the Rick Hansen Foundation last fall. The grant provided up to $82,500 in funding to improve civic facilities, training for staff and accessibility awareness training.
Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex, Dogwood Pavilion and Town Centre Park Community Centre were selected to be assessed under the grant. Examples of enhancements include:
- Automatic/accessible door openers at all sites
- Colour-contrasting decals on window glazing at all sites
- An accessible lift to the stage in the Mike Butler Room at Dogwood Pavilion
- Wheelchair-accessible sinks and work stations at Town Centre Park Community Centre
- Larger entrance doors to provide improved clearance for people using mobility devices at Town Centre Park Community Centre
- Newly added millwork, plumbing fixtures and electrical outlets at Town Centre Park Community Centre at accessible heights
Ongoing Focus on Accessibility Enhancements
With a focus on ensuring that Coquitlam facilities are safe and welcoming spaces, the City has incorporated accessibility-friendly changes into other facilities and business operations as well, including:
- A Hearing Loop in Council Chambers and Maillardville Community Centre to better support individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Virtual tours of City Centre Aquatic Complex and Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex will be available later this year showcasing key information such as washroom access and available accessible equipment
Coquitlam’s efforts seek to enhance accessibility across the board, including internally for our staff, as well as within the physical environment, employment, information and communications. In response to new provincial requirements that apply to all municipalities in British Columbia, Coquitlam will be initiating an accessibility plan in 2024. That plan is intended to capture the City’s many accessibility initiatives underway, and set the foundation for enhanced work in this area. Such endeavours help Coquitlam further its EDI journey in service for our community and organization.
Expanded Partnerships
The City has expanded partnership with the Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership to co-host an ‘Employment Dialogue for Newcomers’ later this year at City Hall. The event will explore the experiences of newcomers, and the barriers experienced by this demographic, within the employment and hiring process.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Coquitlam
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is about breaking down barriers to ensure that everyone – regardless of age, ability, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation and other diversity characteristics – 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.
Media contact:
Manisha Dutta
Manager Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Media@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.