Building on its commitment to continue to create safe and welcoming environments, Coquitlam is inviting individuals who live, work, learn and play in the community to help shape the City’s first-ever Accessibility and Inclusion Plan.
COQUITLAM, B.C., October 24, 2024 – Building on its commitment to continue to create safe and welcoming environments, Coquitlam is inviting individuals who live, work, learn and play in the community to help shape the City’s first-ever Accessibility and Inclusion Plan.
The City wants to hear your thoughts on opportunities and potential barriers when it comes to accessibility and inclusion within the community.
How to Get Involved
Until November 17, individuals are invited to participate in a survey that will be used to inform Coquitlam’s future Accessibility and Inclusion Plan. The City is keen to hear from the community, including people who have, or who support those who have, accessibility and inclusion needs. Interested participants can also indicate through the survey if they would like to participate in a focus group, to be held in November.
The City will also be seeking direct feedback from community partners who support marginalized groups, such as organizations supporting people with disabilities and community service providers.
Why an Accessibility and Inclusion Plan?
As an organization, Coquitlam is on a journey to better serve our vibrant and diverse community by incorporating accessibility and equity, diversity and inclusion in all City business: our policies and practices, the language we use, how we plan neighbourhoods, and how and what services we provide.
The Accessibility and Inclusion Plan is a top priority for City Council and is aligned with the Accessibility legislation mandated by the provincial government. In addition to community feedback, best practices and other approved City plans and strategies will be considered in order to build a strategic vision for accessibility and inclusion in the community.
Expected to be drafted by early 2026, the final Plan will provide strategic direction and actions to support members of the community to live, work, play and thrive in safe and welcoming environments. It will also build on the City’s existing equity, diversity and inclusion efforts.
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 coquitlam.ca/EDI.
Media contact:
Michele Frilund
Senior Manager, Equity Diversity and Inclusion
edi@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.