We provide accessible, inclusive and meaningful programs, services and opportunities for everyone
By removing barriers and creating a welcoming environment, we help you to safely and fairly access City spaces, programs, employment opportunities and services.
Access Advisory Committee
The Access Advisory Committee advises Council on improving access and inclusion for people with disabilities in Burnaby.
The committee has 9 members: 3 Council representatives and 6 resident representatives. Their mandate is:
- helping to identify accessibility and inclusion barriers for individuals within the community or those interacting with the organization
- recommending ways to remove and prevent any identified barriers
- advising on the development of an organizational accessibility plan
- creating a mechanism for public feedback on accessibility
The Access Advisory Committee has been operating since the late 1980s. In 2021, in alignment with the Accessible BC Act, the Committee was established as an advisory body of Council. In addition, an accessibility public feedback form was implemented, and an Accessibility Plan is being developed.
Accessible recreation
Accessible facilities, parks and trails allow us all to participate in our chosen activity, regardless of physical barriers.
We are always looking for ways to improve everyone's recreational experience–whether it's building wider, smooth-surfaced paths and trails, barrier free entries to our facilities, accessible washrooms and change rooms or adapted equipment. We've made upgrading and introducing new features a priority.
Adapted activities
Our adapted activities help people with physical and/or developmental disabilities to join in, get social and be active in safe spaces that are welcoming, respectful and supportive.
There’s a new registration process for day camps. Families can now register for the date they want to attend, rather than the specific activity. The Access Services team will connect with you to determine a camp location. Learn more on our Adapted Activities webpage.
FAIR Play Program
Burnaby's FAIR Play Program helps people in financial need to access to parks, recreation and culture.
Mobility, Access and Participation (MAP) Research Partnership
The Mobility, Access and Participation (MAP) Research Partnership works with community organizations and municipalities to address community-driven research questions that help build accessible communities.
Through MAP, Burnaby has been involved in projects to improve the accessibility of the pedestrian environment, such as Project Sidewalk and the Stakeholders Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighbourhoods.
MAP academic partners include Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and Université Laval with funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Burnaby’s participation has been supported via the Civic Innovation Lab.