CityofLangford Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 2:00PM Council Chambers & Electronic Meeting To. Joina a Meeting: Logi into Zoom.us or the Zoom app on your device. Enter the Meeting ID: 818 60021667 To Participate: Press Star (*)9to' "raise your hand". Dial In: 1-855-703-8985 (Canada Tolll Free) or 1-778-907-2071 Meeting ID: 818 6002: 1667 When called upon, you will have to press *61 to unmute the phone from your side as well. Participants will be unmuted one by one when iti is their turn to speak. We may experience a delay in opening the meeting due to technical difficulties. In the event that the meeting does not start as scheduled please be patient and: stay ont the line, we will get started as quickly as possible. Public Dial-In Details are also posted aty www.langford.ca Pages 1. TERRITORIAL ACANOWLEDGEMENT 2. VICE CHAIR APPOINTMENT 2.1 Election of Vice-Chair 3. CALLTOORDER 4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES 5.1 Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes April 24, 2024 2 6 7 14 6. REPORTS 6.1 Membership Updates 6.2 Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Dates and Times 6.3 SPARC BC Local Community. Accessibility Grant Update 6.4 Results of Request for Proposal (RFP) Accessibility Engagement Consultant Update 6.5 Next Steps - Discussion 6.6 Member Municipality Feedback Received 7. ADJOURNMENT CityofLangford Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes April 24, 2024, 2:00PM Council Chambers & Electronic Meeting PRESENT: M. Watmough, Corporate Officer, Langford D. Hopkins, Corporate Officer, Esquimalt - remote M. Miles, Corporate Officer, Highlands S.Jones, Corporate Officer,' View Royal remote T.H Hansen, Corporate Officer, Metchosin - remote M. Lalande, Corporate Officer, Colwood-remote J.B Bagnall, Corporate Officer, Sooke ABSENT: ATTENDING: E. Bolster, Deputy Corporate Officer, View Royal - N.Johnston, Legislative Services Administrative remote C.Lowe, IT Support Specialist Coordinator Meeting available by teleconference. 1. TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT M. Watmough, Director of Legislative and Protective Services and Chair of the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee read the City of Langford's Territorial. Acknowledgment. 2. 3. CALLTOORDER The Chair called the meeting to order at: 2:07 pm. APPROVAL OF THE. AGENDA MOVED BY: Deb Hopkins SECONDED: Melisa Miles THAT the Committee approve the agenda as presented. Motion CARRIED. 4. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES MOVED BY: Deb Hopkins SECONDED: Sarah. Jones Minutes oft the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee November 22, 2023 1 Page 2 of26 Capital West Accessibility. Advisory Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 THAT the minutes oft the Capital West Accessibility. Advisory Committee be adopted as circulated. Motion CARRIED. M. Lalande, Corporate Officer, Colwood joined the meeting at 2:08 pm. 5. REPORTS 5.1 Membership Updates The Chair provided an overview oft the Membership Updates. 5.2 Amended Terms of Reference The Chair asked ift there were any further amendments neededi toi the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference at this time. No amendments were suggested. 5.3 Engagement Summary: Survey #1 -A Accessibility Engagement The Chair opened the floor for discussion and the following was noted: Valuable information collected from the survey that will be helpful fora Interesting to see the ways our communities wish to be engaged with (in Appreciation for the fulsome and detailed responses from those who took the consultant. person, online, etc.). survey. MOVED BY: Sarah. Jones SECONDED: Deb Hopkins THAT the Committee: 1. Receive this report for information, and 2. Make this report available on the respective websites, and Highlands, Metchosin, and View Royal fori information. 3. Forward this report to the Council's of Colwood, Langford, Esquimalt, Sooke, Motion CARRIED. 5.4 Engagement Summary: Survey #2' "Accessibility & You" MOVED BY: Marcy Lalande SECONDED: Melisa Miles THAT the Committee: 1. Receive this report for information, and 2. Make this report available on the respective websites, and 3. Forward this report to the Council's of Colwood, Langford, Esquimalt, Sooke, Highlands, Metchosin, and' View Royal fori information. Motion CARRIED. 5.5 Accessibility Plan Framework- - Updates & Discussion 2 Page e3of26 Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 The Chair opened the floor to comments and questions from the Committee. The following was noted: Possibility oft the draft framework coming forward at the. June 2024 meeting. Stressed that this draft framework is not the plan as we need the publict to weighi inf further once a consultant has been hired and engagement sessions are held. 5.6 Report: S. Jones, Corporate Officer, View Royal Rick Hansen Accessibility Professional Network Conference Recap following was highlighted: S.J Jones, Corporate Officer, Town of View Royal provided an overview of her report. The ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters were always present during the Considerations such as water dishes for service animals made the conferencea Networking opportunity with people from around the world and all over Acknowledged that Canada has a long way to go regarding accessibility and al lot Heritage buildings, Canada Post buildings, and accessible housing were: some Energizing, inspiring, and interesting conference and participation is highly event. Use of closed captioning. more accessible. and inclusive event. Canada. of the necessary worki is int the beginning phases. interesting topics covered. recommended. 5.7 Report: S.. Jones, Corporate Officer, View Royal Municipal Accessibility Network Meeting Recap following was highlighted: S.J Jones, Corporate Officer, Town of View Royal provided an overview of her report. The Province is working towards implementation oft their accessibility plan focused one employment and service delivery. The Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee should monitor their progress as our plans focus on1 the same topics. Participation at the next Municipal Accessibility Network is highly recommended. 5.8 National AccessAbility Week 2024 The Chair noted National AccessAbility Week is upcoming. The Committee will be notified when the dates are published ont the Government of Canada's website. Member municipalities will: share messaging on their websites and social media channels where applicable. 5.9 Member Municipality Feedback Received 3 Page 4 of2 26 Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 Committee members provided an overview of accessibility related feedback collected Town of View Royal, District of Metchosin, and City of Langford shared feedback. The Committee discussed the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) that is currently being drafted. Town of View Royal has offered to host the RFP: and receive the documents. The Committee is looking forward to retaining a consultant and moving since the last meetingi in November 2023. 5.10 Discussion- - Next Steps forward with engagement opportunities. 6. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY: Deb Hopkins SECONDED: Marcy Lalande The Committee adjourned the meeting at 2:31 pm. Motion CARRIED. Chair- - Capital West Accessibility Advisory Certified Correct Corporate Officer Committee 4 Page 5 of26 Townshipof Colwood ESQUIMALT FIEHIANDS 6 Langford District of Sooke Memo TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Administrative Support 2024-06-26 Membership Updates The following updates have been made to the membership of the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee: May 2024 - District of Highlands The position of Corporate Officer is currently vacant. Therefore, the District currently does not have official representation: at this time. Current Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee members are keeping Highlands in the loop, and the Committee looks forward to welcoming a new member soon. As subsequent update will be provided when the District fills this position. Page 6 of26 CityofLangford Staff Report to Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee DATE: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 DEPARTMENT: Legislative Services SUBJECT: Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Dates and Times EXECTUVE: SUMMARY: The Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee has met three times since its establishment in the Fall of 2023. The District of Sooke has advised that they are unable to attend the upcoming meetings due to scheduling conflicts. Sooke's Corporate Officer has expressed an interest in amending the times and dates fori these meetings. BACKGROUND: According to the Terms of Reference, the Capital West Accessibility. Advisory Committees is to meet at 2:00 pm (two o'clock) on the fourth' Wednesday oft the months of April, June, September, and November. COMMENTARY: The District of Sooke approached the Committee Chair with ar request to change the times and dates of the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings. Mondays have been determined completely unsuitable as members are preparing for evening Council meetings or holding them during Sooke noted that Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are also unsuitable. Tuesday and Friday were Member municipalities may wish to consider staffing needs such as vacation time, statutory holidays, flex time, etc. when discussing potential options for a new date and time for Committee meetings. Itis also important to consider that each member municipality is different and may have other advisory the day. listed as potential options, though this is subject to Committee approval. bodies or commitments previously: scheduled on certain days of the week. Langford.ca t250.478.7882 Langford tallhoppens. Page e7of26 2nd Floor, 877 Goldstream. Avenue adminstratonelanforda Langford, BC V9B2X8 Capital West Accessibility. Advisory Committee Meeting Dates and Times 20240626 Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Page2of3 Any changes to the previously approved meeting dates and times would need tol be communicated clearly. Transparency and effective communication are of high importance. Member municipalities would also need toi inform their Councils, staff, and public of any changes made to the Committee. FINANCIAL IMPLIÇATIONS: There are several financial implications that must be considered prior to amending the meeting dates and1 times. Public Notification: Local governments are required to post notice of their Regular Meeting schedule annually pursuant to Section 127 of the Community Charter. All member municipalities have already completed this task for the year and for some members these notices include the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Section! 94 of the Community Charter outlines how municipalities will give or publish notice. Many municipalities use the newspaper as their main way to provide statutory notices toi the public. Use of newspaper advertising has a cost associated withi it that must be considered by the local governments. Ift the municipality included the Capital West Accessibility. Advisory Committee on their annual meeting schedule, a change to the Regular Meeting schedule would require public notification to satisfy Committee Meetings. Sections 94 and: 127 of the Community Charter. Staffing Costs: Staff time is another consideration that must be weighed. If we deliberate holding meetings after the contracted working hours of member municipalities, there may be overtime costs for staff. These costs As this Committee will be transitioning to a citizen representative membership within the calendar year, any change we make now (if any) should bet final as we do not want to continue to incur costs and confuse the public by continually changing the Committee times and dates. are largely unknown as every municipality is different. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS: Any amendments toi the Regular Meeting schedule of the Committee must be communicatedin accordance with Sections 127 and 94 of the Community Charter. OPTIONS: Langford itollhoppens. Page 8of26 Capital West Accessibility. Advisory Committee Meeting Dates and Times 20240626 Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Page 3of3 Option 1 THAT the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee amend the Terms of Reference to allow the Communicate this change to the public in accordance with each member municpalitl/sprocedure bylaw meeting date and time to be changed to requirements for public notice for Committees; and, Communicate this change to each respective Council at an upcoming public meeting and; Communicate this change through each member municipality's respective websites and social media channels. OR Option 2 THAT the Capital West Accessibility. Advisory Committee take no action in respect to amending the Terms SUBMITTED BY: Nisa. Johnston, Legislative Services Administrative Coordinator, City of Langford Concurrence: Marie Watmough, Director of Legislative & Protective Services, Chair, City of Langford of Reference pertaining to meeting dates and times. Concurrence: Melisa Miles, Manager ofl Legislative Services, City of Langford Attachment 1: Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Attachments: Langford itallhoppens. Page9of26 CAPITAL WEST ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE 1.0 Composition The Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee represents the member municipalities of the City of Colwood, the Township of Esquimalt, the District of Highlands, the City of Langford, the District of Metchosin, thel District of Sooke, and the Town of View Royal that have chosen to participate in the Committee. 2.0 Mandate 2.1 In accordance with the Accessible BC Act, the mandate of the Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee is: 2.1.1 to assist member municipalities to identify barriers to individuals in or 2.1.2 to advise member municipalities on! how to remove and prevent barriers to 2.1.3 to confer with the member municipalities in the development and revision of interacting with the municipality; individuals in ori interacting with the municipality; and the accessibility plan. 3.0 Membership 3.1 The Committee is comprised of each participating member municipality's Corporate Officer, 3.2 The term will bei for approximately eighteen (18) months and expire no later than March 1, 3.3 The Chair and' Vice Chair will be selected annually at thei first meeting by resolution of the 3.4 Committee membership to be expanded within 12 months to include 1 (one) representative 4.1 The Committee will meet electronically: a minimum of four (4) times per year at 2:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the following months: April, June, September, and November 4.3 Special meetings, if required to address me: sensitive business items that are unable to be addressed at the next regularly scheduled business meeting, may be held at the call of the or person acting in that capacity. 2025. Committee members. with al lived experience from each member municipality. 4.0 Meetings 4.2 Meeting length is not to exceed two (2) hours. Chair. 5.0 Agendas 5.1 At least seven (7) days prior to each meeting, the host municipality shall: 1 Page 10 of 26 5.1.1 prepare an agenda which lists and briefly summarizes the maters to be 5.1.2 provide an electronic copy to all Committee members; and considered at the meeting; 5.1.3 post the agenda ati the host municipality's designated public notice posting place 5.2 Non-hosting member municipalities shall endeavour to provide al link to the agenda posted on the host municipality's website, once the agenda is posted, in advance of the meeting. and on1 the host municipality's website. 5.3 The agenda must include a description of: 5.3.1 the way in which the meeting is tol be held electronically; 5.3.2 howi the public may hear, or see and hear the proceedings; and 5.3.3 the location where the public may attend to hear, or see and hear, the meeting. 5.4 The order of business at regular Committee meetings shall be as follows: 1) Call to Order 2) Introduction of Late Items 3) Approval of the Agenda 4) Adoption of Minutes 5) Business Items 6) Unfinished Business 7) New Business 8) Adjournment 5.5 Business at Committee meetings must, in all cases, bet taken up in the order in which iti is listed on the agenda unless otherwise resolved by a majority vote oft those members present. 6.0 Quorum 6.1 Quorum for the Committee is a majority of its appointed voting members, including the 6.2 Ifthere is no quorum in attendance within 15 minutes of the advertised. start me, the recording secretary shall record the names of the members in attendance and those absent and then adjourn the meeting to the next regularly scheduled Committee meeting. Chair. 7.0 Motions 7.1 Decisions of the Committee shall be made by motion. 7.2 Motions shall be seconded before discussion can take place. 7.3 Motions that are not seconded will not be recorded in the meeting minutes. 2 Page 11 of26 8.0 Amendments 8.1 A member may, without notice, move to amend a motion that is being considered ata 8.2 An amendment may propose to add, strike out, or strike out and add words to an original 8.3 Amendments must be strictly relevant to the main motion and not alter in a material way or 8.4 Only one amendment shall be allowed to be before the Committee at one time and shall be 8.5 An amendment that has been defeated by a vote cannot be proposed again. meeting. motion. be contrary tot the principle embodied int the main motion. decided before the main motion is decided. 9.0 Voting 9.1 Each member has one vote on any motion or question. 9.2 Each member present at the time of voting: 9.2.1 must vote on the matter byi indicating their assent or dissent, or if participating electronically without video, by verbally stating their vote as either in favour or 9.2.2 no member may leave a meeting once a vote on a matter has been called; and 9.2.3 ifar member abstains from voting or does noti indicate how they vote, the opposed; member is deemed to have voted in the affirmative. 9.3 A motion or any other question before the Committee is decided by a simple majority oft the 9.4 If the vote of the members present at the time of voting are equal for and against the 9.5 The Chair must state the name or names of the members opposed and the recording quorum. motion, the motion is defeated. secretary shall record those names ini the minutes. 10.1 Minutes of the Committee meetings must: 10.1.1 be legibly recorded; 10.0 Minutes 10.1.2 record the names of all members in attendance and record voted in opposition of each moon voted upon in the meeting; 10.1.3 be certified correct by the recording secretary; 10.1.4 be signed by the Chair or presiding member once the minutes are adopted; and 3 Page 12 of26 10.1.5 be circulated fori information to member municipalities. member municipalities as described in section 10.1.5. 10.2 Recommendations for consideration will bei included int the Committee minutes provided to 11.0 Public Attendance and Input 11.1 All meetings must be open to the public unless the meetingi is permitted to be closed in 11.2 Meetings will be held electronically for the members with the public able to observe the proceedings either electronically ori in-person at al location tol be determined and provided accordance with the Community Charter. by the host community. 12.0 Host Municipality Responsibilities 12.1 Committee meetings willl be hosted on an annual rotational basis by the member 12.2 During its year of hosting, the host member municipality is responsible to provide: municipalities. 12.2.1 staff support for agenda preparation, minute-taking, and minute distribution; 12.2.2 a physical location within the host municipality where members oft the public can hear, or see and hear, the proceedings of the meeting; and 12.2.3 record keeping fori the year, including the posing of public agendas and minutes ont the host municipality's website. 4 Page 13 of26 ownshipo of Colwood ESQUIMALT FIEHIANDS DISTRICTOF Langford District ofs Sooke Memo TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee Administrative Support 2024-06-26 SPARC BC Grant Update The Capital West Accessibility Advisory Committee has been reviewing the requirements for application for the Local The Committee notes that an Accessibility Plan must be in place prior to applying, though member municipalities may wish to consider projects they'd potentially use funding for. Iti is important to note that while the Accessibility Plani is not developed, the member municipalities should take care to make: sure their projects are mentioned in the plan sO they Administrative support fort the Committee was able to confirm that the Accessibility Plan simply needs to mention the project, it does not need to outline the steps needed to complete the project. When we apply for the grant, that is the Each member municipality may apply for this grant separately; there is noj joint application. This allows each municipality to carefully select a project that would promote and enhance accessibility in their specific community- Community. Accessibility Grant Program through SPARC BC. may be referenced int the application. time to get specific. Attachments: Attachment 1: SPARC BC Local Community Accessibility Grant Program Application Page 14 of26 : sparc bc people. planning. positive change. BRITISH COLUMBIA Local Community Accessibility Grants About this initiative Committee and Accessibility Plan. Under the Accessible BC Act, local governments are required to develop a feedback mechanism, Accessibility This initiative provides one-time funding for local governments, of up to $25,000, to support the implementation of projects or priorities identified in their Accessibility Plan or in partnership with their Accessibility Committee. All local and regional governments in British Columbia can apply provided you meet the conditions of Part 3 oft the Eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $25,000 and may select one of the following streams: Who can apply? Accessible B.C. Act. Funding Streams Stream 1-Local Government led projects Stream 2-Capacity Building and Support This funding stream is designed to provide support for This funding stream is designed to assist local local governments who have a clear project in mind that governments who are unsure about where to start in they would like to implement. terms of implementing a project. Under this stream, SPARC BC will assist in the development and delivery ofa a capacity building workshop to be delivered in person or held over: zoom with ai focus on supporting your community in advancing Supports Available: For those choosing this stream, SPARC BC will assist in the design and delivery ofa Under this stream are projects and initiatives designed toi identify barriers and improve the overall level of accessibility and inclusion related to: The Built Environment: This could include projects designed to improve the overall physical accessibility of existing spaces and places to better meet the shared accessibility goals. needs of the community. iny your community. Education and Awareness: This could include using workshop that will include the development oft tools, awareness and understanding oft the disability needs Identifying a! Specific Project Priority Area: Each of the Policy and Programs: This could include developing interest ofy your community and could include the design information and education as a tool to build a deeper resources, or other materials. workshops will be customized to meet the specific needs/ local policies, bylaws, guidelines, or other materials designed to promote and support greater accessibility and inclusion across different policies and programs. Modelling Inclusive Practices: This could include undertaking a review of current practices and programs to explore ways to identify and remove potential barriers to participation. Communication and Engagement: This could include exploring ways to strengthen current communication and delivery of workshops related to: The Built Environment Education and Awareness Policy and Program Design Modelling Inclusive Practices Communication and Engagement The Use of Technology and engagement practices to meet a broader range of Moving To Implementation: Once a project has been needs andi to promote and support a deeper sense of identified, SPARC BC will work with the community to belonging and inclusion. assist with the preparation oft the grant application form as well as help to provide relevant contact information, The Use of Technology: This could include exploring materials, and other resources. ways to support more active participation and engagement of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life (economic, social, cultural and recreational) through the use of assistive devices and technology. 1 Page 15 of26 BRITISH COLUMBIA sparc bc people. planning. positive change. Examples of Projects that You Might Want to Consider: The Built Environment Designing or building ramps Adding elevators or lifts accessible Education and Awareness Making entrances more accessible including adding automatic door-openers) Adding audio signals, tactile strips, hearing loops and other features Making washrooms and other facilities more Training workplaces in service delivery to enable employees to meet a broader range of Participating in anti-bias training to develop knowledge of conscious and subconscious bias needs Policies and Programs Development of local policies (parking, housing, building standards, bylaws) Funding for legal and consulting advice Modelling Inclusive Practices Training to review and amend interview Including ASL interpreting for events Communication and Engagement Development and implementation of local recreation or other types of programs Accessibility audit of workflow Remuneration for Accessibility Advisory Committee etc. processes Creating job task checklists in pictorial form Creating wayfinding signage in braille Creating an ASL version of information, training Application forms accessible to screen readers Reprinting hardcopies of material in large font Update web pages for accessibility, etc. materials or policies The Use of Technology accessible documents Specialized headsets Purchasing software that enables production of Flashing fire alarms for deaf employees A1 tablet for communication Laptops for remote working Buying specialized tools for workplaces Funding All projects must be completed by the end of the grant program, which ends on March 31, 2026. Successful applicants will be required to submit a final report to SPARC BC by March 31, 2026. For projects $10,000 or less funding will be disbursed in 1 transaction of 100%. Grants above $10,000 will be dispersed in 2 transactions--809 upon return of the Terms & Conditions document and 20% upon receipt of Final Report. 2 Page 16 of26 BRITISH COLUMBIA sparc bc people. planning. positive change. Council and Accessibility Support The project that is to be funded through this grant program, must be part of your local Accessibility Plan and must have the support of the local Council and Accessibility Committee. Please supplya letter of support from your Accessibility Committee. Council support can be shown in the form ofa formal council or Board resolution, or in the form of a letter of support from the CAO for the local/ regional government. How to Apply Proposals must be completed using the Local Community Accessibility Grant Program Application The Province has allocated five million dollars to support local communities and regions. Applications will be received and approved on a rolling basis and are open from June 5th 2023. Please ensure to provide a current e-mail address as ALL correspondence and documentation will Applications will be reviewed by SPARC BC and representatives from the Accessibility Directorate at the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. All applicants willl be notified about the status oft their application within three weeks of their submission to accessbliyesparc.bccn. Form which you can find on SPARC BC's website. be forwarded via this e-mail address. Compliance Questions maceshibepica questions, please contact: Louise O'Shea Chief Operational Officer, SPARCE BC Phone: 604-718-7748 E:a ccessbltysparcboca For questions related to compliance with the Accessible B.C. Regulation please contact: Thank you for your interest in the Local Community Accessibility Grants Program. If you have 3 Page 17 of26 BRITISH COLUMBIA Local Community Accessibility Grant About this initiative To provide local governments with up to $25,000 in funding to remove barriers for persons with disabilities byi implementing one of the initiatives identified in their Accessibility Plan, or by their Accessibility Committee. It could also be an initiative that the community would like to implement based on feedback received from service users based on their feedback mechanism. Eligible Applicants All municipalities and regional districts in British Columbia are eligible to apply for this funding. 1. Each municipality or regional district is eligible to submit an application 2. Priority will be given to local governments that are fully compliant with Part 3 oft the Accessible B.C. Act. Nature of the Funding Each local government is eligible for up to $25,000 and may select one of the following streams: Stream 1--Local Government led projects - new This stream is designed for local governments that already have a project that will advance accessibility or build the local-level capacity when responding to local accessibility needs or priorities. Stream 2-Capacity support - existing/expanding This stream is designed for local governments that may be unsure of where to start, and will focus on working together with others to build a deeper sense of existing and emerging accessibility needs or Local governments in this stream will work with SPARC BC to define their needs and select a specific area of focus (built environment, attitudes, practices, policies, information and communication or technology). The funding will then be used to implement the specific projects or initiatives identified. priorities. Stream 1--Local Government led projects - new Stream 2-Capacity support - existing/expanding Please provide a short overview of your proposed initiative or area of focus: page 1 of6 Page 18 3of26 About your Project The funding is available to support projects of varying sizes, types and complexity including projects, both new and existing, designed to: Remove physical barriers in the built environment Understand and address attitudes, practices, and policies Enhance information, communication, and technology Please describe the needs or types of barriers that your initiative will address: Which specific needs or disability groups will be served through your initiative? What geographic area does your initiative cover? What is the type of knowledge or insight that youl hope to gain? Types of Activities Covered What types of activities will be delivered through your initiative? Ramps, elevators, lifts, accessible washrooms, power door operators, accessible doors, audio signals and loops and lighting/color contrasting for visually impaired etc. (The completed infrastructure must be open for public use) Anti-bias training, service delivery training Training or supports needed to promote safer economic inclusion, interview processes, ASL interpretation and supports for events, Accessibility Audits of workflow, remuneration for Accessibility Advisory Committee reviewing and members. Funding for legal and consulting advice as well as internal staff resources. Funding to strengthen communication designed to allow for greater inclusion Job task checklists in pictorial form, wayfinding signage, ASL version of policies, application forms accessible to screen readers, reprinting hardcopies of material in large font, Braille versions of Purchasing software that enables the production of accessible documents, specialized equipment documents, accessibility enhancement to the website. and productivity tools (headsets, tablets, laptop screenreaders). Other ideas as identified through your. Accessibility Committee. page2of6 Page 19 of2 26 Funding Amounts 31st March 2026. Funding willl be dispersed in the following methods, all successful applicants must have all project completed by end of the grant programme and are required to submit a final report to SPARC BC by 1. For projects $10,000 or less funding will be disbursed in 1 transaction of 100%. 2. Grants above $10,000 will be dispersed in 2 transactions--80% upon return of the Terms & Conditions document and 20% upon receipt of Final Report ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS: KEY STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS INCLUDING KEY MILESTONES Please tell us about the specific steps and actions to be taken, key milestones and critical dates. Please note, iti is possible to add additional pages if required. However, project applicants are only expected to provide high-level details and that SPARC BC will seek additional information or clarification if required. Completion oft this table is optional for stream 2. Key Steps and Actions Key Milestones/Outcomes Critical Dates 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Conclusion: Project Outcomes Report Submission page 3 of6 Page 20 of26 REQUESTED PROJECT BUDGET The following sets out the proposed budget to complete the scope of work as outlined in the previous section. Completion of this table is optional for stream 2. Specific Steps and Actions Proposed Budget $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. TOTAL REQUESTED BUDGET AMOUNT Third-party contributions Third-party means any person or legal entity, other than the Province, who participates in the implementation of an eligible project by means of contract. The Province's share is calculated once all third-party contributions (provincial, federal, and private funds) have been deducted from the total eligible costs of the project. If third-party funding is available, it may be applied to the project outside the provincial grant portion. In-kind Contributions In-kind or donated contributions are not an eligible cost. In-kind contributions may include volunteer hours and/or donated professional labour, services, space and materials, which are provided at no cost or below fair market value to the Recipient. page 4of6 Page 21 of26 ABOUT THE APPLICANT Organization Name Address Contact Information Name: Email: Population: Population size: Tell us about your organization and key project implementation partners for this initiative: Position: Phone: Less than 15,000 Between 15,000 and 25,000 Over 25,000 Accessibility in your organization Please provide a link to your organization's accessibility plan Please provide a link to your organization's feedback mechanism Does your organization currently offer service delivery training to staff? Does your organization measure the number of employees who identify as yes yes no no persons with disabilities? Which service area is responsible for advancing accessibility in your community? Do you have existing partnerships and relationships which focus on advancing shared accessibility goals? page 5 of6 Page 22of26 Letter of Support Please provide a letter of support from your accessibility committee. This letter should be submitted alongside this application form as al Word document or PDF. Signature correct. Applicant Name: Digital Signature: Date: The signature below certifies that all the information provided in this application is complete and Application Checklist Accessible Communities Grant Application Form Workplan (only required for applicants in Stream 1) Proposed budget (only required for applicants in Stream 1) Letter of Support from Accessibility Advisory Committee Board Resolution/Letter of Support from CAO Submit your Application Ify you have any questions or would like to submit your application, please email accessbility@sparc. bc.ca Thank you for your application! Accessibility includes all page 6 of6 Page 23 of26 Requirements for Local Governments under the Accessible B.C. Regulation Local governments are among over 750 public sector organizations listed in the Accessible B.C. Regulation and are required by September 1, 2023 to establish: An accessibility committee An accessibility plan At tool to receive feedback on accessibility These requirements are intended to get organizations planning for accessibility in a way that is informed by people with disabilities. They are flexible and there are lots of different ways to approach the requirements. Accessibility Plan An Accessibility Plan outlines the activities the organization plans to do to Organizations can determine the content of their own plans. The plan must be reviewed and updated every 3 years. identify, remove and prevent barriers. Organizations must consult with the accessibility committee, and make the plan By September 1, 2023 local governments must have a publicly available accessibility plan. This can be a draft plan, a plan that the organization is consulting on, an existing plan that is amended to include accessibility, a plan developed jointly with others, a webpage with links to strategies and plans that publicly available. already exist that remove barriers, etc. Strategies to comply: Local governments could adapt existing plans or strategies, such as Healthy Community Plans, Disability Assessments, Age-Friendly Plans, Official Community Plans, or Diversity and Inclusion Strategies to include language on accessibility For example, the City of Nanaimo has included an "Access for All" Local governments could choose to work together to create plan for a wider Local governments might have a web page listing next steps in developing their section in their City Plan - Nanaimo Relmagined. region. accessibility plan. Ministryof weare all connected dabo BRITISH Social Development COLUMBIA and Poverty Reduction disabllity alliance bc Page 24 of26 Accessibility Committee An Accessibility Committee provides advice to the organization on their accessibility plan and how to remove and prevent barriers. Accessibility committees should aim to have at least half of its members be persons with disabilities and/or represent a disability-serving organization. Membership should also aim to reflect the diversity of British Columbians and By September 1, 2023 local governments must have an accessibility committee. Local governments could adapt an existing committee such as an Age-friendly committee or a Healthy Communities Network with an updated terms of Local governments could work with other organizations to develop a joint Local governments could start small with a group of employees to be their first Local governments can list their initial actions and intent to create an accessibility include Indigenous peoples. Strategies to comply: reference to include accessibility. committee. accessibility committee. committee on the local government website Feedback Mechanism Af feedback mechanism provides a way for those in or interacting with the organization to provide feedback on barriers and the accessibility plan. Feedback received must be considered when updating the accessibility plan Feedback can be shared with the accessibility committee to support their work By September 1, 2023 local governments must have a way for people to provide feedback on barriers. Strategies to comply: This might be an email address, a webform, a designated individual in the organization such as a social planner, etc. For more information please visit: Frequently Asked Questions about the Accessible B.C. Regulation for Organizations. engageaccessibilty.g0V.DC.Ca For questions about compliance requirements please contact: Ministry of we are all connected dabo BRITISH Social Development COLUMBIA and] Poverty Reduction disability alliance bc Page 25 of26 Resources to Support Compliance 1. DABC has created the BC Accessibility Hub website with shared resources that support all prescribed organizations. DABC also recently launched an Accessibility Toolkit that guides prescribed organizations through the process of establishing an accessibility committee, an accessibility plan and a feedback Scan the QR code on the right side of this page to access the Accessibility Toolkit. Please reach out to DABC with your questions or requests for support: mechanism. op@disabilityallancebc.org Current Funding Opportunities (as of May 10, 2023) Local governments are eligible to receive free workplace disability management assessments, and up to $7,500 in funding to implement the recommendations. This initiative can help local governments meet requirements under the Accessible BC. Act to have accessibility plans in place by September 2023. Please contact NIDMAR staff, Bill Dyer at il.dyer@nidmar.ca with questions Age-Friendly Planning grants. Grants open May 16, 2023. More information can about this initiative. be found on the Plan H website Future Opportunities Watch out for further announcements of funding during AccessAbility Week May 29 to June 3, 2023! Ministry of weare all connected dabo BRITISH Social Development COLUMBIA and Poverty Reduction disabillty alliance bc Page 26 of26