Building the Accessibility Plan

At the July 16, 2025 Board of Directors meeting, the North Okanagan Accessibility Plan (“Plan”) was endorsed. This Plan was created in response to the requirements of the Accessible BC Act and its associated regulations, which require that local governments establish an accessibility committee, develop an accessibility plan, and implement a mechanism for public feedback. Instead of each community doing this on their own, the RDNO and member municipalities worked together to form a regional committee and develop one shared plan with the assistance of grant funding from Disability Alliance BC.

After receiving input from over 200 residents and staff, the Accessibility Plan was developed in collaboration by the RDNO, its member communities, the Inter-municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) and consultant, Urban Matters CCC. The AAC contributed to the design of the public engagement process and participated in a workshop with staff to review survey findings. These insights informed the creation of an action plan which focuses on six main areas:

  1. Accessible Built Environment and Outdoor Recreation
  2. Safe and User-friendly Transportation Networks
  3. Inclusive Programs and Services
  4. Accessible Communication and Access to Information
  5. Collaboration and Leadership to Remove Barriers
  6. Educated and Aware Civil Servants and Community Members

The purpose of the North Okanagan Accessibility Plan is to identify, remove and prevent barriers to individuals in or interacting with the RDNO and member municipalities. Barriers may be present in the built environment, information, and communications, or the delivery of programs or services that are within the RDNO and member municipalities' jurisdiction.

Moving forward, the RDNO and member municipalities will work together with the Inter-municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) to support the actions contained within the Plan. Each local government will be responsible for implementing actions in their own communities.

 

RDNO Accessibility Feedback Form

Our goal is to enhance accessibility in our communities by removing barriers and challenges identified by those living and working within them. We aim to make it easier for everyone to participate in and enjoy their community. If you experience an accessibility issue - whether accessing a service, digital content, building, trail, or community program - please tell us about it by filling out the form below. 

Maximum 5 files.
128 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, png, svg.

Privacy Notice: Personal information collected through this form will be used only for the purpose of receiving, reviewing, and responding to accessibility feedback in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have concerns about how your information will be used and/or stored, please contact the Corporate Services Department at corp@rdno.ca or (250) 550-3700.

If you would rather provide your concerns in a different format, please feel free to:

  • email accessibility@rdno.ca; 
  • write to: Accessibility c/o RDNO, 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC V1B 2K9; or
  • phone (250) 550-3700