Staff provided an update on the drafting of the Accessibility Plan.
Close to 300 respondents were received from the survey.
The draft report and recommendations were shared with the Committee.
Currently it is not for public review as there are a number of staff with respibsibilities in the plan that have not been consulted and had a chance to review.
Changes are still to be added in areas such as timelines.
Propose getting to Council in a morning workshop format on the February 24, 2025 meeting.
The final report is expected to be presented to Council in the afternoon in late April.
The COmmittee was asked for for feedback on the upcoming process to take the plan to Council.
Discussion ensued on the ability of the Chair and Vice Chair to pariticipate in the AM worshop to Council.
Discussion ensued regarding the timelines of some of the recommendations being too far out in the long term category versus mid term and short term actions.
Current gap in the draft is the connectivitiy with international legislation regarding disabilities and recognizing dignity as a key component.
Staff advised that the approximately 90 organizations communicated with during the draft will also be advised of the final report when approved by Council. The City's website project page Get Involved, will also feature the Accessibility Plan for ongoing access and feedback from the community.
Discussion ensued regarding the recent review and recommendation of West Kelowna Council to not endorse their draft accessibility plan. The plan will be taken back by staff for additional work and then be forwarded again to Council for adoption.
The addition of statistics on those disabled in the community to the background in the plan was also identified.
Housing accessibility is mentioned in the report. Discussion ensued as to what will be actions within the plan versus ongoing advocacy that will need to take place.
The Committee would like to see the following wording captured in the plan to reflect the need for: "Unfolding the return on investment for an accessible and inclusive community in a meaningful and authentic way in order to honour extraordinary potential"