Campbell River, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is seeking volunteers to join its Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee (SAIAC), a regional body formed to advance accessibility and inclusion across communities on northern Vancouver Island. The call for applications is open to residents who are passionate about removing barriers and promoting equity in public spaces and services.
The committee, established in 2023, operates through a collaborative model that brings together the SRD and regional partners, including the City of Campbell River, the Villages of Gold River, Sayward, Tahsis, and Zeballos, the Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Vancouver Island West School District 84. This multi-community approach was designed to pool resources, avoid duplication, and respect the time and expertise of volunteer members.
Regional Approach to Accessibility
The SAIAC’s work focuses on advising its partner organizations on how to identify, address, and eliminate barriers faced by residents. Areas of priority include the built environment, public programming, communications, and the delivery of essential services. A cornerstone of the committee’s approach has been its commitment to community input.
Through an online feedback tool launched by the SRD, residents have been encouraged to share their experiences with accessibility barriers. The information collected has helped shape a regional list of challenges. These issues are then prioritized by the committee and partners, with progress reports shared publicly to ensure transparency and accountability.
Building on Early Achievements
Despite being just two years old, the SAIAC has already marked significant achievements. Among them are the development of the region’s first Accessibility Plan, the launch of the online barrier feedback tool, and the creation of an accessibility awareness training program designed to support inclusion across institutions and communities.
“It is an honour to serve as Chair of the Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee,” said Susan Sinnott, SRD Committee Member. “In just two years, we’ve developed the region’s first Accessibility Plan, launched an online barrier feedback tool, and supported the creation of an accessibility awareness training program to support inclusion across our communities and partner organizations. I am proud to work with such a committed group of people dedicated to making our communities more inclusive for everyone.”
Sinnott’s comments reflect the growing momentum behind accessibility initiatives in the Strathcona region, where community members, local governments, and service providers are aligning to build more inclusive systems.
Seeking Diverse Representation
The SRD and its partners are now looking to expand the committee by recruiting new members who reflect the region’s diversity. Applications are open to people with disabilities, advocates, support workers, and residents with a commitment to advancing accessibility.
The committee aims to include between seven and twelve voting members, drawing from residents, businesses, community organizations, and partner institutions. To ensure broad representation, the SRD has outlined specific priorities:
-
At least one Indigenous member
-
One SRD Director
-
Geographic representation across the Strathcona region
-
Diversity that reflects persons with disabilities in British Columbia
Committee members will not be expected to incur personal costs for their participation. The SRD has confirmed that reimbursement will be provided for pre-approved reasonable expenses, such as travel, meals, accommodation, and other out-of-pocket costs, in line with its Travel Expense Policy.
Continuing the Momentum
The SRD’s call for volunteers underscores the importance of community-driven leadership in shaping inclusive policies and practices. The success of the SAIAC so far demonstrates how collaborative efforts can produce meaningful results, even in a relatively short time. By broadening its membership, the committee hopes to build on these foundations and further advance accessibility across the region.
For residents of Campbell River, Gold River, Sayward, Tahsis, Zeballos, and the surrounding areas, the opportunity to serve on the committee offers a chance to directly influence how communities evolve to support inclusion. With accessibility increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable community development, the SAIAC’s role is poised to remain central in guiding policy and practice across the region.
As the Strathcona Regional District prepares to welcome new members, the invitation is clear: this is a call not only to serve but to help shape a region where barriers are identified, addressed, and ultimately removed — ensuring that all residents can participate fully in community life.
