SRD encourages residents to share accessibility feedback while advancing inclusive community initiatives across the region
Campbell River, British Columbia — May 28, 2026
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is recognizing National AccessAbility Week 2026 with a renewed commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion across the region through community engagement, infrastructure upgrades, and public awareness initiatives.
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), observed from May 31 to June 6, highlights the contributions of persons with disabilities while promoting efforts to remove barriers that limit participation in community life. The annual observance is recognized by communities and organizations across Canada as an opportunity to advance accessibility in public spaces, services, and workplaces.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the SRD said accessibility plays a critical role in ensuring residents can fully participate in their communities, contribute to local decision-making, and access programs and services without barriers.
The regional district’s accessibility efforts are guided in part by the Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee (SAIAC), which was established in 2023. The committee includes people with disabilities, advocates, support workers, and community representatives from across the region.
The committee works to identify physical, social, and communication barriers while supporting improvements to public facilities, programs, and services. Its work also contributes to broader regional accessibility planning conducted in collaboration with several local governments and organizations, including the City of Campbell River, the Villages of Sayward, Zeballos, Tahsis, and Gold River, School District 84, and the Vancouver Island Regional Library.
As part of this year’s National AccessAbility Week activities, the SRD is encouraging residents to use its online accessibility feedback tool to report barriers encountered while accessing public facilities, services, or programs throughout the region. The tool also allows residents to share positive experiences and recommendations for future improvements.
Regional officials said community feedback remains an important component of accessibility planning because it helps local governments better understand the challenges residents face in everyday environments.
“I am honoured to serve as Chair of the Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee,” said Susan Sinnott, SRD Director. “Accessibility and inclusion are issues that touch many of our lives personally, whether directly or through the experiences of family, friends, and community members. Our committee is passionate about helping create a region where everyone feels included, supported, and able to fully participate in community life. National AccessAbility Week is an important reminder for all of us to consider how we can make our communities and workplaces more inclusive for everyone.”
The SRD has also expanded its public awareness efforts through film and digital storytelling projects designed to highlight the lived experiences of residents with disabilities.
In fall 2025, the regional district sponsored a series of short films presented during the Campbell River Festival of Films. Produced with support from Jolly Good Multimedia, the films focus on accessibility, inclusion, and belonging within local communities.
According to the SRD, shorter versions of the films will be distributed through the regional district’s social media platforms during National AccessAbility Week to encourage public discussion and engagement around accessibility issues.
In addition to awareness campaigns, the SRD continues to invest in infrastructure upgrades intended to improve accessibility for children and families throughout the region.
The regional district recently secured funding through the BC Tire Stewardship grant program, combined with Community Works Funds, to support the installation of two new accessible and inclusive playground structures at Mitlenatch Park in Electoral Area D.
The project will also include poured-in-place rubber surfacing manufactured from recycled BC tires. Officials said the upgrades are intended to create safer and more inclusive play environments while replacing aging playground equipment currently in the park.
The SRD said the accessibility improvements form part of a broader effort to build welcoming and inclusive communities throughout the region, with accessibility considerations increasingly integrated into planning, public services, recreation, and community development projects.
National AccessAbility Week was established by the Government of Canada to promote accessibility and inclusion while recognizing the contributions of Canadians with disabilities in workplaces and communities across the country.