The City of Penticton continues working to make our community accessible for all and invites residents to learn more and get involved during National AccessAbility Week, running May 26 to June 1, 2024.
“This year, the theme for National AccessAbility is Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All, and Penticton maintains working towards this goal,” said Sarah Desrosiers, Social Development Coordinator with the City. “Within the last year the City has launched a number of initiatives and programs to support accessible public spaces and we look forward to sharing them with our community and beyond.”
Recent highlights from the City’s efforts to improve accessibility include:
- In August 2023, Council approved its first Accessibility Plan, which provides a framework for directing the City’s efforts to create a more liveable and accessible City for all Penticton community members and visitors.
- Penticton’s Accessibility Committee transitioned from a Task Force to Committee in 2024 and now meets regularly to identify, remove or prevent barriers to accessibility related to city initiatives.
- Expanded handyDart service.
- Installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals in the downtown core.
Check out these opportunities to get involved:
- Review Penticton’s Accessibility Plan and share your comments at www.penticton.ca/accessible-city
- Report an accessibility barrier – let us know where or how we can improve. This feedback form is also available at www.penticton.ca/accessible-city
- Attend a Try it for Free: Friends in Motion class on Tuesday May 28 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Community Centre.
- Participate in tours of the Pool and Fitness Room. Meet in the lobby and check in with the reception.
| Day | Date | Time |
| Tuesday | May 28 | 9:00 am or 2:00 pm |
| Thursday | May 30 | 9:00 am or 2:00 pm |
- Arrange a personal facility tour by contacting Darcey at darcey.godfrey@penticton.ca or call 250-490-2428.
- Complete a feedback form at the Community Centre to share your ideas for new programs or specialized equipment that may help remove barriers to participation.
- Visit a resource table in the Community Centre lobby with accessible resources and information.
“Ensuring everyone of all abilities have access to recreational opportunities is pivotal to building a livable, accessible, vibrant and connected community,” said Darcey Godfrey, Recreation Business Supervisor with the City. “Accessible recreation can include adaptive programming, equipment, quieter work out times, and so much more. Everyone is invited to come out and learn what we have to offer.”
For more information on steps that the City of Penticton is taking to improve access for people of all abilities throughout our public spaces, please visit www.penticton.ca/accessible-city
More information about AccessAbility Week can be found at canada.ca/accessability-week.