Access to Public Buildings

WHEREAS it is desirable to provide people with disabilities improved access to government facilities and structures in order to enhance opportunities to provide service, conduct business and serve customers; AND WHEREAS there is currently limited consideration of accessibility in public buildings: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all upgrades to and new construction of government public facilities be referred to the appropriate local accessibility organization for comment prior to finalizing the design drawings; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the provincial government to work to develop legislation which sets in place a requirement for provincial ministries, local governments, public transportation organizations and agencies including BC Ferries services to consider and address accessibility issues; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the BC Building Code be reviewed and amended to require improved levels of access to government facilities and services for British Columbians with disabilities.