FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2022
VANCOUVER — ABC Vancouver announced today that an ABC-led Council, Park Board, and School Board would work towards making Vancouver the most accessible city in the world.
“ABC Vancouver is committed to using every tool at our disposal to make Vancouver the most accessible city in the world,” said Mike Klassen, ABC Vancouver Council candidate and Vice President of BC Care Providers. “Our plan will address the longstanding need for further support for those with mobility challenges and developmental disabilities.”
Vancouver’s changing demographics highlight the need to place a greater focus on creating accessible built environments and processes. One in five Vancouver residents are over the age of 65, with that segment of the population slated to grow considerably in coming decades. Cities such as Seattle have shown leadership on accessible infrastructure solutions by installing all-abilities sensory playgrounds.
“Delivering accessibility builds complete communities where everyone has the chance to thrive,” continued Klassen. “This is about building a city where nobody feels left behind.”
ABC’s plan to make Vancouver the most accessible city in the world includes plans to:
- Conduct an accessibility audit of all City, Park Board, and School Board-managed assets
- Adopt the principles of the WHO’s Age-Friendly Cities Framework for Vancouver
- Expand Handydart and renew neighbourhood traffic plans to support safety and accessibility
- Build more accessible infrastructure including public washrooms, water fountains, and sidewalks with curb cuts
- Prioritize housing for seniors and those living with physical or developmental disabilities
- Deliver parks and playgrounds for neurodiverse residents and those living with disabilities
ABC Vancouver has nominated nineteen candidates for the October 15th municipal elections; Ken Sim for Mayor; Lenny Zhou, Peter Meiszner, Brian Montague, Mike Klassen, and incumbent City Councillors Rebecca Bligh, Lisa Dominato, and Sarah Kirby-Yung for Council; Brennan Bastyovanszky, Laura Christensen, Angela Haer, Marie-Claire Howard, Scott Jensen, and Jas Virdi for Park Board; Alfred Chien, Preeti Faridkot, Victoria Jung, and Josh Zhang for School Board.
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Media Contact:
Kareem Allam
604-351-1536