Accessibility

Planning for accessibility

Having programs, services, and environments that enable everyone to participate fully in society without barriers is a requirement of the Accessible British Columbia Act. In order to comply with the Act, the City is planning for accessibility by:

Establishing the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion.
Creating and implement an Accessibility Work Plan that aligns with the standards and principles set out in the Accessible British Columbia Act.
Providing a process and tools for public feedback. (In progress)

- From January to April 2023, City staff completed an environmental scan to serve as the foundation of the 2023-2026 Accessibility Work Plan. Staff met with all divisions and departments to create an inventory of already implemented, ongoing, and upcoming accessibility initiatives.
- On March 13, 2023 Council approved the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility to update the committee's terms of reference. The update includes changing the name of the committee to the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion, and amending the purpose and mandate of the committee to reflect the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act.
- On September 1, 2023, the City of Prince George Cityworks Committee put into place the ability to create accessibility related service requests and submit feedback on the AWP, in person, by email, or by phone.
- On December 4, 2023, Council approved the amend terms of reference for the Advisory Committee on Accessibility to align with the work the committee will be undertaking regarding their review of feedback received within the organization related to accessibility.
- On January 8, 2024, Council received for information the 2023-2026 Accessibility Work Plan, and on January 18th the plan was approved by the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion.

Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility aims to remove any physical or social barrier which prevents full participation by residents in all aspects of community life. The Committee seeks to advise Council, increase public awareness, and collect feedback on accessibility issues including those affecting people with mobility devices, seniors, and the general public.

Learn more about the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusion

Accessible transportation

The handyDART is a door-to-door, shared transit service for people with permanent or temporary disabilities that prevent them from using regular transit services without assistance. The handyDART picks passengers up from and drops them off at accessible points.
- Learn more about handyDART and register for free
- Learn more about booking a subscription or reserve a trip with handyDART
BC Transit's fixed-route buses provide scheduled service to major destinations and residential areas at scheduled times. The buses can accommodate people with mobility devices in the form of courtesy seating and ramps to ensure disabled passengers can get on and off the bus safely. Low-floor buses are also able to "kneel" to lower the entry point while smaller "Community Buses" can accommodate up to two mobility devices on-board, including wheelchairs and most types of scooters. Benches at the front of fixed-route buses can also be raised to allow mobility devices to safely strap in.
Accessible features on a bus can only be used at designated bus stops. These stops are identified by a white and blue decal featuring the International Symbol of Access. Passengers using wheelchairs and scooters may board and exit only at accessible bus stops. To check if a stop is accessible, call the local transit info line at 250-563-0011.
- Learn more about BC Transit's accessibility features
- Learn more about the BC Transit system in Prince George

Accessible garbage collection

Residents who have a permanent physical disability and have difficulty moving their bin to the collection point without help from another person may contact the City of Prince George to apply for the Set Out/Set Back service. City Crews will assist by moving bins to the collection point and returning them once they have been emptied.

Apply now to the Set Out/Set Back service now [PDF]

Accessible housing

Prince George offers programs and resources for developers and homeowners wishing to construct housing with accessible features.

Learn more about Accessible Housing

Accessible voting

All voting locations are accessible for people with disabilities or mobility devices. Voters who find it challenging to enter a voting location may request a ballot brought to them in the parking lot or curbside by an Election Official.

Voters unable to mark their own ballot or who require a translator may ask an Election Official, friend, or relative for assistance. Anybody assisting an elector filling out a ballot will be required to sign a Declaration of Persons Assisting an Elector to Mark a Ballot Form.

Rick Hansen Foundation

The City of Prince George is one of eight communities in British Columbia selected by the Rick Hansen Foundation to improve accessibility for residents with disabilities through the BC Accessibility Grants Program.

Rick Hansen Foundation will provide Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) ratings for three City facilities and provide funding for accessibility improvements.
City staff will receive accessibility awareness training and learn how to perform RHFAC ratings on the remaining City facilities.