SRD Recognizes National AccessAbility Week 2026

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Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Initiatives

 The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is joining communities across Canada in recognizing National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) from May 31 to June 6, 2026 — a time to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities and raise awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

Accessibility means creating environments where everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully participate in community life. Accessible spaces, programs, and services help ensure people can share their perspectives, contribute to decisions, and feel connected to their communities.

Established in 2023, the Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee (SAIAC), includes people with disabilities, advocates, support workers, and community members from across the region. The committee helps identify barriers and support improvements to public spaces, programs, services, and communications. Its work also helps inform regional and local accessibility initiatives undertaken in partnership with the City of Campbell River, the Villages of Sayward, Zeballos, Tahsis, and Gold River, School District 84, and the Vancouver Island Regional Library.

An important part of improving accessibility is understanding the barriers people experience. As part of National AccessAbility Week, the SRD is reminding the public about its online accessibility feedback tool and encouraging residents throughout the region to share barriers they have experienced or witnessed while accessing public services, programs, or facilities. People can also share positive experiences and suggestions for improvement through the tool at srd.ca/accessibility. 

“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 continues to invest in creating more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible communities across the region. As part of these efforts, the SRD sponsored a series of short films featured at the Campbell River Festival of Films in fall 2025. Produced with support from Jolly Good Multimedia, the films share the lived experiences of local residents and help spark important conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and belonging. Short-form versions will be shared throughout National AccessAbility Week on the SRD’s social media channels.

The SRD has also secured funding through the BC Tire Stewardship grant program, combined with Community Works Funds, to install two new accessible and inclusive play structures and poured-in-place rubber surfacing made from recycled BC tires at Mitlenatch Park in Electoral Area D. These upgrades will create safer, more accessible, and more inclusive play spaces for children and families while replacing aging playground equipment.

Media Contact: Elaine Popove, SRD Communications and Engagement Manager - 250-830-6724  |   epopove@srd.ca