Accessibility
Creating an Inclusive Community for All
The District of Tofino is committed to creating a community where everyone can participate fully and with dignity. Accessibility is about removing barriers so residents, visitors, and staff can access programs, services, spaces, and information as independently and easily as possible.
This webpage provides an overview of the District’s accessibility approach, highlights key commitments, and explains how residents can share accessibility concerns they encounter in the community.
On this page:
Our Commitment to Accessbility
Accessibility is a shared responsibility and an ongoing effort. The District recognizes that barriers exist and that people with disabilities face challenges that are not always visible or easily understood.
Through its Accessibility Plan, the District is taking steps to identify, remove, and prevent barriers in municipal programs, services, infrastructure, and communications. This work supports a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming community for everyone.
Accessibility also benefits the broader community. Improvements designed to support people with disabilities often make spaces and services safer, clearer, and easier to use for all residents.
The District of Tofino's Accessibility Plan
The District’s Accessibility Plan was adopted in January 2026 in accordance with the Accessible BC Act. The plan outlines how the District will build accessibility into its work and decision-making over time.
The Plan focuses on:
- Identifying barriers experienced by people with disabilities
- Taking proactive steps to prevent new barriers
- Building awareness, skills, and partnerships to support long-term progress
The Accessibility Plan identifies several priority areas where the District will focus its efforts:
Building Knowledge and Awareness: The District will provide foundational accessibility training to staff to support inclusive service delivery and proactive barrier prevention.
Listening to the Community: The District will strengthen ways for residents to share accessibility concerns and lived experiences, helping guide future improvements.
Partnerships and Advocacy: The District will work with partner organizations, including School District 70 and BC Transit, to support more accessible services, programs, and transportation options.
Planning and Development: Accessibility will be increasingly integrated into municipal planning, asset management, and development processes to ensure new and upgraded infrastructure works for everyone from the start.
Accessibility Committee Engagement: The Accessibility Committee will continue to advise Council and staff, helping ensure accessibility is considered in municipal decisions and projects.
What the District Has Already Done
The District has made progress in improving accessibility across municipal facilities and public spaces. Recent actions include:
- Installing universal ramps, push-button door openers, and handrails at the Municipal Office
- Adding automatic door openers at the Tofino Community Hall
- Improving accessible parking and access at the Village Green sports courts
- Installing a seasonal Mobi Mat at tinwis (formerly Mackenzie Beach) to support accessible beach access
- Updating parking regulations to remove fees for accessible permit holders
- Advancing accessible emergency communications through visual and plain-language tools
These actions represent early steps toward broader and more consistent accessibility across the community.
Looking Ahead
The Accessibility Plan is just the beginning. The District will continue learning, listening, and taking action to improve accessibility across the community. The Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated in alignment with provincial requirements and community feedback.
Accessibility is an ongoing journey, and the District is committed to moving forward with care, collaboration, and accountability.
Reporting Accessibility Concerns
The District recognizes that residents may encounter barriers in public spaces, programs, services, or communications. Hearing directly from the community is essential to improving accessibility.
Residents can report accessibility concerns by completing this form.
The District will review reported concerns and use feedback to help identify priorities and opportunities for improvement.
Contact
Aaron Rodgers
Director of Community Services (Interim)
250-725-3229 ext. 801
Email Aaron
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Jaime Larsen
Director of Corporate Services