The Town of Ladysmith has approved it's first ever Accessibility Plan to help identify and remove barriers within the community to make it accessible for all. (Image Credit: Town of Ladysmith)

By Jordan Davidson

accessibility for all

‘Provide a great framework:’ Ladysmith Accessibility Plan approved

Jan 31, 2026 | 9:54 AM

LADYSMITH — Accessibility improvements are coming to Ladysmith, after Council approved its first-ever plan to make the community more inclusive and barrier-free.

The Accessibility Plan was approved during the Jan. 20 regular council meeting, and has been years in the making, with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) providing input based on their unique and diverse perspectives.

Counc. Ray Gourlay thanked the volunteer-led committee for their time in helping to develop the plan, with work beginning in the fall of 2023.

“Going back and forth and offering all kinds of input from their various areas of expertise and lived experience. This is a great plan, and it’s got details, but it’s also high-level, and it’ll provide a great framework for Staff and Council in the future. I think we can be really proud of it.”

The plan includes strategies to “identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility,” to ensure every resident can fully participate in every aspect of their community.

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The Town says the plan is meant to be a living document, and will change and adapt to address new challenges.

It’ll affect all Town-owned facilities, properties, and public spaces. Some possible examples include ensuring pathways are wide and smooth, providing accessible seating and picnic areas, and installing adaptive and inclusive playground equipment.

Counc. Marsh Stevens said he appreciated the commitment to universal design principles, which provide maximum accessibility for all people, regardless of age, size, or ability.

“So much of accessibility can be the people on opposite ends of the age spectrum and a lot of people in between, and rationalizing the needs of someone with an acquired brain injury versus someone who has a physical disability in a neat little package is not easy to do, and I think it’s an excellent job.”

Counc. Tricia McKay said she appreciated the definition section, which can help grow one’s understanding of what it truly means to be an accessible community.

“It’s not just accessibility, meaning someone in a wheelchair needs to be able to get into a building, it’s far bigger than that. It’s certainly a very important conversation across the province, across the world, I dare say, and it’s nice to see it happening so fully and thoroughly here in Ladysmith.”

The AAC will continue to meet twice a year and go over public feedback before any changes or improvements are recommended in the community.

The Town’s full Accessibility Plan, approved unanimously during the meeting, is available here.

To provide feedback on the plan, you can email the Town at info@ladysmith.ca, by phone at 250-245-6400, online at ladysmith.ca and letstalk.ladysmith.ca, or by visiting City Hall in person at 410 Esplanade Ave.

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