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RICHMOND, B.C. –The (RHF) is celebrating a major step forward for accessibility in British Columbia as the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has voted to adopt Resolution NR41, sponsored by the District of Saanich.  

The resolution calls on the Province of British Columbia to:

• Incorporate the latest accessibility standards established by the CSA Group and Accessibility Standards Canada into the BC Building Code.
• Commit to achieving Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) Gold on all new provincial buildings.

“Accessibility cannot be an afterthought; it must be built in from the beginning,” said Saanich Councillor Teale Phelps Bondaroff, chair of the district’s Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. “With the passage of this resolution, we are urging the province to design public buildings that reflect dignity, inclusion and meaningful access – not just for today, but for the next 50 years.”

The passage of NR41 is especially timely as the provincial government prepares to invest $24.8 billion over the next three years in new schools, health care facilities and public infrastructure, states a release.

“One in four British Columbians live with a disability and this number continues to grow as our population ages,” said Doramy Ehling, CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “By embedding accessibility from the outset, we build inclusive environments, creating deep social connections, and economically stronger communities. Congratulations to UBCM delegates for their commitment and leadership.”

RHFAC Gold is the highest certification level, evaluating how a building works in real life for people with diverse needs such as mobility, vision, hearing and neurodiversity. 

With this resolution now adopted, it becomes part of UBCM’s official advocacy platform to the Province of B.C.