Accessibility and inclusion at the City of Vancouver
Become a Snow Angel.
Lend a hand when it snows.
Please help neighbours, friends or relatives who may not be able to shovel their own sidewalks.
All Vancouver property owners and occupants (tenants) must clear snow and ice from sidewalks and wheelchair curb cuts around their property by 10 am the morning after a snowfall. Learn more
The City of Vancouver is committed to enhancing accessibility, inclusion, universality, and the elimination of barriers that impede full participation of persons with all types of disabilities in community life. We also recognize that improvements in accessibility and inclusion ultimately benefit all community members.
Progressive transportation systems, increasingly accessible streets, and a commitment to enhancing community consultation, are helping Vancouver to reach its goal of maximizing accessibility and inclusion for residents and visitors alike.
Below are a few of the things Vancouver is doing to make the city more accessible for residents and visitors.
Transportation
Get the latest in construction and road closures in the City, including temporary closures related to events.
Pedestrian
Designing an accessible livable city
A look at the infrastructure that has helped Vancouver become more accessible for people of all abilities.
The City has been committed to providing curb ramps since the 1960s and each year, the City installs more than 200 ramps. The ramps assist people using wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility devices, as well as strollers, shopping trolleys, or other wheeled objects. To date, approximately two-thirds of Vancouver's street corners have been equipped with curb ramps (over 95 per cent in the downtown core).
For individuals with a visual disability, the City has installed 397 audible signals at intersections when the light has changed (49 per cent of all traffic signals in the city as of January 2010). The sounds are standardized throughout the region so that the ‘cuckoo’ sound is for the north-south direction and a ‘chirp’ sound is for the east-west direction. Grooves have also been installed on curb cuts for the visually impaired to know when the sidewalk ends and the intersection begins. Learn more
Parking
In areas with high parking demands, the City has created designated on-street parking spaces for people with disabilities. Vehicles displaying a permit for people with disabilities are also provided with certain parking exemptions in loading, passenger, residential and no-parking zones. Learn more
Public transportation
Buses/ SkyTrain/ SeaBus
Metro Vancouver's public transportation network is fully accessible, allowing everyone, including those using wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, etc. to travel throughout the city. Learn more 
l Translink trip planner
Taxi
Vancouver’s licensed taxi fleet of 588 cabs includes 113 accessible vehicles (20 per cent of the overall fleet).
Airport
As one of the most barrier-free airports in the world, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) exceeds the national and provincial building code standards for people with hearing, visual or mobility impairments.
Learn more l YVR accessibility fact sheet
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Visiting Vancouver
Vancouver welcomes visitors of all abilities from around the world to enjoy our beautiful city.
Tourism Vancouver
Tourism Vancouver provides information about accessibility ratings for businesses, accessible sightseeing, recreational and transportation resources (including ferries), and a guide that allows you to search for accessible accommodations. Learn more
Accessible Whistler
The resort community of Whistler is known throughout the world for its breathtaking scenery, and a multitude of opportunities for skiing, hiking, and many other sporting and recreational activities. The "Whistler for the Disabled" website provides essential information on accessibility in Whistler, including a guide listing various accommodations and their level of accessibility; winter and summer adventures guides; self-guided recreation options; information on trail riders, hand cycles, kayaking, rowing, and many other activities; and a blog providing the most up-to-date information on accessibility. Learn more
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Recreation
Parks/ Recreation services
The Vancouver Park Board has adapted programs and equipment at its recreational facilities and parks to allow accessibility for its residents and visitors with equipment such as aquatic pool lifts and wheelchairs, ice sledges and a soft path kit that allows a temporary pathway over soft sand for wheelchairs to have beach access. Learn more
Library
The Vancouver Public Library offers a wide range of accessible formats, including large print, talking books; electronic books; and books and materials in French and 14 other languages. It also offers home delivery and institutional delivery services for Vancouver residents who are visually or physically impaired, print disabled, and/or are homebound.
VPL website Accessibility statement l Accessibility at Central Library l VPL outreach services
Buildings
Building Inspection
The building inspection and engineering staff responds to any requests for assistance and advice on the practical details for access improvements and discuss any proposed modifications or limited encroachments onto City sidewalks. Learn more
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Recognition
City Events/ Awards
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Inauguration of the Access & Inclusion Awards 2009
Each year on December 3, the City celebrates and recognizes International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting a community event, showcasing music, dance, visual art, presentations, and demonstrations by athletes and artists with disabilities. Learn more
Access and Inclusion Awards
The City's Access and Inclusion Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate leadership and commitment to enhancing accessibility, inclusion, universality and the elimination of any barriers that may impede the full participation of persons with any type of disability in community life. Learn more
Advisory Committees to Council
With each incoming Mayor and Council, the City of Vancouver establishes advisory committees to Council. The committees consist of citizens who volunteer their time and knowledge, creating an opportunity for two-way communication between the City and the community on specific issues. There have been citizen advisory committees at the City on disability and/or accessibility since 1977. Current City advisory committees include both a Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, as well as a Seniors Advisory Committee, which address issues such as accessible and inclusive housing, transportation, and community gardens, among other issues.
Volunteering to become a member of an advisory body is one of the many ways that individuals can serve their community, and contribute to the operations of the City. Learn more
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Contact
Want to know more? Contact the City of Vancouver for more information.
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