City of Kimberley Engages Community to Develop Age-Friendly Accessibility Plan

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The City of Kimberley, in conjunction with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, is developing an Age-Friendly Accessibility Plan. This plan will recommend actions to enhance the physical environment and City services for individuals with varying levels of ability, including those living with disabilities and individuals 55 and older. 

What Is an Accessible and Age-Friendly City?  

Accessible and Age-Friendly Cities prioritize both social and physical environments, focusing on: 

  • Land use and street connectivity;
  • Access to green spaces;
  • Safe and inclusive neighbourhood design; and
  • Features that help maintain social connections with family and friends. 

Improving the community in these ways can benefit everyone by fostering a sense of belonging, attachment, and identity in the community. 

A key feature of the City’s Age-Friendly Accessibility Assessment is broad community engagement. This process will gather input from people with accessibility needs, older adults, caregivers, service providers and the general community. Engagement activities will run through February to mid-March. 

Opportunities for Community Involvement 

Online Surveys (Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall)

Stakeholders can stay informed through updates posted on www.EngageKimberley.ca/accessibilityplan where they can participate in a short online survey starting February 3, 2025. There will also be a mapping tool where community members can drop a pin to highlight locations that are great or that need improvements. 

During the week of February 24–28, 2025, residents—including older adults, caregivers, stakeholders, and other community members—can share their insights in person in the following ways: 

Public Open House 

A public Open House will take place on Thursday, February 27, between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM at Centennial Hall (100 4th Ave, Kimberley). 

Focus Groups 

Focus groups will take place in the wheelchair accessible Aquatic Centre Meeting Room (Kimberley Aquatic Centre, 520 Archibald St, Kimberley) on: 

  • Monday, February 24, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Tuesday, February 25, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Wednesday, February 26, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (SERVICE PROVIDERS ONLY) and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 

One-on-one Interviews  

Thirty-minute one-on-one interviews will be available from February 3 to March 7. Interviews can be virtual (online), or over the phone.  

To participate in a focus group or to book a one-on-one interview, please visit https://bit.ly/KimberleyBooking.  

The City welcomes participation and feedback from all community members, particularly individuals with accessibility needs, older adults, and caregivers. Both positive and constructive input will help shape a more inclusive Kimberley. 

Thank you for supporting this important initiative to make Kimberley a more inclusive and accessible community for everyone.