Accessible City

Creating a barrier-free environment, where all people can take part in our community through work, play and other daily activities.

According to the Accessible British Columbia Act, a barrier is anything that hinders the full and equal participation in society of a person with an impairment. It can be anything that stops people with disabilities from being included. Barriers can be caused by:

• physical environment
• architectural and structural builds
• attitudes and social
• policy and practice
• information and communication
• technology
• intersecting forms of discrimination

Explore the city’s outdoor areas. The Rick Hansen Foundation reviewed the following two trail networks and deemed them RHF Accessibility Certified (RHFAC).

Trans Canada Trail, 45 Lakeshore Drive East: This 4.8 km trail is open all year round, following the route of the former Kettle Valley Railway. It’s a popular route for locals and tourists for biking, walking, running and sightseeing. The scope of the RHFAC includes trail and pathway vehicle access, exterior pathways, exterior stairs and ramps, three public washrooms and signage/wayfinding.  

Penticton Creek Pathway, 1050 Kensington Street: This trail and pathway is 1.8 km and open year-round. The scope of the RHFAC includes the trail, vehicular access to the trail/pathway, a viewing point, seating areas and information kiosks.

View a Google map marking both paths, with key points along the way.

We strive to make recreation available to everyone. The Penticton Community Centre offers accessible programs and has been updated to improve accessibility. For more information, and to learn about the Access Pass which is available to those who have a permanent cognitive or physical disability visit our Accessible Recreation page.

Picnics in the park have never been so accessible. Special picnic tables have been installed in many parks throughout the community - including Skaha Lake Park and Okanagan Lake - that enable individuals in wheelchairs to roll up closer to the table.

Outdoor fitness equipment at the Skaha Lake Fitness Park also helps those looking for an affordable and accessible workout.

Ramps have been installed at Skaha Lake Park and Okanagan Lake to help those using mobility aids to reach the beach from each walkway.

Older buildings can be an obstacle for those with mobility challenges, but several investments have been made to make City Hall easier to access. This includes a ramp at the front entrance and additional ramps in Council Chambers leading to a lower presentation table and microphone, allowing anyone using a chair or other mobility aid to address their local government officials with dignity.

If you are unable to move your garbage cart to and from your waste collection point due to physical hardship, you may be eligible for a Cart Exemption.

This exemption allows you to place your garbage, recycling and yard waste at your designated collection point in a container that you can handle in accordance with individual challenges. For more information, visit the Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste page.

If you have further questions, please contact us at 250-490-2500 and we will be happy to explain your options.

On May 3, 2023, Council appointed a nine-member Accessibility Task Force to develop the City’s Accessibility Plan. Members of the Task Force share a commitment to serve their community and have an appreciation for some of the challenges that people experience accessing the City's services and facilities. Terms of Reference, meeting minutes and schedules are available on the Accessibility Task Force page.

I moved to Penticton about 4.5 years ago. Our son and daughter who were already living here had strongly encouraged the move. 

I lost my vision as a child. I have lived my life overcoming the obstacles and barriers that exist while functioning in a world where most have vision.

I attended university, worked as a civil servant and for over 40 years operated a business of piano sales and service. I have participated in a number of advocacy and service organizations whose aim was to level the playing field for those with a disability.

When I learned of the Penticton Accessibility Committee looking for  volunteers, I was very interested in participating. In the short time the Committee has been functioning, I have been very encouraged by the genuine interest to make Penticton a more accessible and inclusive city.

I believe, as a result of this exercise, the City will become more aware of barriers that exist and have a greater commitment to removing them, making it a more accessible city for all.

Favourite inspirational quote:
I live with the philosophy "Impossible only means that you haven't found the solution yet."

Heather moved to Penticton about one year ago with the goal to enhance her quality of life. She is the Executive Director for the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre in Penticton.  

Heather is a strong believer in equity.  Although she recognizes that inequities exist, she believes we must adjust imbalances to get as close to equality as possible.                                

“I am passionate about the cause," says Heather.  “I believe I can share some of the lessons I’ve learned through my work with OSNS, as well as bring back insights and tools that I’ve learned from the accessibility discussions. My hope is this will help to generate increased access for the community in multiple ways."

Heather appreciates the opportunity to participate on the Accessibility Taskforce and to add value where she can. She anticipates the outcomes of the Accessibility Plan will be dynamic in nature and will help to achieve a more accessible city for all by removing and reducing barriers.

Heather’s Inspirational Quote:
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”  - Abraham Lincoln 

Kristi has been an Okanagan resident for the past 31 years. She attended the Okanagan School of Business and has since been working at the Okanagan College where she wears many hats. Her work responsibilities include facilities, procurement management, information and communication. 

In her role at Okanagan College, Kristi  is also focused on accessibility to physical and environmental spaces for students and the public. She will be leading the campus commitments and actions for the upcoming Okanagan Collage Accessibility Plan, which ties into the City of Penticton’s Accessibility Plan on a larger scale.  

Kristi believes that the accessibility initiative is a great opportunity for the Task Force and City to make a positive change in the way we view and overcome accessibility challenges.

“Being a part of the Task Force has allowed me to actively listen and participate in meaningful conversations on what accessibility truly means," says Kristi.  She thinks the accessibility planning process will promote greater awareness about accessibility for both the City and community. 

Kristi hopes this initiative will help us shift towards a new perspective, one that views accessibility as a standard rather than an option.  

”Accessibility should not be a barrier to accessing services, employment and experiences in Penticton. Inclusive environments are created when communities commit to making accessibility a priority for all residents and visitors," says Kristi. 

Kristi’s Inspirational Quote:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Leanne has called Penticton home for 30 years. She has extensive experience working in the community living field and has supported adults with developmental disabilities for the past 30 years.  Her interest in this career path was ignited at an early age, growing up with a brother who had a developmental disability.  

Leanne is currently the CEO of Okanagan Inclusion, an organization committed to helping people reduce or remove barriers to daily living.  She also works as an accreditation surveyor for CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Accessibility  Planning is one of the standard areas that organizations must attend to, including her own organization.

“I thought I would be a good fit on the Task Force as my work experience is directly related to supporting individuals who navigate barriers  in their daily lives. Our organization works toward ensuring all individuals are included and valued, and are able to participate meaningfully in their community,” says Leanne.

She also has experience with Accessibility Planning, an asset for any organization that is working to ensure barrier-free access to services, programs or facilities. 

Leanne believes that the Accessibility Planning  initiative will help City Council and staff  to recognize accessibility challenges and take action to improve and remove barriers. Leanne’s optimism and extensive experience in this area will help guide the work of the Taskforce and move the City towards being a more inclusive and welcoming community. 

Leanne’s Inspirational Quote:
“Diversity is having a seat at the table, Inclusion is having a voice, Belonging is having that voice heard” – Liz Fosslien

Randy has resided in Penticton for the past seven years and has worked predominantly as a Municipal Engineer over the past 36 years.  Now semi-retired, he directs his attention to volunteer opportunities that focus on safety and livability in our city.

Randy has sat on a number of City committees, providing input to initiatives including the new Master Transportation Plan, the Official Community Plan and the Sustainability Committee. He also dedicates his time serving as a  community representative to improve safety on a major street in his neighbourhood. Randy is also on the Board of Directors for the Agur Lake Camp Society, a non-profit organization that operates a barrier-free camp just west of Summerland.

Randy has personally witnessed how accessibility challenges can be life-altering, observing the experiences that have burdened a few of his good friends.

“Dealing with barriers that restrict access can make simple tasks like crossing the street or climbing stairs menacing. This can sap precious energy from otherwise vibrant, contributing individuals," says Randy.  

In his years as a practicing design engineer, he installed many streetcorner wheelchair ramps and provided numerous accessible washrooms.  His work with the Taskforce has reinforced his belief that these are simply minimums often dictated by building codes.  

”As a City, we can do much more to remove barriers,  many of which most people don’t even see," says Randy.  

Randy sees the Accessibility Plan as an opportunity to raise awareness and let all members of our community contribute to its success.  “There is work to be done.  Let’s get it done.”

Randy Inspirational Quote:
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”   - Albert Einstein

James is a long-time resident of Penticton where he has lived for 26 years. He is a strong community advocate, having been appointed and/or nominated to serve on numerous Advisory Committees  over the past four decades. His extensive volunteer service has supported initiatives led by the municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments. 

In addition to James’ extensive community service,  he has personal experience dealing with accessibility challenges. He gained “major” accessibility awareness during his years at Kitsilano High School in Vancouver. His experience navigating barriers instilled a growing appreciation for barrier-free access.

His desire to contribute led him to serve on both the Community Development Advisory Committee for the Regional District of Okanagan and Similkameen,  and the Parks Advisory Committee for the Greater Vancouver Regional District, where he gained more insights about accessibility challenges and the importance of barrier-free planning. 

James has been volunteering for the City of Penticton since 1997.  He has been appointed to twelve Advisory Committees, including the Social/Community Development, Community Health,  Disabled Persons Advisory Committees, and most recently the Accessibility Taskforce.  The commitment and guidance provided by Committee members like James, has helped to shape the community.

“I always think of others more disabled than myself who may feel “voiceless” in their community," states James. He hopes the City’s Accessibility Plan will lead to greater attitudinal and architectural awareness and that accessibility achievements are realized in our community. “We can be a provincial leader.” 

James’ Inspirational Quote:
“The good of the many outweighs the good of the few.”

Andrew visited Okanagan Lake Beach and was so thrilled he sent us the following in an email:

"Last night my daughter and myself had the incredibly lucky opportunity to visit your city beach. 
I was truly blown away at how accessible the beach was. Right from the time I parked, I knew something was different at your fine city. The handy cap parking spot were wide enough and had a ramp right next to it, along with a spot to get on the curb. 

Then using the concrete ramp to get down to the beach, the accessible park bench right there and then the ramp to get into the lake. Wow what a treat. I am not used to just traveling with my daughter so seeing this, made my night and most importantly her night.

We have traveled around BC to a lot of places that should be more wheelchair friendly like Stanley Park, Harrison Lake, Cultus Lake and of course Kelowna but have never seen this type of accessibility. Thank you so much, I know that we will definitely be back to spend more time in your fine city."

Social Development
Phone: 250-490-2512, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Email: socialdevelopment@penticton.ca