Richmond seeking members for new Accessibility Advisory Committee

FILE: Downtown Richmond from the SkyTrain. (Photo By Wpcpey/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

The City of Richmond is encouraging residents to submit an application to become a member of the new Richmond Accessibility Advisory Committee (RAAC), which was adopted by City Council on November 28, 2022. In response to the new Accessible British Columbia Act, the new advisory committee will act as a resource and provide advice to City Council to support the advancement of accessibility in Richmond. Additionally, it will support the development and implementation of the City’s multi-year accessibility plan, another requirement of the Accessible British Columbia Act.

The RAAC will have12 Council appointed members— five organizational representatives and seven citizen representatives who are either persons with disabilities and/or their families and caregivers, or who are individuals who have made substantial contributions to advancing accessibility.

The City is currently seeking individuals to fill the following committee appointments:
• Four (4) Citizens interested in advancing accessibility;
• One (1) Indigenous person representative;
• One (1) Senior representative; and
• One (1) Youth representative.

Establishing the RAAC builds on the City’s ongoing commitment to advancing accessibility in Richmond. In accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act, composition of the RAAC, to the extent possible, will represent the diversity of persons in British Columbia and the diversity of people with disabilities in British Columbia.

The Council appointed roles are for a two year term and voluntary with no remuneration. Those interested in applying are asked to submit their completed online application form and resume by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Application forms and information on the new Accessibility Advisory Committee, its mandate and terms of reference are available online at www.richmond.ca/cityhall/council/boards/advisory.

To contact the City Clerk’s Office directly, email cityclerk@richmond.ca or call 604-276-4007.