SALT is transforming Surrey with new accessibility tools, training, and city-wide improvements for people with disabilities.
A New Wave of Accessibility in Surrey
Imagine walking into any city facility and knowing you’ll be able to access it with ease. That’s the future an advocacy group called SALT (Surrey Accessibility Leadership Team) is working toward every day. And lately, their progress has been turning heads at Surrey City Hall.
Recently, accessibility and inclusion manager Jessica Danyk presented SALT’s accomplishments to Surrey’s council-in-committee. Members of council praised the group, noting that their work is already reshaping the city’s approach to inclusion.
Leading With Action, Not Just Ideas
First, SALT helped design Surrey’s official Guide and Service Dogs in Facilities procedure. Then, the team contributed to a poverty reduction research project focused on improving access to disability benefits. Next, they reviewed the city’s American Sign Language procedure to ensure people always have access to ASL interpretation during community events.
Furthermore, they offered guidance on making city technology more user-friendly. Also, they provided input for online accessibility training for every city employee. As a result, staff across Surrey are better equipped to serve all residents.
Tools That Help Residents Right Now
SALT didn’t stop there. They supported an audit of recreation facilities, soon available on the City of Surrey’s website. Consequently, people with disabilities will be able to look up accessible locations and plan their visits with confidence. That means smoother outings, less stress, and more independence.
Additionally, SALT helped launch the first-ever municipal accessibility networking conference in October, bringing leaders together from across the province to share ideas and solutions.
Built on Strong Legislation
It all connects back to recent laws. After the Accessible Canada Act (2019) and Accessible B.C. Act (2021) came into effect, Surrey created SALT and launched the Accessibility Action Plan. According to Danyk, this legislation guides every step they take. Moreover, Surrey is preparing to align with new provincial employment and service standards as soon as they are released.
To support this mission, the city also formed the Internal Accessibility Advisory Committee in 2023, bringing together 25 staff members from many departments. Together, they focus on 17 priority actions across five core areas, including public spaces, employment, communication, procurement, and service delivery.
Real Concerns From Real People
Even with strong progress, council members noted challenges still exist. For example, Councillor Linda Annis raised concerns about hydro poles and utility boxes in the middle of sidewalks especially in the Cloverdale area forcing wheelchair users onto busy streets. Therefore, she urged staff to seek solutions quickly.
Building an Accessible Future One Step at a Time
SALT’s roots stretch back to 2008 when it began as the Measuring Up Committee. Today, it remains a network dedicated to full inclusion across every stage of life. Over the years, SALT has helped shape policies for parks, culture, events, signage, fitness programs, universal playgrounds, and change-room upgrades at community centres.
Not only that, but SALT has also provided guidance on:
- Accessible parking for Newton Seniors Centre
- Design of the Bear Creek spray park
- Accessible mats at Crescent Beach
- Assessing accessibility at Glades Woodland Gardens
- Planning for Nicomekl Riverfront Park
- Improvements for the Unwin Park Engagement Program
A City That Welcomes Everyone
Surrey is changing in big and small ways and SALT is keeping that momentum going. Step by step, project by project, Surrey is becoming a place where accessibility isn’t a bonus feature. Instead, it’s simply part of everyday life.
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