Accessibility Statement:
The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) recognizes the importance of inclusive workplaces and facilities that are accessible for all individuals, including those with disabilities. We are committed to striving towards a barrier free environment. We recognize that accessibility is a journey, consistently changing
with advances in technology and other influences. We are committed to continuous improvement through evaluating our accessibility plan every three years, incorporating new technologies and user feedback. We will continue to educate and train our staff on the best practices for an accessible and
inclusive workplace, as well as providing these services to the public.
Employment:
The Port Authority strives to have an accessible and inclusive workplace. Current aging infrastructure is our main physical barrier to having an accessible work area. Due to the nature of some of our employment positions, certain Bona Fide Operational Requirements (BFOR) must be met. However, we are inclusive with hiring within those limitations. An example is that we have a working partnership with the Port Alberni Association for Community Living (PAACL), and each year we hire one to two individuals through their work program. We also commit to increasing our accessibility awareness training across our staff.
Built Environment
Head Office (2750 Harbour Road)
Description of Facility: This building was built in the 1960s. Success at this location includes a ramp to
our downstairs meeting room.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Stairs – Stairs to front door – Stairs to second floor |
Due to the nature and age of the building, investing in a lift is not feasible. Explore other options to create accessible environment on the first floor |
Next 5 years |
| Parking – Port Authority main office has no designated accessible parking |
Designate an accessible parking spot Investigate future configurations for current parking lot, keeping in mind size and requirement for accessible parking. |
Next 3 years |
| Washrooms – Upstairs washrooms are not accessible as they are up a flight of stairs and are very narrow. Downstairs washroom is larger, however does not have automatic door opener, automated features or modified sinks |
Explore options for making downstairs washroom accessible |
Next 3 years |
| Doors – As this is a secure facility, none of our doors have automatic door openers |
Investigate the possibility of having automatic door openers that integrating with our security system |
Next 3 years |
| Quiet Space – There is no designated quiet space for employee with neurodivergent and other disabilities |
Explore the possibility of having a quiet space |
Next 3 years |
The Dock+ (3140 Harbour Road)
Description of Facility: This building was built in 1950 as a fish processing plant and has had multiple additions until the mid 1980s’s. In 2020, with funds from the provincial government and other sources, the facility was refurbished into a Food Hub, with seven processing spaces and a commercial kitchen. Success in this facility includes the installation of grip tape on the stairs, and two handrails. Most doors are wide enough to get through easily. We just received funding for upgrading The Dock+ facility, and with it we’ll take steps to ensure that expansion is up to accessibility codes. The Icehouse was built in 1983 and is not accessible to the public. The interior is also not accessible, however the ability to shovel ice is BFOR and therefore does not require upgrades.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Stairs – Stairs to the second floor and between the second floors |
Due to the nature and age of the building, investing in a lift is not feasible. Explore other options to create accessible environment one the first floor |
Next 5 years |
| Parking – No designated Parking Spots |
Designate accessible parking spots | Next 3 years |
| Washrooms – No accessible washrooms |
Investigate options for improving current washrooms to accessible standards |
Next 5 years |
| Doors – All different sizes – No automatic door openers |
Investigate the possibility of having automatic door openers that integrating with our security system |
Next 5 years |
Fishermen’s Harbour (800-3140 Harbour Road)
Description of Facility: Fishermen’s Harbour is a commercial fishing dock, operated by the Port Alberni
Port Authority on behalf of Small Craft Harbours. The docks are made with wood and cement, and have
the capacity for moorage of up to 500 vessels with rafting. Successes at this location include a ramp to
an accessible washroom and the office.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Doors – The door to the floats remains locked, no automatic door openers |
Investigate the possibility of having automatic door openers that integrating with our security system |
Next 5 years |
| Gangway – The ramp to the docks has rungs on it to prevent slipping, however it provides a barrier to those who use accessibility aids with wheels. – Gangways are steep |
Explore accessible gangway options to increase accessibility of the docks |
Next 5 years |
Tyee Landing (3300 Tyee Landing)
Description of Facility: Tyee Landing is a recreational marina and is home to the Royal Canadian Marine
Search and Rescue base as well as Tseshaht First Nation agency vessels. This location also has a fuel
service station. Successes at this location include wide wooden docks, and a wide smooth gangway off
the accessible boardwalk.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Parking – Currently, there are no accessible designated parking spots available |
Due to the nature and age of the building, investing in a lift is not feasible. Explore other options to create accessible environment one the first floor |
Next 2 years |
| Doors – In the evenings, the main door to the gangway is locked and does not have an automatic door opener |
Investigate the possibility of having automatic door openers that integrating with our security system |
Next 5 years |
| Rest Benches – There are a few benches on the boardwalk around Tyee Landing |
Explore the feasibility of adding more rest benches to the area |
Next 5 years |
Harbour Quay (2900 Harbour Road)
Description of Facility: Harbour Quay is a recreational marina with 2,000 lineal feet of side-tie moorage.
The Harbour Quay Boardroom is also at this facility.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Doors – The door to the gangway is narrow and locked. |
Investigate the possibility of having automatic door openers that integrating with our security system, construction costs to widen entry |
Next 5 years |
| Gangway – Gangway has rungs |
Explore accessible gangway options to increase accessibility of the docks |
Next 5 years |
| Washroom – Boardroom washroom not accessible |
Explore options to make washroom accessible |
Next 3 years |
Clutesi Haven (5104 River Road):
Description of Facility: Clutesi Haven is a recreational marina operated by Port Alberni Port Authority on behalf of the City of Port Alberni with 165 moorage spaces. Located on the Somass River, the site also has a boat launch and a food truck pavilion, with ramp access, in the public spaces. Successes include having a fully accessible washroom, three designated accessible parking spots and an accessible office window for customers.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Office Space – Our office space has ramp to the window, however is not accessible inside |
Explore options to make office fully accessible. |
Next 5 years |
| Main Float Launch Ramp – The ramp to the main boat launch float is steep and narrow |
Assess feasibility to upgrade launches with accessible features |
Next 5 years |
| Asphalt Infrastructure – The walkways are old and the asphalt areas are bumpy due to tree roots, erosion and settling. |
As this is city property, discuss options with the city to improve accessibility. |
Next 5 years |
China Creek Campground and Marina (2011 Franklin River Road)
Description of Facility: China Creek Campground and Marina is a recreational camping site and marina operated by Port Alberni Port Authority on behalf of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District. Successes include having a fully accessible washroom, three accessible parking spots clearly marked, widened entrance way to beach for accessible beach access and created accessible beach access parking spot and added picnic tables.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Office – Into the office is accessible, no accessible bathrooms |
Review options to create accessible washrooms in office |
Next 5 years |
| Rustic Cabins – The rustic cabins available for rent are not accessible |
Explore costs of building one accessible rustic cabin |
Next 5 years |
| Cabanas – The cabanas available for rent are not accessible |
Explore costs of building one accessible rustic cabin |
Next 5 years |
| Paths – The walkways and path around the campground are wood chips, and not particularly accessible. |
Look into options for paving or creating an accessible walkway to the key camping amenities |
Next 5 years |
| Campsites – There are no designated accessible camp sites, however all can be accessed by vehicle |
Assess the feasibility of having a few of the sites marked accessible |
Next 2 years |
| Guesthouse – The Guesthouse above the office is not accessible |
Explore accessibly options | Next 5 years |
| Washrooms – Accessible washrooms available, but no accessible shower |
Actively exploring funding opportunities to install accessible shower |
Next 3 years |
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and other
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Inclusive and accessible communications |
Implement inclusive language and communications policy |
Next 2 years |
| No text to talk features | Review options of software to provide this feature on our websites |
Next 2 years |
| No Colour Contrast options | Review options of software to provide this feature on our websites |
Next 2 years |
| Online Accessibility Maps not available |
Create accessibility maps of facilities |
Next 5 years |
The Procurement of goods, services and facilities
As we are a small port, we do not have a designated procurement department. Each manager is responsible for their own procurement of goods and services.
The design and delivery of programs and services
As we are a small port, we do not actively deliver programs and services. However, we can be more
proactive in having information on accessibility more available.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| Communications about accessibility and how to request an accommodation are not available to public |
Review and update our website to have clear guidelines on how to request special accommodation |
Next 2 years |
| Internal communications about accessibility regarding policies |
Create an accessibility policy for staff, including accessibility training |
Next 2 years |
Transportation
We do not provide any mainstream transportation services.
| Barriers | Actions | Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| No accessible maps of areas | Review and create accessible map |
Next 2 years |
| Parking | As referenced in our physical barriers section of this report, we endeavor to demark and clearly label accessible parking areas for all of our sites. |
Next 5 years |
Consultations
This accessibility plan has been created with input from the community. It will continue to be updated and improved with input from persons with disabilities. Consultations were conducted in person and online.
Online engagement includes information on our website and a survey with questions and requesting feedback. This link was also shared on our social media and with other community partners, such as WorkBC, Port Alberni Community Living and others. In May 2024, we held an in-person meeting at an accessible location. This event was advertised through our social media, newspaper and newsletter.
Table of Contents
Accessibility Statement
Employment
Built Environment
Head Office (2750 Harbour Road)
Dock+ (3140 Harbour Road)
Fishermen’s Harbour (800-3140 Harbour Road)
Tyee Landing (3300 Tyee Landing)
Harbour Quay (2900 Harbour Road)
Clutesi Haven (5104 River Road)
China Creek Campground and Marina (2011 Franklin River Road)
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and other Communications
The Procurement of goods, services and facilities
The design and delivery of programs and services
Transportation
Consultations
General:
This report was compiled by Marissa Vachon, Corporate-Executive Secretary for the Port Alberni Port Authority. All comments and feedback are welcome. Contact information is below:
E-mail:
[email protected]
Mail:
Port Alberni Port Authority,
2750 Harbour Road
Port Alberni, B.C
V9Y 7X2
Phone:
250-720-4702
