The inaugural Bowen Island Municipality Accessibility Advisory Committee worked diligently since November 2023 to complete Bowen Island Municipality’s first Accessibility Action Plan. This marks an important milestone in our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accessible community. Stay tuned for updates as we move into the implementation phase, guided by our valued committee members.
Funding Opportunities for Accessibility Initiatives
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) One-Time-Only Health Promotion Project & Capacity Building Grants
VCH Public Health has launched the 2026–27 One-Time-Only (OTO) Health Promotion Project & Capacity Building Grants. These grants support time-limited projects that address current or emerging health promotion priorities and the social, environmental, cultural and economic factors that shape health.
Key details:
- Funding: $100–$15,000, with an average grant of approximately $10,000
- Eligible applicants: Non-profit organizations, school boards, local governments, First Nations, and Métis Nation/organizations
- Deadline: October 16, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
- Funding is intended for projects that are one-time-only in nature, rather than ongoing programs.
Priority areas include:
- Community resilience to climate change and other health emergencies
- Mental wellness and prevention of harmful substance use, particularly among children and youth
- Perinatal and sexual health promotion
- Policy or systemic change related to income, food or housing security
- Reducing racism, ableism and other forms of discrimination
- Social connectedness and community building
- Strengthening organizational capacity for health promotion
Priority is also given to initiatives serving populations experiencing greater barriers to health, including at-risk children and youth, Indigenous and racialized communities, isolated seniors, LGBTQIA2S+ communities, people with disabilities, vulnerable newcomers, and others identified in the funding guidelines. Please see our full funding guidelines and application for additional details.
Completed applications must be submitted by email to CommInvestApplications@vch.ca no later than 4:30 PM on October 16, 2026.
Accessibility Projects Grants for Not-for-Profit Organizations
Applications now open! (Due September 11th)
As part of the Province’s goal to promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in BC, Disability Alliance BC was selected by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) to distribute funding to community-based “Accessibility Projects” beginning in 2018. Since then, over 100 projects have been funded. This year the grants have reopened with a total of $450,000 available to BC-based not-for-profit organizations to receive an up to $40,000 grant.
Feedback Opportunities: Ongoing Engagement
Bowen Island Municipality welcomes feedback on accessibility on an ongoing basis and strives to provide all possible channels for community members to share their input. Please feel free to provide your feedback via:
- PSD Citywide Solutions Service Requests Portal
- Website Form: Provide your feedback by typing it into the boxes on this feedback page.
- Survey and Open Feedback: Print out and fill in this form, or do it online here by filling out this fillable pdf.
- Phone Voicemail: Call us at 778-897-3437
- Text Number: Send a text to 778-897-3437
- Email Address: Your email to aac@bimbc.ca will be received by the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
- Mailing Address: Pop it in the mail to 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road, Bowen Island, V0N 1G2.
- Dropbox Address: Come down to the Community Centre and provide your feedback anonymously in the Dropbox, or have a chat with staff at 580 Bowen Island Trunk Road.
Accessibility Upgrades
In recognition of Accessibility Awareness Week (May 31 to June 6, 2026), Bowen Island Municipality (BIM) highlighted recent efforts to improve access, inclusion, and participation across the community. Since adopting its first Accessibility Action Plan in July 2025, BIM advanced several initiatives to reduce barriers to participation and inclusion:
- Council Chambers accessibility upgrades:
Improved audio-visual systems, including additional screens, upgraded cameras and microphones, and Auracast technology, enhance public participation in Council, Committee, and engagement sessions. This project was supported by a $25,000 SPARC BC Local Community Accessibility Grant. - Theatre access:
- Portable railings now provide safer, easier access to seating while maintaining full flexibility for retractable theatre configurations.
- Enhanced audio accessibility is anticipated with thanks to SKY’s donation of Auracast technology.
- Priority parking at the Community Centre:
Priority parking signage for individuals with mobility challenges is available by request when booking events. - Inclusive recreation access:
The Recreation Department offers customized fitness centre orientations, including recent sessions for members of the Canadian Organization of the Blind and DeafBlind.
These actions reflect BIM’s commitment to building a more inclusive community. Residents are encouraged to learn more and share their feedback through any of the channels listed under Feedback Opportunities above.
Accessibility on Bowen Island
Did you know that you can borrow medical equipment from the library? Crutches, wheelchairs, bathroom and bed assists… and more! Check out the Med Shed webpage.
And check out the Mountain Trike! It’s a manual, all-terrain wheelchair that you can take to the park and enjoy the trails.
News
- Community Centre Accessibility Update – February 24, 2026
- Untapped Accessibility July 2026 Newsletter
Resources
Read the Accessibility Action Plan.