Our Work
Access Oceanside regularly tackles barriers identified by members and the public in our Oceanside community. We are also active participants in community consultations on topics involving Community and Transportation planning.
During our 2024 Strategic Planning Workshop, five critical initiatives to improve accessibility in the Oceanside Region were identified. The following priorities were established over a five year timeline. They are:
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Commercial Accessibility
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Parks and Trails Accessibility
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Relationship Building with Cities
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Accessible Parking
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Networking with other support organizations
Highlighted Projects
These comprehensive projects represent the core of our work.
Accessible Accommodation
To assist visitors to Oceanside, AOA reached out to lodging providers to determine what services are available to guests requiring accessible accommodations.
Click below to find detailed descriptions of the options available in our area.
Beach Accessibility
Access Oceanside Association, together with partners launched an initiative to make
Parksville Community Park Beach accessible to all.
Through the installation of a Mobi-mat to cross the soft sand and rocks, and making a Mobi-chair available for free rental, everyone can now enjoy our world-class beach.
Commercial Accessibility
AOA launched an initiative to help local businesses become more accessible by identifying barriers to entry, navigation inside the business and relevant amenities such as washroom facilities and parking.
Working with local business associations, we hope to make Oceanside businesses more accessible for residents and visitors alike.
AOA has consulted with RDN on accessibility of the Lighthouse Trail and Parksville to Coombs Rail Trail.
AOA members try to visit and review a number of local trails each year, sending information on needed upgrades/repairs to the relevant authorities.
Integrated Fitness
AOA supported the creation of a fitness resource accessible for all through lobbying and fundraising for special equipment (eg. Bungee Mobility trainer).
After several iterations, the Oceanside Integrated Fitness Society is now operating in Qualicum Beach offering supported fitness programs with a certified personal trainer.
Transit
Many parts of Oceanside are not served by transit, and currently handyDART service is only offered where regular transit is available.
AOA recently lobbied the City of Parksville for selective bus stop accessibility improvements.
Pedestrian Signals
AOA convinced the City to lengthen crossing signals along Island Highway in the Parksville downtown core.
AOA routinely sends reports regarding crossings in need of re-design, curb cuts, repair, traffic calming measures, etc.
Washrooms
AOA persuaded the City to install Braille signage on the public washrooms in Parksville City Hall. AOA consulted with the Project lead regarding accessibility for Community Park re-design, including accessible washrooms.
AOA lobbies to have door operators installed both inside and outside washrooms, so people with disabilities are not stranded inside.
Hotel Equipment
Life Support Assisted Living Systems is a local business specializing in durable medical equipment. They have been an active supporter of Access Oceanside for many years.
On request, they lend equipment to local hotels to help accommodate guest accessibility needs.
