VANCOUVER, B.C. — Vancouver City Council has approved a motion brought forward by Green Councillor Pete Fry on behalf of the Vancouver City Planning Commission affirming that accessibility is a human rights issue and committing the City to maintaining and improving accessibility in its programs, services, and public spaces, following public concern over the inaccessibility of the Stanley Park Train during the 2023 holiday season.

The motion responded to the return of the Stanley Park Train without a wheelchair-accessible carriage, excluding some children, youth, and adults with disabilities from participating in a long-standing public attraction that had previously included accessible seating.

“When accessibility is removed, people are excluded,” said Councillor Fry. “That isn’t a technical oversight, it’s a failure that has real human impacts. Cities have a responsibility to understand accessibility as a matter of rights, dignity, and full participation.”

Grounding Accessibility in Human Rights and City Commitments

Fry’s motion reaffirmed Council’s obligations under the Accessible British Columbia Act, the BC Human Rights Code, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, all of which establish the right of people with disabilities to participate fully and equally in cultural and public life.

The motion also reflected concerns raised unanimously by the Vancouver City Planning Commission, which warned that the loss of existing accessibility runs counter to the City’s stated commitments to inclusion and barrier removal.

Amended Motion Adopted by Council

During debate, Council adopted an amendment that modified the original motion. Councillor Fry voted against the amendment, expressing concern that it weakened key policy directions intended to prevent future losses of accessibility.

The motion as amended affirms Council’s recognition of public disappointment, acknowledges the barriers that prevented the accessible carriage from being ready for the 2023 season, and reiterates the City’s commitment to maintaining and improving accessibility across its programs, services, and built environment. Council also requested that the Mayor formally thank City staff involved in restoring the Stanley Park Train and its accessible carriage in time for the 2024 Easter season.

“Accessibility shouldn’t be conditional or optional,” Fry said. “While the amended motion stops short of the systemic safeguards I proposed, it is important that Council has clearly affirmed that accessibility matters and that exclusion is unacceptable.”

A Continued Push for Inclusive Public Spaces

Fry emphasized that accessibility must be treated as a baseline expectation in all City-supported programs and attractions.

“People with disabilities shouldn’t have to fight to participate in civic life,” Fry added. “This conversation doesn’t end here. We need policies that ensure accessibility is never lost in the first place.”