The City of Weyburn is committed to creating an inclusive community for all.
We have developed an Accessibility Plan so that all individuals can particpate fully in their communities through work, play, and daily activities.
While developing a municipal accessibility plan is a requirement through the Accessible Saskatchewan Act, the City of Weyburn recognizes our responsibility to removing barriers so we can create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The Accessible Saskatchewan Act, introduced in the fall of 2022 and receiving Royal Assent on May 17, 2023, requires public sector bodies to create accessibility plans by December 2025.
These plans aim to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility, ensuring that all members of the community can fully participate in daily activities, work, and play.
This initiative aligns with the City of Weyburn’s vision of being a “Community for all” and mission of “Growing through opportunity.”
The development of an Accessibility Plan is mandated under the Accessible Saskatchewan Act. Compliance ensures the City meets its legal obligations, aligning with provincial standards and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
This initiative aligns with our values and sets a strong foundation for the future. Creating an Accessibility Plan reflects the City of Weyburn’s vision by aligning with our values and setting a strong foundation for the future.
By identifying and addressing barriers, we:
- Promote inclusion and equal participation for all residents, regardless of ability.
- Enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by improving access to facilities, services, and information.
- Foster a culture of respect, diversity, and community pride.
The development of the City of Weyburn’s Accessibility Plan involved a collaborative effort among various stakeholders. Through collaboration and consultation, we wanted to better understand the experiences, barriers, and ideas that matter most to our community.
To support this, we are launched a short public survey on April 14 to gather feedback from residents, businesses, and community organizations. Your input will help shape the City’s Accessibility Plan and ensure it reflects the needs of everyone who lives, works and visits Weyburn.
Consultation timeline:
- Public survey (closed April 21, 2025)
- Stakeholder engagement (May 28, 2025)
- Accessibility Plan open house (October 2, 2025)
Physical Barriers
- Barrier: Inconsistent accessibility across City facilities (e.g., washrooms, sidewalks, playgrounds).
- Action: Conduct a facility audit; integrate accessibility into all new capital project designs.
- Timeline: Audit completed by Q2 2026; checklist implemented by Q4 2026; ongoing for new projects.
- Responsible Party: Facilities & Infrastructure Department; Accessibility Committee.
- Success Indicators: Baseline audit published; 100% of new projects include accessibility; annual increase in completed upgrades.
Technological Barriers
- Barrier: Limited accessibility in digital communications.
- Action: Develop digital communications accessibility policy; update website to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
- Timeline: Social media compliance by Q2 2026; web updates ongoing.
- Responsible Party: Communications Coordinator.
- Success Indicators: Policy completion and implementation; WCAG compliance audit results.
Systemic Barriers
- Barrier: Strategic Plan, Official Community Plan, Policies and Procedures not consistently reviewed through an accessibility lens.
- Action: Establish policy review cycle; track accessibility in capital projects.
- Timeline: Review cycle launched by Q2 2026.
- Responsible Party: City of Weyburn Senior Leadership Team; Planning & Development.
- Success Indicators: Number of policies reviewed; capital project accessibility inclusion rate.
Attitudinal Barriers
- Barrier: Gaps in staff awareness and inclusive culture.
- Action: Deliver baseline accessibility/EDI training to all staff; identify accessibility leads in departments.
- Timeline: Training completed by Q4 2026; leads identified by Q3 2026.
- Responsible Party: Human Resources; Accessibility Committee.
- Success Indicators: Training completion rate; staff survey results; number of identified accessibility leads.
Information and Communication Barriers
- Barrier: Inconsistent accessible communication.
- Action: Adopt plain language policy and guidelines.
- Timeline: Policy adopted by Q4 2026; update published annually.
- Responsible Party: Communications Coordinator.
- Success Indicators: Plain language compliance rate.
- Barrier: Low public awareness of accessibility standards and legislation.
- Action: Launch a public education campaign focused on accessibility rights and standards.
- Timeline: Campaign launched by Q2 2026.
- Responsible Party: Communications Coordinator; Accessibility Committee.
- Success Indicators:
- Number of education/engagement initiatives delivered annually.
- % of residents reporting increased awareness of accessibility (via survey).
- Volume and quality of accessibility-related feedback received through public channels.
The plan emphasizes safety, dignity, and independence; practical upgrades to facilities and infrastructure; accessible communications; staff education; and partnerships that strengthen inclusion across Weyburn.