Accessibility

The Issue

The Accessible British Columbia Act (ABCA) was enacted in June 2021 to support the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers to accessibility. This legislation complements federal efforts under the Accessible Canada Act and aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which protects the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

As of 2025, the ABCA is being phased in across various public-sector organizations, with key requirements including:

  • Establishing accessibility committees
  • Developing and maintaining three-year accessibility plans
  • Implementing mechanisms for public feedback

The Act is designed to ensure that people with disabilities in British Columbia can meaningfully participate in their communities without discrimination. While the federal Act governs national sectors, BC’s legislation addresses accessibility at the provincial and community level.

To read the full Accessible British Columbia Act, visit: Accessible British Columbia Act – BC Laws

WHAT BCHA IS DOING TO HELP

As BC’s population continues to age and accessibility considerations become increasingly central to the hospitality experience, the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) remains committed to advancing inclusive practices across the hotel sector.

The BCHA supports the principles of the Accessible British Columbia Act and is actively working with accessibility-focused organizations to learn, share, and develop practices that help ensure BC’s hotels are welcoming and accessible to all.

To support our members, BCHA is:

  • Monitoring the implementation of accessibility legislation and its implications for the hospitality sector
  • Providing feedback to government to ensure that implementation timelines are realistic and achievable
  • Identifying tools, partnerships, and resources to help properties improve accessibility and meet evolving standards

Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, BCHA aims to help hotel operators create inclusive environments that reflect the values of accessibility, dignity, and equal opportunity.

BCHASUMMIT25
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SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION

Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
NOMINATOR INFORMATION
NOMINEE INFORMATION

All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
  • Open to any accommodation property in British Columbia.

Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

    CULINARY EXCELLENCE

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    NOMINATOR INFORMATION
    NOMINEE INFORMATION

    All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
    CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
    • Must be from an accommodation-operated food and beverage company in British Columbia.

    Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

    SUPPORTING MATERIALS

      LEADER OF THE FUTURE

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      NOMINATOR INFORMATION
      NOMINEE INFORMATION

      All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
      CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
      • Age 35 and under.

      Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

      SUPPORTING MATERIALS

        HOTELIER OF THE YEAR

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        NOMINATOR INFORMATION
        NOMINEE INFORMATION

        All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
        CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
        • Must be a General Manager, Vice President, Regional Vice President or President/Executive Director of a BC-based hotel or hotel group.

        Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

        SUPPORTING MATERIALS

          HOUSEKEEPING EXCELLENCE

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          NOMINEE INFORMATION
          I confirm that:*

          Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

          SUPPORTING MATERIALS

            ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR

            Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.
            NOMINATOR INFORMATION
            NOMINEE INFORMATION
            All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*

            Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

            SUPPORTING MATERIALS

              Community Contribution award

              NOMINATOR INFORMATION
              NOMINEE INFORMATION
              All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*

              Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

              COMMUNITY IMPACT
              INDUSTRY SUPPORT
              SUPPORTING MATERIALS