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.
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
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CULINARY EXCELLENCE
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LEADER OF THE FUTURE
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HOTELIER OF THE YEAR
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HOUSEKEEPING EXCELLENCE
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ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR
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