Timeline of Advocacy: Making the White Rock Pier Accessible
The following timeline outlines the dedicated efforts of the Equal Access Collective (EAC) and community advocates to secure accessibility rights for the White Rock Pier.
2021 – 2023: Early Advocacy & Catalyst
August 2021 – August 2023: Individual advocates reached out to the City of White Rock regarding physical barriers to pier accessibility. These early efforts were largely dismissed by city officials.
June 2023: Global News featured Kiran Aujlay, who demonstrated the severe wheelchair barriers on the pier. The Mayor’s response at the time reflected an ableist viewpoint and attitudinal barriers, serving as a catalyst for a more organized movement.
October 2023: The Equal Access Collective (EAC) was formally established. The group began extensive research on global solutions for accessible piers, focusing on a collective mission to educate the public and the City.
Late 2023: Direct Engagement
December 2, 2023: EAC met with the Mayor during the "Bright Walks" event on the promenade. The group proposed a specialized matting solution. While the Mayor cited concerns regarding wood rot, EAC corrected this misinformation, explaining that the mats actually protect the timber.
Early 2024: Media Momentum & Council Presentation
January 28, 2024: Global News introduced the advocacy project to a wider audience.
January 29, 2024: Backed by 16 national and provincial organizations, EAC delivered a formal Advocacy Presentation to the Mayor and Council.
January 31, 2024: Peace Arch News began its localized coverage of the project.
February 8, 2024: A Letter to the Editor criticized the City for prioritizing $500,000 in City Hall renovations over the $100,000 required for pier accessibility.
Spring 2024: Legislative Hurdles & Public Pressure
February 12, 2024: Councillor Klassen moved to have a corporate report created for the Accessibility Advisory Committee. The motion was approved, despite concerns over some council members' lack of engagement.
March – April 2024: Advocacy went regional. EAC spoke at an accessibility rally in Vancouver and was featured as a top story in the Salish Current (Bellingham, WA).
May 13, 2024: A disappointing Council meeting took place. Despite the Accessibility Committee recommending immediate funding, Council voted to delay the project until 2025 to search for grants. The Mayor suggested that "just because we have the funds doesn’t mean we have to spend it," and again suggested the disability community should fundraise for the project.
May 2024: "Access the Pier" and The Turning Point
May 16, 2024: EAC launched an Online Petition demanding immediate action.
May 23–25, 2024: Confirmation was received from SPARC BC that the City applied for and was approved for a $25,000 grant, removing further financial excuses for delay.
May 29, 2024: EAC held the "Access the Pier" event during National AccessAbility Week. It featured wheelchair demonstrations, performances by South Fraser Active Living, and speeches from local MLAs and Councillors.
May 31, 2024: Peace Arch News reported on the rally's success and the mounting pressure on the upcoming June 10th meeting.
June 2024: Victory for Accessibility Rights
June 10, 2024: In a major reversal, White Rock Council unanimously agreed to install the accessibility mats this year. This followed a powerful address by Susan Bains and significant media presence from CityNews.
June 11, 2024: The petition declared victory with nearly 1,500 signatures, including endorsements from former mayors and provincial leaders.
Summary
Accessibility is not a privilege or a charitable act; it is a fundamental human right. Through collective action, the Equal Access Collective ensured that the White Rock Pier will finally be inclusive for everyone