The City of Cranbrook has officially launched its new initiative to improve language accessibility across its digital platforms, showcasing its commitment to serving the community's diverse population. Now, all city websites, including the municipal site, Western Financial Place, and the Canadian Rockies International Airport, offer translation services for over a dozen languages.
This step marks significant progress toward enhancing public access to important information and services. City staff have emphasized the necessity of this initiative, stating, "Translation access was identified as one of the main barriers to the public" during their continuous work on the Accessibility and Inclusion Framework.
The newly implemented translation services cover 13 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Ukrainian, traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Thai, Arabic, and Malayalam. This diverse selection was informed by data from the 2022 National Census, which pinpointed the most commonly spoken languages within the community.
By making these translation options available, the City of Cranbrook aims to facilitate easier access to information for residents and visitors who may have previously struggled with language barriers. The translations encompass key information relating to city services, events, and resources necessary for full community engagement.
The move aligns with broader accessibility goals outlined in the city’s framework, which seeks to identify and dismantle barriers affecting public access and participation. City representatives noted the importance of inclusivity, ensuring no one is left behind due to language constraints.
Through this thoughtful and necessary initiative, Cranbrook is taking tangible steps to create a more inclusive environment for all its residents, reflecting the demographic shifts highlighted by recent census data. With over 13 languages now represented online, the city is not only enhancing communication but also fostering community relationships and accessibility.
Local conversations about inclusivity and accessibility are expected to evolve as residents start to utilize these new features, promoting discussions around various cultural narratives and experiences. The city officials are optimistic about the positive feedback and engagement this initiative will generate, paving the way for future accessibility efforts.
The initiative is not merely about translation; it symbolizes Cranbrook's dedication to embracing diversity and strengthening its fabric as one community. The city invites residents to explore these new features and engage with city services like never before, reinforcing the ideal of belonging for all.
For more information on using the translation services, residents can visit the official city website at www.cranbrook.ca and navigate to the language options available on the site.