Advancing social justice and inclusion since 1966

Parking Permit Program

Since 1984, SPARC BC has managed B.C.’s Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities. Apply for or renew your permit to use designated parking spots anywhere in B.C.

FUNDED RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

SPARC BC is excited to announce a new request for proposal (RFP) which will support research and evaluation into BC’s community social services sector. This call hopes to attract project proposals that focus on one or more key topics, including: 1) system perspectives and impacts, 2) volunteerism, 3) post-secondary linkages to the sector, and 4) lived/living experiential knowledge and peer-support. Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis, starting January 3/23. [Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash]

Read the full RFP >

SPARC BC 1 month ago

SPARC BC will be closing for the holidays from Dec 23rd, 2022 to January 2nd, 2023. If you are submitting a renewal or application during this time, please be patient since it can take us a while to get back to you. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season. See you in 2023! https://t.co/zDIGgOfEJj

SPARC BC 2 months ago

As we head toward a snowy December, we would like to emphasize the importance of accessible parking spaces and how dangerous it can be to pile snow in the accessible parking space and the access aisle.

SPARC BC 2 months ago

SPARC BC is happy to share a new request for research proposals that will help support evidence and knowledge development in key areas of BC's community social services sector. Please click the link for further details: https://t.co/Twu8ZVjU88

Our Values

Social Justice: We strive for a just and healthy society.

Inclusion: We are committed to achieving full engagement for all citizens.

Integrity: We are independent, accountable, transparent and non-partisan.

Learning: We seek, develop and share knowledge to inform decision-making.

What We Do

These values guide our work in five, interconnected areas of focus. Please visit the pages below to learn more about our work with communities.

Parking Permit Program

Over 55,000 people depend on us each year for their permits to use designated disability parking spaces

Community Development

This is the heart of what we do. We create diverse tools to help communities build their capacity to identify and meet the needs of their citizens.

Social Policy RESEARCH

Effective social planning depends on evidence based decision-making. We specialize in comprehensive data collection, analysis and presentation.

Accessibility and inclusion

We promote accessible and inclusive communities by conducting research, leading public education campaigns, partnering with community groups.

Planning and consultation

Our Consulting Services are delivered by a passionate team of multidisciplinary researchers and project coordinators who excel at bringing people together.

Who We Work With

Through these five focus areas, we’re committed to supporting Indigenous people, community organizations, seniors, people with disabilities and all levels of government, including First Nations.

How We Do It

We start at the beginning. We gather comprehensive data about BC communities and use it to identify needs and gaps in the social safety net. Working with local governments and communities, we create plans to meet those needs and effect genuine change.