Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 28, 2011 ! 4 Cty o¢~_ Minutes / Meeting Summary 141 Accessibility Advisory Committee • , i Wednesday, September 28, 2011 PICKERIN 7:00 pm Civic Complex, Tower Room Attendees: Councillor O'Connell Keith Falconer, Chair Terence Arvisais, Vice Chair M. Brenner Tanya Logan D. Sharma Don Tierney Sue Wilkinson Prem Noronha-Waldriff L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: Ida Fogo Stephen Little Donna Manning Aisha Nathifa Heywood Jacob Yacoumidis 74e mDetails & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status f # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introductions Keith Falconer Keith Falconer welcomed everyone and introduced two new members, Maurice Brenner and Doodnauth Sharma. Roundtable introductions were made. 2. Adoption of Minutes Review & Approval of Minutes Moved by M. Brenner Seconded by T. Arvisais That the minutes of the June 22, 2011 meeting be adopted. CARRIED 3. Accessibility Awareness Event - Update All P. Noronha-Waldriff provided an update on the first Accessibility Awareness Event which will be taking place on November 5, 2011. She has confirmed attendance of Rick Hansen, who will' Page 1 CORP0228-2/02 I be making an appearance at the event between 11:15 and 11:45 am. She provided details of the event, providing committee members with copies of the program. M. Brenner suggested including mention of specialized services. He noted that Pickering was way ahead in . specialized services with Handi Transit, noting it stemmed from the 1986 Man in Motion tour. Pickering was the benchmark in transit and felt that this recognition should be incorporated into the event, possibly as part of the Committee's booth. P. Noronha-Waldriff noted she would approach Durham P. Noronha-Waldriff to Specialized Service and also access the old Pickering transit action information. Councillor O'Connelll indicated she had contact information for the Abilities Centre in Whitby and will forward this along to P. Noronha-Waldriff P. Noronha-Waldriff noted the need for volunteers to help man the booth on November 5t". She indicated they would have three time slots, 9-12, 12-3 and 3-6 with two people assisting at each time. She requested that the members please let her know by the next meeting of their availability. Discussion ensued with respect to funds for the guest speakers. S. Wilkinson suggested inviting Shoppers Drug Mart as well. P. Noronha-Waldriff to action .4. Accessibility, Survey All S. Wilkinson provided an update with respect to the survey noting that she would be completing this in the next two weeks. M. Brenner questioned whether the survey included cultural and ethnic programs, stating he felt we should be reflecting diversity. It was also suggested we ask for feedback from the Advisory Committee on Diversity. Possibly place an "other" box on the form. P. Noronha-Waldriff to This will be included for discussion on the next agenda. action 5. Site Plan Reviews Discussion ensued with respect to ensuring the comments on site plan reviews are reflected in the minutes. Moved by Councillor O'Connell Seconded b M. Brenner Page 2 CORP0228-2/02 That the Accessibility Advisory Committee provide comments through the official minutes of the meeting on all site plan applications. Carried It was also suggested that all site plan applications be provided to the committee either electronically or as a hard copy at least one week prior to the meeting. P. Noronha-Waldriff handed out copies of the site plan accessibility checklist which had been prepared by Tyler Barnett, Senior Planning, Planning & Development to aid the Committee when reviewing site plan applications. 1) 2110843 Ontario Ltd. 1651 Quigley Street The Committee reviewed the above noted site plan application and the following comments were noted; • ability of trucks to turn into the roundabout • metal plates at entrance could create trip hazard - should be 0 grade • door openers • door openings are higher at rear of property • ensure option for employee who needs access • washrooms need to be accessible • raise the bar beyond the building code standard 2) Unilock 1890 Clements Road K. Falconer explained the above site plan application proposes . to add an additional phase 1 and 2 to the existing building. The Committee reviewed the application and the following comments were made; • current door is not accessible • existing parking spots are not designated or signed • consider access to office • consider moving 2 parking sports to front of office • bring building up to current standards Page 3 CORP0228-2/02 3) Maddy Developments 1292 Old Orchard Avenue The Committee reviewed the application and the following comments were made; • questioned access to front door • are accessible units designated • fraction of development should be accessible Discussion ensued with respect to considering accessible units up front before any work has begun. This would be cost effective and a good marketing strategy, as the development could be marketed as an accessible community. It was suggested that members attend the upcoming Planning & Development Committee meeting on October 3rd as an Information Report will be coming forward at that time on this application. It was questioned whether it would be possible to have any revisions which may be made to the application after this meeting, forwarded electronically to the Committee members prior to .the next meeting. General discussion ensued with respect to the checklist which had been prepared by Tyler and P. Noronha-Waldriff asked for any comments or revisions to the checklist. It was'suggested that the Committee provide comments after they have had an opportunity to utilize the list first. Discussion took place with respect to the Committee's involvement with respect to the planning of communities such as Seaton and Duffin Heights as well as discussions on City buildings. K. Falconer informed the Committee that the Chief Administrative Officer would like to attend the November meeting to discuss their role in reviewing applications for City owned buildings. 6. Other Business 6.1) K. Falconer provided the Committee with an update on the washroom facilities at the waterfront. He noted he had put forth a motion at the meeting of the Waterfront Coordinating Committee for staff to pursue the installation of a power door opener to make the Beachfront Park washrooms accessible. Moved by T. Arvisais Seconded by M. Brenner i Page 4 CORP0228-2/02 That staff be authorized to forward a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer to have staff investigate the installation of a wind barrier or other means necessary to ensure the P. Noronha-Waldriff to washrooms at the waterfront are accessible. action Carried 6.2) M. Brenner questioned whether the Committee could send out monthly messages to the community to raise awareness of disabilities including invisible disabilities. It was also suggested to look into having a guest column in the newspaper on disabilities. 6.3) S. Wilkinson noted she had forwarded a letter to customer care at the City of Pickering identifying areas of concern with respect to curb cuts and sidewalks. It was requested that customer care be contacted to request statistics on the number of complaints received with respect to accessibility issues, how they are tracked and what action is taken. 6.4) Discussion took place with respect to the timing of the pedestrian signals at traffic lights, noting they do not allow sufficient time for those in scooters or canes to safely cross the street. Councillor O'Connell noted she would address this issue on a Regional level. 6.5) K. Falconer wanted the committee to be aware of a news article about a disabled Pickering youth reported to have been bullied, beaten and robbed recently. He noted bullying affects everyone, and the importance of embracing and promoting humanitarian values. 6.6) Councillor O'Connell noted that the term of Chair and P. Noronha-Waldriff to Vice-Chair would be coming up soon and suggested that the action members consider these roles prior to the election of these positions taking place. She noted the need for succession planning, indicating that the Pickering Public Library has had success in this area. 7. ' Next Meeting & Adjournment Next meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Moved by M. Brenner Seconded by S. Wilkinson That the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED Meeting Adjourned: 8:35 pm Page 5 CORP0228-2/02