HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 28, 2011
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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'
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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
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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
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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
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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
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