HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 28, 2012
Caq oo Minutes/Meeting Summary
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting
i i Wednesday, March 28, 2012
PICKERING 7:00 pm
Civic Complex - Tower Room
Attendees: K. Falconer Chair
T. Arvisais, Vice Chair
M. Brenner
D. Manning
D. Sharma
D. Tierney
S. Wilkinson
P. Noronha-Waldriff
L. Roberts
Absent: Councillor O'Connell
1. Fogo
A. Heywood-Delpeache
S. Little
T. Logan
J. Yacoumidis
Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status
Ref # (summary of discussion) (include, deadline as
appropriate)
1. Welcome Keith Falconer
K. Falconer welcomed members and guests to the meeting.
2. Updates
2.1) Built Environment Standard
Mike Spatafora, Supervisor, Facilities Operations, City of
Pickering appeared before the Committee to provide an update
with respect to the built environment standard.
He provided an overview of the main project being the East
Shore Senior's Centre, explaining the upgrades which will be
completed to the washrooms. He provided copies of the plans
for committee members. He explained what is being proposed
for both the men's and women's facilities, noting all doors will
be fully automated.
Mr. Spatafora . noted the space is being increased by
reconfiguring and expanding the current location.
A discussion period ensued with clarification being provided to
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the following questions;
• timelines - completion by August/beginning of
September
• adequate turn around space
• space was taken from kitchen to provide for adequate
space
• paper dispensers in stalls are too much of a reach
It was questioned whether it would be feasible to have
someone in charge of design using a wheelchair to obtain a
better understanding of the space and design required to
function adequately. It was noted that code is sometimes not
reality and not always practical or adequate. It was suggested
that attempts be made to exceed code for better comfort level.
Also discussed was the fact that there are no standardized
sizes for wheelchairs and scooters, creating a disconnect
between code and the requirements for the disabled, (i.e. door
openings). Therefore, it was noted that there needs to be a
standard in place for this.
It was questioned why the upper washrooms in the non seniors M. Spatafora to action
area of the building would not be made fully accessible at the
same time, since it would only require the installation of door
openers. It was suggested these be installed while the other
work is being done to make the entire building accessible.
The Committee also asked that the cost for these door
openers be looked into.
It was also questioned whether the members of the
Accessibility Advisory Committee could be given an
opportunity to look at these buildings.
Mr. Spatafora noted there would still be opportunities for
changes as work progresses and community comments would
be taken in to consideration.
It was also suggested that consideration be given to making
the entrances, on all future new built facilities, constructed
without doors. This cannot be accomplished when retro-fitting
a facility, but when constructing a new building, this should be
considered.
Mr. Spatafora also provided an update on other projects as
follows;
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• outlined locations for 11 door openers to be installed
• 2 additional door openers for waterfront washrooms
• Redman House - 4 door openers - 2 for the
washrooms, 1 for the entrance and 1 for the ballroom
Mr. Spatafora noted that he would continue to provide updates
to the committee.
Arnold Mostert, Coordinator, Landscape & Park Development,
City of Pickering appeared before the Committee to provide
updates on the following projects;
Esplanade Park
A. Mostert provided an overview of the plans for the completion
of the Esplande Park walkway with drawings for the
members ;
• will be completed to Valley Farm Road
• work will commence after RibFest (June) and will take
approximately 1 - 2 months to complete
• will consist of concrete sidewalk with decorative brick
banding to ensure even surfaces - same treatment as
was done last year surrounding the Civic Complex
• proper drainage will be ensured
• replacement of the existing concrete and asphalt
sidewalk with 8' wide concrete walkway along Valley
Farm Road is proposed as well
• walkway along Valley Farm will be done as well
• pole lighting to be installed and evenly spaced
• corners will have seat walls
• benches will be installed
T. Arvisais recommended that the garbage bins be placed away
from the benches.
Rosebank South Park
A. Mostert provided an update with respect to Rosebank South
Park noting the following proposed upgrades;
• child's play area with ground level structures, not
platform based
• slide access will be from top of berm level and will have
transfer platform for accessibility
• depressed curb down to play area with wood chips as
opposed to pea gravel for safety surfacing
• 2 levels of handrails on steps to upper level
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• wooden bridges with curbs down each side for safety
• 5% slope will be maintained for walkways and railings
A question and answer period ensued and Mr. Mostert provided
clarification with respect to connecting points to get to the park.
He confirmed that this issue should be looked into as this would A. Mostert to action
be the time to address it. A. Mostert noted he would look into
this and get back to the Committee through staff.
East Shore Community Centre
A. Mostert provided an update with respect to the parking lot
improvements for the East Shore Community Centre, noting it
would be completed in 2 phases. He explained access to the
building would be maintained at all times in a safe manner. He
summarized the following points:
• angle parking
• 9 handicapped parking spots at the back
• concrete walk flush to asphalt
• proper pedestrian crossings
• deck for lawn bowlers will be fully accessible
• proposing 4 handicapped parking spots at front of
building
• existing 10% slope to front door is too steep - will modify
ramp to 5% slope for safe egress down to grade
• timelines - to begin in July which will be during the
Senior shut down
A. Mostert also provided updates on the neighbourhood park in
Duffin Heights which will include 1 soccer pitch, walkways and a
children's play area with safety surfaces. He informed the
Committee he would provide further information, through staff,
to the Committee once the design for the play structures have
been received.
A question and answer period ensued with respect to barrier A. Mostert to action
free parking, lighting and sidewalks. A. Mostert noted he would
look into this.
A. Mostert provided an update with respect to the proposed
Village Green for William Jackson Drive, noting that this would A. Mostert to action
be a multi purpose trail off Brock Road, which would include
benches, lighting and plantings.
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3 Adoption of Minutes
Moved by M. Brenner
Seconded by S. Wilkinson
That the minutes of the January 25th, 2012 meeting of the
Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved as amended.
Carried
Moved by M. Brenner
Seconded by S. Wilkinson
That the minutes of the February 15th, 2012 meeting of the
Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.
Carried
It was noted there was no quorum for the February 22nd, 2012
meeting.
It was also requested that these minutes be amended to reflect
K. Falconer and D. Sharma had sent their regrets.
4. 2011 Accomplishments/2012 Work Plan
K. Falconer provided an overview of the February 15 meeting
in which the 2011 accomplishments and 2012 work plan were
discussed.
He reviewed all items and asked for any additions or revisions
to the document prior to submission to Council.
Discussion ensued with respect to the Accessibility Survey. P.
Noronha-Waldriff noted that she would follow up and provide an
update as soon as possible. It was noted that the City was
currently working on upgrades to the City's website, and she P. Noronha-Waldriff to
would forward the information along via email to the members action
as soon as it was available.
M. Brenner questioned whether the Committee could make the
public more aware of what is being accomplished by the
Committee such as the submission of milestones to the
newspaper once or twice a month for publication.
M. Brenner also questioned the possibility of a tracking system
to develop timelines as well as contacts for the items and track
performance with respect to the work plan. Mr. Brenner
volunteered to format the document and it was the consensus
to assign areas at the next meeting.
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It was also suggested the Committee participate in an outreach
program by identifying a member to represent the Committee.
This member would attend area schools to speak about
accessibility issues.
K. Falconer questioned whether the Committee would be K. Falconer to action
interested in a tour of the Abilities Centre in Whitby. He noted
he would look into organizing a tour as well as the possibility of
arranging Handi transit. It was the consensus of the Committee
to include this in the 2012 Work Plan.
D. Sharma also suggested the possibility of the Committee
touring other City facilities and preparing a committee audit.
5. Work Plan Presentation to Council
K. Falconer advised the Committee that it had been the
consensus to submit their annual report and work plan to
Council on April 16th. It was noted that the power point P. Noronha-Waldriff to
presentation could be updated to reflect the current action
achievements and work plan. He also encouraged members to
attend the meeting as well.
P. Noronha-Waldriff noted she would email the work plan to the P. Noronha-Waldriff to
members again. action
Discussion ensued with respect to the Accessibility Awareness
Event. It was, recommended this be placed as a standing item
on future agendas. P. Noronha-Waldriff noted the May date for
the event would not be feasible at this point and that the
Committee should consider November.
Due to the lack of quorum at the previous meeting, the following
was approved;
Moved by M. Brenner
Seconded by T. Arvisais
That the Five Year Accessibility Plan for the Accessibility
Advisory Committee be approved.
Carried
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`6. Other Business
6.1) M. Brenner questioned the issue of maintaining a quorum K. Falconer to action
at the meetings. It was suggested that the Chair forward an
email to members to encourage attendance.
6.2) D. Sharma questioned the carryover of funds for
accessibility upgrades and asked whether the Committee. could P. Noronha-Waldriff to
be provided with a breakdown on the allocation of these funds action
at year end.
6.3) K. Falconer informed the members that submissions are
being received for the Regional Accessibility a newsletter. He
noted he would provide further details at the next meeting. K. K. Falconer to action
Falconer will confirm the deadline date for submissions.
6.4) K. Falconer informed the Committee that the Joint K. Falconer to action
Accessibility Meeting will be held on May 22, 2012 at the
Regional headquarters.
7. Next Meeting/Adjournment
Moved by Terence Arvisais
Seconded by Don Tierney
That the meeting be adjourned.
Next Meeting: April 25, 2012
Meeting Adjourned: 9:10 pm
Copy: City Clerk
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