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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCR 14-15 Cali°� Report to Executive. Committee PICKERING Report Number: CR 14-15 Date: July 6, 2015 From: Marisa Carpino Director, Culture & Recreation Subject: 2014 Accessibility Progress Report - 5 Year Accessibility Plan 2012-2016 - File: A-1440 Recommendation: 1. That Report CR 14-15 of the Director, Culture & Recreation regarding the 2014 Accessibility Progress Report be received. Executive Summary: The City of Pickering's 5 Year Accessibility Plan, 2012-2016, is the City's multi-year plan developed to implement the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001(ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The Plan involves all departments of the City of Pickering, as well as the Pickering Public Library. The Plan was developed by a staff team representing each of those areas of responsibility and included consultation with the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee. The Plan was approved by Resolution #60/12 on April 16, 2012. It is presently being revised to provide for implementation of the Design of Public Spaces requirements, which were introduced in 2013 and take effect January 1, 2016. Each of the five (5) Standards under the AODA includes a schedule of deadlines that must be met by obligated organizations. This Report provides Council with an update on 2014 activities related to the 5 Year Accessibility Plan 2012-2016 and the City's status in relation to those compliance deadlines. The City of Pickering has continued to meet the requirements of the AODA and, in some areas, has exceeded them. City Staff are currently working towards meeting the compliance requirements for the Design of Public Spaces Standard for January 1, 2016. The attached report entitled "2014 Accessibility Progress Report, 5 Year Accessibility Plan 2012-2016" provides a more detailed summary. Financial Implications: In 2014, approximately $560,000 committed in the approved Current and Capital Budgets was utilized to meet the 2014 requirements of the 5 Year Accessibility Plan, 2012-2016. These projects include the new Fire Panel with both visual and audible alarms installed at the Pickering Civic Complex, elevator replacement in the Library Central Branch, new viewing platform at Don Beer Arena, new portable stage with ramps for the Pickering Recreation Complex banquet halls, new grab bars 8 and accessible benches at the Pickering Recreation Complex change rooms, new adult Report CR 14-15 July 6, 2015 Subject: 2014 Accessibility Progress Report Page 2 change table in the family change room at Pickering Recreation Complex, Kinsmen Park pathway resurfacing, Kinsmen Park pedestrian bridge, multi-use trail at Valley Farm and Liverpool Road, resurfaced parking lot with accessible parking spaces at the Claremont Community Centre and automatic doors installed at the Claremont Community Centre. The City of Pickering received approximately$8,500 in the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund to install accessible benches and an adult change table in the change rooms of the Pickering Recreation Complex. Discussion: According to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), O. Reg. 191/11, Integrated Accessibility Standards (IAR), obligated organizations (which includes municipalities) are required to comply with the following: 3.(3) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall, (a) Prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the strategy referenced in clause (1)(a); and (b) Post the status report on their website, if any, and provide the report in an accessible format upon request. The AODA, 2005 is derived from the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, which itself is derived from the disability provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, 1990. Under these regulations, all municipalities are required to prepare accessibility plans, make the plans public, and consult with persons with disabilities. As part of that consultation process, municipalities are also required to establish and consult with accessibility • advisory committees. On June 13, 2005, the AODA became law. This landmark legislation provided a framework for developing accessibility standards which will identify, remove, and prevent barriers for people with disabilities in key areas of daily living. These standards will apply to both public and private sector organizations across Ontario. The Province has worked with representatives from the disability communities, as well as private and public stakeholder organizations to develop each of these standards. Each standard sets specific goals with incremental target dates, leading to the ultimate goal of a fully accessible Ontario by 2025. The five Standards under the AODA include: Customer Service; Information and Communications; Employment;Transportation; and Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment). In 2014, all five (5) of these Standards were in effect. The earliest compliance date for the Design of Public Spaces Standards however is not until January 1, 2016. CORP0227-07/01 revised 9 Report CR 14-15 July 6, 2015 • Subject: 2014 Accessibility Progress Report Page 3 The "2014 Accessibility Progress Report, 5 Year Accessibility Plan 2012-2016" is attached and provides a complete overview of the City's accessibility achievements in 2014. Report highlights are as follows: General — Highlights of 2014 • Training approximately a roximately 100 new employees and 40 new volunteers on the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, including the five (5) Standards. • Development of Purchasing guidelines and checklists for City staff to ensure that accessibility is a consideration when procuring furniture, equipment, supplies, computer hardware or software or contracting for services. Accessibility Standards for Customer Service— Highlights for 2014 • Updates to the City's Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy to improve guidance for staff when providing customer service for people who have a disability. • A public consultation process was approved by Council to collect input from residents and stakeholders regarding the development of an updated accessible parking by-law to conform with the requirements of the Design of Public Spaces Standard. • The City of Pickering was approved for funding through the federal Enabling Accessibility Fund to purchase assistive listening devices for use in its facilities and programs. When purchased in 2015, these devices will provide communication supports for people who are deaf or hard of hearing when they are accessing City programs and services. • Pickering Public Library established a "Special Needs Status"for users who have a disability. It acknowledges that a person with a disability may find it difficult to return.library resources within the current lending periods. Information and Communications Standard — Highlights for 2014 • Ongoing development by City of Pickering and Pickering Public Library staff of accessible templates for various City documents. • Ongoing training of resource staff in each division and department to provide • assistance to other staff members in creating accessible documents and forms. This has also included the development of training programs, guides and resources. Employment Standards — Highlights for 2014 • Completion of updates to the City's Hiring Policy and Procedures to incorporate the requirements of the AODA throughout all parts of the employment cycle. Transportation Standards— Highlights of 2014 • Municipal Law Enforcement Services continues to monitor requirements for accessible taxi service within the City of Pickering. CORP0227-07/01 revised 10 Report CR 14-15 July 6, 2015 Subject: 2014 Accessibility Progress Report Page 4 Design of Public Spaces Standards.(Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment) — Highlights of 2014 Implementation of the regulations for this standard is required by January 1, 2016. In preparation for that deadline, staff in various departments are: • Integrating specific technical standards into existing City guidelines. • Developing operating procedures for monitoring,and maintaining accessibility features in City of Pickering facilities and public spaces. • Initiating a public consultation process towards developing an updated accessible • parking by-law with the approval of City Council. Built Environment, Accessibility-Related Projects — Highlights for 2014 • Completion of the Pickering Soccer Centre, meeting the accessibility requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. • Installation of a new fire panel at the Civic Complex which includes a two-stage alarm system incorporating both visual and auditory alarms. • Purchase of a new portable stage system with improved ramp and railings. • Installation of a new elevator at the Pickering Public Library with enhanced accessibility features. • Purchase of a new accessible, portable viewing platform for Don Beer Arena. Many projects such as upgrading trails and pathways, parking lot expansion and upgrades, or installing emergency exit ramps were completed in 2014. Not all of these projects were undertaken specifically for accessibility purposes, but still serve to improve the level of accessibility for persons with various disabilities. Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee — Highlights of 2014 • Reviewed and commented on fifteen (15) site plan applications. • Continued the program of accessibility audits of City of Pickering facilities. • Sponsored artists and performers with disabilities at Artfest and Canada Day. • Resolution to Council regarding a recommendation to incorporate accessible door openers into the Ontario Building Code requirements for single family home developments. • Prepared the brochure "Accessibility is Good for Business" targeted to residential developers. Attachments: • 2014 Accessibility Progress Report, 5 Year Accessibility Plan 2012-2016 CORP0227-07101 revised 11 Report CR 14-15 July 6, 2015 Subject: 2014 Accessibility Progress Report Page 5 Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: 710. W(6:14))-- ' Di Marlowe Marisa Carpino Acc- sibility Coordinator Director, Culture & Recreation MC:dm Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council 610/i6.6j() sz 91Z22L91S Tony Prevedel, P.Eng. Chief Administrative Officer CORP0227-07/01 revised 12 ATTACHMENT# t TO REPORT# I'-E - ( 2014 Accessibility Progress Report 1 • 5 Year Accessibility Plan, 2012-2016 00 ',,= uii ��1 :__ , 7'-,ice r..ar3 ""i. !_ PICKERING ... . _ , . ,...,,.„ -7.7,-,, '-',.; ,-- x R �, r Fil L ' w � � ' " ,:-..3-,.‘,1_,,i •.Gr. '31 •' e. 3 # °' y - • • Page 1 of 27 13 City of Pickering One The Esplanade Pickering ON L1 V 6K7 i document are available upon formats for h s Alternate fo P request, by contacting the City of Pickering Customer Care Centre. 905.683.7575 Toll Free 1 .877.420.4666 TTY 905.420.1739 Email: customercare @pickering.ca Pickering Public Library For questions regarding assistive services, 905.831 .6265 Toll Free 1 .888.831 .6266 Email: help(c�picnet.org For information concerning the Accessibility Report, contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905.420.4660 ext. 3608 or dmarloweppickerinq.ca Page 2 of 27 14 City o0 .... PICKERING Commitment The City of Pickering is committed to creating an accessible community for all of its residents and stakeholders by: • Creatin g accessible facilities, programs and services, based on the principles of universal access. • Removing existing barriers for persons with both visible and non-visible disabilities. • Providing information and training to create an environment of inclusion within the Corporation and the municipality. • Page 3 of_27 15 Contents Commitment 3 Contents 4 Introduction. 5 Background 6 Legislation 6 The Standards 7 The Report 9 The Report:.General 9 The Report: Accessibility Standards for Customer Service 10 The Report: Information and.Communications Standards 12 The Report: Employment Standards 13 The Report: Transportation Standards 14 The Report: Design of Public Spaces (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment) 14 The Report: Built Environment, Accessibility Related Projects 15 The Report: Pickering Accessibility.Advisory Committee 22 Acknowledgements 24 Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee 24 Core Staff Accessibility Committee 25 Definitions 26 Page 4 of 27 16 Introduction The City of Pickering is committed to a vision of an inclusive community. That vision includes provision for the engagement of all of its citizens equally in the life of the municipality. To achieve that vision involves developing strategies to remove existing barriers • to full participation, and planning for a future that provides equal access to services and programs for all residents. The City of Pickering 2012-1016 Accessibility Plan describes how the City intends to move forward, towards the goal of full accessibility. That goal extends . throughout the activities of each of the five (5) departments of the City's administration, as well as the Pickering Public Library. The 2014 Accessibility Report describes how those departments and the Library have implemented the goals of the Plan throughout the past year. Page5of27 17 I Background Legislation The Province of Ontario has established accessibility for its citizens as a priority, setting a goal of full accessibility by 2025. To realize that goal, the Province has enacted legislation and established - standards for all organizations within the Province to meet, according to incremental deadlines. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) established the goal of full participation in the life of the Province for persons with disabilities. The Province plans to accomplish this by providing for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to that full participation. The ODA also made requirements for municipalities to establish Accessibility Advisory Committees and, in consultation with them, to develop annual Accessibility Plans. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) created procedures for developing and implementing standards to meet the individual goals of the ODA. The standards' already developed include: • Accessibility Standards for Customer Service • Information & Communications Standards • Employment Standards • Transportation Standards • Design of Public Spaces (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment) Each Standard provides guidelines and deadlines for organizations in the Province, with one employee or more, to follow and to meet. 1 The Information & Communications, Employment, Transportation, and Design of Public Spaces Standards are grouped together as the Integrated Accessibility Standards (IAS). Page 6 of 27 18 The Standards Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Having access to goods and services is essential in our daily lives. This Standard sets out how businesses, service providers and other organizations must go about providing equal access to those goods and services for persons with a disability. Information and Communications Standards We live in an information age.. Having access to information and a means to exchange information is vital in our society. This Standard provides the requirements for the manner in which information and communication supports must be provided to persons with a disability. Employment Standards Equal access to employment opportunities is a major right included in the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Employment Standards set out the requirements and responsibilities of employers, as well as employees or prospective employees who have a disability, as they move through all stages of the employment process. Transportation Standards The ability to travel throughout our communities is essential for many facets of our daily lives including employment, shopping, accessing health services, and for recreation. The Transportation Standards set out requirements for organizations which provide transportation services, as well as municipalities who may regulate those services. This includes both physical requirements for the mode of transportation, as well as the manner in which those services are provided for a person with a disability. Page7of27 19 Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment) The design of the physical environment that we build around us can create barriers, not only for people with mobility issues, but also for people with many other types of disabilities such as hearing or vision impairment, or various types of learning disabilities. This Standard2 focuses on preventing the creation of barriers in public spaces to allow equal access to persons with a disability. This includes such spaces as outdoor eating and play spaces, trails and sidewalks, parking facilities, exterior ramps and paths of travel, and indoor service counters and waiting areas. u I { z ri„,_.. .mot .K•4'" CF _ ae I triat*:Mill' '-', -.:--- 1.- 4''. t.:, • V4,-.- Vg lik, - - t4 This lowered curb provides a level transition from the sidewalk to the road. The tactile indicator insert provides a warning for a person with vision loss. During the standards development process, a number of.recommendations were provided by stakeholders throughout the Province, including the City of Pickering, to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for possible inclusion in subsequent versions of the Ontario Building Code. 2 The Ontario Building Code (O8C), a separate piece of legislation, regulates most aspects of the construction of buildings and other structures within the.Province of Ontario. Prior to the development of accessibility standards under the AODA, the Ontario Building Code already included many provisions for accessibility. Page 8 of 27 20 • The Report Many of the activities included in the 2012-2016 Accessibility Plan are governed by Provincial legislation, particularly by the five (5) Accessibility Standards. These Standards, generally, provide guidelines for moving forward, towards the goal of full accessibility by 2025. In most cases they do not address the removal of existing barriers. - While the City has committed to meeting those Standards as it moves forward, it has also committed to identifying and removing existing barriers. This Report provides an annual snapshot of how the City of Pickering is meeting the legislated requirements, as well as other activities it has undertaken to improve accessibility within the City. The Report: General Training To achieve the goal of full accessibility by 2025, knowledge and understanding of the Standards is necessary for all staff as well as members of the public. Training is a primary component of the Standards. Through 2014, approximately 100 new employees and 40 new volunteers received training regarding the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, and the Integrated Accessibility Standards. Some of the City's staff also attended The Universal Design Forum in May at Georgian College. The Principles of Universal Design are used to guide the design of environments, products and communications so they are accessible for all without requiring any adaptive measures. Purchasing To ensure that all areas of the City's services and programs are as accessible as possible, all purchasing must be done with accessibility as a consideration. Additional guidelines were developed and provided for City staff, whether purchasing furniture, equipment, supplies, computer hardware or software or contracting for services. Page 9 of 27 21 The Report: Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy and Procedures The staff and volunteers of the City of Pickering and the Pickering Public Library consider good customer service to be an integral part of interactions with residents and participants in their various programs and activities. Council approved the City's revised Accessibility Policy in January 2014 and the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy was revised, approved, and presented to staff in April 2014. Service Disruptions When there are disruptions to any services or programs, notices are posted as soon as possible so that residents can plan accordingly. Notices are posted at the facility that is affected, as well as on the Program Cancellations & Service Disruptions page of the City of Pickering website. • Public Consultation " Staff members regularly consult with people who have a disability, as well as the Pickering Accessibility Advisory.Committee, as part of ongoing reviews of City policies, procedures, and training. Council has approved, and planning has begun for a public consultation process for.the development of a new accessible parking by-law for the City of Pickering. This process will allow residents and businesses to learn about parking requirements under the Design of Public Spaces Standard and to provide their input into how those may be implemented in the City. This process will begin in the spring of 2015. Assistive Devices In August 2013, the Canadian Hearing Society and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association used various areas of the Pickering Recreation Complex as sets in the creation of videos depicting good and bad customer service for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. These videos have now been released and are used as part of a broader awareness and training program funded by the EnAbling Change Program of the.Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. Page 10of27 22 In 2014, the City was also approved for a Federal Enabling Accessibility Fund grant to develop a program to introduce new technologies for improving communication with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the spring of 2015, various assistive listening devices will be introduced to the public in three (3) of the City's facilities, City Hall, Pickering Recreation Complex and the • Pickering Museum Village. The UbiDuo system provides a pair of keyboard and screen combinations to enable one-on-one communication. ; 4 Photo Canadian Hearing.Society The pocket-sized FM transmitter and receiver systems will allow a user who may have a hearing loss to individually control the volume on their receiver unit, making meetings, presentations and workshops easier to follow and understand. An FM communication system, with individual receiving units, has been available for several years in the City of Pickering Council Chamber for any individuals who are hard of hearing. Pickering Public Library - Special Needs Status In 2014, the Library established a "Special Needs Status" for users who have a disability. It acknowledges that a person with a disability may find it difficult to return library resources within the current lending periods. Applications for the service are available on the Library's website or at the Information Desk and must be signed by a health care practitioner. • Page 11 of 27 23 Programs The Culture & Recreation Department provides programs for a variety of ability needs. Adult 55+ programs include fitness programs adapted for maintaining and improving fitness levels and appropriate for adults 55 and older who may have some mobility difficulties. The Aquatics section continues to provide one-on-one programs for children with a disability, as well as the facilities for a volunteer organized, community based, learn-to-swim program for children with special needs. Over 300 people with a range of mobility issues benefited from the City's Aquafit programs. During the summer of 2014, the City of Pickering provided integrated day camp experiences for approximately 50 children with disabilities. Through the City's Integrated Services program, these children were provided with one-on-one camp staff support which enabled them to participate in a variety of camp programs. Integrated day camp programs were also offered during the March Break. All camp staff received practical training in how to support children with disabilities, plus High Five training which is specific to working with children. Two annual programs were also presented in partnership with local service organizations. • March 2014, with the Canadian Progress Club, Durham Region Women, the City of Pickering operated the Special Olympics Swim Meet, hosting 110 athletes. • October 2014, the Durham Region Police Children's Games provided a day-long, olympic-style event for children with physical disabilities. The Report: Information and Communications Standards Communicating in a way that is equally accessible to all Pickering residents is a priority for all City of Pickering and Pickering Public Library staff. Being able to information in variety of formats means that people with a provide infor ty communication disability can access that information as they need. Page 12 of 27 24 Those alternate formats are numerous and include such things as a large print version of the information, audio versions, Braille, or an electronic version that can be accessed using various types of screen reading technology. For any person who requires an alternate format because of a disability, contact information is provided on page 2 of this report. Creating documents in accessible formats is an ongoing focus for administrative staff members. One project resulted in approximately 40 fillable, online forms being created in 2014, replacing existing non-accessible forms. City staff have continued to develop manuals and training programs as well. A LiveCycle refresher training was held for key staff and development of training manuals for Accessible Forms Using LiveCycle Designer and Creating Accessible PowerPoint Presentations was begun. The Accessible Excel Training Manual was completed and uploaded to the City's Intranet as a further resource for all staff. These accessible document formats mean that information contained in them can be accessible through the City and Library websites,.or by other electronic means. The Pickering Public Library has collections in large print, audiobook and ebook formats. Through a partnership with the CNIB, the Library can provide resources in Braille or Daisy reader audio books. The Library also provides other resources in accessible formats, where they are available. As well as various alternate formats for information, the Library also provides communication supports such as: • Narrator— a program that reads aloud the text on your screen. • On-screen keyboard a program that let you use your mouse or other device to interact with a keyboard on the screen. The Report: Employment Standards The City of Pickering and the Pickering Public Library have both instituted policies and procedures with the goal of making all stages of the employment cycle accessible for people who have a disability. Through notices on employment.documents, on the website, and through training and orientation programs, both prospective and existing employees are Page 13 of 27 25 made aware that accommodations due to a disability are available upon request. Through 2014, Human Resources undertook the task of updating the City's Hiring Policy to reflect these changes. Human Resource staff work with employees who require an accommodation due to a disability, to develop individual accommodation plans. These plans are also integrated with each facility's emergency procedures. The Pickering Public Library continues to pro-actively provide external job postings to a local agency which administers the Ontario Workplace Inclusion Plan (OWIP). The Library receives applications and resumes from clients of the Program and has successfully hired staff as a result. In consultation with an employee, appropriate workplace accommodations are provided. The Report: Transportation Standards The City of Pickering is responsible for regulating the taxi industry within the municipality. In previous years, Municipal Law Enforcement Services (MLES) actively sought input from the public and the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding accessible taxi service. That input was used to determine an adequate proportion of accessible taxis to conventional vehicles, as well as to compare waiting times for both types of service. The MLES continues to monitor comments and complaints to determine when Is of service may be modifications to existing levels y required. q The City has also adopted regulations on how taxi service is to-be provided for persons with a disability. The Report: Design of Public Spaces (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment) The Design of Public Spaces (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment) came into effect on January 1, 2013. Compliance with the majority of the regulations, however, is not required until January 1, 2016. Throughout 2014, various departments in the City of Pickering with responsibility for implementing these Standards continued to plan for compliance with the Page 14 of 27 26 Standards. This process will develop procedures to ensure that full implementation of the Standards is in place by January 1 , 2016. In some instances, where specific technical standards are required, appropriate staff have already begun including them into the planning for future projects. Accessible parking requirements of the Standard have also been included in a proposed parking by-law which is under development. In November 2014, Council approved a public consultation process to gather input from the public and stakeholders into the final by-law. One of the new requirements is for the installation of Tactile Surface Indicators at curbs as a warning for anyone with a visual disability. The first installation in Pickering is at the Pickering Soccer Centre, shown on the cover. The first on a public throughfare is shown below. _ .h. ZZA - z aj may : Tactile Surface Indicator, metal tile type, Finch Avenue and Valley Farm Road Both Operations and Facilities staff are moving forward with the development of procedures that will ensure that any accessibility features in our facilities and. public spaces will be monitored, maintained and available for use. The Report: Built Environment, Accessibility Related Projects The five (5) Accessibility Standards provide the framework for how staff will move forward to create an accessible community. Together with the Ontario Building Code 2012, they provide a framework for ensuring that accessibility is Page 15of27 ' 27 part of the development of programs, services and physical facilities within the City of Pickering. The following series of charts describe built environment projects, in which the City was involved in 2013, that increased the level of access in some way. Parks & Trails a r T I]-.4' ' 3.1 1' 1".: *:—. ''''''*'t4 '.` s ''''1.1}1,,; 1. t� � r1 { r ' ` ' i' f p - r 4p,' �- i 'tt ^ y it 1. 11?‘ J,iyy',.,r b+ 1 rte. t �1 i� ,-,:.-12),1 ..-L,-_-.. i f, I i} % F 4,1' it t� { 6 '��^4 i 'x ae�-_ 1`12 - 1: f�At j>? 1';�y p�a .1 r e h'_ ,,L tI.,^,'-' . er.?. T' 1" '4`' .pa (T i t if. .1 ,!..e.-4,•La{^,.gyp',- N j2: t• ✓' r y 'L '''^7- a`'"I.. :- # , n ti; - r .2. ' tom'-.-�,. ,.i., f 11 I � t `A---1W-4,-; r Y, k4,11: acs. 'b a - : J_.j1, I I -r-r , I i i t t- '! ! ife;; 4.`q1"; ' r^� �'.' cif 7. y .W Yrt � tI 1.1- L. ,r'C�� lt..•rz .e' `y"i ''` t nI' -II ' I{ �,11 IF 33i 1 ^ ~ 1l t . �a A i !1- t• Illl I E4 ' 14 f., �-. ,� t - , \__� �i� ,1111' . , r i $2 *4t . 1,_,=,-.,,,-� ��. x � u :i1 g. i�w. c�. :�P�-ti~�.� .R ,y h. L, v. e. I - t .Ter'- 4 ky. J: -.-�. 40',,n'':"., • h jt • cc / , • Pedestrian bridge in Kinsmen Park Project Description Status/Comments Kinsmen Park Hard surface pathway Put in as a gravel walk in Pathway from field entrance to 2013 and paved in 2014 spectator area (photo below) Kinsmen Park Replace existing Installed in winter of 2014 pedestrian bridge pedestrian bridge Multi-use trail, Valley Refurbish existing trail Constructed in the Farm to Liverpool summer of 2014 and to be paved in 2015 II Page 16 of 27 28 s kEC j n- ?rim_ .ter` �- Y 7 s r P t• � r tT ' C ! cr �� . 1�'. TI it ..x., s .,r- -i s y,--,,,,;-.:::,..;,:,-.---1.-,.. 1 -4.tlr - 1'r s s 1 .K ,ce � - �;4- tig_ '`'\ ^-ii, r -4-L �4,Wi , iz, s r*_ s _ -_,----.:::,-.7e-",•-,:;.-, .'r'_ r a.,_, z r y ,� --- R — eFtG ^. w 0 ]�'r Paved pathway in Kinsmen Park • • Page 17 of 27 1 29 �I • The City of Pickering has implemented a program to improve access to sports fields for both participants and spectators. Each year, new pathways are added or paved, improving access for strollers, scooters, wheelchairs and equipment movement. t "-"raz.. a <' ,�-._.. - `s ""''h ',�. -,mss.--.-�'t- - ,, -k3.-�y."r' -.: a � f ^^r£4'`:•-7�* P :- ,,, ,,..„.. 'd� -ms's a•,:. "` wgx €t'..^� .a" R,r ra az r ..emu, ;.• a 3 ..- - �r � �.. " s "�... art s, `' : 2.,e , ". r ,—a .,_ ^y .�r° i 4 k ..+1,. .-? .:mac :3'." rT,t Paved pathway leading to the artificial turf playing field in Kinsmen Park Improvements to spectator areas provide a firm surface for mobility aids and allow integration of people with wheelchairs or scooters with other spectators. . � � y ,.s aim " sool ' .. .sue«�... _ Space allotment for wheelchair or scooter users, Kinsmen Park Page 18 of 27 30 I The winner for Celebrating Sustainable Neighbourhoods Community Enhancement Project for 2013 was Dunbarton Secondary School's Environmental Council's plan for a water-efficient pollinator garden. Installation of the garden took place in 2014 in Ernie Stroud Park. Although the garden's purpose was to showcase the use of native plants in creating a sustainable garden, special care was also taken to make the garden accessible for scooters, strollers and wheelchairs. Facilities City Hall Project Description Status/Comments Installation of new fire 2 stage system with System installed and panel auditory and visual alarm tested. components, as well as voice instruction. Installation of Installation of contrasting Complete contrasting grip strips grip strips on the main on stairway stairway at City Hall for improved visibility and safety. 3 G' � x u h ii , -}r sW 4y., ti'" ' .5,4.- qc! g T-1 y fi . , F Tp' _ j t ,yam. tt 'tom s�53 ' " 4 a u Page 19 of 27 31 Pickering Recreation Complex Project Description Status/Comments Replace portable New portable stage Purchased in 2014 stage components purchased, including access ramp with railings Benches, public Replacement of one wall Completed in 2014 change rooms bench in both male and female change rooms with wider benches and grab bars for better stability and safety West Shore Community Centre Project Description Status/Comments Emergency exit ramp Installation of ramp with Completed in 2014 railings at the south emergency exit. Don Beer Arena Project Description Status/Comments Viewing Platform Fabricate a portable Fabrication completed in viewing platform with 2014 ramp Pickering Soccer Centre • Project Description Status/Comments Pickering Soccer Construction of an Indoor Construction completed in Centre Soccer facility. 2014 Design complies with the AODA standards and has been endorsed by the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Page 20 of 27 32 Claremont Community Centre • Project Description Status/Comments Install power door Install power door Completed in 2014 operators operators for entry doors to the Library and Seniors' areas. Parking lot Final paving and lining of Completed in 2014 improvements parking lot, accessible parking spaces Pickering Public Library Project Description Status/Comments Elevator replacement Replace the existing Installed and operational. elevator to include current Finish details to be requirements for completed. accessibility, visual, auditory and tactile features. Project Planning Project Description Status/Comments Municipal Operations Planning and consultation Design complies with the Centre for replacing the existing AODA standards and has operations centre with a been endorsed by the new facility on Clements Accessibility Advisory Road Committee. Construction to begin in 2015. Counter replacement Design work for Construction projected for at Pickering replacement of reception 2017 Recreation Complex and registration counters, use of space Page 21 of 27 33 The Report: Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee The Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee (PAAC) was established in 2003 as one of the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA). It is composed of up to twelve (12) citizen appointees, half of whom must be people with a disability, plus one (1) Council representative. . As community representatives, the Committee members bring a variety of knowledge, skills and experience with disability and accessibility issues. These provide valuable insight for their deliberations and recommendations. The Committee's responsibilities include: • Advising Council about the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of its accessibility plan. • Advising Council on the accessibility for persons with a disability to a building, structure or premises, or part of a building, structure or premises, that Council purchases, constructs, renovates, leases or which is provided to the Municipality as a capital facility. • Reviewing site plans and drawings described in Section 41 of the Planning Act. Members of the Committee participated in training on the specific requirements of Provincial accessibility and building code legislation to keep their knowledge current. Regular meetings with their counterparts in other municipalities also provided additional background on current issues throughout the Region. Although the City's Five Year Accessibility Plan is developed and revised largely by departmental staff, the PAAC reviews the Plan and has had specific input on the Built Environment portion. The PAAC reviewed and commented on fifteen (15) site plan applications for construction and major renovations of commercial plazas, industrial buildings, institutional sites, subdivision sites and individual commercial developments throughout the City. Page22of27 34 Site issues on which the Committee commented include; • barrier-free paths of travel, separate from traffic lanes • adequate accessible parking spaces • location and configuration of accessible parking spaces in relation to buildings and traffic lanes • emergency evacuation considerations and planning • provision of accessible and visitable housing features Although not generally part of a site plan application review, the Committee also made comments and requests regarding the accessibility of interior features; • barrier-free washroom features • space allowance in seating areas to accommodate people using *mobility devices • power door operators and automatic doors • use of door opening hardware that doesn't require grasping to operate The Ontario Building Code (OBC) regulates construction of buildings throughout the Province. The Committee presented a resolution to City Council specifically regarding the need for increased accessibility.in new construction of single- family homes. As a result, Council sent a request to the Ministry of.Municipal Affairs and Housing to consider the requirement of barrier-free door openers for single family construction during the next regular review of the Ontario Building Code. To raise awareness of accessibility issues within the development industry, the • Committee prepared the brochure Accessibility is Good for Business to make the case for including Universal Design, accessibility and visitability when planning business projects. The Committee also updated their general information brochure which is available at all City facilities. Improving awareness of accessibility issues within the municipality has been a primary goal of the Committee. The Committee took part in several events throughout the year, sponsoring the duo of Morrison Hawkes onstage at Canada Day, and Ellenor Hamill, artist, and Marlene Kidd, art therapist, at Artfest, 2014. Page 23 of 27 35 - d 4 � `r�' �• �� fit; .vp r sd' 1 11 a Photo courtesy Morrison Hawkes Acknowledgements Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee The Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee (PAAC) is a team of volunteers and advocates dedicated to promoting awareness of accessibility issues in the community. It provides input and recommendations regarding those issues to City Council. The Committee also reviews site plan applications and provides comments and recommendations to ensure accessibility requirements are met at the design stage of developments within the City of Pickering. Along with City Staff, they take part in the development and review of the City's Accessibility Plan and the Annual Report on Accessibility. Page 24 of 27 36 . } f , , ,a 3 'a` F `�t .. °,7_ qty _ �;. .xw4, x r � tie _, ^. ip 4111YIj l .v tea 3k,'� t :1`,:`, t =t s t L, 0,-- r.' rs'4W .r3.- , , ` ' ,tai � ` -... i ' . •_k -i t,`Y r. _ ''''' s vi,..., Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee, 2010-2014: sitting; Sue Wilkinson, standing l-r; Keith Falconer, Don Tierney, Tanya Logan, Doodnauth Sharma, Maurice Brenner, Dave Marlowe (staff). Absent; Terry Arvisais, Peter Bashaw, Aisha Heywood-Delpeache, Pauline McCafferty, Councillor Jennifer O'Connell Core Staff Accessibility Committee Each member of the Core Staff Accessibility Committee represents a department or service across the organization. Through regular meetings this committee is kept informed of legislative information and resources. Members also bring expertise in their respective areas which adds to the collective knowledge for implementing the City's accessibility initiatives. These representatives ensure that departmental staff is kept informed of accessibility issues. They are key to how each department develops and implements policies and procedures for accessibility in their activities. In conjunction with the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee, they develop and review the City's Accessibility Plan and the Annual Report on Accessibility. Marisa Carpino, Director, Culture & Recreation John Hagg, Fire Chief , Page 25 of 27 . 37 Kathy Williams, Director of Public Services, Pickering Public Library Judy Hodgson, Division Head, City Administration Darrell Selsky, Manager, Capital Projects & Infrastructure Nilesh Surti, Manager, Development Review & Urban Design Kim Thompson, Manager, By-Law Enforcement Services Don Woolley, (Acting) Manager, Operations & Fleet Services Sharon Milton, Supervisor, Recreation Services • Vince Plouffe, Supervisor, Facilities Operations Dave Marlowe, Accessibility Coordinator Alison Mitchell, Employment & Compensation Specialist Definitions • The definitions provided are those used in the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. barrier — means anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communication barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a practice; ("obstacle") disability — means a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device, Page 26 of 27 38 b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability, c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language, d) a mental disorder, or e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; ("handicap") • Page 27 of 27 39