Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 16, 2015 Page 1 of 5 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee September 16, 2015 7:00 pm Pickering Recreation Complex, Program Room #2 Attendees: P. Bashaw M. Brenner A. Doucette C. Morrison S. Wilkinson S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Guests: I. Janton, Planner II – Site Planning Absent: T. Arvisais D. Hughes Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introduction T. Higgins welcomed everyone and opened the meeting by introducing himself as the new Accessibility Coordinator for the City of Pickering, providing a brief outline of his background. Introductions were made around the table. 2. Approval of Minutes Moved by C. Morrison Seconded by A. Doucette That the June 10, 2015 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved. Carried 3. Business Arising from minutes 3.1) Work Plan Updates T. Higgins noted this will be brought forward in October for discussion and updates at that time. T. Higgins to action Page 2 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 3.2) Site Plan Application Review – Update I. Janton appeared before the Committee and provided the following updates regarding applications previously reviewed by the Committee;  Altona Road Subdivision – Committee comments have been forwarded to the developer  Pickering Town Centre – the Beer Store is applying for a variance application to reduce the setback from the street  Committee comments have been forwarded to the developer for implementation A question and answer period ensued with concerns being noted for a lack of feedback regarding comments submitted. T. Higgins noted he would follow up in this regard. I. Janton reviewed the requirements under the Building Code with members. Further discussion ensued with respect to the submission of Committee comments. I Janton advised that she could scan and forward the comments received to the members as a follow up. It was felt that comments from the Committee were equally important compared to other commenting agencies in order to assure accessibility compliance. 1095 Kingston Road – TASCO I. Janton provided an overview through the aid of a power point presentation, with respect to a site plan application received for TASCO. She outlined the location and stated there were five accessible parking spots allotted. She also noted that plans were to widen the existing ramp, as well as extend it all the way across and over to the current Ashley Furniture store. By doing this, one accessible parking space would be relocated. Members noted the following concerns with respect to this application;  Safety concerns with trucks turning into the loading zone  The distance from cars over to the ramp  Have to proceed through the flow of traffic when existing vehicles to get to the ramp  Swinging door opening onto the walkway – safety hazard as it opens onto the walkway right in front of a set of T. Higgins to action I. Janton to action Page 3 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) stairs – it was recommended that this be replaced with a sliding door  Consider a separate ramp for Ashley Furniture – I. Janton noted this was not an option as it currently has a loading zone and garbage bins  It was questioned whether the back of the building could be standardized for loading and the front for pedestrians It was suggested that the City reach out to find more creative solutions to provide safety for accessible residents. It was also questioned whether the Committee would be commenting on the interior as well. I. Janton noted this would be brought back to the Committee once more detailed floor plans were received. She also stated she would be reviewing design options with the architect. Further discussion ensued regarding the interior of the building, and it was questioned whether a lift would be installed by the stairs. It was also questioned whether this would be operated by the individuals or if they would require assistance from employees. Questions were also raised regarding fire alarms and what the procedure would be should one go off. 3.3) APBT Lunch ‘N Learn Update S. Bernardo informed members that a date has been confirmed for the Lunch ‘N Learn for December 3rd at Ajax Downs. Sara White has been confirmed as guest speaker. S. Bernardo explained her role with respect to accessibility legislation, and noted she usually holds a workshop at the end of the session. The timeframe would be approximately 1 1/2 hours. S. Bernardo noted he would be contacting Louie DiPalma from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce as a possible addition to the session. He noted Mr. Depalma works with providing businesses with a better understanding of hiring people with disabilities, which could be another component of the Lunch ‘N Learn. P. Bashaw noted the Federal Government has an Opportunities Fund available to subsidize businesses who hire persons with disabilities. This is a great incentive to businesses as well, providing them with incentives to modify their workplace. He noted he could pass along contact information to S. Bernardo to further inquire about The Opportunities Fund. I. Janton to action S. Bernardo to action P. Bashaw to action Page 4 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Discussion also ensued about the possibilities to promote Accessibility Committees from across the Region at the Lunch ‘N Learn by having a booth as well. S. Bernardo also noted they would be promoting the event through a newsletter. S. Bernardo noted the possibility of members participating in networking functions, but noted there was a nominal fee involved. It was noted that the Accessibility Committee has a budget available. P. Bashaw noted that Durham Region also runs an employment networking session in Oshawa, which runs a workshop on employing persons with disabilities in the workplace, and encouraged members to attend whenever opportunities arise. 3.4) 2014 Accessibility Progress Report Draft 5 Year Accessibility Plan T. Higgins asked that members review the above noted reports prior to the October meeting, stating any comments could be forwarded to him electronically. P. Bashaw noted the need for implementation with respect to the plans. M. Brenner requested that staff look into having a delegation from Human Resources at the City attend a meeting to discuss employment strategies with respect to the hiring of persons with disabilities. Some areas for discussion were noted as follows:  Development of a strategy for employment inclusion  Advertising for available positions at the City  Does the City reach out to CNIB or other agencies  Does the City currently employ members from the disabled community It was noted that municipalities would be best to accommodate persons with disabilities in the workplace, and would set an example for the private sector. S. Wilkinson noted she would be bringing forward a list of locations of curb cuts that need repair. She will also provide this list to customer care at the City. All members to action Page 5 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Discussion ensued regarding the City’s parking by-law. Members questioned how the consultation process would work and the sharing of information. It was noted that the accessible parking around City Hall was in need of improvements. It was also questioned how the Committee’s recommendations regarding accessible parking standards would be forwarded to the public. T. Higgins asked that members forward their comments to him and he will provide feedback to staff. It was requested that staff be invited to a meeting to discuss the parking by-law, and that this be placed on the next agenda. T. Higgins to action L. Roberts to action 4. Other Business 4.1) Community Events P. Bashaw noted that community events needed to be planned well in advance if the Committee were to participate. T. Higgins suggested a list of upcoming City events could be forwarded to the members on a monthly basis in order to determine participation by the Committee. It was suggested that dates be assigned for tracking purposes at each meeting. 4.2) Durham Region Joint Accessibility Forum T. Higgins provided members with information on the Durham Region Joint Accessibility Forum being held on Wednesday, September 23rd at the Regional offices in Whitby, encouraging members to attend. Information had been previously forwarded electronically. T. Higgins to action 5. Next Meeting: October 14, 2015 Pickering Recreation Complex Program Room #2 Meeting Adjourned: 9:00 pm Copy: City Clerk