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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 8, 2016 Page 1 of 7 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee March 8, 2016 7:00 pm Pickering Recreation Complex O’Brien Room Attendees: S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade D. Hughes S. Wilkinson T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Guests: D. Selsky, Manager, Capital Projects & Infrastructure V. Plouffe, Supervisor, Facilities Operations K. Williams, Director of Public Services, Pickering Public Library Absent: P. Bashaw A. Doucette C. Morrison Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introduction T. Higgins welcomed everyone to the meeting. 2. Approval of Minutes The January 13, 2016 minutes were not approved due to lack of quorum. 3. New Business 3.1) Disability Tax Clinic K. Williams, Director of Public Services, Pickering Public Library was present to provide details on the Disability Tax Clinic. She noted it is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 2nd from 9 am to 5 pm and will be located in the Civic Complex, in front of the Council Chambers. She stated that registration began today and out of 40 spots available, 13 registrations have been received. It was noted that some restrictions apply for those registering. Discussion ensued and it was suggested that this would be a good opportunity to consult with the disabled community on: Page 2 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) the accessibility-related renovations planned for the Civic Complex, including the Council Chambers; and, the new Parking by-law. Also discussed was the possibility of holding the Disability Tax clinic as an annual event. T. Higgins thanked K. Williams and the Library staff for their leadership and assistance in organizing the event as well as the Committee members for their December 2015 recommendation that gave rise to this initiative. 3.2) Standard Operating Procedures Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment D. Selsky appeared before the Committee to provide an update on the five Standard Operating Procedures for the Built Environment which have been prepared by A. Mostert. He stated that A. Mostert met or exceeded the legislated requirements in preparing these documents and provided the following details and next steps;  Five documents consist of accessibility standards for outdoor play spaces, exterior path of travel (sidewalks), outdoor public use eating areas, recreation trails and beach access routes  Documents have been reviewed by the Accessibility Core Staff Team at the City  documents will be forwarded to Committee members tomorrow for review and comment  Final approval is granted by CAO  Once approved, training and orientation can begin  Committee comments are important, as plans are to begin implementation this Spring T. Higgins requested that members provide their comments within one week from receiving the documents for review. 3.3) Parking By-law Consultation Update D. Selsky appeared before the Committee to provide an update on the parking by-law, noting all information regarding the Accessible Parking Project will be on the website, which is expected to launch within the next two weeks. He noted the following ways in which it will be promoted;  City’s website  Media release All members to action Page 3 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)  Community page for 3 consecutive weeks  City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts  Library and Museum social media accounts  Through Durhamregion.com (paid media ads)  Your City, Right now newsletter – going out the end of March D. Selsky noted that he would advise the Committee once the website goes live, and stated that open houses would be scheduled following the website launch. He also noted there will be questions on the website as well, noting they were designed based on input from the Accessibility Committee discussions at the November meeting. D. Selsky noted the importance of public feedback. A discussion ensued with D. Hughes suggesting an open house be held to coincide with an already scheduled event such as Ribfest. He noted a booth could be set up such as was done during Artfest, as these events attract more people. It was also noted that flyers could be made available at the Civic Centre as well as on handi-transit. T. Higgins advised that he would forward documents for the AAC members to review. 3.4) Site Plan Review I. Janton appeared before the Committee and through the aid of a projected presentation, provided the following three site plans for review and comment; 2585 Brock Road I. Janton provided an overview of the application for 2585 Brock Road, requesting rezoning to allow for mixed use commercial with residential dwellings on the top floors. She explained the dwellings would consist of 104 stacked back to back townhouse units with underground parking. The Committee provided the following comments;  Safety is not being considered (i.e. snow clearing – nowhere to place the snow)  At least one quadrant should be designated with accessibility in mind  Strongly opposed to application as no consideration is T. Higgins to action Page 4 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) given to accessibility  Point out lack of accessibility in report as the applicant requires rezoning from a fully accessible design to a fully non-accessible design.-  Sets bad precedent for future development Marshall Homes I. Janton provided an overview of the Marshall Homes application located at the southeast corner of Valley Farm and Highway 2. She noted this is a narrow site with an urban feel. The Committee provided the following comments;  Application shows no regard for accessibility  A portion of the development should have accessibility components  The only available units that could be made somewhat accessible are at the far end of the development from the parking lot 905 Lounge I. Janton provided an overview of the proposed application located at the Dillingham/Quigley site opposite the Don Beer Arena. She noted the applicant is proposing a patio area in the back portion of the parking lot. She noted that the existing restaurant is accessible, complies with zoning and has two accessible parking spaces next to the entrance. The Committee provided the following comments;  Could an additional accessible parking space be added by the exterior door to patio?  Could the existing accessible parking spaces be enhanced to bring up to current AODA parking standards? T. Higgins advised he would forward I. Janton Ontario’s new accessible parking requirements. 3.4) Council Chamber Renovations Update V. Plouffe appeared before the Committee, providing members with a conceptual floor plan outlining the four main areas for renovation. He noted that staff consultation has been T. Higgins to action Page 5 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) completed, and the City will be proceeding with retaining a consultant. He outlined the four main components, to be completed in priority sequence, noting the following  washroom renovations to be completed first  customer care will be barrier free  Council Chambers will be one level with more effective accessibility and viewing  Will take advantage of existing doors  Will address security issues in the vestibule leading to Council/senior staff office area  Improvements to accessibility of counters  Possibly create additional meeting room Discussion ensued with the Committee being supportive of the renovations as proposed. V. Plouffe advised members that he would continue to provide updates. 3.5) Delaney Rink Tour V. Plouffe led members on a tour of the Delaney Rink, highlighting proposed renovations to the upper and lower areas. 4 Business Arising 4.1) Update on Committee Composition T. Higgins and L. Roberts provided members with an update on filling the current vacancies on the committee. L. Roberts noted the advertising will continue in the paper as well as the City’s website until the deadline for submissions of March 18th. T. Higgins noted plans to upgrade the Committee to the full complement of 10 citizen appointments, if possible, to allow more flexibility. 4.2) 2015 Report and 2016 Work Plan Discussion ensued with respect to the submission of the 2015 Report and 2016 Work Plan. It was suggested that members consider appearing as a delegation to present when the report goes forward, possibly in May. Page 6 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 4.3) Civic Awards T. Higgins noted that three nominations for the Access Award for Disability Issues were put forward. 4.4) Accessible Housing Discussion ensued with respect to how best to approach Council for support in dedicating a percentage of housing for accessibility. T. Higgins noted this would be on the April agenda for further discussion. 4.5) Curb Cuts S. Wilkinson and D. Selsky reviewed ongoing plans for curb cut remediation and agreed that significant progress had been made. 4.5) Future Items List T. Higgins noted the following items for future agendas;  TTY alternatives  Durham Region Transit – appeals process is improving – discussed possibility of having a representative attend and do a presentation  “Access Now” – an app showing / promoting public and commercial sites that are accessible as well as flagging those that are not. The app’s data is populated by the residents who rate the accessibility of community sites. To consider possibility to promote use of this app in Pickering. T. Higgins to action 5 Correspondence 5.1) T. Higgins noted correspondence had been received by the City from the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (the Regulator) inquiring about the City’s 5 year plan for accessibility and requesting evidence to confirm Pickering’s AODA compliance. T. Higgins noted that the City was able to respond that it had met the AODA requirements. T. Higgins stated that he could provide members with details if requested. Page 7 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 6 Other Business 5.1) S. Bernardo advised that the Ajax Board of Trade recently had Mark Wafer as a guest speaker, owner of three Tim Hortons. He noted that Mr. Wafer’s focus was on the benefits of hiring residents from the disabled community. It was suggested that the Committee contact Durham Region to encourage them to host a similar event, noting a large venue would be required. D. Hughes also noted that Autism Ontario could sponsor such an event. S. Bernardo noted he would forward contact information to T. Higgins. S. Bernardo to action 7 Next Meeting: Wednesday April 13, 2016 Main Committee Room Meeting Adjourned: 9:30 pm Copy: City Clerk