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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 13, 2016 Page 1 of 7 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee April 13, 2016 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: P. Bashaw S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade A. Doucette E. Fulton D. Hughes V. Ronaldi M. Thorpe Ross J. Whynot S. Wilkinson S. Zeco T. Higgins, Staff Representative T. Barnett, Senior Planner – Site Planning S. Milton, Supervisor, Recreation Services L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: C. Morrison Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introduction T. Higgins welcomed members and staff guests to the meeting. 2. Team building / orientation with new Committee Members T. Higgins congratulated the 5 newly-appointed members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee: Edward Fulton, Vincenza Ronaldi, Megan Thorpe Ross, Jeannette Whynot and Sanjin Zeco. T. Higgins noted that 9 nominations had been received as a consequence of the City’s public request for new members due to 2 vacancies that had arisen on the Committee in recent months. In light of the strong qualifications of the nominees, Council appointed 5 new members to the Committee bringing its total to the authorized complement of 10. Various key documents, including the City of Pickering Five Year Accessibility Plan 2016-2020, were shared with the new Members by way of initial orientation. Page 2 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Self-introductions were made around the table to begin the team-building process. In conclusion, T. Higgins observed the formidable breadth and depth of accessibility experience, expertise and enthusiasm now represented on the expanded Committee and challenged the new team to consult and collaborate to enhance inclusion and accessibility in the City of Pickering going forward. For logistical reasons a group photo of the expanded Committee was deferred to a subsequent meeting. D. Hughes to action. 3. Review and approval of Agenda By consensus, the Agenda was approved with minor changes to the planned sequence of presentations. 4. Approval of Minutes Moved by A. Doucette That the January 13, 2016 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Moved by S. Wilkinson That the March 8, 2016 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 5. Business Arising From Minutes T. Higgins notes that all action items identified in the approved minutes had been appropriately addressed or were in progress towards completion. 6. New Business 6.1) Site Plan Review T. Barnett appeared before the members to provide an overview and walkthrough from an accessibility perspective of the following site plan applications: San Francisco by the Bay T. Barnett outlined the location of the proposed development, Page 3 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) providing details on the various phases, noting sales had gone well in the first phase. He noted the proposed third phase of the development consists of a third tower with three storey stacked units, which will complete the site. He noted the plans did not provide for a lot of accessibility, with units being stair-based as they are laid out on four levels. He did indicate there would be accessible parking underground. Comments from the Committee are noted as follows:  Could developer be encouraged to incorporate a 1.5 metre access aisle between parking rows?  Why have accessible parking spaces if the building is not accessible?  Should incorporate controls to maintain availability to those who need it.  Accessibility of the interior units questioned – T. Barnett noted this is governed under the Ontario Building Code.  Sufficient space in front of building for buses? Discussion ensued and it was agreed that the Committee should encourage accessibility among developers as well as under the Ontario Building Code. It was agreed that, notwithstanding specific compliance dates set out in Ontario law, that the Committee should encourage developers to consider compliance sooner rather than later. Averton Development T. Barnett provided an overview of the Averton Development on Brock Road North. He advised that the first phase of the development has been approved and sold. He stated the second phase of the development proposes a townhouse development with four types of units, indicating this was not an accessible design. He noted that the third phase proposes an apartment component, which would allow for more accessibility with elevators and full accessible parking spaces. T. Barnett outlined the various unit styles for members. The following comments were noted:  Questioned the depth requirement for entry stairs  Are stairs clearly marked for those with sight impairments  Can accessibility requirements be influenced through zoning Page 4 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) T. Barnett noted that the City Development department has a checklist for site visits to enable the inspectors to assess the accessibility aspects. He also indicated that in previous years, the Committee had created a pamphlet for developers on accessible housing. It was suggested that this be brought forward and copies be provided for the next meeting. 6.2) Canada Day S. Milton appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of the Canada Day events scheduled for July 1st at Kinsmen Park. She outlined the location and parking for the event, explaining shuttles will be running from noon until the end of the event from OPG parking lots, utilizing fully accessible transit buses. S. Milton indicated that limited accessible parking is an issue, but the Committee was working to find solutions this year. She noted last year there were 30 accessible parking spaces out of 150 and stated they were increasing the number for this year. She also noted difficulty due to the fact there is only one way in and one way out of the area. S. Milton informed members that the City has a large committee working on an event manual to address accessibility issues. In conclusion, she noted they were very open to taking suggestions from Committee members to help make this event accessible for all residents. Discussion ensued and it was questioned whether the number of specialized transit buses could be increased for special events. S. Milton noted that there are costs incurred for buses at this event, as they are not part of their regular route. She noted that Durham Transit buses are all accessible and clarified that these are not the specialized transit buses which provide door to door service. T. Higgins advised that accessible pathways will connect everything this year for the first time to improve accessibility. He also noted that the parking by-law consultation process is underway and that this was a good opportunity to update the by-law with the inclusion of providing additional temporary accessible parking at special events. He also noted that the proposed changes to the by-law are on the City’s website and that the City is seeking feedback from residents to ensure appropriate accessible parking spaces are incorporated. He encouraged members to review and provide feedback as well. T. Higgins/L. Roberts to action Page 5 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 6.3) Accessible Housing T. Higgins noted this would be an ongoing item on future agendas, stating this was a good opportunity to influence a more accessible community with developers, in particular with the Seaton development. Discussion ensued with members questioning how best to connect builders and the City to address accessible housing. It was suggested that research into what other municipalities as well as the U.S. are doing in this regard. T. Higgins noted that in going forward, it may be a good idea to form sub-committees to conduct the research. It was also noted that it may be helpful to hear from developers on what is holding them back from providing more accessible housing and to possibly consider some form of incentives for developers. It was also questioned whether consideration could be given to broaden the scope of requirements under the building code and what could be done to ensure mandatory accessibility in the downtown core. 6.4) AAC Report and Plan T. Higgins noted he was preparing the 2015 Report and 2016 Work Plan to present to Council. He stated this would be a good opportunity for members to present to Council. He stated he would provide members with a draft for comment prior to the next meeting. 6.5) TTY Alternatives T. Higgins advised members that the TTY methods previously provided by the City of Pickering were not being used by residents. He stated the City of Oshawa has conducted a detailed analysis of TTY and has replaced it with online chat following consultation and Council decision. It was suggested that the Committee review Oshawa’s study as well as research what other municipalities are doing. T. Higgins indicated that he would forward a copy of Oshawa’s study out to members and encouraged everyone to think of alternatives in order to find effective accommodations. T. Higgins to action Page 6 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Moved by V. Ronaldi Seconded by A. Doucette That the Accessibility Advisory Committee pursue research and study alternative methods to replace the current TTY system. Carried 6.6) Upcoming Events and Future Agenda Items T. Higgins provided an overview on the future agenda items listing and encouraged members to advise him of any additional items to be added for discussion. V. Ronaldi noted she would like to include the lack of sidewalks on main roads such as Kingston Road to the agenda items list for future discussions. T. Higgins noted that he would like to invite representatives from Durham Region Transit to attend a future meeting. T. Higgins to action 7. Correspondence T. Higgins noted he had received two items of correspondence which he would forward electronically to members T. Higgins to action 8. Other Updates and Business 5.1) Tax Clinic T. Higgins provided an update on the Tax Clinic which had been initiated by the Accessibility Committee and was held on April 2nd. He noted the event was well attended and provided a great service to the community. 5.2) Pickering 101 Highlights S. Wilkinson provided an update on the Pickering 101 program. She noted that this was a free event which consisted of seven sessions with approximately 25 residents in attendance. She stated that the various presentations from City staff covered a wide range of information on the City. She noted this was a great event and would most likely be run again. 6.3) Civic, Regional and Other Awards T. Higgins noted that three nominations had been put forward for the Civic Awards hosted by the City of Pickering. He also Page 7 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) noted a submission had been put forward for the David C. Onley award as well, stating a decision is still pending. Nominations for Regional Accessibility awards are due for the end of June. He encouraged members to watch for opportunities for other awards, or potential nominations. 6.4) Partial Repeal of Ontarians with Disabilities Act T. Higgins noted that he had forwarded members an email with a copy of an analysis of the partial repeal of the Ontarians With Disabilities Act (ODA). He provided members with an overview of the intent of the repeal, which basically was intended to eliminate the overlap with the Accessibilty for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) in order to avoid any confusion and duplicate work. 6.5) AccessNow App T. Higgins provided a brief overview of an AccessNow app.. He explained the app is publicly populated and rated by residents. It identifies places that are accessible as well as those that are not. He encouraged members to provide any comments to him on this app. 9. Next Meeting: Wednesday May 11, 2016 Main Committee Room Meeting Adjourned: 9:15 pm Copy: City Clerk