HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 14, 2016
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Minutes/Meeting Summary
Accessibility Advisory Committee
September 14, 2016
7:00 pm Main Committee Room
Attendees: P. Bashaw
A. Doucette V. Ronaldi T. Higgins, Staff Representative N. Emery, Traffic Coordinator I. Janton, Planner II – Site Planning
L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade E. Fulton D. Hughes
M.Thorpe Ross J. Whynot S. Wilkinson Guests: Larry Noonan, Chairman, Altona Forest Stewardship Committee
Jim Ball
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1. Welcome & Introduction
T. Higgins welcomed everyone to the meeting. Due to a lack of
quorum, the minutes from the June 9th meeting were not
approved.
2. New Business
2.1) Presentation – Photograph Repository
T. Higgins welcomed Larry Noonan, from the Altona Forest
Stewardship Committee, who was in attendance to provide a presentation on the Altona Forest and Rouge National Park. Through the aid of a slide show, Mr. Noonan provided members
with a number of photographs depicting the numerous flora and
fauna, wildlife, the numerous species of birds as well as ponds found throughout the Altona and Rouge Parks. He stated they are currently working on a photograph repository to feature the various trails in order to enable residents who cannot make it
out to, or access the trails, to be able to enjoy these public
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natural resources. He stated they are encouraging accessibility on the trails, and by conducting virtual hikes, they hope to determine the levels of difficulty with respect to accessibility on
the trails. He also noted that they are encouraging residents to submit their photos as well for the repository. A discussion period ensued with the following comments and questions noted;
Is the area protected from development?
TRCA oversees the park
Currently not very accessible
Could pathways be paved?
Paving could be detrimental
Discussed use of alternative surface materials to enable accessibility on pathways
Trying to make a connection from parking lot to
boardwalk
Plans to present to the City’s management group in order to pursue a virtual model of the park’s natural spaces
Catalogue trails and make available through the Pickering Library
Are any tours conducted for the disabled residents?
In the Rouge National Park, they are trying to encourage canoe, bus and car hikes
Possibility of having accessible rental vehicles available
for use in the parks
T. Higgins noted that this item would be on future agendas for on going discussions.
2.2) Parking By-law Update
Nathan Emery, Traffic Coordinator, was present to provide an update on the status of the Parking By-law, advising that the purpose of amending the current by-law was to bring it up to Ontario regulations. He noted that public consultation had
begun, stating that through various City events, they had provided information to residents. He also noted information was posted on the City website as well as in the local newspaper. He stated that through feedback received, the consistent response seemed to be the abuse of accessible
parking spaces. Mr. Emery provided members with copies of the draft by-law, noting that the major changes were highlighted within the document.
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Discussion period ensued with the following comments;
Include temporary accessible parking
Changes needed for easier enforcement
How will the by-law be enforced?
Partner with By-law department in going forward
City events such as Canada Day and Ribfest were utilized as a pilot project for temporary accessible
parking
Stressed the importance of event planning
Steps have already been taken on the Esplanade North
to install tactile warning plates and curb cuts
Should consider an additional allotment for the number of accessible parking spaces in commercial areas if the offices include a doctor’s office or medical building
Are drop off zones being addressed?
Possibility of producing brochures in plain language on accessible parking
N. Emery noted plans to bring the amended by-law forward to Council in November. T. Higgins encouraged members to advise him by Monday of any further comments.
2.3) Site Plans
I. Janton provided members with the following site plan applications for review and comment;
1635 Bayly Street
I. Janton provided an overview of the site plan application for 1635 Bayly Street for a proposed Harvey’s drive thru restaurant. She provided background information on the
location as well as access, floor plans and parking areas. She
noted that the accessible parking spot is located away from the line of traffic. Comments were noted as follows:
Will there be a drop off zone?
Concerns over the distance from the accessible parking spot to the door
Surplus to allow for an additional accessible spot closer to the door
Visibility of pathways for safety should be considered
Possibility of making the island smaller with curbs on
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both sides
Accessibility of seating areas within the establishment –
consider true accessibility when planning seating areas, such as table heights
1741 Fairport Road
I. Janton provided an overview of the site plan application for 1741 Fairport Road, stating the development would consist of 9 single dwelling detached units with 2 storeys Comments were noted as follows:
Encourage builder to consider private options to create a more accessible residential living space
534 Rodd Avenue
I. Janton provided an overview of the site plan application for 534 Rodd Avenue. She stated plans to add onto the existing retirement home with an additional 60 rooms over 5 storeys. She noted the accessible parking areas and outlined the
elevations. She stated there were good amenities in the area
and noted the addition will merge aesthetically with the existing exterior materials. Comments are noted as follows:
Members noted the importance of appropriate drop off zones to allow for emergency vehicles as well
Members felt the washroom areas could be more
spacious
Questioned whether the turning radius would accommodate wheelchairs on the interior rooms
Questioned the need for bathtubs in the units
Members felt 2 elevators would not be sufficient, particularly during meal hours
Need to be made aware of accessibility issues
Claremont Public School
I. Janton provided members with an overview of the site plan application which is proposing an addition to the Claremont Public School. She noted that the building is of historical significance, and stated that there are plans to retain a portion of the façade in order to preserve a portion of the building due
to its heritage value. She indicated that the addition would
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merge with the existing structure, providing an outline of the new footprint which included additional parking. She also noted that the building would house a daycare centre.
Comments and questions are noted as follows:
Will there be a secure, accessible outdoor play area?
Will daycare and students be in separate areas by age groups?
Plans should include one additional accessible parking
space for the junior school
Ensure drop off zones
Consider alternate route in and out
T. Higgins noted that the balance of agenda items would be brought forward in October, indicating that a presentation was in the works with respect to Accessible Housing.
3. Correspondence
T. Higgins informed members that Sanjin Zeco has tendered his
resignation as he will be moving out of Pickering.
4. Other Business
3.1) V. Ronaldi advised the Committee of her concerns with the Accessible Taxi-cabs. She noted very unkempt conditions
within the vehicles as well as safety concerns. T. Higgins thanked Ms. Ronaldi for bringing forward her concerns and noted that this would be looked into.
3.2) T. Higgins advised members of the upcoming Children’s Games to be held on October 22nd. He encouraged all members to attend if possible, noting he would forward additional information as appropriate.
6 Next Meeting: Wednesday October 12, 2016
Main Committee Room
Meeting Adjourned: 9:30 pm
Copy: City Clerk