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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 14, 2016 Page 1 of 4 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee December 14, 2016 5:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: P. Bashaw S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade B. D’Souza A. Doucette E. Fulton D. Hughes M.Thorpe Ross S. Wilkinson D. Wysocki T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: V. Ronaldi J. Whynot 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. Introductions were made to welcome the two new members, D. Wysocki and B. D’Souza, in attendance. 2. Approval of Minutes T. Higgins noted that the regular November meeting was not held in order that the members could attend the public consultation held on the same day with respect to Frenchman’s Bay West Park. Moved by E. Fulton Seconded by D. Hughes That the October 12, 2016 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 3. Business Arising from Minutes The following comments/updates are noted as follows: Page 2 of 4 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) E. Fulton questioned what was happening with the fencing along Hwy #2/Whites Road. He noted pedestrians cannot access either direction, with the passage being completely blocked, as well as a fire hydrant. He expressed his concern with respect to safety issues, as well as accessibility considerations. It was noted that the Accessibility Committee has reiterated these concerns several times and a resolution needs to be found. It was also stated that the plaza should not be allowed to open until the sidewalks are completed. T. Higgins noted that he would arrange a meeting next week with staff as well as Committee members to summarize concerns and discuss options with a view to finding solutions prior to worsening weather conditions. Other action items from the previous meeting were noted as follows:  D. Hughes noted he would provide an update with respect to Autism Ontario, suggesting that we could coordinate with the Pickering Library.  T. Higgins advised that he had forwarded the procedure report for recreation programs out to members and had received feedback. A meeting will be arranged for the 3rd week in January at the Soccer Club with area municipalities to help leaders understand the responsibilities, encourage a broader understanding, aim to align policies and practices, and to seek synergies.  D. Wysocki suggested broadening discussions beyond physical disabilities; that is, to include vision impairment, autism, etc.  D. Hughes recommended encompassing accessibilities as set out under the Mental Health Act. T. Higgins to convene a meeting. 4. General Updates The following updates were provided  T. Higgins noted MPP Tracy MacCharles (Minister responsible for Accessibility) is expected to attend the January meeting (TBC) and encouraged members to Page 3 of 4 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) attend as this would be a good opportunity to discuss accessibility priorities, make inquiries, etc.  A. Doucette questioned when Durham Specialized Transit would be attending a meeting  T. Higgins suggested the February meeting to invite a representative from Durham Transit  P. Bashaw provided a brief overview of the virtual repository which Larry Noonan had presented previously to members  Discussion ensued with suggestions to look into funding available as well as resources from UOIT for a repository  P. Bashaw noted there should not be too great a cost involved and offered to assist by identifying funding sources  It was suggested that we partner with the Library on this  T. Higgins noted he would set up a meeting in January with Library staff as well as committee members to discuss possible next steps for a repository  P. Bashaw noted this should not be specifically for those with disabilities, but to attract able-bodied and neighbouring residents as well T. Higgins/P. Bashaw to action 5. Review 2016 Committee Work Plan T. Higgins noted the importance of bringing forward the work plan on a regular basis to meetings to help keep the Committee on track with its commitments made to Council. He will bring copies to the next meeting. T. Higgins to action 6. New Business 6.1) Site Plans T. Higgins noted that, at the request of the Manager of City Development, this item would be deferred to the January meeting, since development staff were unavailable to attend. 6.2) Award Submission T. Higgins advised Members that the submission for the David C. Onley Leadership in Accessibility award had been submitted with respect to the recently completed Delaney Arena accessibility enhancements, and that a letter of AAC support under T. Higgins signature had been provided. Page 4 of 4 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 7. Other Business 7.1) T. Higgins noted that accessible / affordable housing would be an AAC priority going forward. It was recommended that a Planner from City Development be invited to attend a meeting for discussion and to provide strategic advice. 7.2) P. Bashaw suggested a review be done of all Seniors’ Clubs using municipal property to get their opinions on what the issues are with respect to accessibility and facilities. 7.3) D. Hughes suggested early planning next year for Canada Day in light of Canada 150 celebrations. 7.4) S. Wilkinson questioned whether the committee would be looking into promoting accessibility awareness through an editorial in the local paper 7.5) P. Bashaw questioned employment for persons with disabilities, noting a range of financial supports available. He noted he would look into available funding. Discussion ensued with a suggestion of hosting a one day event to focus on employment for persons with disabilities, job specific training, potential partners with a need to reach out to the business community as well. Guest speakers were also discussed. It was suggested this topic could be raised at the January meeting with MPP Tracy MacCharles in attendance, as she may be able to assist in identifying keynote speakers. Members also discussed the possibility of making this a workshop series and looking at corporations such as Veridian and OPG to sponsor/partner with. T. Higgins noted he would make a list of priority items for discussion with MPP Tracy MacCharles at our next meeting. T. Higgins to action P. Bashaw to research options and report back. T. Higgins to bring forward for further planning and discussion at a subsequent AAC meeting. T. Higgins to action 8. Next Meeting: Wednesday January 11, 2017 O’Brien Room – Pickering Recreation Complex Meeting Adjourned: 6:35 pm Copy: City Clerk