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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 11, 2017 Page 1 of 7 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee January 11, 2017 7:00 pm O’Brien Room, Recreation Complex Attendees: P. Bashaw B. D’Souza A. Doucette E. Fulton D. Hughes V. Ronaldi M.Thorpe Ross J. Whynot S. Wilkinson D. Wysocki T. Higgins, Staff Representative D. Selsky, Manager, Capital Projects & Infrastructure I. Janton, Planner II – Site Planning A. Mostert. Sr. Coordinator, Landscape & Park Development V. Plouffe, Supervisor, Facilities Operations J. Cahill, Youth Leadership Programs L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Guests: MPP Tracy MacCharles, Pickering-Scarborough East Dave Johnson, Community Relations Liaison 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 and introduced MPP Tracy MacCharles, the Minister Responsible for Accessibility and a champion for an equal and accessible Ontario. He also noted her extensive background in Human Resources focusing on health care, education and human rights, both in the private and public sectors. Introductions were made around the table. 2. MPP Tracy MacCharles MPP MacCharles appeared before the Committee and provided Members with an outline of the goals and objectives for the Province to become fully accessible by the year 2025 through Page 2 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) eliminating barriers for persons with disabilities. She outlined the government’s mandate for implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, (AODA) education legislation and public awareness. She also discussed the importance of raising awareness and the steps to increase compliance, including enforcement through the development of policies and programs. The following points were noted and discussed;  as of January 1st, transit has been improved to advise riders of routes and destinations prior to boarding.  Human resources and the importance of accessibility for all  the creation of new standards with regards to new developments for making public spaces accessible, which would include parking lots, recreation spaces, service counters, etc.  the creation of new standards in health and education while continuing to review existing standards.  Review of customer service standards  new employment strategies, including youth will be coming forward  Improve transparency through the establishment of new Committees In closing, MPP Tracy MacCharles noted her desire to continue to work with accessibility committees, business, schools and municipalities to help persons with disabilities achieve their full potential, and also to oversee the implementation of the AODA. She also informed members that she would be hosting a New Year’s Levy this Saturday at Petticoat Creek from 1 – 3 pm and welcomed members to attend. A discussion period ensued with the following points brought forward for discussion:  The need for changes to the high school system-lack of opportunities available for youth such as reading programs which are done at the primary level  students with disabilities being segregated into one room  Colleges and universities are much more inclusive  Available funding should be used for moving youth into programs after the age of 21  more funding is currently available through postsecondary education  what is the government doing to get ready for AODA – message is not getting out  need to communicate to businesses Page 3 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)  employers need to implement public awareness campaigns  importance of customer service  obligations of businesses to train staff  “certification of businesses” – could involve issues with enforcement  Businesses with only a few employees are unaffected by legislation  Education – employers need to be aware of supports available  Fuel calls at gas stations  Issues surrounding youth employment affecting their ability to retain funding, which would be beneficial in allowing them to build up a bank account prior to be removed from ODSP  Discussed requirements for adult change tables in washrooms. Staff noted the challenge of changing existing footprints  Service-Ontario offices in Bowmanville are not accessible – located in the basement level  New housing developments are not being geared to accessibility – this is of great concern to Members  Discussed lack of incentives for builders to comply with accessibility, as housing will inevitably sell  Inclusionary housing by incorporating accessibility aspects into the overall plans rather than in one specific area It was noted that Oshawa will be holding a “Basic Income Pilot Consultation” on January 16, 2017 at the Best Western. MPP Tracy MacCharles’ office to forward registration information. MPP Tracy MacCharles encouraged members to continue to bring forward accessibility concerns, noting she welcomes the opportunity for feedback. 3. Approval of Minutes Moved by S. Wilkinson Seconded by A. Doucette That the December 14, 2016 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Page 4 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 4. General Updates T. Higgins provided a brief update on the following items:  Whites Road and Highway 2 pedestrian traffic concerns – T. Higgins noted photos have been taken and distributed with several meetings being held  Photo repository – meeting with Library planned for January – have received a grant, project is moving along nicely  5 Year Plan – will bring back to Committee and send out prior to the February meeting.  Accessibility/affordable housing – plan to have City staff attend February meeting for discussion T. Higgins to action 5. New Business 5.1) Pickering Confederation Journey J. Cahill provided Members with an overview of an event being planned in conjunction with National Youth Week to be held during the first week in May. He noted that Pickering had received a grant in the amount of $40,000 through Canada 150 which will help fund the inclusive event for youth between the ages of 13 – 19. They will engage in activities, career planning, art, dance and culture. The event will be held at the Recreation Complex. They plan to provide busing for students from the schools, and hope to have approximately 1,000 students participating. At the conclusion of the event, they will hold a post forum with plans to present to Council once the renovations to the Chambers have been completed. Accessibility will be a pervasive theme throughout this initiative. 5.2) Delaney Arena V. Plouffe provided members with an update on the completed Delaney Arena renovations, providing photos of the areas in which accessibility improvements were made, including washrooms, lighting fixtures, acoustics as well as raising the rink slab to reduce the threshold. He also outlined the creation of barrier free areas with outlets and recharging stations, explaining how visual components were incorporated. V. Plouffe also provided an outline of the proposed improvements to the Council Chambers, Customer Care and Page 5 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Planning & Development areas on the lower level at City Hall, noting the following;  New barrier free washroom  Renovate existing washrooms  Council Chambers – open entire space into lobby and level the floor area  Ability to expand seating area into lobby  Potential for additional uses other than meetings  Received a $66,000 grant through Canada 150  Work to commence over summer months V. Plouffe noted that comments from the Committee were incorporated into the plan and encouraged members to continue to provide feedback. He noted that through extensive consultation with committee members providing input on accessibility features, this greatly assisted City staff in going above and beyond the requirements of the AODA as well as the Ontario Building Code. V. Plouffe provided an outline of the improvements proposed for the recently renamed Tomlinson Centre, previously known as the Claremont Community Centre. He explained the improvements would include the front entrance and vestibule area as well as washroom facilities, with plans to begin in June or July. V. Plouffe provided members with hard copies of the floor plans for the Delaney Arena, Council Chambers as well as the Tomlinson Centre. 5.3) Accessible Parking D. Selsky appeared before the Committee to provide an update on the accessible parking by-law. He noted that detailed information was provided on the proposed changes through the City’s website, social media as well as the local paper. Residents were also informed through special events held throughout the City. He stated that the recommendations which included modifications to allow for additional accessible parking at medial offices, were approved by Council at the December 12th meeting. He also noted that a recommendation was brought forward and approved to review the by-law with the Accessibility Advisory Committee on a yearly basis. 5.4) Frenchman’s Bay West Park Page 6 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) A. Mostert appeared before the Committee to provide an update on the proposed plans to create a highly accessible waterfront, which would include accessible beach and playground areas. He indicated that through the public consultation process, residents felt that the area should be left as it is, but that possibly they were unaware of the reasons for the improvements. He noted that staff were looking at the details of design, parking access and boat launch and would attend a future meeting as the plan develops. 5.5) Site Plan Reviews I. Janton appeared before the committee and provided an outline on the following site plans for review: 1165 Squires Beach Road I. Janton outlined the location, which is an industrial area south of Clements Road. She noted the applicant is proposing an addition to the back of the building. She noted the following:  Ground level pre-fab building  accessible parking is available in the front with a ramp  the back is barrier free, but the front entrance is the one most utilized Members questioned accessibility of the washrooms as well as the use of the building. I. Janton noted she would look into this. 775 Kingston Road – Boyer dealership I. Janton outlined the location of the application for the Boyer dealership on Kingston Road, by the 401 access. She noted they are proposing additional space for the showroom and shop areas. Members noted the current issues with safety and accessibility in the area and noted that consideration must be given to allow for pedestrian traffic. They also questioned whether the new development would be allowed to open given the current issues as well as the lack of access. I. Janton noted that eventually sidewalks would be installed on both sides of Kingston Road, but that it would take time. Members requested that temporary consideration for pedestrian traffic be given. I. Janton to action Page 7 of 7 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Members also questioned whether the Region of Durham would give consideration to pedestrians over cycling lanes. Concerns were noted for adding additional safety issues at this location during construction. 2460 Brock Road I. Janton outlined the location for a proposed large commercial plaza on Brock Road north of the 3rd Concession, by the hydro corridor. She indicated the proposal would include a grocery store as well as Shoppers Drug Mart. The following comments were noted;  accessible parking is spread out  sidewalks surrounding building  potential for a doctor’s office – in which case additional accessible parking would be requested  ensure elevator has appropriate wheelchair space I. Janton outlined the accessible aspects of the landscape plan. I. Janton to confirm 7. Next Meeting: Wednesday February 8, 2017 Main Committee Room Meeting Adjourned: 9:20 pm Copy: City Clerk