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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 11, 20176/ DICKERING Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee October 11, 2017 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: P. Bashaw A. Doucette B. D'Souza D. Hughes M. Thorpe Ross D. Wysocki Councillor Brenner S. Booker (Acting) Manager, Capital Projects & Infrastructure N. Emery, Coordinator, Traffic Operations T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: S. Bernardo, Ajax -Pickering Board of Trade E. Fulton V. Ronaldi J. Whynot S. Wilkinson Guests: Donna Holmes, CNIB Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) . Welcome & Introduction T. Higgins welcomed members and guests in attendance. Introductions were made around the table. T. Higgins provided an outline of the agenda items. 2. New Business 2.1) Parking By-law N. Emery, Coordinator, Traffic Operations appeared before the Committee to provide a review and update on the new parking by-law. He noted that while Ontario law was taken into consideration, the revised by-law expanded beyond these requirements to allow for additional accessible parking spaces as well as different sizes. He stated that by including large as well as small size spaces allows for an accessible aisle for each space. He also noted some minor changes which included Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) pavement marking details, and also noted the inclusion of a provision for temporary accessible parking for special events, which was not included in the previous by-law. By adding this to the by-law it allows for better enforcement, which was a recurring concern during the consultation process. He also noted that provisions were included to allow them to seek additional accessible parking spaces when needed such as for medical centers and pharmacies. Members provided the following feedback: • Temporary accessible parking was excellent at special events with the exception of Ribfest • Working with individual organizations to meet specific needs for each special event • Members questioned temporary accessible parking for the Remembrance Day ceremony N. Emery to action • Members questioned whether any new requirements were in place for the inclusion of charging stations — it was noted that grants are available for this • It was also questioned whether provisions were in place to allow for the reconsideration of the number of accessible parking spaces as tenants change over time in plazas T. Higgins encouraged members to continue to provide feedback with respect to the parking by-law. He also requested that a draft report be shared with Members prior to going to Council. 2.2) City Issues and Initiatives Update T. Higgins introduced S. Booker, (Acting) Manager, Capital Projects & Infrastructure, noting he would be the Committee liaison regarding city issues and initiatives. Some of the previous issues were identified as follows: • Kingston Road challenges • Shoeless Joes property — safety concerns with path of travel, fencing and ditches S. Booker noted the challenges along Kingston Road, with this being a Regional road. He indicated they have a good working relationship with the Region, and have successfully made improvements to the pedestrian corridor. He noted that the Page 2 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) sections which are incomplete have temporary asphalt sidewalks until such time as the section is completed, due to the higher cost of concrete. He indicated that Kingston Road will be a work in progress for some time, but noted the implementation of multi-use bike paths in some section. P. Bashaw indicated that the sidewalk by the CN Rail should be on the north side only, with the south side being eliminated. S. Booker noted the Region is looking into a tunnel in their future plans. D. Hughes agreed a tunnel would make the most sense, moving it further up and off the roadway. T. Higgins noted the need to work with partners in a collaborative way to ensure all advice is being taken into consideration, noting that Members should be included in future meetings. P. Bashaw also noted that track 2 off Twyn Rivers has no separated grade, which could be problematic for residents as hazardous materials are shipped through this area. A. Doucette noted accessibility issues at 1698 Bayly Street; • Only one walkway levels to the parking lot from the front door, the other end is not ramped • Partially blocked by brush • Only one accessible parking spot which is located where there is no ramp • Each entrance into the store has a step Discussion ensued on how best to approach the owner to consider options. 2.3) Broadening the Definition of Accessible Transit Councillor Brenner appeared before the Committee to address the recurring issues surrounding Durham Transit in regards to accessibility. He noted they are not age-friendly or meeting the duty to accommodate as it relates to invisible disabilities. He outlined the following concerns; • Needs specialized services for autism, etc. • Needs clarity on who qualifies Page 3 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • Appeals system is not working • Desire to see lower tier municipalities collectively give direction and support to put pressure on Durham Region Transit to make changes to meet the requirements under the duty to accommodate D. Hughes noted this has already begun, and explained the process involved, as his organization has provided Durham Transit with suggestions, as well as going through the appeals process. He noted they have lost a number of clients as a result, with a number of individuals finding alternative drivers through Kipp. Councillor Brenner noted he would like to see the Committee bring forward a recommendation in this regard and have it put before Council for their support to go out to all municipalities across the Region to recommend changes in order to avoid the appeal process. He noted this needs to be addressed now for a completely inclusive transit system. Discussion ensued on the points to be addressed in the recommendation to Council as follows: • Lack of customer service • Lack of service for those with invisible disabilities • Not age-friendly • Training/support of transit employees — this is a Regional responsibility • Keep it simple, outline key issues • Outline and clarify the actions being requested It was suggested the Committee members be sent a draft electronically of the proposed recommendation for approval in order to meet the deadline for submission in the November Council agenda. This could then be formally approved at the November Accessibility meeting. Moved by M. Thorpe Ross Seconded by A. Doucette That T. Higgins prepare a draft recommendation for the Committee's approval to go forward to Council at the November T. Higgins to action 13th meeting. Page 4 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Carried T. Higgins noted he would prepare the recommendation and forward it out to members for review and comment. M. Thorpe Ross questioned the regulations surrounding the T. Higgins to discuss timing of lights at certain intersections that have numerous with staff and report lanes to cross, and at what point would they consider a center stop. back to Committee 2.4) CNIB Ambassador Presentation Donna Holmes appeared before the Committee on behalf of CNIB. She informed Members that she has been without her sight for most of her life. She outlined how the buttons work at signalized intersections, noting there is a standard of 30 seconds set. She also noted they are equipped with flashing lights as well speech. Ms. Holmes also outlined the ways in which she manages some of her day to day activities, such as cooking, utilizing transit, going out to restaurants, noting the use of phone apps as well. She also outlined how beepers can assist in directing her to various areas within a building, avoiding the need to seek assistance. She also noted that the transit system has voice activation which announces all stops, and noted this is very helpful. Ms. Holmes provided T. Higgins with a sample of community methods used by deafblind people as well as a braille sample. Discussion ensued with Members questioning how Ms. Holmes manages public transit, and the winter months. She noted that living in Pickering she has found the residents to be very friendly and supportive which has aided in her independence. She also stated the City of Pickering has always been supportive whenever she has brought concerns to their attention. Members also questioned what support was available through CNIB and Ms. Holmes indicated they have a website with all the information and stated they have members available to discuss Page 5 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) matters over the phone, as well as coming out to their residences to aid them in managing various daily activities such as using their stoves. 4 Approval of Minutes Moved by D. Hughes Seconded by D. Wysocki That the June 14, 2017 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Moved by P. Bashaw Seconded by D. Hughes That the September 13, 2017 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 6 Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 8, 2017, Main Committee Room Meeting Adjourned: 9:28 pm Copy: City Clerk Page 6 of 6