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