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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 13, 2017 Page 1 of 6 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee December 13, 2017 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: P. Bashaw S. Bernardo A. Doucette B. D’Souza D. Hughes V. Ronaldi S. Wilkinson D. Wysocki T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: E. Fulton M. Thorpe Ross J. Whynot Guests: N. Emery, Coordinator, Traffic Operations I. Janton, Planner II – Site Planning N. Zahoor, Transportation Engineer C. Harper, Manager, Information Services, Pickering Public Library K. Williams, Director of Public Services, Pickering Public Library D. Holmes, CNIB Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome T. Higgins welcomed Members and guests in attendance. Introductions were made around the table. 2. Review and Approval of Agenda T. Higgins provided an outline of the agenda items, with no revisions made. Page 2 of 6 3. New Business 3.1) Parking By-law Review N. Emery appeared before the Committee to provide Members with an overview of the revisions to the by-law related to accessibility. He stated that through the consultation process, positive feedback had been received. He also stated enforcement has now been made easier as a result of revisions made. He also informed Members that this would be going forward to Council in January, 2018. Discussion took place with respect to charging stations, and it was noted that this should be separated within the by-law, as it does not directly relate to the accessibility portions, and has not come into Ontario law as yet. N. Emery advised that the City of Pickering is currently looking into the addition of charging stations at some of their facilities. Members also discussed a desire to have the opportunity to review the accessible parking by-law as follows:  Every three years for permanent structures  Every other year for accessible parking for special events  Remove references to charging stations from the accessible portions of the parking by-law. Moved by D. Hughes Seconded by A. Doucette That the Accessibility Advisory Committee support the recommendations as contained in Report ENG 02-18. Carried 3.2) Library Update K. Williams appeared before the Committee and through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, she outlined the new maker space being created at the Pickering Public Library. She noted this will provide a social connection with a community atmosphere which will enable residents to learn digital skills, Page 3 of 6 bringing handicrafts and technology together. She noted the new space will bring various skillsets together and allow residents to share their knowledge. She also noted this would provide needed skills for youth as well with hands on learning to foster entrepreneurship, help increase their comfort level with technology and boost confidence. C. Harper appeared to continue the presentation. She noted that they had put together a survey and through various venues, including teens, seniors, community events and programs, they had received feedback from the community. She stated this feedback had been very positive from crafters, business owners, excited to have the use of equipment, and what this would enable them to create. She outlined the design process, providing an overview of the space which is being created, including the furniture, training areas, as well as a completely accessible audio recording booth. A discussion period ensued with the delegations responding to Members inquiries about potential opportunities for the employment of persons with disabilities, as well as access to equipment. They also questioned how the Library addresses the needs for the visually impaired and those with mobility issues. Also discussed was the level of noise within the Library, and how they address the needs of those with autism. Members also inquired about completion dates, and it was noted that they plan to be ready by mid-February, 2018. 3.3) Integrated Transportation Master Plan N. Zahoor, appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of the draft Transportation Master Plan. He provided the following update;  We are currently working on the City’s first Transportation Master Plan and the City’s current Bike and Trails Master Plan, developed in 1996, will also be updated. An Integrated Transportation Master Plan (ITMP) study will define policies, programs and infrastructure Page 4 of 6 improvements required to address existing and future transportation needs.  Began in August, with first public open house being conducted  consultant has been hired  Currently in Phase 1 of the project, which will establish a transportation vision and look at best practices  Phase 2 will look at different alternatives comparisons  Phase 3 will develop various strategies such as Active Transportation Strategy, TDM and Complete Streets Strategies  Phase 4 will develop the final Transportation Master Plan and integrate all Phases in order to develop the Plan  Present to Executive Committee in June, 2019 Members were encouraged to go on the City’s website to access the community survey to provide comments; https://www.pickering.ca/en/city-hall/ITMP.aspx 3.4) Site Plan Reviews 2663 & 2665 Brock Road I.Janton appeared before the Committee, providing an outline of the site plan application for 2663 & 2665 Brock Road. She noted the proposed development is bound to the west by Brock Road, to the north by the Averton property, and to the south-east by the existing Hydro One corridor easement. The proposed development consists of 27 stacked townhouses and 20 conventional 3 storey townhouses. The two blocks of townhouses facing Brock Road have 15 dwelling units and 12 stacked dwelling units. Each dwelling within the unit is accessed by a common staircase from the front of the unit or from the garage at the rear of the units. The dwelling units are all on one level but each level is accessed by stairs. Page 5 of 6 Members provided the following comments/ questions;  Should consider making the first floor accessible  Are units accessible through the garage  Concerns with the location currently proposed for parking  Changing the grading and including a ramp up to first floor would enable accessibility Members noted their disappointment in the complete lack of accessibility associated with this site plan application. 1505-1525 Kingston Road I. Janton provided an outline of the site plan application for 1505-1525 Kingston Road. The development proposal is for 100 stacked townhouses with a ground level unit and two 2- storey units above. The ground dwelling located in the middle of each stacked model is a one bedroom unit. These ground units are proposed to be accessible from the front of the unit as well as from the garage whereas the two units above are accessed by stairs. She noted that the corner of Kingston Road and Valley Farm is proposed to be developed in conjunction with Chartwell, and is proposed to include commercial space as well as retirement residences with future access from Valley Farm Road. Members provided the following comments;  Enlarge washroom area to improve accessibility  Create two entrances into washroom Discussion ensued and it was noted that with minor modifications, this application would be a good example of accessible units. 3.5) Accessible Election Procedures Page 6 of 6 L. Roberts advised members that the accessibility procedures for the 2018 municipal elections were basically the same as in previous elections, with the exception that this election would be electronic voting. She also noted this would eliminate proxy voting. Discussion ensued with Members inquiring whether the City tracks the number of requests for accommodation as well as past experiences. They also questioned whether residents could be provided with a feedback form. They also inquired about providing a questionnaire on election day for voters. Moved by S. Wilkinson Seconded by V. Ronaldi That the Accessible Election Procedures 2018 be approved as presented. Carried 5 Member Updates V. Ronaldi provided Members with an overview of the presentation made by T. Higgins on behalf of the Committee to Council on December 11th. She noted T. Higgins had done a great job in summarizing the Members’ recommendations and bringing forward the issues. She noted that Council had been very receptive and supportive of their correspondence, which in turn was unanimously endorsed. Discussion ensued with the main concern related to customer service levels with Durham Transit, in particular with calls consistently not being returned. 5. Review & Approval – November 8, 2017 Minutes & Business Arising Moved by D. Hughes That the November 8, 2017 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Meeting Adjourned: 8:10 pm Copy: City Clerk