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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 14, 2018 Page 1 of 8 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee March 14, 2018 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: P. Bashaw A. Doucette D. Hughes V. Ronaldi S. Wilkinson D. Wysocki I. Janton, Planner II – Site Planning J. McIntyre T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: B. D’Souza E. Fulton M. Thorpe Ross J. Whynot Guests: Sarah Moore, Committee & Accessibility Coordinator, Town of Ajax Jennifer Harrison, Accessibility Committee, Town of Ajax Heather Steeves, Accessibility Committee, Town of Ajax Monica Sze, Specialized Programs Coordinator, WindReach Farm Peter Feldmann, Rouge National Urban Park, Parks Canada Cheryl Baxter, Rouge National Urban Park, Parks Canada 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 a brief review of the agenda items. 3. New Business 3.1) Site Plan Review – 2510 Brock Road Page 2 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) I. Janton provided members with an overview of the site plan application for 2510 Brock Road, as submitted by Madison Brock. She outlined the location, noting the proposed residential condominium development would consist of 75 stacked townhouses along Brock Road, 59 rear lane townhouses fronting a new road running parallel to Brock between Brock and Tillings and the extension of Valley Farm Road plus 59 street townhouses on internal private streets. She noted a new east/west road, to be named Palmer’s Sawmill Road, will in the future connect Brock Road to Tillings Road. She also outlined landscape and amenity areas, visitor parking, stating each unit would have their own driveway with parking in a garage. She outlined the conceptual plans, noting ground based units with 14 potentially accessible units within four blocks along Brock Road, noting that these units can be made accessible upon request, with access either through the garage or street, depending on the final grade. All other units would be vertical three storey units. She also stated that while two accessible parking spaces are the requirement, the developer is providing three. She also noted this development is close to DRT, a commercial development, and stated that the playground area is AODA compliant. Discussion ensued with members inquiring about the potential for chair lifts, and whether the design could be changed to be more open, as the current layout was not conducive for wheelchairs with a lack of turning space. It was also questioned whether the developer would be willing to make one unit accessible, and whether they would be interested in attending a meeting. Members were pleased with the proposed application, noting this was the closest application so far to being barrier free, and that recognition should be given to this proposal, noting this is the only one that has given consideration to grading. The only suggestions were for a more open floor plan as well as fencing around the playground for a safer environment. For these reasons, members suggested a B rating with the potential for an A if proposed enhancements were addressed. 3.2) National Access Awareness Week Page 3 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Sarah Moore, Committee & Accessibility Coordinator, Town of Ajax, appeared before the Committee to provide an outline of their plans for an information booth at the Pickering Town Centre for National Access Awareness Week, which is held May 27th through June 2nd. She noted they have confirmed space for Saturday, May 26th, noting their desire to collaborate with other municipalities. She stated that timing for the day is flexible, and was in attendance to solicit suggestions from the Committee with respect to the location for the booths, either the upper or lower level, what age groups to target, and how long the event should run. Jennifer Harrison, Town of Ajax, provided an outline of various activities they had included in the previous year, including general accessibility information as well as hands on activities and giveaways. Discussion ensued with the following comments/questions;  Possibility of Pickering Library attending to showcase new 3D printer  Age focused/what activities?  Provide information on camps/programs  Who are we in terms of accessibility?  Three hour timeframe for event day  Utilize the train in the mall for youth  Possibility include Windreach Farms, Parks Canada, Pickering Soccer Club, Youth Exceptionalities Camp In closing, S. Moore noted that this was being promoted as a small scale event this year, with plans to build on it in the future. They are seeking to partner with the Pickering Accessibility Committee for informational material and ideas as well as assistance. 3.4) WindReach Farms Monica Sze, WindReach Farms, appeared before the Committee and through a PowerPoint presentation, outlined the various activities provided at Windreach Farms, which is located in Ashburn. She stated this is a 105 acre fully accessible working farm, providing year round programs for All members to action Page 4 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) youth and adults with various disabilities, with over 300 volunteers. Ms. Sze provided details on their programs as follows:  community participation program – vocational skills for intellectual disabilities – provides hands-on learning and visual boards  therapeutic riding program – 19 horses with 100 riders per season. Horses are trained to work with individuals with various disabilities  accommodations - 2 fully accessible suites  Education & recreational – a mobile program which allows the community to engage with animals and activities  Day visitor programs – variety of programs with wheelchair accessible wagons. Will work with groups to customize visits  Therapeutic program – horticultural therapy  Outdoor based adaptive sport & recreational program to get people outside with no age or disability restrictions  Wool therapy – sheep shearing – encompasses all stages of the wool processing cycle from raw fleece to the finished product  Working with Yacht Club on an accessible waterfront program  Ontario Accessible Recreation & Sport (OARS) program – network of referrals to help determine placement of residents with the appropriate programs in their area  an open house is held once a year, with this year being held on April 7, 2018 Discussion ensued with members inquiring whether anyone can visit the farm and plans for specialized staffing. 3.5) Parks Canada and the Rouge Park Peter Feldmann, Parks Canada appeared before the Committee providing members with a copy of the map of Rouge National Urban Park. He provided an outline of the combined ownership of the lands, covering approximately 35 kilometres from north to south, up to Uxbridge. He noted over Page 5 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) ½ is farmland, stating that agriculture is an important aspect of the park. He explained the park is managed by TRCA in partnership with Parks Canada and municipalities. He also outlined the main facilities that currently exist, including two primary and 2 secondary welcome centres, noting they are currently working with partners to build on these. Mr. Feldmann stated one of their core principle was to work on accessibility. He explained how Federal lands are subject to their own regulations, but that they are looking at AODA and using this in their specs with plans to go beyond the requirements. He noted their plans include getting people into the valley using methods such as rolling dips, a mechanism used on steep slopes, which would include rest areas. He also noted plans to learn more in order to address cognitive disabilities as well. He stated they are working with TRCA on a trail connection to Oak Ridges, noting that while they cannot give any timelines, they are learning along the way as the design continues. Cheryl Baxter, Rouge National Park, appeared before the Committee to provide details on signage in the Park. She noted they are looking into holistic communications and how best to deliver information, use of symbols, as well as the placement of the signs in order to provide the right information in the right location. Discussion ensued with the following comments:  Early stages is the perfect time to incorporate accessibility  AODA should be the minimum starting point  Are there any plans to work with other consulting groups?  Welcome centre in the north portion – would like to see something incorporated there  Look at grading and materials to be used on trails – environmental groups are opposed to pavement  Build lookouts  Incorporate solar powered charging stations for wheelchairs  Incorporate escape routes with proper turning space for wheelchairs Page 6 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Mr. Feldmann noted they are working on plans to incorporate working groups, noting this could be a complex area with varying guidelines and standards. It was noted that possibly they could benefit from groups already in existence. 3.5) Youth Exceptionalities Camp J. McIntyre appeared before the Committee to provide background information on the Youth Exceptionalities Camp. She noted the camp was developed recognizing an opportunity to provide more programming for youth with special needs. The camp is run from the City of Pickering Recreation Complex for youth between the ages of 13 and 19, which helps them socialize and integrate into the community. She outlined some of the various programs provided, noting the main goal was to provide an opportunity for youth to transition and have structure throughout the summer. She stated this will be their first summer running, and they offer full day programs which will also help to familiarize youth with the various parts of the Recreation Complex. J. McIntyre noted she would provide members with additional information. A discussion period ensued. D. Hughes questioned whether they would be including youth up to the age of 21, to coincide with high schools, as well as staff training. He also noted a need for a higher staff-to-youth ratio in order to deal with any difficulties that may arise, as currently they operate with three staff. S. Moore suggested the possibility of contacting other municipalities and organizations such as the Abilities Centre and Grandview, to partner with respect to developing the training. 3.6) Accessible Transit Update S. Moore and T. Higgins provided members with an update on the recent meeting with Durham Region Transit. The meeting was well attended by most of the accessibility coordinators from the area municipalities as well as DRT management. J. McIntyre to action Page 7 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) The purpose of the meeting was to promote ongoing discussions with DRT to explore opportunities to achieve excellence in accessible transit. A number of issues were discussed, including communication, scheduling, customer service, the taxi industry with respect to accountability and training, as well as the appeal process. T. Higgins explained that the representatives from DRT had listened as the area coordinators relayed examples of recent issues residents had experienced, and that they conceded regular meetings are necessary. The area coordinators felt they received positive feedback with a greater commitment from DRT to attend regular meetings for consultation on accessibility, as well as seeking improved communication and consultation with accessibility coordinators across the Region, with a view to improving accessible transit. They also discussed processes for community engagement. V. Ronaldi noted the importance of transportation in enabling the disabled community to lead a full life, and also stated the importance of clarifying why dialogue is important. D. Wysocki noted that while this is a good first step, he would still like to see public forums. S. Moore informed members that the Region has an Ombudsman which could be another avenue for residents to relay their concerns. 4. Review & Approval – January 10, 2018 Minutes & Business Arising Moved by D. Hughes Seconded by V. Ronaldi That the January 10, 2018 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Moved by S. Wilkinson Seconded by P. Bashaw Page 8 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) That the February 21, 2018 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Meeting Adjourned: 9:40 pm Copy: City Clerk