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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 9, 2019CGa 0f DICKERING Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee October 9, 2019 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: Peter Bashaw Bianca D'Souza Saima Fatima Donna Holmes Dan Hughes Glenn Lang Anthony Lue Megan Thorpe Ross Tim Higgins, Staff Representative Brenda Gregory, Committee Coordinator Absent: Sue Wilkinson David Wysocki John McLellan, Ajax -Pickering Board of Trade Guests: Isabelle Janton, Planner II - Site Planning Sabrina Yung, Manager of Community Engagement, Pickering Public Library Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome T. Higgins welcomed members and other participants to the meeting. Introductions made around the table. 2. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. 3. Review & Approval of Agenda T. Higgins reviewed the agenda items. Item 4.2 to be heard before Item 4.1; due to the absence of D. Page 1 of 9 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Wysocki, T. Higgins will provide update for Item 4.3. Agenda approved. 4. New Business 4.2 CNIB Phone It Forward Program S. Yung appeared before the committee to provide information on the CNIB Phone It Forward Program. The Pickering Public Library has formed a new partnership with this program, which asks for gently - loved smartphones to be sent in prepaid envelopes to CNIB — after checking eligibility of the phone on the CNIB website. Donated smartphones are wiped to the highest data security standards, loaded with accessible apps, and provided to people with sight loss who need them, along with technical training, discounted maintenance, and data plan support. Donors will receive a tax receipt for the phone. Display stands with full details and a supply of the prepaid envelopes can be found at both the Main and George Ashe Library branches. S. Yung stated that CNIB reported that there was low participation and collaboration with their organization in the Durham Region. The library is reaching out to their own community partners to try and develop some further partnership for CNIB. The library is considering a phone drive which would have the CNIB team on site to engage and discuss their programs with the community. Part of the CNIB partnership has the library considering ways to effectively engage with their hearing impaired clients. The library is looking at different ideas included enhanced staff training, setting up CNIB in their branches to assist client, and working with CNIB to develop best practices/apps for the blind. Further discussion ensued regarding some of the services the library provides for the hearing impaired. S. Yung mentioned the Home Library Service which Page 2 of 9 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) bring audio books and materials along with portable Wi-Fi and Maker Space that can convert documents into alternate formats. They also have a staff member who is a specialist in the Daisy Reader. It was suggested that the Committee could participate in the "In The News" community speaker program to inform the community about accessibility. 4.1 Site Plan Review Isabelle Janton appeared before the Committee to provide an update on four active site plans: S 05/19 (Taunton Road) Sales pavilions for two builders Lebovic and Fieldgate located at Taunton and Burkholder. Will have parking spaces located in front. Lebovic proposes a small chairlift to access entrance way; Fieldgate will have ramp. Washrooms will be fully accessible. No plans have been submitted for what will actually be built on this site. Committee noted that builders took care to consider accessibility for their sales' pavilions but it is unlikely that homes being build will be accessible. It was recognized that because pavilions are open to the public they have to be accessible as per AODA regulations, but there is no such regulations for residential dwellings. Committee further questioned the need for the chairlift, with A. Lue noting that assistance would be needed to access and in his experience, assistance is not usually available. S 06/19 (Icon Forest District) Proposed semi-detached and townhomes at the northwest corner of Finch and Altona. Houses facing both Finch and Altona, with interior townhomes accessed by private road. There is a heritage home on the property that will be demolished. Materials from this home will be reused Page 3 of 9 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) and incorporated into a landscape feature i.e., seating area and will include a plaque acknowledging the heritage property. Platform for eventual sidewalk on both Finch and Altona will be done by the builder. There will be sidewalk along the private interior road. There will be a playground area. City will make sure play structures are accessible. Each home has its own parking. There will be no parking on road but there will be visitor parking, which includes accessible spots, at corner in one area. Comments have been sent to builder asking that parking should be dispersed over entire site. There is limited ability to meet accessibility needs, demonstrating the need to reach out to builders asking for more thoughtful designs which are responsive to accessible needs/requirements. Committee grades this development's accessibility an F. S 08/19 (2620 Brock Rd.) Tenkey Property in Duffin Heights situated on a narrow strip of land off Brock, north of Dersan consisting of 30 stacked 4 -storey townhouses. Development will be sharing access roads and visitor park with developments to north and south. Plan appears to only indicate one accessible parking spot. Plans indicate inaccessible 10 -step stairways for entry into each unit. There are no planned accessibility features i.e. interior elevators. Committee indicated a desire to have invitation extended from the builder to have opportunity to provide some creative thoughts on alternative renderings that may provide win/win solutions for both builder and residents with disabilities. Page 4 of 9 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) There is limited potential for this site to respond to accessibility. Committee grades this development's accessibility an F. S 10/19 (Chartwell) A 22-storey seniors' residence consisting of seniors' apartments, assisted living, and memory care located at the southeast corner of Valley farm and Kingston. Units range in 442 to 588 sq ft with some barrier-free units. Construction will start in 2020. There are a lot of amenities, including theatre, pool, group fitness area, bistro, games room, terraces. Building and units appear to be highly accessible. Main access off of Valley farm; additional access from Kingston through Daniels' development. There will be key card entry. No above ground parking, only underground. Plan shows accessible parking adjacent to the elevators. The Committee noted that the underground parking plan revealed a lack of accessible parking spots which, although meet AODA requirements, are not robust enough for this type of build as contemplated by Pickering's accessible parking By-law There are a number of bicycle parking spots but Committee questioned the actual need for bicycle parking spots. Would it not be better to convert to secure scooter parking? It was noted that Chartwell has lots of experience in building for this demographic. Committee is interested in finding out Chartwell's approach in designing units to meet a range of disabilities. The committee grades this development's accessibility a B+. A related discussion was held regarding the length of the lights for crossing at Valley Farm and Kingston, noting that with this new development and the expected increase in seniors, light length should be reevaluated. Page 5 of 9 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 4.3 Service & Support Animal Initiative - Update T. Higgins has been working with D. Wysocki who is leading the service & support animal project team with a view to completing and submitting a proposal for partnership funding from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility. In light of the significance of province -wide service & support animal concerns, the Ministry has encouraged the City of Pickering's leadership on this issue. The Ministry has indicated a willingness to consider funding up to 75% of the City of Pickering's project costs subject to mutual agreement/approvals on the project design. . Plan is to develop information regarding the rules and best practices with respect to service and support animals, particularly as it relates to businesses. Monograph to be prepared to discuss what businesses must or need to do, share best practices, and provide reference materials. Funding needed to cover the production and distribution as well as training. P. Bashaw inquired if it was worthwhile to speak with someone who developed the Nova Scotia support animals program? T. Higgins indicated yes. The Committee considered what the deliverable P. Bashaw to provide T. would look like. Have range of outreach opportunities Higgins with contact in Nova been considered i.e., YouTube video, social media, so that information is easily obtainable and sharable while being fun and engaging. Scotia. 4.4 General Accessibility Update Children's Games hosted by DRPS to be held on Saturday, October 26th at the Pickering Recreation Complex. T. Higgins is encouraging AAC members to attend. Page 6 of 9 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Accessible Education Towards Accessible Employment is the theme of this year's ONAP conference, to be held in Lindsay on October 23rd and 24th. Former Lieutenant Governor David Onley will be the keynote speaker. Forum topics include: Universal Design Learning, Creating Inclusive Placement, Mental Health in the Workplace Life Experiences, and Workplace Accommodation. T. Higgins will be attending. This year (2019) AODA compliance reporting to be done. A 21-part questionnaire to be answered. T. Higgins will be working with the internal Accessibility Core Staff Team at its October meeting to research and respond to this questionnaire. Durham Region Accessibility Awards to be held on October 30th, 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. AAC put forward the Polar Plunge for an award. S. Milton and D. Poole will be on hand to accept the award. This is great opportunity to highlight the Polar Plunge fund raising achievements and encourage other municipalities and organizations to get involved. T. Higgins was invited by Mayor Ryan to join in chat with resident who is visually challenged. S. Milton also present. Discussion held on inclusion challenges residents encounter in Pickering and at the Rec. Centre. It was felt that more could be done in Pickering to encourage more social interaction and inclusion for people with disabilities. An event has been proposed, with focus on creating comfort for, and with, engaging with people with disabilities. T. Higgins reported that he received an email from former AAC member V. Ronaldi. V. Ronaldi was in a car accident while in a Durham Transit special services taxi. Issues had been raised with Durham Transit in December 2017/January 2018 regarding the safety of their taxis. It was noted that there has been a change in DRT leadership since and perhaps Durham Transit will be more receptive to recommendations going forward. Page 7 of 9 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 4.5 Member Updates G. Lang reflected on the participation of the Committee at the Canada Day event. Feedback from residents regarding the City's accessibility was largely positive. There was, however, mention made of sidewalk accessibility, safety, and connectivity. I. Janton noted that Planning asks builders to build platforms for sidewalks — or cash in lieu. Therefore, as City is built out, an increase in sidewalks will be seen. Committee suggested having S. Booker and A. Mostert on a future agenda to discuss sidewalk concerns further. Discussion should also include lighting at major intersections. B. Gregory further noted that connectivity and walkability in the City can be difficult not just for those in mobility devices but also people with strollers, walkers. I. Janton discussed situation observed from her office window of residents crossing over Glenanna from North Esplanade where curb cuts exist, although no official crosswalk. In discussing this with her Director, I. Janton has been tasked with creating some ideas on how to make this crossing less hazardous. A. Lue advised that he had received an invitation to the Accessibility Professional Network (APN) 1st T. Higgins to extend invitation for S. Booker and A. Mostert to attend future AAC meeting. A. Lue to send information regarding the APN conference to T. Higgins. Annual Conference, arranged through the Rick Hansen Foundation. Details will be sent to T. Higgins. A. Lue also mentioned that he had a TED talk coming up. D. Hughes advised that he had applied for the Metrolinx Accessibility Advisory Committee and that he was accepted. He believes that he is the only one from Durham Region on this committee. D. Hughes discussed the upcoming Remembrance Day events on November 10th, noting that AAC will be purchasing a wreath. Representatives from AAC to be on hand to lay the wreath. Additional discussion Page 8 of 9 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) held regarding opening up City Hall to seniors and veterans to wait in beforehand — rather than outside in the possible inclement weather. In a related comment, D. Hughes noted that the City did not have an Afghan Veterans Memorial. Remembrance events for the Afghan war have been hosted by RCL Branch 606 but this is not ideal due to site constraints. D. Hughes is suggesting a plaque adjacent to the cenotaph here at the City and is approaching the Ajax -Pickering Board of Trade to seek business donations for the plaque. 5• Review & Approval of Minutes Moved by D. Hughes Seconded by A. Lue That the Minutes of the June 12, 2019 meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 6' Other Business & Updates There was no other business or updates. 7' Adjournment Meeting adjourned 9:25 pm :bg Copy: City Clerk Page 9 of 9