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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 12, 2020 Page 1 of 10 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee February 12, 2020 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: Peter Bashaw Bianca D’Souza Saima Fatima Dan Hughes Glenn Lang Anthony Lue Sue Wilkinson David Wysocki John McLellan, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Tim Higgins, Staff Representative Rumali Perera, Recording Secretary Guests: Maurice Brenner, City Councillor, Ward 1 (with Baye) Matt Greenwood, Pickering Football Club Heather Hall, Participation House Tammy Lyle-Gravlev, Pickering Football Club Abdul Macci, Durham Region Transit Advisory Committee Gary Marshall, Participation House Absent: Donna Holmes Megan Thorpe Ross Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introductions 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 and Approval of Agenda Page 2 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) T. Higgins reviewed the agenda items. T. Higgins amended the agenda to move item 4 after item 5. Agenda approved. 4. 5 New Business 4.1 Service & Support Animal Initiative T. Higgins welcomed Councillor Brenner to the committee and provided a brief overview of the Service & Support Animal Initiative. He indicated this initiative would provide leadership to the Province on service and support animals. Councillor Brenner and Councillor Cumming had attended the November 22, 2018 AAC meeting where Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University graduate Ather Shabbar was also in attendance to discuss innovation labs. This discussion led to the idea of using innovation labs for investigating issues regarding service and support animals in Pickering. T. Higgins highlighted that the Province is supportive of this initiative and has agreed (in principle) to provide funding as the project will inform the business community on best practices for service and support animals. At the January 27, 2020 Council Meeting, Council approved Report CS 08-20, to submit the Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement to the Province and to set in motion the City of Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee’s Service & Support Animal Task Group. Councillor Brenner (with his therapy dog, Baye) appeared before the Committee and provided a brief background to the initiative. Councillor Brenner stated that in November 2018, the City was in receipt of various complaints from Pickering Town Centre (PTC) regarding service and support animals. PTC concerns profiled the competing rights of service and support animal owners with those of other mall customers. Page 3 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Councillor Brenner spoke of his personal experiences with his dog, Baye, who came from the Ontario Basset Rescue. After being assessed by Therapeutic Paws of Canada, it was recommended that Baye would make a good therapy dog. Councillor Brenner further discussed concerns and issues over support animals in Pickering. For example, he noted that Pickering’s Animal Services does not charge a licensing fee for therapy dogs. He highlighted the difference between a support dog and a therapy dog, noting the main difference is that therapy dogs must be invited into buildings as a support system to an organization/institution. The difficulty, however, is identifying the difference between a support dog and a therapy dog. This becomes even more difficult when owners can simply purchase a harness labelled “support dog” for the cost of $10. Hence, the City needs to partner with businesses to create a set of clear guidelines to better address related issues. Councillor Brenner also spoke of the importance of proper training not only for the pet, but more importantly, for the handler. He further stated that the handler must ensure that the pet is comfortable and that no harm is done either to the pet or to surrounding humans. Councillor Brenner suggested that the City should explore the idea of bringing dogs into the City as a way to de-stress employees. To avoid issues with respect to competing interests, this could be done in a meeting room to which staff are invited. D. Wysocki stated that the Innovation Lab is a way to bring together a variety of engaged stakeholders to address conflicting perspectives. Following the Innovation Lab, recommendations will be made to the City of Pickering, Durham Region and the Province. Following this, the initial lab participants will be invited back, as they were instrumental in identifying issues and establishing a knowledge base. He stated that the vision is to have about 20-25 invited guests Page 4 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) attend the Innovation Lab, and after recommendations are formulated, to extend the consultation to a broader group. At this point, draft publications, web resources, and an interim report would be shared. This public event will be accessible both virtually and in-person. A number of considerations/concerns/questions were expressed by the members, including:  The manner in which businesses and municipalities can enforce guidelines, when the system primarily relies on animal owners to make the right choice.  The importance of looking at other provinces and countries, when deciding the types of animals that should be considered as service/support animals.  The rights of those who require service/support animals versus those who do not.  The safety of workers as the Occupational Rights and Hazard board trumps the Human Rights Tribunal.  The importance of having current laws around support animals, as both humans and pets have been injured due to poor choices in the past. Councillor Brenner stated that it would be good for school systems to allow kids with autism to bring their pets into the classroom, however, the Durham District School Board has publicly declined this possibility. A. Lue stated that people with disabilities should be allowed to bring their service animals, however, those with anxiety should follow stricter rules as this is harder to distinguish. D. Hughes questioned the manner these recommendations would be marketed to the community and businesses. Page 5 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) P. Bashaw added that sometimes people carry stuffed animals as a substitute for a support animal. He noted that this could be something that OCAD University might investigate. Councillor Brenner notified members of an upcoming site plan review for the Pickering City Centre. T.Higgins stated that the Committee would like to invite the new City Centre project architect to discuss accessibility once this person has been hired. Councillor Brenner stated the importance of the involvement of the Committee in reviewing the City Centre project before concrete is poured. 4.2 Participation House P. Bashaw welcomed the representatives of Participation House and provided a brief introduction to the agenda item. H. Hall appeared before the committee to provide an overview of the work done by the Participation House. She stated that they recently opened a residential version of the Participation House in Oshawa and Bowmanville. They offer community activation, upskill learning on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting. Members will volunteer to build their resumes to eventually move to placement programs. She further stated the Participation House is working on travel training in order to build independence so members no longer need to pay $65/day for their services. She highlighted the program does not have a strict age cap and anyone is welcome to their services as long as they are learning. She noted the importance of tailoring the program according to individual needs and accommodating different learning styles. G. Marshall appeared before the committee to speak about transitioning of members to the Salvation Army concession stands to teach independence and speak up for themselves. He noted that the program Page 6 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) currently has 5 members at different levels of achievement. They work with the Participation House from September to May, which is when most training is done, at which time they gain experience for employment. He noted the program currently have 20 people employed and have placed six people into grocery stores and the municipality of Clarington. He identified that the biggest challenge is for business to recognize that individuals with disabilities can be good employees who are worth hiring. H. Hall further stated that the Participation House also provides job shadowing, where staff will provide on-site support to individuals with disabilities at their place of employment. T. Higgins noted that perhaps once the City Centre project is complete, Pickering could set an example for the rest of the Region through a partnership with the Participation House. Questions and discussions ensued regarding:  Exploring an entrepreneurial model  How connections are built between businesses and Participation House  The challenge of convincing employers about the benefits of employing individuals with disabilities  The difficulties programs such as Co-op student placement pose to the model of the Participation House 4.3 DRT Transit Advisory Committee T.Higgins welcomed Abdul Macci, Pickering’s representative to the Durham Region Transit Advisory Committee. Abdul Macci appeared before the Committee to discuss and provide an update on:  Low income ridership pass by the Ontario Works for $44.80/month Page 7 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)  The declining levels of specialized transit volumes – difficulties for individuals with disabilities using the 900 routes  The demand for specialized transit is low in Pickering in comparison to Oshawa D. Hughes appeared before the committee to express the following concerns:  Pickering has been isolated by the DRT  DRT does not accommodate individuals with cognitive disabilities  The lack of customer service and the lack of humanity from DRT  The lack of fare integration between DRT and other transit providers  DRT requires individuals to book a week ahead and requires an end time  The passport program – individuals receive an amount from the Province for transit for the year, hence, the new low income ridership pass is not the most adequate solution T. Higgins stated that the Committee would like to work with the new Regional Chair, Regional CAO, and DRT General Manager to improve accessible customer service. Pickering is growing very rapidly and accessible transportation is key given a large and growing population with disabilities. 4.4 Increasing Activity Levels Through Inclusion T. Higgins welcomed and introduced Tammy Lyle- Gravlev and Matt Greenwood from the Pickering Football Club (PFC) and noted that the Football Club’s presentation follows on from Nancy Heath’s presentation to the AAC on November 13th, 2019. T. Lyle-Gravlev appeared before the Committee to speak on the Pickering Football Club’s (PFC) new research project which will investigate barriers associated with recreational and sport opportunities. Based on previous programming, partnerships, and research, PFB has identified a number of community Page 8 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) groups who remain isolated from recreational opportunities due to barriers. The new Ontario Trillium Fund Grant allows PFC to explore and test innovative ways to increase activity levels among members of priority populations, including newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities, LGBTQ, and indigenous populations in the Pickering/Durham Region. The research aims to help identify barriers to accessing quality programs, opportunities and experiences. T. Lyle-Gravlev spoke of the recently held seniors focus group on February 11th at the Pickering Soccer Centre, 1975 Clements Road. Upcoming focus groups were identified including:  Wednesday February 19 o Focus Group: People with Disabilities o Location: Pickering Soccer Centre, o Event Room: 7:00 - 9:00 pm  Wednesday February 26 o Focus Group: Community Sport Organizations o Location: Chestnut Hill Dev. Rec Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road, Meeting Room #3 o Time: 6:30 -8:30 pm T. Higgins suggested that the PFC reach out to the members of the AAC to participate in the upcoming focus groups. He also noted that PFC should contact Nancy Heath for input and participation in one of the focus groups. J. McLellan suggested that the PFC attend the next Pickering-Ajax Board of Trade meeting. T. Lyle-Gravlev noted that a barrier to the study is transportation. She noted that transit routes are structured in a way that fails to correlate with municipal facilities and customers with disabilities. Page 9 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 4.5 Accessibility Event Checklist T. Higgins spoke of an Event Accessibility Checklist that he was preparing in response to a dispute between a Pickering resident and RibFest security. T. Higgins to circulate via email to Members for information. 5. 5 Review & Approval of Minutes Moved by A. Lue Seconded by P. Bashaw That the Minutes of the January 8, 2020 meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved pending minor edits. Carried 6. Other Business & Updates 6.1 Member Updates T. Higgins surveyed the Committee members for updates and final remarks. T. Higgins provided an update on the renovation of the pool in the Pickering Recreation Complex. He noted that $20,000 is the cost for the solution and that this was placed in the capital budget. He also noted that he filed the grant submission to JumpStart. P. Bashaw informed the Committee that he had found a contractor to allow entrances into houses through the parking garage, if the front door entrance is not accommodating for people with disabilities. S. Fatima noted that she attended the Durham Region Accessibility Awareness Group Meeting, which was a great opportunity and that she is planning to invite them to the Pickering Islamic Centre. Page 10 of 10 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 7. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 9:21pm :rp Copy: City Clerk