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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 13, 2020 Page 1 of 6 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee May 13, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Attendees: Peter Bashaw Saima Fatima – left at 8 pm Donna Holmes Dan Hughes – left at 8:20 pm Glenn Lang Anthony Lue Megan Thorpe Ross Sue Wilkinson David Wysocki John McLellan, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Tim Higgins, Staff Representative Rumali Perera, Recording Secretary Devin Poole, Clerk - Typist Guests: Sharon Milton, Manager, Recreation Services Isabelle Janton, Planner II - Site Planning, City of Pickering Absent: Bianca D’Souza Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introductions T. Higgins welcomed members and guests to the electronic meeting. 2. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. 3. Review and Approval of Agenda T. Higgins reviewed the agenda items. Agenda approved. Page 2 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 4. Review and Approval of Minutes Moved by D. Holmes Seconded by M. Thorpe Ross That the Minutes of the March 11, 2020 meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 5. 5 . New Business 5.1 Virtual Meetings A general discussion ensued between the members regarding virtual committee meetings. Members noted that virtual meetings allow for the committee to reach a broader audience and that the electronic platform is working well under the circumstances. R. Perera noted that Bill 187 allows for electronic participation of members to count towards quorum during a declared emergency. Once the emergency order is lifted, however, electronic participation of members will not count towards quorum. S. Milton noted that the City is working tirelessly to maintain business continuity during the pandemic. 5.2 Pandemic Updates, Issues and Resources T. Higgins requested members to speak about their personal experiences with accessibility during the pandemic. Members noted the following concerns and observations:  Backlog of food delivery systems  Much like “normal” day-to-day life in terms of having ready access to getting around to places Page 3 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)  Effect on routine and structure for individuals with special needs  Lack of funding through the passport program for families  Accessibility gets compromised – Durham Region Transit has opened the ramp for individuals in wheelchairs and scooters, however, many other individuals may need the ramp as well  New curbside pick-up policies are not accessible for individuals with disabilities as they are required to exit their vehicles to close the hatch on their vehicles  Durham Region Specialized Transit may be in a dilemma once non-emergency appointments resume  Family members are learning new ways to support their children with special needs  Long wait times outside of grocery stores during dedicated senior times  Passport funding – the Province announced that they would advance 25% of the funding for purchases for various items such as laptops, IPads, etc. However, the funding is yet to come.  Concern for seniors in long term care  The lack of masks available S. Milton provided an overview of the Care Mongers group that is operating between Ajax and Pickering and noted that more information on this group is available on the City’s website. Staff are currently working on listing available resources for individuals with disabilities on the City’s website. Page 4 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) S. Milton noted that City facilities will remain closed until July 1st and that summer events have been cancelled in the form that they are in now. The City is continuing to take direction from the Province and the Regional Health Department and that reopening will occur in phases. She also noted that the City has created a number of virtual programs for seniors. 5.3 Site Plan Review – S04/20- Shell Canada Isabelle Janton, Planner II - Site Planning, City of Pickering, appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of the Shell Canada site plan which is to be located at the intersection of Kingston Rd and Whites Rd. She noted the following features of the site plan:  Gas station  Car wash  Tim Hortons with a double drive thru  Landscape with a designated area for an art piece  Two access points to the gas station  24 parking spaces with 2 designated accessible parking spaces Members noted the following comments:  The possibility of having a designated pump close to the pay point and a full service option  Questions were raised regarding the availability of sidewalks around the site  Concerns were raised regarding the disconnect in the sidewalk for the Page 5 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) entrance from Whites road and Hwy 2  The bend in the sidewalk at the West entrance  The availability of markers to indicate a major intersection and crossings for the visually impaired 5.4 AAC Annual Report to Council – Update T. Higgins noted that he has circulated the report to the members today for a final look and that the report will be going to Council on May 25, 2020. 5.5 AAC Agenda Planning – Priorities & Future Items T. Higgins asked members to comment on how the Committee could stay relevant during the pandemic. Members noted the following:  Liaising with stakeholders such as Durham Transit to ensure that accessibility is not compromised during the pandemic  Bringing light to issues faced by individuals during the pandemic T. Higgins noted that businesses still have responsibility under the Human Rights Code and the AODA to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities during the pandemic. T. Higgins provided a brief overview of the upcoming priorities and projects of the Committee, including liaising with accessibility communities and the service animal initiative. T. Higgins also noted that the Committee may be required to provide input during the reopening phase. Page 6 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 6. 6 . Other Business & Updates 6.1 Member Updates T. Higgins surveyed the Committee members for updates and final remarks. No action items from updates. 7. 7 . Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 9:17pm :rp