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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 17, 2026 Accessibility Advisory Committee  Meeting Agenda  Main Committee Room June 17, 2026 - 07:00 PM Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the livestream on the HTML Agenda or the archived video available on the City's website. How to Participate Individuals looking to make a verbal delegation may do so in accordance with the City’s Procedure By-law. In lieu of a verbal delegation, individuals may also submit written comments to clerks@pickering.ca. To register as a Delegation, please submit a Delegation Request Form by visiting pickering.ca/meetings. For inquiries related to accessibility, please contact Legislative Services Phone: 905.420.4611 | Email: clerks@pickering.ca Review and Approval of Agenda   Disclosure of Interest   Approval of Minutes   Minutes, May 20, 2026 Page 3  Delegations/Presentations   New Business   City Centre Park (7:10 pm)Page 12  Arnold Mostert, Manager, Landscape & Parks Development, City of Pickering Jeanne Ng, MJMA Architecture & Design Hyaeinn Lee, MJMA Architecture & Design Connor Stevens, MJMA Architecture & Design 1. 2. 3. 3.1 4. 5. 5.1 Bonita Park (7:25 pm)  Arnold Mostert, Manager, Landscape & Parks Development, City of Pickering George Ashe Library and Community Centre (7:35 pm)  Diana Poida, Senior Project Manager, Capital Projects, City of Pickering Matthew Darling, Project Manager, Rapid Transit and Active Transportation Implementation, Region of Durham Seaton Recreation Complex and Library (SRCL) (7:50 pm)Page 34  Diana Poida, Senior Project Manager, Capital Projects, City of Pickering Vince Plouffe, Division Head, Facilities Management & Construction, City of Pickering Facilities External Lighting Report (8:00 pm)  Vince Plouffe, Division Head, Facilities Management & Construction, City of Pickering Canada Day - Roster and Planning (8:30 pm)  Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, City of Pickering MSAA AAC Forum - June 18, 2026 (8:40 pm)  Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, City of Pickering Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP) – Planning (8:45 pm)  Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, City of Pickering Reports to Council - Update (8:55 pm)  Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, City of Pickering Other Business   Correspondence   Adjournment   5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 6. 7. 8. Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda June 17, 2026 - 2 - 1 Present: Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Main Committee Room May 20, 2026 - 07:00 PM S. Azhar D. Currie K. Hale D. Schick M. Shackleton S. Snyders T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator (Staff Liaison) K Hearst, Records, Privacy & Elections Coordinator (Recording Secretary) Regrets: B. Ferguson C. Rudberg-Chin A. Topple, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Councillor M. Brenner Councillor M. Nagy 1. Review and Approval of Agenda Moved By D. Schick Seconded By D. Currie That the Agenda for the May 20, 2026, Meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting be approved. Carried 2. Disclosure of Interest There were no disclosures of interest. 3. Approval of Minutes - 3 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 2 3.1 Minutes, April 15, 2026 T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator reviewed the April 15, 2026 Minutes and provided an update on one action item: • T. Higgins added a report to the committee for discussion regarding automatic accessible doors at City facilities. Moved By D. Currie Seconded By D. Schick Moved by That the Minutes of the April 15, 2026, Meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 4. Delegations/Presentations There were no delegations. 5. New Business 5.1 Site Plan Review: 1970 Brock Rd, S12/86(R26) (7:10 pm) Isabelle Janton, Senior Planner, Site Planning With the aid of a PDF presentation, I. Janton, Senior Planner, Site Planning appeared before the Committee to provide an update regarding the site plan application for 1970 Brock Road. I. Janton provided an overview of the site plan application for 1970 Brock Road to add high-rise towers with a mixed-use ground floor over the long-term and requires an official plan amendment, rezoning application, and site plan application. I. Janton highlighted that the current proposal is an interim solution to re-use the existing Type-D restaurant with a Type-F restaurant with a drive-thru. I. Janton noted the changes to accessible parking, removing the colonnade, the entrances to the building, alterations to existing curbs to accommodate a drive-thru queue, and the traffic and access challenges due to the existing layout. A question and answer period ensued between Committee Members and staff regarding: - 4 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 3 • Whether the drive-thru queue is long enough to prevent traffic from spilling onto major roadways, such as Brock Road and Kingston Road; • The placement of accessible parking spots and pathway from the spots to the building crossing through the drive-thru queue; • The difficulties with retrofitting the existing site to ensure barrier free accessibility on the site; • Whether the proposal provides sight lines that will allow for careful navigation for both pedestrians and vehicles; • Whether the drive-thru restaurant would include accessible washrooms; and, • Whether the pathways from the accessible parking spots the entrance of the storefronts would be barrier-free. 5.2 George Ashe Library and Community Centre (GALCC) Presentation (7:25 pm) Diana Poida, Senior Project Manager, Capital Projects With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, D. Poida, Senior Project Manager, Capital Projects, appeared before the Committee to provide an update on George Ashe Library and Community Centre revitalization project. D. Poida highlighted the exterior and interior accessibility updates including LED lighting, ramps and walkways, barrier-free travel and entrance to the facility, and design changes to the library and staff areas. D. Poida noted that the roof design has led to water pooling and the renovations to the exterior seek to address water infiltration issues. D. Poida highlighted the planned road widening along Kingston Road in front of the facility, and the resulting design changes to the exterior of the facility. A question and answer period ensued between Committee Members and staff regarding: • The importance of coordinating with Durham Region Transit to ensure public transit stops are integrated with the facility; • Reaching out to Kelly Ng from Autism Home Base for input on support services to address sensory needs and mental health accessibility, not just physical mobility; • What project elements were included in the grant application submitted for this project; • The shape and design of the proposed accessible ramp leading to the front door of the facility; • Whether the outdoor play area at the facility was included in the scope of - 5 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 4 work; and, • Whether the design of the play area can be integrated into the proposed changes to the exterior of the facility to improve the space and add more accessible elements. T. Higgins to contact William (Bill) Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit (DRT) to request a DRT representative to attend the June Committee meeting to plan collaboration on transit integration with the facility. D. Poida to provide an update to the Committee in early 2027 on the status of the revitalization project. 5.3 Fire Station 5 – Update re: AAC Comments (7:55 pm) Diana Poida, Senior Project Manager, Capital Projects With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, D. Poida, Senior Project Manager, Capital Projects, appeared before the Committee to provide an update on Fire Station 5. D. Poida reviewed the feedback that the Committee provided during their February 18, 2026, meeting and discussed the accessible design elements of the facility. D. Poida noted that Community Services will be proposing a budget to add a public art installation at Fire Station 5. D. Poida highlighted that the station will incorporate alarms, flashing lights, and sirens, and accessible sidewalk crossings to ensure safety for pedestrians. D. Poida noted that the project at Fire Station 5 will include a preemption system to allow fire trucks to exit the station onto Bayly Street safely. D. Poida discussed the timelines for the project with the tender planned for July 2026, with construction anticipated to start in October 2026. A question and answer period ensured between Committee Members and staff regarding: • whether there will be a training room at the Fire Station that will be accessible to community groups for educational visits; • whether the traffic study for the project accounts for the need to anticipate for future traffic growth in the neighbourhood to account for the residential development in the area; and, • whether the old Fire Station can continue to be used for a longer period until Bayly Street has been widened. - 6 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 5 5.4 2025 Year End Report and 2026 Work Plan– Delegation Planning (8:05 pm) Katherine Hale Sam Snyders T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, advised that the 2025 Year End Report and 2026 Work Plan is being presented to Council on Monday, May 25, 2026. He noted that Committee Members S. Snyders and K. Hale will present the plan report and plan to Council and asked if any other Committee Members would like to join the delegation. He highlighted the main themes of the report and work plan to shift the narrative from basic compliance to proactive future planning, and that the delegation will give Committee Members the opportunity to express what themes are important to them. D. Schick asked to join the delegation of the Committee to Council. T. Higgins to put forward a request to delegate to Council to include K. Hale, D. Schick, and S. Snyders. 5.5 2026 Municipal Election - Information for Committee Members (8:15 pm) Keith Hearst, Records, Elections, and Privacy Coordinator Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator K. Hearst, Records, Privacy & Elections Coordinator, appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of the responsibilities of Committee Members regarding the 2026 Municipal Election. K. Hearst highlighted the distinction between the role of a Committee Member and the role of a Candidate, and that any Member seeking to run in the upcoming election cannot use any City of Pickering resources or their role on the Committee for any campaign purposes. K. Hearst to provide all Committee Members with the City's Use of Corporate Resources for Election Purposes Procedure and link to the Candidate Information web page for the 2026 Municipal Election. 5.6 Report to Council: Automatic Accessible Doors at City Facilities (8:20 pm) Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator - 7 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 6 T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, advised that he shared a draft report to all Committee Members regarding Automatic Doors at City Facilities and invited comments from the Committee to confirm the contents of the report. He requested that the Committee seek a motion to endorse the draft report to be brought forward at the June Council Meeting. Discussion ensued regarding: • the accessible doors on the arena side of Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex; • continuity of process to ensure the operation of the accessible doors across all facilities and taking timely action when a door at a facility stop working; • heightening the issue of the accessible doors to staff to ensure a proactive approach to repair accessible doors; • reporting mechanisms for when doors are not working include the use of a QR code. Moved By K. Hale Seconded By S. Snyders That the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee (PAAC) endorse the draft report on Automatic Accessible Doors to advance to Council. Carried 5.7 Inclusive Play Spaces (8:30 pm) Sam Snyders With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, S. Snyders presented on inclusive play spaces at Bonita Park and Lynn Heights Park. S. Snyders highlighted that accessibility should always be considered in design and during projects to ensure that all people can access play spaces independently. S. Snyders noted that Bonita Park was one of seven parks included in the City's application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). S. Snyders spoke to the accessibility-minded features of Bonita Park and Lynn Heights Park and where further accessible features can be implemented in both parks. S. Snyders spoke to the long-term effects of including inaccessible elements in park design and that the Committee be included to provide feedback on park redevelopment projects in the design phase. Discussion ensued regarding: - 8 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 7 • that Bonita Park and Lynn Heights Park were not included in the eight parks that PAAC was consulted on that had rubberized surfaces installed and overhaul of accessibility features; • the long-term redevelopment plan for City parks across the municipality; • whether the changes to playgrounds can be addressed through operating budgets if they are small; • that the City received a grant to make playgrounds more accessible for the public; and, • whether parks should only meet minimum accessibility requirements or if more features are required to be inclusive and accessible by design as best practices have moved on from the minimum standards in AODA. Moved By S. Snyders Seconded By D. Currie That PAAC recommends that City staff report back to the Committee and Council regarding the accessibility review consultation process and design consideration associated with the redevelopment of Bonita Park and Lynn Heights Park including: • accessibility consideration related to surfacing materials and continuous accessible routes; • alignment with AODA objectives and City Accessibility commitments; • opportunities to strengthen PAAC involvement earlier in future redevelopment projects; and, • whether retrofit measures and barrier-reduction options should be considered for Bonita Park and Lynn Heights Park where warranted. Carried 5.8 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP) Planning – Partners and Emergent Themes (8:40 pm) Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, advised that he provided the Committee with a survey of sent to different advocacy and stakeholder groups regarding events around the City to receive feedback regarding accessibility. He noted that he will use this feedback when developing the multi-year accessibility plan to be presented during the next term of Council. Discussion ensued regarding: - 9 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 8 • collaborating with a broad network of community partners to receive feedback and develop community support for the plan; • the City's accessibility plan and building in statements regarding budgeting and the real cost of accessibility features, not just minimum standards in playgrounds and outdoor spaces; • whether bench-marking from historically planned developments is appropriate and focusing on emerging themes and best practices to guide accessibility projects; • ensuring that future development is guided from an accessibility perspective; • the themes and methodology to include in the multi-year accessibility plan to ensure that Pickering continues to be a leader in accessibility; and, • accessibility as a positive cost and using proactive active design and collaboration with community partners to reduce costs. 5.9 National Accessibility Awareness Week (NAAW) Events (8:45 pm) Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, updated to the Committee regarding National Accessibility Awareness Week. He highlighted the challenges of navigating the high volume if events being held by many organizations simultaneously. T. Higgins to provide Committee Members with a spreadsheet of events for Nation Accessibility Awareness Week that Members can attend. 5.10 Canada Day – Tranquility Tent (8:50 pm) Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, updated the Committee regarding the Tranquility Tent at Esplanade Park during Canada Day celebrations. He noted the tent has been successful in the past with many members of the community attending in previous Canada Day celebrations. He advised the Committee that he created a roster so that Committee Members can ensure coverage at the tent throughout the day. He highlighted that the tent provides an opportunity to consult the community regarding accessibility. T. Higgins to provide Committee Members with a draft roster for the tranquility tent for Members to sign up for an hour or two to be present and host the event. - 10 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 9 6. Other Business K. Hale updated the Committee regarding inclusive public skating. K. Hale noted S. Snyder and herself conducted a site visit of O'Brien and Delaney rinks and determined that Delaney rink should be used given existing accessibility measures including barrier-free access to the ice surface, accessible washrooms, and universal change rooms. K. Hale noted that the Delaney rink will not have ice until Fall. K. Hale highlighted that until the pilot program can be scheduled, the Committee continues to collaborate with community groups to determine what they would like to see out of a skating program. S. Snyders updated the Committee regarding the Sandy Beach Road redevelopment, and the bus stop no longer being accessible. S. Snyders noted the closest bus stop is on Liverpool Road, which may be a barrier from people and that a temporary bus stop should be put at Krosno Boulevard while the redevelopment work is in progress. 7. Correspondence There was no correspondence. 8. Next Meeting - June 17, 2026 9. Adjournment Moved By D. Currie Seconded By D. Schick That the meeting be adjourned. Carried The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. - 11 - - 12 - - 13 - - 14 - - 15 - - 16 - - 17 - - 18 - - 19 - - 20 - - 21 - - 22 - - 23 - - 24 - - 25 - - 26 - - 27 - - 28 - - 29 - - 30 - - 31 - - 32 - - 33 - Seaton Recreation Complex & Library Accessibility Committee Meeting Design Update 2026 06 18 - 34 - Agenda 1.Overview/Team 2.Site Plan 3.Interior Planning 4.Opportunities and Recommendations 2- 35 - Overview/Team - 36 - 4 Overview/Team Design Team Perkins&Will has a track record of delivering inclusive, thoughtful, community-focused spaces. The team has experience working beyond the baseline standards, and has experience with CSA and Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification processes. Our team takes a holistic approach to design to remove barriers for people with disabilities, and create spaces that are welcoming and inviting for all. Accessibility Consultant Sawchuck Accessible Solutions is a team of people with lived experience with disability. The team consists of RHFAC certified professionals and Julie Sawchuck is the Chair of the 2025 Standards Development Committee for the Design of Public Space and OBC as appointed by the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility. - 37 - 5- 38 - 6- 39 - 7- 40 - 8- 41 - 9- 42 - 10- 43 - 11- 44 - Site Plan - 45 - 13 Site Plan Features: •13 accessible parking spaces, 6 type A and 7 type B. 5 of these spaces offer EV charging •No pathway slopes exceeding 4% •Pathway material to be robust and easy to navigate •All park program elements will be connected by accessible pathways •Passenger pickup and drop-off zones that are safe and accessible to maximize traffic flow •Seating dispersed around site. Various options with armrests and backs •Ample green space at entrances provides opportunities for Guide Dog Relief zones ECOTONE INTERFACE A.Kinetic Garden B.Indigenous Gathering C.Meander Court PROGRAM ZONES 1.Civic Plaza 2.Skate Park 3.Basketball Court & Future Court Expansion 4.Discovery/Fitness Walk 5.Reading Garden & Children’s Reading Garden 6.Signature Playground 7.Splash Pad 8.Pavilion Plaza 9.Pickleball Courts & Future Court Expansion 10.Tennis Courts 11.Future Event Space & Amphitheatre 12.Open Space 13.Community Gardens - 46 - 14 Site Sections Features: •Wide pathways with clearly defined edges and boundaries create safe and intuitive circulation •Changes in site grade addressed with gentle slopes not exceeding 4% •Ramps provided at areas where larger changes in grade are necessary •Variety of seating and respite opportunities - 47 - Interior Planning - 48 - 16 Level 1 Plan Overview General Building Features: •Barrier-free public and staff entrances •Wayfinding strategies (beyond signage) to allow people with vision loss to navigate throughout the building (colour plan, contrast, tactile etc.) •Materials with no or low VOCs •Good acoustics within all spaces – minimized echoes and distracting sounds •Minimum 950mm clear opening for doors within accessible path of travel •Vision strips on all interior glazing mounted at 1350mm above finished floor •Operating height of controls 1200mm on centre •2 stop elevators with stretcher capacity •Contrast between floor and wall finishes •Assistive Listening System to be provided within arena, library, gymnasium, multipurpose spaces and admin areas Primary entrance Staff entrance - 49 - 17 Level 1 Plan North Features: •Barrier-free arena change rooms (A) •All WCs and change rooms are gender neutral/universal •1700mm turning radius in all Barrier free locations. 2100mm turning radius in all universal WCs •Accommodations for sledge hockey built into arena planning •Power Door Operatorss at all main program entries •Barrier-free change room provided adjacent to gymnasium (B) B A - 50 - 18 Level 1 Plan South Features: •Low counter with knee clearance at reception areas •Pool change room provides variety of changing and showering locations for users. Users with accessible needs can change in same space as friends and family •Ceiling lifts and adult change tables provided at universal shower/change (A) •Wide circulation at all corridors including pool deck •Contrasting black tile edge around pool perimeter. Contrasting tiles at changes in depths, steps, benches etc. •All sinks and vanities at accessible height •Accessible ramp entry to pools •Multi-sensory room provides space for nervous system regulation, relaxation, and anxiety reduction (B) B A A - 51 - 19 Level 2 Plan Features: •Accessible viewing at arenas with spaces for mobility devices adjacent to adaptable seating •Barrier free washrooms in fitness space and main lobby near warm viewing •Visual/tactile fire alarms in all individual washrooms/changerooms (for people with sight and or hearing loss) •Designated areas of refuge on upper level (arena and running track) and accessible path to meeting points outdoors •Assistive Listening System to be provided within fitness space, arena, library, track, multipurpose spaces and admin areas - 52 - 20 Level 2 Plan North Features: •Accessible viewing at arenas with spaces for mobility devices adjacent to adaptable seating (A) •Open and accessible washroom block with barrier-free, universal, and family stalls (B) •Stretching and respite areas provided around track (C) •Areas of refuge provided within the stair enclosures at the running track and arena (D)B A A A A C C C D D - 53 - 21 Level 2 Plan South Features: •Multi-use reflection room (A) A - 54 - 22 Enlarged Plans – Typical Arena Change + Washroom Block Features: •Deeper benches for accessibility •Barrier-free access throughout •Accessible shower configuration Features: •Benches for waiting •Clear/open circulation •Barrier-free, universal and family stalls; includes infant and adult change tables•Integrated/accessible sink- 55 - 23 Enlarged Plans – Typical Arena Change Features: •Open and intuitive circulation with clear sight lines •Universal shower/WC with ceiling lift •Barrier-free change stalls Photos from Georgina Recreation Centre universal change - 56 - Opportunities and Recommendations - 57 - 25 Program Spaces •Opportunity to provide fitness equipment that is specifically designed for use by people with disabilities including the following: •Ski Machine •VitaGlide •Matrix Arm Krank •Sci Fit Equipment •Wheelchair Rollers Image source: Resolution Fitness Opportunities and Recommendations - 58 -