HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 09-26
Report to
Council
Report Number: CAO 09-26
Date: June 22, 2026
From: Marisa Carpino,
Chief Administrative Officer
Subject:
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
Automatic Door Reliability at City Facilities
File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That Report CAO 09-26 regarding the reliability of automatic and accessible doors at City
facilities on behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be received;
2. That Council endorse the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s advice and direct staff to
review current practices, identify gaps, and report back on options to improve the reliability,
maintenance, and accountability of automatic and accessible door infrastructure across
municipal facilities;
3. That staff be requested to consider the implementation of proactive inspection, monitoring,
and reporting mechanisms to ensure consistent and equitable access to City facilities for
residents with disabilities; and,
4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take actions
necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
1.0 Executive Summary:
The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) identified ongoing concerns regarding the
reliability of automatic doors at key City facilities, including the Chestnut Hill Developments
Recreation Complex and Dunbarton Pool. Unreliable operation creates barriers to independent
access for residents with disabilities. The AAC recommends that Council direct staff to review
current practices and report back with options to improve maintenance, monitoring, and
accountability of accessible door infrastructure.
CAO 09-26 June 22, 2026
Page 2
2.0 Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan:
The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of
Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community.
3.0 Financial Implications:
There are no direct financial implications associated with the receipt of this report. Future costs
may arise through enhanced maintenance, inspection, or system upgrades, and will be
reported in a subsequent staff report.
4.0 Discussion:
At its January meeting, the AAC received concerns from Committee Member Sam Snyders
regarding the reliability of automatic and accessible door systems at various City facilities,
including the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex and the Dunbarton Pool.
Mr. Snyders noted that inconsistent operation of these doors can create significant barriers for
residents who rely on them for independent access. While acknowledging that some
improvements have been made, he emphasized that ongoing reliability issues continue to
impact accessibility and require sustained attention.
Following discussion, the AAC passed a formal motion requesting that Council direct staff to
prepare a report outlining current practices, identifying gaps, and recommending options to
improve the reliability and accountability of accessible door infrastructure across municipal
facilities.
The concerns raised by the AAC highlight the critical role that automatic and accessible
entrances play in enabling equitable access to public facilities. Reliable operation of these
systems is essential for residents who rely on barrier-free entry to participate fully in municipal
programs and services.
The AAC identified key actions including proactive inspection schedules, clear performance
standards, accessible reporting mechanisms, and prioritization of repairs.
Subject to Council direction, staff will undertake a review of current practices and report back
with findings and recommended timelines for implementation.
Attachment: None
Prepared By: Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator
CAO 09-26 June 22, 2026
Page 3
Approved/Endorsed By: Jaclyn San Antonio, Supervisor, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Approved/Endorsed By: Mark Guinto, Division Head, Public Affairs and Corporate
Communications
TH:th
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer