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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 28, 2007Accessibility Advisory Committee February 28, 2007 7:00 PM CAO’s Boardroom Attendees: Kelly Collins Aisha Nathifa Heywood Zoia Horne Councillor Bonnie Littley Prem Noronha Waldriff Lisa Broad (Recording Secretary) Absent: Stephen Little Lori Murray Item / Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items / Status (include deadline as appropriate)  1.0 Adoption of Minutes     Moved by Kelly Collins Seconded by Aisha Nathifa Heywood Accessibility Advisory Committee minutes of January 24, 2007 All  2.0 Election of Chair/Vice Chair     The Election of the Chair and the Vice Chair was held off until the next meeting when all members will be present. This includes any new members that have been appointed at the March 19th Council meeting.  All  3.0 Site Plan Review – S02/07     S.R & R Bayridges Plaza Ltd., Part of Block Y, Plan M16 (1215-1235 Bayly Street) Kelly went over the Site Plan, discussing various details that she thought were pertinent. Stephen’s thoughts were brought in via email. He said that he doesn’t believe this is a very accessible site plan. He suggests that we need additional accessible parking spaces, and that if these meet our current by-law standards, we should look at re-evaluating our by-law standards. Would also like to check if the operating devices are oversized and appropriate for people with vision difficulties. This whole site plan does not seem to be at all directed towards people with accessibility difficulties. Zoia thinks that the buildings are too high, and would like to see instead some lower rise buildings in place. The size of the condos range from 500 square feet to 1400 square feet. The Committee would like to know the elevator measurements for wheelchair turning radius. Councillor Littley pointed out that because of the location and type of development, it is possible that this development might be attracting temporary residents and the City of Pickering would instead like to be promoting long-term residents. The design could have been improved with a centre courtyard area and a grocery store for the residents. Councillor Littley suggests that we inquire if the Committee could attend the Site Plan Review Committee when they review this Site Plan so they have the opportunity to discuss their concerns. It was also suggested that Lisa contact Tyler to see if maybe he could attend a meeting to further discuss this site plan. Moved by Kelly Collins Seconded by Councillor Littley That the Accessibility Advisory Committee formally request one more accessible parking spot in the visitors lot by the urban townhomes, and one more accessible spot in the retail location above ground. Also, Building B’s accessible spot should be relocated closer to the elevator. CARRIED  Lisa to action.    S.R & R Bayridges Plaza Ltd., Part of Block Y, Plan M16 (1215-1235 Bayly Street) Kelly went over the Site Plan, discussing various details that she thought were pertinent. Stephen’s thoughts were brought in via email. He said that he doesn’t believe this is a very accessible site plan. He suggests that we need additional accessible parking spaces, and that if these meet our current by-law standards, we should look at re-evaluating our by-law standards. Would also like to check if the operating devices are oversized and appropriate for people with vision difficulties. This whole site plan does not seem to be at all directed towards people with accessibility difficulties. Zoia thinks that the buildings are too high, and would like to see instead some lower rise buildings in place. The size of the condos range from 500 square feet to 1400 square feet. The Committee would like to know the elevator measurements for wheelchair turning radius. Councillor Littley pointed out that because of the location and type of development, it is possible that this development might be attracting temporary residents and the City of Pickering would instead like to be promoting long-term residents. The design could have been improved with a centre courtyard area and a grocery store for the residents. Councillor Littley suggests that we inquire if the Committee could attend the Site Plan Review Committee when they review this Site Plan so they have the opportunity to discuss their concerns. It was also suggested that Lisa contact Tyler to see if maybe he could attend a meeting to further discuss this site plan. Moved by Kelly Collins Seconded by Councillor Littley That the Accessibility Advisory Committee formally request one more accessible parking spot in the visitors lot by the urban townhomes, and one more accessible spot in the retail location above ground. Also, Building B’s accessible spot should be relocated closer to the elevator. CARRIED  Lisa to action.    Councillor Littley followed up with Durham Region Transit and spoke with Bev Thompson, Regional Customer Services and will be getting back to the Committee with regards to training on what is available to the public with regards to accessible transit. Councillor Littley also asked how most people access accessibility options/questions and that we should create a fact sheet that details Regional accessibility contacts and where to get additional information regarding accessibility items. This info pamphlet could be given out by customer care. Prem to bring booklets “The Abilities Guide” made by the City of Oshawa to discuss further and get some ideas from. Prem will also bring an Integration Brochure made by the City of Pickering that details accessibility options. Prem discussed the annual Regional Accessibility meeting that will be held on March 27. There will be speakers on accessibility, and then each municipality has the opportunity to discuss what their committee is doing in the community. This often provides the opportunity to make connections in the community and gives the Committee some inspiring new ideas. Prem to email accessible business pamphlets to Lisa to distribute to members along with the minutes. Prem brought a poster from a Regional meeting advertising Oshawa’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. Suggests that this is something that our Committee might want to do in the future. Aisha will look up some inspirational or empowering quotes and bring to our next meeting.  Councillor Littley to action. Prem to action. Prem to action. Aisha to action.