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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 12, 2001Pickering Advisory Committee On Race Relations & Equity Minutes Wednesday, September 12, 2001 7:10 p.m. Chair: Councillor Present: Dave Ryan — Chair Joe Mitschang, Durham Regional Police Fred Gibson — Pickering Carib Canadian Cultural Association Lewis Williams, Durham District School Board Matthew Carmichael, Community Appointee Jessie Docherty, South Pickering Seniors Club #753 Mamaj Pannu, Dunbarton High School Rep. Dave Waldriff, City of Pickering Debbie Kearns, City of Pickering Guest: Prem Noronha - Waldriff, Accessibility Action Committee Chairperson, City of Pickering Regrets: Ian Weber, Community Appointee 1. Welcome Councillor Ryan welcomed Committee Members and introduced Prem Noronha - Waldriff. 2. America Under Attack Time was taken to remember those lost and those suffering from the devastation which occurred in New York City, Washington, DC and Pittsburg on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Dave Ryan advised that a ceremony would be taking place at the City Complex at 9:00 a.m. to raise the U.S.. Flag at half -mast. He further advised that a condolence book has been placed in the front foyer of the Civic Complex for residents to pass on their sympathies. 3. City of Pickering Accessibility Action Plan Prem Noronha- Waldriff introduced herself and explained how the Accessibility Action Committee was formed and who the members were. She made a presentation to Committee, outlining the six facilities of highest priority requiring accessibility upgrading. (copies of presentation attached) Joe questioned if accessibility to parks has been considered and outlined difficulties being experienced by those in wheelchairs, stating that a paved walkway to baseball diamonds and playing fields is all that would be required. Prem will review with the Parks & Facilities Division. Matthew questioned if the findings by the Accessibility Action Committee will be implemented on new applications. Dave advised that the Action Plan is a standard which will be followed in all new building construction. Dave congratulated the Accessibility Action Committee on their work. He advised that buses have been ordered with ramps to provide for wheelchair access. TTY has been installed in the Councillors' Office and Customer Care in order that hearing impaired can communicate with City employees. Dave further advised that sponsors are being sought for the installation of TTY pay phones at five facilities within Pickering at a cost of $1,500 per phone. Joe suggested that correspondence be forwarded to Terry Ryan of the Durham Region Police Association concerning sponsorship. It was also suggested that the Canadian Union of Public Employees could also be approached. - 1 - �r= xyr�iT1..r Pickering Advisory Committee On Race Relations & Equity Minutes Wednesday, September 12, 2001 7:10 p.m. Chair: Councillor Rvan Dave commented that the need for better education concerning disability issues and enforcement of by -laws is required. Prem suggested that information concerning this issue be placed on the Community Page of the News Advertiser. Joe suggested that the Accessibility Action Project be taken before Council at the Region of Durham. Dave stated that this may be undertaken through the sponsorship of the Health & Social Services Department. He offered to work with Prem on a presentation and to accompany her to the Region. 4. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.