HomeMy WebLinkAboutCO 01-03
Ciú¡ ()~
REPORT TO
COUNCIL
Report Number: CO 01-03
Date: , September 8, 2003
From:
Councillor Dave Ryan
Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee
Subject:
City of Pickering 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan
File: C03000
Recommendation:
1.
That Report CO 01-03 regarding the City of Pickering 2003 Annual Accessibility
Plan be received; and that
2.
Council endorse the City of Pickering 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan as
presented and reviewed by the City of Pickering Accessibility Advisory
Committee;
3.
The appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be given authority to give effect
thereto.
Executive Summary:
The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) is to improve
opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the
identification, removal, and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of
the province. The ODA mandates that all municipalities prepare annual accessibility
plans.
To this end, the City of Pickering has prepared the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan.
Within the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan, the City of Pickering has identified 30
barriers to people with disabilities, The most significant areas for improvement are in
the area of municipal facilities. By the end of 2004, the City of Pickering aims to
remove 16 facility related barriers as well as the 14 administrative related barriers
identified in the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan. Over the next several years, the City
of Pickering aims to address all facility related improvements as outlined in the City's
2000 Accessibility Audit.
Financial Implications:
As a result of the City of Pickering 2000 Accessibility Audit Report, the City of Pickering
made a commitment to include $25,000 in the annual capital budget to remove or
Report CO 01-03
Date: September 8, 2003
Subject: City of Pickering 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan
Page 2
prevent facility related barriers. As a result, the 16 facility related barriers included in
the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan will draw on these funds identified under capital
account 2719-6183.
The potential costs to complete the 14 administrative related barriers have not yet been
determined and will be subject to approved 2003 and 2004 capital and operating
budgets. Any barrier that cannot be completed within the 2003 or 2004 approved
capital or operating budget will be deferred to future annual accessibility plans.
Background:
The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) received Royal Assent on December
14,2001. The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) is to improve
opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the
identification, removal, and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of
the province. Under the Act, all municipalities are required to prepare annual
accessibility plans, make the plans public and consult persons with disabilities. The
deadline for municipalities to prepare their annual accessibility plan and make it
available to the public is September 30, 2003.
According to the Ontario Accessibility Directorate within the Ministry of Citizenship, the
purpose of the Annual Accessibility Plan is to describe the measures that the
municipality has taken in recent years and the measures the municipality will taking in
the coming year to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities.
According to the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA), the
City of Pickering has prepared the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan. The City's plan is for
the period of September 2003 to August 2004. Within the 2003 Annual Accessibility
Plan, the City of Pickering has identified 30 barriers to people with disabilities. The
barriers identified in this report were based on information collected from the City of
Pickering 2000 Accessibility Audit, the City of Pickering 2002 Recreation, Parks and
Cultural Services Master Plan and the 2003 Annual Accessibility Workbook issued to
city staff for their comments.
The 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan has been reviewed and endorsed the City of
Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee.
In order to make the plan available to the public, the City of Pickering will place an
advertisement in the local newspaper to announce the completion and availability of the
2003 Annual Accessibility Plan. The public will be able to access the 2003 Annual
Accessibility Plan electronically via the City of Pickering website or by picking up a hard
copy at the Pickering Civic Complex or Pickering Central Library.
CORPO227-07/01
Report CO 01-03
Date: September 8, 2003
Subject: City of Pickering 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan
Page 3
Attachments:
1.
City of Pickering 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan.
Approved I Endorsed By:
~
c~e Ryan
Ctì' ., cessibility Advisory Committee
DR:mc
Attachment
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
Recommended for the consideration of
Pickering Ci Council
.,
CORPO227-07/01
C¿tq (1#
2003 Annual Accessibility Plan
September 2003 - August 2004
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Table of Contents
Executive Summary...................................................................1
Aim...................................................................................... ...1
Objectives................................................................................1
Description of Organization........................................,.................2
Accessibility Working Group..................................................... ....2
Commitment of Accessibility Planning......................................... ...3
Recent Barrier-Removal Initiatives............................ ....................4
Barrier-Identification Methodologies............................................ ..13
Barriers Identified.................................................................... ..15
10.0 Barriers that will be addressed in 2003-2004...................................20
11.0 Review and Monitoring Process.................................................. .27
12.0 Communication of the Plan.........................................................27
2003 Annual Accessibility Plan
September 2003 - August 2004
1.0
Executive Summary
The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) is to improve
opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in
the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers to their full participation in
the life of the province. The ODA mandates that all municipalities prepare annual
accessibility plans.
To this end, the City of Pickering has prepared the 2003 Annual Accessibility
Plan. Within the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan, the City of Pickering has
identified 30 barriers to people with disabilities. The most significant areas for
improvement are in the area of municipal facilities. By the end of 2004, the City
of Pickering aims to remove 16 facility related barriers as well as the 14
administrative related barriers identified in the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan.
Over the next several years, the City of Pickering aims to address all facility
related improvements as outlined in the City's 2000 Accessibility Audit.
2.0
Aim
The aim of this report is to describe the measures that the City of Pickering has
taken in the past and will take in 2003-2004 to identify, remove and prevent
barriers to people with disabilities in accessing the City of Pickering's facilities
and services, including City staff, volunteers, residents, facility users, service
clubs, community associations, and other members of the community.
3.0
Objectives
i.
Describes the process by which the City of Pickering will identify, remove
and prevent barriers to people with disabilities.
Reviews earlier efforts to remove and prevent barriers to people with
disabilities.
Lists the facilities, policies, programs, practices and services that the City
of Pickering will review in 2003-2004 to identify barriers to people with
disabilities.
ii.
iii.
1
iv.,
Describes the measures the City of Pickering will take in the coming year
to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities.
Describes the ways that the City of Pickering will make this accessibility
plan available to the public.
v.
4.0
Description of the Organization
The City of Pickering is Toronto's eastern neighbour and home to a growing
community that blends business opportunities, cultural diversity and historical
rural settings with a picturesque Lake Ontario waterfront.
The City of Pickering is committed to making Pickering an attractive place in
which to live, work and invest. Within 22,652 hectares, the City of Pickering
boasts top-notch municipal sports fields and recreation programs, quarter-million
square foot recreation complex, 19th century interpretive museum, libraries, many
community and neighbourhood parks, conservation areas, new waterfront
facilities and hiking trails.
The Corporation of the City of Pickering employs 479 staff to meet the needs of
its 92,300 residents. The City of Pickering's main administration building is
located at the Pickering Civic Complex, One the Esplanade in Pickering and can
be reached at 905.420.2222. The corporation also maintains satellite facilities for
Library Services, Fire Services, Community Centres and an Operations Centre.
5.0
Accessibility Working Group
In early 2003, a core working group of City staff was established with the
responsibility to:
. Conduct research to identify barriers to people with disabilities in City
facilities, programs, services, policies and practices.
. Identify barriers that will be removed or prevented and the strategies
therein for 2004.
. Involve and seek input from the City of Pickering Accessibility Advisory
Committee
. Prepare a report on these activities, and after approval by the CAO and
CUy Council, make the plan available to the public.
Marisa Carpino (Supervisor, Culture & Recreation) was appointed as the
Coordinator of the Working Group. Marisa Carpino has worked for the City of
Pickering for 8 years and has been the Supervisor, Culture & Recreation for 4
years. As part of her responsibilities, Marisa Carpino works with staff to ensure
the integration of participants with special needs into the City's recreation and
leisure programs.
2
The core working group includes City staff from all areas of the organization to
gain their input on matters that must be included in the 2003 Annual Accessibility
Plan. They include:
Marisa Carpino
Prem Noronha-Waldriff
Len Hunter
Tim Moore
Anne Greentree
Clerks
Jennifer Parent
Human Resources
Customer Care
Economic Development
Bill Douglas
Fire Services
Richard Holborn
Property
Catherine Rose
Cynthia Mearns
Library Services
Gil Patterson
Taxation, Accounting,
Su I & Services
Information Technology
Jon Storms
6.0
Commitment to Accessibility Planning
Phone: 905.420.4660
ext. 2099
Phone: 905.831.1711
ext. 3229
Phone: 905.831.1711
ext. 3223
Phone: 905.420.4631
ext. 2070
Phone: 905.420.4611
ext. 2019
Phone: 905.420.4627
ext. 2160
Phone: 905.420.4666
Phone: 905.420.4636
ext. 4636
Phone: 905.839.9968
ext. 2080
& Phone: 905.420.4630
ext. 2049
Phone: 905.420.4617
ext. 2038
Phone: 905.831.6265
ext. 6236
Phone: 905.420.4634
ext. 4640
Phone: 905.420.4634
ext. 2163
The City of Pickering is committed to continually improving our facilities, services,
programs and policies for staff and residents with disabilities. The City values
the role of staff, residents, and the Accessibility Advisory Committee to identify
barriers that may exist and strategies to address those barriers. The core
working group have developed an annual accessibility plan that enables the City
of Pickering to achieve these commitments.
3
7.0
Recent Barrier-Removal Initiatives
7.1.1 City of Pickering 2000 Accessibility Audit
The City of Pickering established an Accessibility Audit Committee in May 2000.
The Committee's mandate was to audit the Corporation's facilities and report to
the Chief Administrative Officer on its findings and recommendations.
The committee members included Prem Noronha-Waldriff, (Chair) Operations &
Emergency Services Department, Tim Moore, Planning & Development
Department, Fraser Copeland, Administration Department, Rose Harding,
Administration Department, Debra Wight, Administration Department. Brian
Holmes, Planning & Development Department conducted the detailed technical
inspections of the facilities, which was a key component of the overall review.
In order to fulfill the mandate and undertake a comprehensive and balanced
review of our facilities, the Committee conducted two independent investigations,
utilizing different methodologies. Tim Moore and Brian Holmes conducted a
detailed technical audit and approached the exercise from a regulatory
perspective. This audit evaluated the compliance of 22 existing City facilities
against the current accessibility standards for new buildings which are set out in
Section 3.8 of the 1997 Ontario Building Code. The 1997 Ontario Code was
adopted for the purposes of this review, since it is recognized as a progressive
benchmark and is suitable for evaluating our buildings and sites for accessibility.
Since most City buildings were constructed prior to these standards being
enacted, it is to be expected that many facilities will not comply with it. There is
no legal requirement for the City to retrofit its buildings to meet this standard.
The user audit was conducted by the other members of the Committee. This
group adopted the role of mobility, visually, and hearing impaired individuals, with
wheelchairs as a focal part of the exercises. All sites were examined extensively
from the perspective of a disabled individual for ease of access and the ability to
maneuver within the buildings. This approach adopted a practical, user-friendly
perspective, and focused on tangible, real-life difficulties.
As a result of this process, the City of Pickering established its first ever
Accessibility Audit Report in October 2000. The report is invaluable in
identifying barriers that exist in all municipal facilities and making
recommendations to address each barrier.
The City of Pickering made a commitment to include $25,000 in the annual
capital budget to remove or prevent the barriers identified in the Accessibility
Audit Report. As such, staff have prioritized the list of facility barriers to be
removed or prevented and have begun work with these capital dollars to address
these barriers.
4
By August 2003, the following facility improvements (barrier-removal initiatives)
were completed:
i. Provided Assistive Listening Devices for the Council Chambers
ii. Removed landscape area on the north side of the principle entrance of
the Pickering Recreation Complex
Hi. Constructed 2 disabled parking spaces at the main entrance of the
Pickering Recreation Complex and 3 disabled parking spaces at the
north entrance of the Pickering Recreation Complex - with proper
designation and smooth transition access
iv. Constructed Family Change Rooms at the Pickering Recreation
Complex
v. Automatic doors installed to the second floor Fitness Area of the
Pickering Recreation Complex
vi. Upgraded Don Beer Arena entrance and washrooms to be fully
accessible
West Shore Community Centre main entrance renovated with ramp
3 new disabled parking spaces at the West Shore Community Centre
Automatic entrance doors installed at the West Shore Community
Centre.
x. Renovated both washrooms at the West Shore Community Centre to
feature widened doors, easy to open doors, sink and toilets
xi. Relocated the disabled parking spaces at the arena entrance to the
same side as the automatic entry doors
xii. Proper curb cuts at the entrance to the O'Brien Meeting Room
xiii. Installed easy open doors to the men's and women's washrooms at the
East Shore Community Centre
vii.
viii.
ix.
7.1.2 2002 Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Master Plan
In 2002, the City of Pickering completed its Recreation, Parks and Cultural
Services Master Plan. The Master Plan report was completed in two sections,
the Technical Report and the Strategic Report, and provides a clear assessment
of the City's current service levels while making recommendations for its future
recreation, parks and cultural service delivery for the next 5 to 10 years - to meet
and exceed the needs of this growing and diverse community.
The Technical Report is based on Pickering's demographic profile, service
inventory and review of future trends. The Technical Report also provides the
summary of information gathered from the community by way of community
surveys, user group surveys and focus groups. The Technical Report
comments on Pickering's current state of service delivery and outlines the future
development that would maintain this same level of service for Pickering's
growing population.
The Strategic Plan Report is a stand-alone document that can be utilized by staff
for years to come - to develop the Recreation & Cultural, Facility and Parks
Services for a growing and diverse City of Pickering. It is a resource in capital
5
forecasting, policy development and service delivery planning. The
recommendations made in the strategic plan are a direct result of all the
information gathered during the Technical portion of the Master Plan process.
As mentioned earlier, a key component of the Technical report was community
input. As part of the community outreach component, organizations that service
the disabled population as well as parents of disabled program participants were
invited to provide their comments on the City's recreation, parks and cultural
services. The objective of this exercise was to identify barriers to recreation,
parks and cultural services and to identify strategies to remove or prevent these
barriers.
The findings were very interesting and insightful. The most commonly cited
barrier to participation, reported by parents, was that their child required one-on-
one support/supervision in order to participate in recreation programs. The
respondents explained that their child cannot always keep up in an integrated
program and needed that close supervision in order to gain benefit from the
program. Most respondents thought it was most beneficial to their child to be
involved in a specialized program (particularly those participants restricted to
wheelchairs) - although the child themselves may prefer integrated programs.
Activities such as youth dances, keep fit classes, soccer and basketball were
identified as being activities children with special needs would like to do but
currently do not do. The restrictions were commonly that the programs were not
available or that their child could not participate at the same level as the other
participants. When parents were asked what the City could do to help their
children participate in leisure activities a number of the responses reported
involved the swimming program. Parents want to see more lanes assigned to
the special needs swim program and an increased time slot so the kids had more
time to engage in this activity. Some respondents felt that parental involvement
would be beneficial in helping the City provide programs that work for their
children. One respondent felt an indoor playground would be helpful in engaging
their child in recreation, particularly during the winter months.
Parents were generally satisfied in the services provided to their child by the City
of Pickering. When asked what services and facilities respondents felt the City
of Pickering should offer the special needs community, many different types of
activities were reported. They include Special Olympics swimming, Special
Olympics soccer, dance program, drama program, keep fit, dances, specialized
tennis programs, music lessons, specialized swimming lessons, floor hockey,
basketball, bowling, pre-teen dances, programs for teens such as camps, and
speech and language services. It is important to note that the need for family
change rooms at the Pickering Recreation Complex was clearly and
overwhelmingly identified in the responses to this survey question. These
parents felt that it was absolutely critical to their child's leisure participation to
6
have a private place where the parent can assist the child to get appropriately
dressed.
When asked if their child preferred specialized or integrated programs, the
responses were evenly split between the two choices. Most parents identified
that their child has participated in both types of programs. However, half of the
respondents felt that specialized programs were the best for their child's
development, while the other half felt that integrated programs with program
modifications, the assistance of a helper or even another special needs child
were more beneficial.
Group discussions, surveys and meetings were all ways that parents felt they
could be involved in the planning of municipal leisure services. And most
parents felt that inviting them to participate through promotions or a letter was the
best way to get their input.
The service organizations reported that they were most commonly made aware
of City services and facilities by word of mouth and the City of Pickering
brochure. The types of City programs that these organizations have referred to
their members include swimming at the Rec. Complex, family play in the
combatants room (our special place program), and summer camp. The
respondents felt that City staff do their best to make the experiences enjoyable
for their members but are limited by the facility within which they operate. Once
again, a lack of family change rooms was sited by special needs service
providers as a restriction to special needs participation. Also, according to these
respondents, the facility (specifically the Recreation Complex) should include
more specialized amenities such as lifts to get into the pool and adaptive
equipment.
When asked what services and facilities the City should provide their members,
the overall response was that swimming programs with a suitable lift to get into
the pool and proper change room facilities were the least the City could do to
accommodate special needs participants.
There were not any clear or specific recommendations provided by the
respondents to address how the City could partner with their organization for
future recreation planning. The respondents did feel that group meetings would
be beneficial to gaining their input on how the City can provide leisure services to
their members.
Clearly, information gathered through the Master Plan public consultation
process indicated that the special needs community wish to see more specialized
programs offered by the City of Pickering. In this way, the participant has the
choice (depending on their ability and comfort level) between an integrated
program or the specialized program setting.
7
As a result of these comments, the Strategic Plan recommends that Culture &
Recreation Division should identify partnership opportunities that would assist in
the development and provision for specialized programs.
7.1.3 The Role of the Coordinator, Community Recreation Programs
The Coordinator, Community Recreation Programs is responsible to coordinate
the City's integrated and specialized leisure/recreation programs, liaise with
service organizations that work with the disabled community, sit on various
committees that deal with accessibility issues and works with the Durham
Regional Police to coordinate the annual Disabled Children's Games.
Consistent with this role, the Coordinator, Community Recreation Programs is
also responsible to act as a resource to the Culture & Recreation Division when
dealing with accessibility issues. The Coordinator, Community Recreation
Programs actively assesses the Division's programs, services and policies to
ensure they meet the needs of the disabled community. As a representative of
the City of Pickering, the Coordinator, Community Recreation Programs also
participates with the Ontario Disabilities Act (ODA), Municipal Coordinating
Group to discuss accessibility issues,
7.1.4 Facility improvements, renovations, additions will now involve
the Coordinator, Community Recreation Programs
Beginning in 2003, the Supervisor, Facility Operations will consult the
Coordinator, Community Recreation Programs before initiating facility
improvements, renovations and/or additions. The role of the Coordinator,
Community Recreation Programs will be to identify any accessibility related
concerns with respect to the facility work.
7.1.5 Creation of a central Accessibility file for every accessibility
issue/action taken in the Corporation
In order to be continually aware of the issues and actions taken within the
Corporation to as it relates to accessibility, the Operations & Emergency Services
Department, Culture & Recreation Division will create and maintain one central
Accessibility file for the City of Pickering. All Departments within the Corporation
will be asked to record any accessibility related issue/action and send a record to
Culture & Recreation Division for central filing. In this way, the Division can gain
an comprehensive understanding of the issues and actions being taken to
address accessibility throughout the Corporation. The central file will be
reviewed on a monthly basis by the Coordinator, Community Recreation
Programs. The Coordinator, Community Recreation Programs can provide
recommendations and/or conduct follow up with the Departments to resolve any
outstanding issues. Clearly, the role of the Coordinator, Community Recreation
Programs will provide a measure to assess the City's programs, services, and
policies as it relates to accessibility.
8
7.1.6
Committee
In early 2003, the City of Pickering held its first Accessibility Advisory Committee
(AAC) Meeting. The committee is currently chaired by Councillor Dave Ryan and
includes 3 community residents with disabilities (currently mobility and sight
impaired), a Special Needs Group Home Worker, a member of the Library Board,
as well as a City staff person being the Coordinator, Community Recreation
Programs.
Development of the City of Pickering's Accessibility Advisory
The responsibilities of the Accessibility Advisory Committee are the following:
. To advise Council, once per year, about preparation, implementation and
effectiveness of its accessibility plan.
. To advise Council on the accessibility for persons with a disability to a
building, structure or premises, or part of a building, structure or premises,
that Council purchases, constructs, renovates, leases or which is provided
to the Municipality as a capital facility.
. To review site plans and drawings described in Section 41 of the Planning
Act.
The AAC will continue to attend monthly meetings. The role of the Accessibility
Advisory Committee will be another means to assess City programs, services
and facilities.
7.1.7 The City of Pickering provides TTY Access
The City has TTY equipment to facilitate telephone communication with the
hearing impaired. Currently there are 5 available in the Councillors' Office,
Customer Care Centre, Pickering Central Library, Recreation Complex and
Works Centre.
7.1.8 The Culture & Recreation Division offers TTRS
In 2002, the Culture & Recreation Division developed and introduced the Touch
Tone Registration System (TTRS) for nearly all City of Pickering Recreation and
leisure Programs. TTRS is an attractive registration option because it provides
the customer with the flexibility to register over the telephone - from the comfort
of their home. This registration option would benefit consumers with physical
disabilities.
7.1.9 City of Pickering enforces site plan requirements
Enforcement of site plan requirements respecting handicap accessibility has
been improved. By-law enforcement inspects public entrances to ensure
compliance with the site plan agreement concerning handicap parking spaces,
signage, proximity of spaces, accessibility of entrances, and ramps.
7.1.10 City of Pickering Penalties Increased
Fines for illegal parking in disabled parking spaces has been increased to $300
as per provincial legislation. In addition, staff have investigated the rules of
9
qualification for provincially issued disabled parking permits and now convey this
information to our customers.
7.1.11 Human Resources provides easy to access forms
Information with regard to HR Gob applications, direct deposit forms, health claim
forms & general information) can be found outside the front desk easily
accessible to everyone who requires the information. In addition to the
information being available in hard copy, employees can find forms, and policy
information on-line and can submit these forms via email. Interested job seekers
can search for positions and apply for these positions on-line making it easier for
applicants to have access to our positions, including those with limited mobility
who cannot obtain an application in person.
7.1.12 Website
AL T tagging all images on the website to allow for text description for the blind.
7.1.13 Community Emergency Management Planning
Community emergency management planning is underway to address the
evacuation needs of citizens who require special notification and accessibility
provisions.
7.1.14 Fire Prevention provides information and support to the
Disabled Community
Fire Prevention staff provide the disabled community a brochure entitled" Fire
Safety for People With Disabilities", upon request. This brochure essentially
assists people with disabilities to plan around their abilities, such as sleeping by a
phone, keeping a flashlight handy and installing smoke alarms.
7.1.15 The City of Pickering Official Plan (1997)
The City of Pickering Official Plan (1997) contains policies addressing
accessibility issues, and the needs of the disabled and other persons with special
needs. In general, policies address:
i. Transportation: consultation with groups and individuals dependant on
specific modes of transportation including the elderly and students;
maintaining an interconnected system of sideways and walkways;
considering the needs of the physically challenged in the design and
operation of its transportation; and identifying specific pedestrian and
other bridges with sidewalks to minimize the barrier effects of major
freeways
ii. Housing: encouraging the provision of an adequate supply of assisted and
special needs housing; and supporting providers of assisted and special
needs housing in the provision and integration of assisted and special
needs housing in the City
iii. Community Services: identifying and providing leisure and recreational
services and programs to special needs groups as identified over time
10
iv.
Detailed Design Considerations: endeavouring to ensure that barrier-free
access is provided to all public buildings, areas and transportation
facilities, that the main travelled portions of pedestrian routes are kept free
of obstruction and that barrier-free design features are well integrated with
the functional and aesthetic design of developments to preclude the
perception of segregation
7.1.16 City of Pickering Development Guidelines
Some of the Council-adopted Development Guidelines. that are consolidated in
the Compendium Document to Official Plan contain statements addressing
accessibility issues, and the needs of the disabled and other persons with special
needs. In general, guidelines address:
i. Liverpool Road Waterfront Node: principles of continuity, safety,
convenience, accessibility for the disabled and comfort in the sidewalk
system; key requirements for construction of ground-level rooms to be
converted to commercial use including rouged-in washroom facilities that
meet barrier-free standards
ii. Walnut Lane Area: dropped curbs at locations where the pedestrian
promenade crosses a vehicular zone
Hi. Pickering Downtown Core: provision of handicapped vehicle parking on
both sides of Glenanna Road in the vicinity of the bus lay-by; pedestrian
crossings at intersections should have curb cuts for barrier-free access;
iv. Rouge Park Neighbourhood: a density bonus may be given in return for
the provision of specific services or facilities including special needs
housing; The Department's Development Control Design Standards
manual includes specifications for depressed curb cuts and "white cane"
directional concrete grooving.
7.1.17 The City of Pickering's Site Plan Manual
The City of Pickering's Site Plan Manual contains requirements for the size and
number of required parking spaces for the disabled. The manual also notes
additional spaces may be required depending on the proposed use. The manual
also specifies the need for depressed curbs at key locations.
7.1.18 Site Plan Review
Review of site plans, both new buildings and changes to existing buildings,
includes consideration of the disabled and other special needs issues.
7.1.19 Enforcement of Building Code requirements
Building Code requirements for barrier-free access design are strictly enforced.
7.1.20 City of Pickering Development/Subdivision Applications
Review of development/subdivision applications includes consideration of the
disabled and other special needs issues.
11
7.1.21 Site Plan Digitally Available
Selected site plan details, including the disabled parking space details, are
digitally available from the Department
7.1.22 Specific Definition in Zoning By-Law
The Department created a specialized definition and related requirements for a
"barrier-free dwelling unit" in a site-specific zoning by-law for a seniors project.
7.1.23 City of Pickering makes accommodation during Construction
A special agreement made for a recently disabled individual to remain in their
current dwelling while a new dwelling to accommodate a wheelchair was
constructed on the same property.
7.1.24 Pickering Central Library Renovation and Redesign
The central library front lobby is currently being renovated and redesigned to
provide full barrier free access. Included is a service desk with a dropped section
to accommodate wheelchair access, removal of the turnstile entrance, installation
of an automatic revolving door with full accessibility along with a new side entry
door with button entry, and a desk designed to accommodate any special needs.
7.1.25 Workstation for Visually Impaired with Wheelchair access at
Pickering Central Library
After consultation with the CNIB, Pickering Central Library has installed a special
workstation for the visually impaired which includes a special adaptive keyboard
and uses large print. In addition, this workstation is housed on a special desk
which can be easily raised to accommodate wheelchairs of any size.
7.1.26 Enhanced On-line Library Reference Services
Pickering Library Services live on-line reference enables Pickering residents to
access all of our library resources from the comfort of their own home and use
their own specially modified adaptive technologies.
7.1.27 Supply & Services
The needs of the disabled are considered when deciding to purchase goods or
services through the procurement process.
7.1.28 Providing Accessible Playground Equipment and Trails
Over the past year the City of Pickering has provided accessible playground
equipment and trails utilizing accessible safety surface, curb cuts and ground
mounted play elements.
7.1.29 Sidewalk Construction
Construct sidewalks within road allowances to provide connecting links where
currently no sidewalks exist.
12
7.1.30 Barrier Free Curb Depressions
Install barrier free curb depressions at intersections for pedestrian crossings and
in parking lots for disabled parking.
7.1.31 City of Pickering By-Laws
City of Pickering is working to ensure that new by-laws that are enacted and
existing by-laws that are reviewed give due consideration to accessibility
principles,
7.1.32 City of Pickering Policies
City of Pickering is working to ensure that City policies give due consideration to
accessibility principles.
8.0
Barrier-Identification Methodologies
Methôdôlo
2000 Accessibility Audit
Report completed by the
City of Pickering
A comprehensive audit
the City's facilities
2002 Recreation, Parks
and Cultural Services
Master Plan completed
by the City of Pickering
Assessment of the City's
current leisure service
delivery and a plan to
improve service delivery
over the next 5-10 years.
Plan involved the input of
service organizations that
work with the disabled
community and of
parents with disabled
program participants.
Reviewed findings of the
2000 Accessibility Audit
Report and prioritized
facility improvements that
need to be made.
Prioritized list is reflected
in the 2003 Annual
Accessibilit Plan.
Plan recommends that
Culture & Recreation
Division should identify
partnership opportunities
that would assist in the
development and
provision for specialized
programs.
This recommendation is
reflected in the 2002
Master Plan and the
2003 Annual Accessibility
Plan.
13
MethodOlo
2003 Annual Accessibility
Workbook issued to City
staff for their comments
The City of Pickering
Accessibility Advisory
Committee consulted on
the City's 2003
Accessibility Advisory
Plan
A workbook was provided
to management-level
staff of each
Department/Division
within the City of
Pickering. The
workbook was a tool to
collect information from
each area regarding their
recent initiatives to
remove barriers and
strategies to remove
existing barriers in the
comin ear.
The list of 2003 facility
improvements was
presented to the AAC at
their 2003 spring
committee meeting for
comments. Their
suggested changes were
accommodated.
The AAC were provided
an opportunity to review
the 2003 Annual
Accessibility Plan and
make comments.
Workbooks were
completed in August
2003.
Responses were
reviewed and included
(where appropriate) into
the 2003 Annual
Accessibility Plan.
Suggested changes were
accommodated in the
City's final 2003 Annual
Accessibility Plan
14
9.0
Barriers Identified
Doors into Council Physical
Chambers are too heavy
Doors leading to men's Physical
lobby washroom at the
Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
are not accessible to
wheelchair users
Doors leading to Physical
women's lobby
washroom at the
Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
are not accessible to
wheelchair users
Doors leading to fitness Physical
area (upstairs) at the
Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
are not accessible to
wheelchair users
Doors leading to men's Physical
members change room
(2 sides) at the Pickering
Recreation Complex -
Central Core are not
accessible to wheelchair
users
Doors leading to Physical
women's members
change room (2 sides) at
the Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
are not accessible to
wheelchair users
Provide automatic door
leading into Council
Chambers (east side
onl
Provide automatic door
leading into men's lobby
washroom at the
Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
Provide automatic door
leading into women's
lobby washroom at the
Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
Provide automatic door
leading into fitness area
(upstairs) at the Pickering
Recreation Complex -
Central Core
Provide automatic door
leading into men's
members change room
(2 sides) at the Pickering
Recreation Complex-
Central Core
Provide automatic door
leading into women's
members change room
(2 sides) at the Pickering
Recreation Complex -
Central Core
15
Door leading from Physical
members change room to
pool hallway at the
Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
is not accessible to
wheelchair users
Door leading from pool Physical
deck to pool hallway at
the Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
is not accessible to
wheelchair users
Doors leading to men's Physical
public change room (2
sides) at the Pickering
Recreation Complex -
Central Core are not
accessible to wheelchair
users
Doors leading to Physical
women's public change
room (2 sides) at the
Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
are not accessible to
wheelchair users
Doors leading to men's Physical
washroom at the East
Shore Community Centre
are not accessible to
wheelchair users
Doors leading to Physical
women's washroom at
the East Shore
Community Centre are
not accessible to
wheelchair users
Entrance to Claremont Physical
Community Centre is
inaccessible to
wheelchair users
Provide automatic door
from members change
room to pool hallway at
the Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
Provide automatic door
from pool deck to pool
hallway at the Pickering
Recreation Complex-
Central Core
Provide automatic door
leading into men's public
change room (2 sides) at
the Pickering Recreation
Complex - Central Core
Provide automatic door
leading into women's
public change room (2
sides) at the Pickering
Recreation Complex -
Central Core
Provide automatic door
leading to men's
washroom at the East
Shore Community Centre
Provide automatic door
leading to women's
washroom at the East
Shore Community Centre
Level entrance threshold
to the interior surface of
the Claremont
Communit Centre
16
Entrance curb at the
Claremont Community
Centre is inaccessible to
wheelchair users from
the arkin lot
All municipal facility signs
could be improved to
better meet the needs of
the visually impaired
communit
Electors who are visually
impaired cannot vote
independently.
Physical
Cut entrance curb to
provide level access to
the parking lot of the
Claremont Community
Centre
Install various facility
signs in pictograms or
brail - where possible
Physical
The Clerk's Division has
made arrangements to
contract two touch-
screen voting systems
with audio for use. at both
of the advance polls.
Physical
Magnifying sheets have
been purchased for use
at all polls on election
da .
Retrofit high-traffic
customer service counter
to include a section with
a lower counter.
Retrofit the doors so that
they slide in the same
manner as the inner
doors at the same
entrance.
Identify the issue prior to
interview and make
appropriate
arrangements (i.e.
machine or bring in a
person who can interpret
si n Ian ua e
Identify new areas of
advertising to include this
rou
Counter surface in the Physical
Clerk's Division are too
high for wheelchair users.
Main entrance doors at
the Civic Complex swing
out.
Currently, staff are
unable to interview
hearing impaired
candidates
Job advertisements
inaccessible to visually
im aired candidates
Policies & Practices
Information
17
Human Resources
printed material and
Web-based information
are not designed for
visually impaired
individuals
Pickering Official Plan,
and Compendium
Document only available
in print.
Additional design
standards and site plan
manual requirements
may be of assistance in
application and plan
review rocesses
Providing consumers with
PDF files in different
formats for more
versatilit to readers
Website frames may
create a problem for text
readers
Currently there are no
means to effectively
notify citizens who are
hearing or visually
impaired that a
community emergency
exists and that certain
actions are re uired
Currently there are only
draft plans to assist
citizens who require
transportation assistance
if required to take
sheltering or evacuation
actions due to a
communit emer enc
Information
Enlarge the font of
standardized printed
material, work with web-
site coordinator to
enhance our on-line job
a lication forms etc.
Provide information in
alternative/multiple
formats to people with
disabilities to enable
completion and
submission electronically
(website; disc or other
electronic means.
Consult City's
Accessibility Committee
on appropriateness of
current guidelines and
processes; amend where
necessa .
Website Coordinator to
identify different formats
for use on the website if
deemed necessa
Website Coordinator to
determine if new layout is
re uired.
The Community
Emergency Management
Program Committee will
ensure that plans are
developed to provide
community emergency
notifications to all
citizens.
The Transportation and
Evacuation Working
Group is completing
plans that will address
this matter.
Information
Information
Information
Communications
Service
18
Library reference service
desk at Central Library is
not full accessible
TTY location at Pickering
Public Library is not
readil accessible
Greenwood Library
Branch library is not
accessible
Lack of sidewalks for
access on Rosebank
Road South
Lack of sidewalks for
access on Rougemount
Drive
Recreation Complex
Disabled Parking
Playground safety
surface
Playground Equipment
Physical
Physical and Information
Physical
Physical
Physical
Physical
Physical
Physical
Will plan to renovate and
redesign the desk to
im rove accessibilit
I nvestigate a more
accessible location for
the TTY
Provide accessible library
service for Greenwood
residents.
New sidewalk
New sidewalk
Enhanced disabled
parking accessibility
usin de ressed curbs
Using a surface material
that is wheelchair
accessible
Ground accessible play
components being
installed
19
10.0 Barriers that will be addressed in 2003-2004
The core working group will address 30 barriers during in 2003-2004. The core
working group decided to focus on the facility related barriers that were identified
in the 2000 Accessibility Audit. The list of barriers is in descending order of
importance.
Citizens who Complete Have an Implement Staff from Sept. Emergency
have special the Evacuation and the the City, 2003 Response
accessibility development Transportation Transporta- Region, Coordinator
needs are not of the draft Plan that tion and Town of
considered in plans. addresses the Evacuation Ajax,
the current needs of all Plan during Regional
emergency citizens. the Pickering Police, and
plans. 2003 APTA
Exercise.
Electors who Enable Acquire the T ouch- City funds Nov. Supervisor,
are visually electors to necessary screen units for 2003 Legislative
impaired vote equipment available at equipment Services
cannot vote independent- advance rental/
independently Iy polls and acquisition
magnifiers at
polls on
election da .
Doors into Make Install automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
Council modifications door leading into estimate and 2003 Facility
Chambers are to door that Council company to Capital Operations
too heavy ensures Chambers (east do the work Funds
access to side only) by August
wheelchair 2003
users
Doors leading Make I nstall automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to men's lobby modifications door leading into estimate and 2003 Facility
washroom at to door that men's lobby company to Capital Operations
the Pickering ensures washroom at the do the work Funds
Recreation access to Pickering by August
Complex - wheelchair Recreation 2003
Central Core users Complex -
are not Central Core
accessible to
wheelchair
users
20
Doors leading Make I nstall automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to women's modifications door leading into estimate and 2003 Facility
lobby to door that women's lobby company to Capital Operations
washroom at ensures washroom at the do the work Funds
the Pickering access to Pickering by August
Recreation wheelchair Recreation 2003
Complex - users Complex -
Central Core Central Core
are not
accessible to
wheelchair
users
Doors leading Make Install automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to fitness room modifications door leading into estimate and 2003 Facility
change doors to door that fitness room company to Capital Operations
at the ensures change doors at do the work Funds
Pickering access to the Pickering by August
Recreation wheelchair Recreation 2003
Complex - users Complex -
Central Core Central Core
are not
accessible to
wheelchair
users
Doors leading Make I nstall automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to men's modifications door leading into estimate and 2003 Facility
members to door that men's members company to Capital Operations
change room ensures change room (2 do the work Funds
(2 sides) at access to sides) at the by August
the Pickering wheelchair Pickering 2003
Recreation users Recreation
Complex - Complex -
Central Core Central Core
are not
accessible to
wheelchair
users
21
e
Door leading Make Provide automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
from members modifications door from estimate and 2003 Facility
change room to door that members change company to Capital Operations
to pool ensures room to pool do the work Funds
hallway at the access to hallway at the by August
Pickering wheelchair Pickering 2003
Recreation users Recreation
Complex - Complex -
Central Core Central Core
is not
accessible to
wheelchair
users
Door leading Make Provide automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
from pool deck modifications door from pool estimate and 2003 Facility
to pool to door that deck to pool company to Capital Operations
hallway at the ensures hallway at the do the work Funds
Pickering access to Pickering by August
Recreation wheelchair Recreation 2003
Complex - users Complex -
Central Core Central Core
is not
accessible to
wheelchair
users
Doors leading Make Install automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to women's modifications door leading into estimate and 2003 Facility
members to door that women's company to Capital Operations
change room ensures members change do the work Funds
(2 sides) at access to room (2 sides) at by August
the Pickering wheelchair the Pickering 2003
Recreation users Recreation
Complex - Complex -
Central Core Central Core
are not
accessible to
wheelchair
users
22
Ineffective Develop As part of the Implement Community Dec. Emergency
means of plans that effort to further the specific Emergency 2003 Response
notifying include develop the City's communica- Manage- Coordinator
hearing and specific community tions ment
visually notification emergency planning, Program
impaired requirements management inform the Committee
citizens of an for hearing plans, include citizens
emergency. and impaired requirements to whom it
vision address this applies to of
citizens communications its existence,
issue. and conduct
a drill to test
the lans.
Additional Confirm Consult City of Have Staff time June Manager,
design adequacy of Pickering's meeting and 2004 Development
standards and existing, Accessibility revise or add Review
site plan identify the Committee on new
requirements need for appropriateness standards as
may be of new, and of current necessary
assistance in add new guidelines and (as part of
development guidelines or processes; City efforts
review design amend where to ensure by-
processes standards necessary. laws give
where due
necessary considera-
tion to
current
accessibility
rinci les
Pickering Investigate Establish a Completion Staff time Oct. Principal
Official Plan options and written proposal, of written 2004 Planner -
only available costs to with cost proposal Development
in print. create a estimates, for with cost Review with
digitally inclusion in 2005 estimates the
available budget Supervisor,
Official Plan submission; Information &
Support
Services
23
ov
Entrance to Make Level entrance City staff to Coordinator,
Claremont modifications threshold to the complete Engineering
Community to entrance interior surface of design and Capital Design &
Centre is to make it the Claremont to level Funds Systems
inaccessible to accessible Community threshold by
wheelchair Centre December
users 2004
Entrance curb Make Cut entrance curb City staff to Staff Time Dec. Superintendent,
at the modifications to provide level cut entrance 2004 Municipal
Claremont to curb to access to the curb to make Capital Operations
Community make it parking lot of the it level with Funds
Centre is accessible Claremont parking lot
inaccessible to Community by October
wheelchair Centre 2004
users from the
arkin lot
All municipal To make Install various City staff to Staff Time Dec. Coordinator,
facility signs modifications facility signs in identify 2004 Community
could be to facility pictograms or facility signs Capital Recreation
improved to signs so they brail - where to be Funds Programs
better meet better meet possible modified,
the needs of the needs of determine a Input by
the visually the visually sign service
impaired impaired standard, organiza-
community community requisition tions to the
work, and visually
install new impaired
facility signs population
by
December
2004
Doors leading Make Install automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to men's modifications door leading into estimate and 2004 Facility
public change to door that men's public company to Capital Operations
room (2 sides) ensures change room do the work Funds
at the access to (2 sides) at the by March
Pickering wheelchair Pickering 2004
Recreation users Recreation
Complex - Complex -
Central Core Central Core
are not
accessible to
wheelchair
users
24
gytQ Perfo
ove/Prê"'ênt Crite
Doors leading Make Install automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Supervisor,
to women's modifications door leading into estimate and Facility
public change to door that women's public company to Capital Operations
room (2 sides) ensures change room (2 do the work Funds
at the access to sides) at the by March
Pickering wheelchair Pickering 2004
Recreation users Recreation
Complex - Complex -
Central Core Central Core
are not
accessible to
wheelchair
users
Door leading Make Install automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to pool deck modifications door leading to estimate and 2004 Facility
from change to door that pool deck from company to Capital Operations
rooms at the ensures change rooms at do the work Funds
Pickering access to the Pickering by March
Recreation wheelchair Recreation 2004
Complex are users Complex
inaccessible
Doors leading Make I nstall automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to men's modifications door leading to estimate and 2004 Facility
washroom at to door that men's washroom company to Capital Operations
the East ensures at the East Shore do the work Funds
Shore access to Community by March
Community wheelchair Centre 2004
Centre are not users
accessible to
wheelchair
users
Doors leading Make Install automatic Confirm cost Staff Time Dec. Supervisor,
to women's modifications door leading to estimate and 2004 Facility
washroom at to door that women's company to Capital Operations
the East ensures washroom at the do the work Funds
Shore access to East Shore by March
Community wheelchair Community 2004
Centre are not users Centre
accessible to
wheelchair
users
25
Cågyto Perfo
e/Prevënt ite
Improve Enable the Provide a Have Coordinator,
interview interview machine and/or Coordinator, Employment
process for team to have an Employment possible Services
hearing effectively interpreter join the Services City funds
impaired interview interview team identify
individuals hearing issues and
impaired arrange for
individuals services
Improve job Ensure this Identify ways of Consider Staff Time Dec. Coordinator,
ads for the group has advertising to alternative 2004 Employment
visually access to job include this group and possible Services
impaired postings current ways
of
advertisin
Improve To make Enlarge print Make Staff Time Dec. Manager,
printed forms more when able to, modifications 2004 CPED and
material and user friendly work with to existing Website
web-based WebSite forms Coordinator
information Coordinator to
ensure on-line
applications are
accessible and
can be used by
those with vision
im airment
Text reading All PDF files Website Make the Staff Time Dec. Manager,
devices being coordinator to identified 2004 CPED and
cannot read available in identify different formats Website
PDF files different formats for use of available on Coordinator
formats for the website if the website
more deemed
versatility to necessary
readers
Identifying all To prepare Website Include Staff Time Dec Manager,
barriers that on-line coordinator to survey on 2004 CPED and
exist on our survey prepare survey our site Website
website asking Coordinator
residents
and visitors
to our
website to
identify
barriers
26
Library Make the Renovate and Desk will be
reference desk more relocate desk fully
service desk accessible accessible City Funds
at Central
Library is not
fully
accessible
TTY location Improve locate TTY in Improved Staff Time Dec. Director, of
is not readily public more accessible use of TTY 2004 Access
accessible awareness area Services for
of service Pickering
and make Library
service more Services
accessible
lack of Provide Inventory and Estimate City Staff 2004- Supervisor,
Sidewalks pedestrian prioritize all construction 2008 Municipal
connecting missing costs and Works
links connections include in
annual
bud et
Playground Provide Incorporate Safety City Staff 2004- Coordinator,
Equipment accessible accessible surface, Manufactur 2008 Parks and
units elements into ramping, er Landscape
desi n review curb cuts Contractor Desi n
11.0 Review and Monitoring Process
The core working group will meet every second month to review progress of the
plan. At each meeting, status reports will be provided and follow up will be
conducted with any staff or contacts that have a role in the implementation of the
plan.
12.0 Communication of the Plan
The City of Pickering will place an advertisement in the local newspaper to
announce the completion and availability of the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan.
The public can access the 2003 Annual Accessibility Plan electronically via the
City of Pickering's website (during the period of October to December 2003) or
by picking up a hard copy of the plan at the Pickering Civic Complex or the
Central Library (during 2003 & 2004).
27