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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 10, 2015 Page 1 of 5 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee June 10, 2015 7:00 pm Pickering Recreation Complex, Program Room #2 Attendees: T. Arvisais M. Brenner A. Doucette D. Hughes C. Morrison – Left meeting at 8 pm S. Wilkinson S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade D. Marlowe, Staff Representative R. Michaud, Recording Secretary Guests: I. Janton, Planner II – Site Planning Absent: P. Bashaw Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introduction D. Marlowe welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Isabelle Janton, Planner II – Site Planning, City Development. 2. Delegations 2.1) Site Plan Application Review S03/15 Altona Road Subdivision This application is for a townhouse development called “Altona Villas” at the corner of Altona and Pine Grove. The property is currently an empty lot and the development meets the zoning by-law requirements for mixed use. The front part will include commercial space on the ground level with apartments on second level. The main access is from Altona Road. The condos and towhnouses will be 2 to 3 story type, with stairs, and a garage. The committee members expressed concerns that no consideration was given to building accessible units as there is no elevator, and only stairs, which is disregarding the needs of the community. The plan shows for two accessible parking spots in front of the . Page 2 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) commercial area where the sidewalks curb cuts are located. Committee members suggested to have additional curb cuts throughout the development. I.Janton mentioned that this is the first plan submission and she will forward comments to the developer. S04/15 Pickering Town Centre This application is for the relocation of the new Beer Store in the west side parking lot of the Pickering Town Centre across the Picore Tower building, next to the gas station. The application includes vehicle access from Liverpool Road and pedestrian access to the main door from the public sidewalk on Pickering Parkway. The Beer Store is a one story building with the main entrance facing south/east. All parking is part of the mall parking with two designated parking spots, one near the entrance and the other on the north side of the building close to the sidewalk with the curb cuts. It was suggested that the accessible parking spots be located closer to the entrance instead of at different locations. It was noted that two accessible parking spots is very low and committee members enquired if this reduces the total number of accessible parking spots in the mall. I.Janton to enquire and advise. The sidewalks around the Beer Store will be connected to the ones on Pickering Parkway and Kingston Road. I. Janton mentioned that some landscaping changes will be required in the loading area to maintain a lower level all around the building. The entrance doors and interior washrooms comply with the Ontario Building Code accessibility requirements. Committee members enquired if the parking area would also have to be shared with the proposed Pickle Barrel Restaurant. I.Janton to review and advise. I Janton to follow-up. I Janton to follow-up. I Janton to follow-up. Page 3 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 2.2) YEAH Foundation Pauline Bennett, President, The YEAH Foundation joined the meeting to provide an overview of their services available to the youth at risk and adults with disabilities in Durham Region. As a non-profit, charitable organization the YEAH foundation was launched 3 years ago to extend opportunities for involvement to all citizens and assists young adults in acquiring the skills necessary to become contributing members of the community. The program is designed to assist youth, between the ages of 15-30, who face employment barriers. Funding is provided in part by the Federal government through The Opportunities Fund and from local organizations, such as the Ajax-Pickering Rotary Club. They are reaching out to the community and the City of Pickering for any assistance that could be provided in regards to obtaining used office furniture and computers. D. Marlowe mentioned that the City may not be able to assist with funding but there may be possible job placement for seasonal type work as well as provide used furniture if it is considered to be in good condition. D. Hughes indicated that he may be able to provide assistance for access to used furniture and will follow-up with P. Bennett. C. Morrison suggested to also contact the City and Regional Councillors for assistance as they may have access or knowledge of services and funding available from local businesses for non-profit organizations. D. Marlowe thanked P. Bennett for attending the meeting. 3. Approval of Minutes Moved by D. Hughes Seconded by M. Brenner That the May 13, 2015 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved. Carried Page 4 of 5 4. Business Arising from Minutes 4.1) Work Plan Presentation M. Brenner mentioned that the presentation to Council was well received and the feedback was very positive. 4.2) Artest D. Marlowe shared some photos taken at the event and indicated that the event was well attended. 4.3) Region of Durham Accessibility Awards D. Marlowe reminded committee members that nominations are still being accepted for this award and committee members should submit them to him by the end of July 2015. 4.4) Event Planning – Canada Day D. Marlowe advised that they are still finalizing the details for this event and asked committee members available to participate to let him know what time is best for them so that he can coordinate having someone on site for the afternoon. 4.5) APBT Lunch ‘N Learn S. Bernardo noted that he will be meeting with the APBT President in the next few weeks to set a date for the possible Lunch ‘N Learn event for the fall and to discuss potential speakers to be invited. The goal is to help small businesses to understand what the AODA requirements are and how they can include persons with disabilities in their workplace. 4.5) Assistive Listening Devices D. Marlowe provided a demonstration of the assistive listening devices currently available at City facilities. Information with regards to the devices will be posted on the City’s website and in the Leisure Guide. He further noted that staff will be trained on how to set up and use the devices. S. Bernardo to report in September. 5. New Business 5.1) Annual Report D. Marlowe circulated copies of the draft 2014 Accessibility Progress Report and asked committee members to review and provide comments. Page 5 of 5 Concerns were expressed that the City of Pickering does not have a policy on hiring persons with disabilities and suggested to invite staff from Human Resources to attend the next meeting to discuss the City’s recruitment process. 5.2) Draft 5 Year Accessibility Plan D. Marlowe distributed copies of the draft Five Year Accessibility Plan (2016-2020) for review and discussion. Committee members should submit their comments by July to be included in the final report which will be presented to Council in September. 6. Correspondence No correspondence. 7. Other Business S. Wilkinson mentioned that many of the curb cuts on sidewalks around City Hall facilities are in rough shape. D. Marlowe recommended that she forward a list of locations that are difficult to use and he will send it to Operations to address the deficiencies. D. Marlowe announced that he will be retiring on August 31, 2015 and that a new staff representative will be appointed to the committee. 8. Next Meeting: September 16, 2015 Pickering Recreation Complex Program Room #2 Meeting Adjourned: 9:30 pm Copy: City Clerk