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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC September 12 2018 Page 1 of 5 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee September 12, 2018 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: P. Bashaw B. D’Souza M. Thorpe Ross T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary C. Morrison, Planner II Absent: A. Doucette E. Fulton D. Hughes V. Ronaldi J. Whynot S. Wilkinson D. Wysocki Guests: Debby Sabo, DRPS Children’s Games Nancy Accettone, DRPS Children’s Games Judy Hanson, Autism Home Base Durham Kristina Deluca, Program Manager, Autism Home Base Durham Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome T. Higgins welcomed members and guests to the meeting, with introductions being made. 2. New Business 2.1) DRPS Children’s Games Debby Sabo, Durham Region Police Service Children’s Games, appeared before the Committee. She provided members with a video from last year’s games outlining the various events and activities. She noted that Durham Regional Police have been involved in these games since -Cd:Jof- p](KERJNG Page 2 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) their inception in 1985. She stated they volunteer along with their families in the day’s programs. She advised members that this year will mark their 34th annual games for disabled youth between the ages of 5 and 18. The games will take place at the Pickering Recreation Complex on October 27th, and are free to athletes and their families. Ms. Sabo also noted they are hoping to increase participation to 100, stating they currently have between 50 and 60 athletes. She also sought ideas from the members, and guests, with respect to outreach. A discussion period ensued with respect to the importance of partnerships, and it was questioned whether other organizations such as the Special Olympics were being considered, as well as possible outreach with the School Boards. 2.2) Autism Home Base Durham Judy Hanson, President and Founder of Autism Home Base Durham, appeared before the Committee. Through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, she outlined their organization, which was created to connect adults and their family caregivers with each other through social and recreational activities. She stated they are a registered charity in their 6th year, comprised of volunteers. She advised that they had started out as a group of parents meeting to discuss the future of youth after their school years have ended. Ms. Hanson outlined the challenges which prevent individuals from participating in community activities, explaining what autism looks and feels like and the various functions, as well as the perception related to non-traditional disabilities. She noted the factors for success, stating that most of those surveyed indicated a desire to have somewhere to go once or twice a week for an hour. She also noted they will be hosting a meet and greet for new families at the Pickering Central Library on September 25th from 3-7 pm., and provided Members with handouts which included the 2018 Fall Schedule of activities. Page 3 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Discussion ensued with respect to the time gaps in receiving funding for individuals, and the fact that some may not qualify for passport funding due to the degree of their disability. They also noted the importance of strength in partnerships C. Morrison, Planner II appeared before the committee to provide an overview with respect to the following site plan applications: 2.3) Site Plan Application – Taunton Road C. Morrison outlined the location of the site plan application, being located off Taunton Road by Burkholder Drive. He noted this was a high density development consisting of 94 three storey stacked townhouse units. He stated that while it is permitted in built form, barrier free access to the entrance of each unit is not provided. He indicated comments have been sent back to Mattamy with respect to a reduction in risers and stairs, as well as a grade change. He stated at the very least, the middle section could be made accessible and barrier free as an alternate solution. A discussion period ensued with Members questioning whether elevators could be considered. It was also noted there is value in continuing to send a message of our vision for an inclusive development. 2.4) Site Plan Application – 895 Sandy Beach Road C. Morrison stated that this application was for an addition to an existing industrial building. He noted that as this would be a new build, it would have to meet the new regulatory standards. He stated this would be a single storey and that they would be extending the walkway to 3 metres. He stated they are currently forwarding comments to the developer in order to implement additional accessible parking spaces, more curb cuts and pedestrian walkway connections. Page 4 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) He also stated that there are currently no details on the interior of the building, or the number of tenants/units at this time. Discussion ensued, and it was noted that the developer should be requested to go beyond the standard for mobility issues, with the consideration of such features as notification for the deaf in emergency situations, such as flashing lights. 2.5) Site Plan Application – 405 Woodsmere C. Morrison stated the applicant is proposing improvements to the existing school location which would include a new child care facility, as well as some exterior alterations to the outdoor play areas. They are also increasing the parking spaces, in which three out of the eight spaces would be accessible spaces. Discussion ensued and it was noted this would be a good opportunity to challenge the applicant to consider accessibility by doing something creative by way of materials for the play areas. It was also suggested that there be a flat transition between the asphalt and astroturf areas. 2.6) Site Plan Application – 1720 Eighth Concession Rd C. Morrison stated this application was an existing agricultural greenhouse operation. He noted they plan to change the property in 4 phases and demolish all existing structures in order to create a new office building, storage, washing facilities for equipment, a new greenhouse, planting areas and loading facilities. All areas will be asphalt or concrete and will have dedicated parking spaces. C. Morrison noted there are no real accessible barriers identified in this application. There were no comments or recommendations from the Members with respect to this application. 2.7) Site Plan Application – 1902 Bayly Street Page 5 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) C. Morrison provided an outline of the proposal for the site which is identified as Durham Live. He outlined the various uses of the site, which will include a casino and hotel. Discussion ensued with respect to the integration of accessible viewing spaces and charging stations such as the improvements recently completed at the Delaney Arena. It was also noted this could be a good opportunity to create something that profiles this site as a model for accessibility. For example, the hotel rooms should go beyond the standard requirements to create total accessibility. C. Morrison noted that the City had submitted initial comments in August, and that there would be additional opportunities for the Committee to comment. It was questioned whether the Committee could have an opportunity to participate in meetings with the developers. 3. Review & Approval of Minutes Due to a lack of quorum, the June 21st, 2018 minutes will be approved at the next meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Meeting Adjourned: 9:00 pm Copy: City Clerk