HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 9, 2019
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Minutes/Meeting Summary
Accessibility Advisory Committee January 9, 2019 7:00 pm Main Committee Room
Attendees: Peter Bashaw Bianca D’Souza Saima Fatima Donna Holmes Dan Hughes
Glenn Lang Megan Thorpe Ross Sue Wilkinson Tim Higgins, Staff Representative John McLellan, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
Vince Plouffe, Manager, Facilities Capital Projects Linda Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: Anthony Lue
David Wysocki
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appropriate)
1. Welcome
T. Higgins welcomed new and returning AAC members to the meeting, as well as the staff guest, with introductions being made.
2. New Business
2.1) Capital Project Review V. Plouffe appeared before the Committee to provide
an overview of the proposed plans for the Pickering
Heritage and Community Centre project. He provided background information on the current site, explaining the need for a new facility to house program, archival and storage space all under one roof, as the current archival space at the Library is
currently overflowing. He also noted that the existing Greenwood Community Centre is nearing the end of its life. He stated the new 45,000 square foot facility would be visible from Highway 7, and through a
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Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) PowerPoint presentation, identified the location of the site, outlining design details for the interior, as well as exterior. He noted that additional lands to the west
owned by Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA) are unlikely to ever be developed. Both phases are currently being designed, though Federal grant funding would be required for phase 2 to proceed. Phase 1 is expected to be awarded in
late 2019. The entire project will take approximately
2 years to construct.
Brougham Hall is in poor shape, the City may move this to the site to form part of the Upper
Village
Use of natural materials
Site difficult to access due to gravel path,
TRCA restricts paving options
Bulk of museum visitors are school children
Currently, the facility closes end of November
through to May, as it lacks indoor facilities. With the new building, winter programs can be provided, which could double program opportunities
City is currently looking at purchasing additional TRCA owned lands to the west
Future transit connections expected along highway 7
Outlined the critical elements in Phase 1, being the collection, storage, archival and office spaces
Outlined the versatility of the resource/shared
community space
Washrooms will be barrier free, with dedicated universal washroom to include an adult change
table
Ability to house wedding receptions
Food vending is not a viable option, but there
is potential for an adaptable concession space
which must be barrier-free. V. Plouffe provided a brief outline of Phase 2 which is proposing a multi purpose space for weddings,
theatrical groups, a gymnasium, as well as gallery
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Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) space to accommodate art exhibits with support space to house costumes for the Museum volunteers.
A discussion period ensued with V. Plouffe
responding to questions surrounding accessibility and mobility within the facility. He explained the techniques and technologies involved in order to make this facility work, with everything coming off a
central hub. It was also noted that with Greenwood
Community Centre currently closing at 4:30 pm, the new facility would help maximize the potential, as well as support the future growth with the Seaton community.
V. Plouffe also noted they are looking at improvements to get people from the upper to lower site, and stated two upcoming open houses for consultation taking place on January 21 and 22.
Committee Comments were noted as follows:
Will there be charging stations incorporated into design
Will there be accommodations for service animals
Will a blind square be incorporated
What will the height of the concession stand be Moved by D. Holmes Seconded by S. Wilkinson
That the Accessibility Advisory Committee supports the proposed plans for the Pickering Heritage and Community Centre as presented.
Carried 2.2) Terms of Reference Review and Approval T. Higgins sought input from the Members present
with respect to the Terms of Reference for the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
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Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Discussion ensued with Members in support of the terms as presented.
L. Roberts provided an overview of basic procedures
for the committee, including quorum, delegations and reporting procedures. T. Higgins provided an overview of the Core Staff
Committee as well and stated the City of Pickering
had received a Champion Award for going beyond requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act. (AODA) to remove barriers in workplaces and communities.
D. Hughes questioned whether a checklist for reviewing applications could be incorporated into the Terms of Reference. It was suggested this may be more appropriate to include in the Committee’s work
plan.
Moved by P. Bashaw Seconded by D. Hughes
That the Terms of Reference as presented be
approved. Carried
2.3) Axess Condos
D. Hughes presented Members with a video of an interview conducted with Global News showcasing the world’s first fully-accessible condos, to be located
on land situated on the Pickering Parkway, north of
Highway 401. The project will consist of two towers with a total of 336 units. He noted that 105 people have registered since registration began three weeks ago. He also stated that Trillium Support Services would provide PSW and respite support in the
building, encompassing support for families with adult disabilities. They are breaking ground in June, with units ready in early 2021.
T. Higgins to action
3. Review & Approval of Minutes
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Moved by M. Thorpe Ross Seconded by D. Holmes
That the November 22, 2018 minutes of the
Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried
4. Other Business & Updates
4.1) S. Wilkinson advised that she had attended a
very informative conference in Vaughan that provided valuable information with respect to seniors. She volunteered to present highlights from the Vaughn conference at a future AAC meeting.
S. Wilkinson also advised she had attended a focus group meeting with respect to the Kingston Road Corridor Intensification study.
S. Wilkinson advised Members that on January 23rd,
Metrolinx is hosting a way finding consultation. 4.2) P. Bashaw advised that the entrance to Shoeless Joes situated along Highway 2 is still in a
deplorable state with no proper lighting and a huge
ditch. The area has been in this state for 2 – 3 years. Also, the bus stop across the street has no curb cuts. He noted that Accessibility Committees should be provided an opportunity to comment on future bus
stop locations with Durham Transit.
4.3) J. McLellan, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade indicated he was pleased to be the liaison on the Committee to provide feedback to the Board of
Trade.
4.4) M. Thorpe Ross noted that she would like to see further public education with inter-active opportunities to help residents better understand accessibility
issues in the community.
4.5) T. Higgins provided Members with information regarding upcoming Civic Award nominations. He
T. Higgins to provide time in a future AAC agenda for this presentation
T. Higgins to advise members of any upcoming
events of interest to attend
L. Roberts to invite Scott Booker to attend the next AAC meeting to provide
updates on the Highway 2
corridor and respond to concerns raised
T. Higgins to invite representatives from
Durham Transit to attend a
future Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting to discuss concerns raised
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Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) encouraged members to email him directly with suggested nominations.
5. Adjournment
Meeting Adjourned: 9:15 pm
Copy: City Clerk