HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 13, 2020
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Minutes/Meeting Summary
Accessibility Advisory Committee
May 13, 2020
Electronic Meeting
7:00 pm
Attendees: Peter Bashaw
Saima Fatima – left at 8 pm
Donna Holmes
Dan Hughes – left at 8:20 pm
Glenn Lang
Anthony Lue
Megan Thorpe Ross
Sue Wilkinson
David Wysocki
John McLellan, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
Tim Higgins, Staff Representative
Rumali Perera, Recording Secretary
Devin Poole, Clerk - Typist
Guests: Sharon Milton, Manager, Recreation Services
Isabelle Janton, Planner II - Site Planning, City of Pickering
Absent: Bianca D’Souza
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
1. Welcome & Introductions
T. Higgins welcomed members and guests to the
electronic meeting.
2. Disclosure of Interest
No disclosures of interest were noted.
3. Review and Approval of Agenda
T. Higgins reviewed the agenda items. Agenda
approved.
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Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
4. Review and Approval of Minutes
Moved by D. Holmes
Seconded by M. Thorpe Ross
That the Minutes of the March 11, 2020 meeting of
the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved.
Carried
5. 5
. New Business
5.1 Virtual Meetings
A general discussion ensued between the
members regarding virtual committee meetings.
Members noted that virtual meetings allow for the
committee to reach a broader audience and that
the electronic platform is working well under the
circumstances.
R. Perera noted that Bill 187 allows for electronic
participation of members to count towards quorum
during a declared emergency. Once the
emergency order is lifted, however, electronic
participation of members will not count towards
quorum.
S. Milton noted that the City is working tirelessly to
maintain business continuity during the pandemic.
5.2 Pandemic Updates, Issues and Resources
T. Higgins requested members to speak about their
personal experiences with accessibility during the
pandemic. Members noted the following concerns
and observations:
Backlog of food delivery systems
Much like “normal” day-to-day life in terms of
having ready access to getting around to
places
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Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
Effect on routine and structure for
individuals with special needs
Lack of funding through the passport
program for families
Accessibility gets compromised – Durham
Region Transit has opened the ramp for
individuals in wheelchairs and scooters,
however, many other individuals may need
the ramp as well
New curbside pick-up policies are not
accessible for individuals with disabilities as
they are required to exit their vehicles to
close the hatch on their vehicles
Durham Region Specialized Transit may be
in a dilemma once non-emergency
appointments resume
Family members are learning new ways to
support their children with special needs
Long wait times outside of grocery stores
during dedicated senior times
Passport funding – the Province announced
that they would advance 25% of the funding
for purchases for various items such as
laptops, IPads, etc. However, the funding is
yet to come.
Concern for seniors in long term care
The lack of masks available
S. Milton provided an overview of the Care
Mongers group that is operating between Ajax and
Pickering and noted that more information on this
group is available on the City’s website. Staff are
currently working on listing available resources for
individuals with disabilities on the City’s website.
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Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
S. Milton noted that City facilities will remain closed
until July 1st and that summer events have been
cancelled in the form that they are in now. The City
is continuing to take direction from the Province
and the Regional Health Department and that
reopening will occur in phases. She also noted that
the City has created a number of virtual programs
for seniors.
5.3 Site Plan Review – S04/20- Shell Canada
Isabelle Janton, Planner II - Site Planning, City of
Pickering, appeared before the Committee to
provide an overview of the Shell Canada site plan
which is to be located at the intersection of
Kingston Rd and Whites Rd. She noted the
following features of the site plan:
Gas station
Car wash
Tim Hortons with a double drive thru
Landscape with a designated area for
an art piece
Two access points to the gas station
24 parking spaces with 2 designated
accessible parking spaces
Members noted the following comments:
The possibility of having a
designated pump close to the pay
point and a full service option
Questions were raised regarding the
availability of sidewalks around the
site
Concerns were raised regarding the
disconnect in the sidewalk for the
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Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
entrance from Whites road and Hwy
2
The bend in the sidewalk at the West
entrance
The availability of markers to indicate
a major intersection and crossings for
the visually impaired
5.4 AAC Annual Report to Council – Update
T. Higgins noted that he has circulated the report to
the members today for a final look and that the
report will be going to Council on May 25, 2020.
5.5 AAC Agenda Planning – Priorities & Future
Items
T. Higgins asked members to comment on how the
Committee could stay relevant during the
pandemic. Members noted the following:
Liaising with stakeholders such as Durham
Transit to ensure that accessibility is not
compromised during the pandemic
Bringing light to issues faced by individuals
during the pandemic
T. Higgins noted that businesses still have
responsibility under the Human Rights Code and
the AODA to provide reasonable accommodations
for people with disabilities during the pandemic.
T. Higgins provided a brief overview of the
upcoming priorities and projects of the Committee,
including liaising with accessibility communities
and the service animal initiative. T. Higgins also
noted that the Committee may be required to
provide input during the reopening phase.
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Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
6. 6
. Other Business & Updates
6.1 Member Updates
T. Higgins surveyed the Committee members for
updates and final remarks. No action items from
updates.
7. 7
. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 9:17pm
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