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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 20, 2021 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee October 20, 2021 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Attendees: P. Bashaw S. Fatima D. Hughes G. Lang A. Lue T. Lyle-Gravlev A. Taverna M. Thorpe Ross D. Wysocki J. McLellan, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator (Staff Liaison) M. Ross, Coordinator, Records & Elections (Recording Secretary) I. Janton, Senior Planner, Site Planning, City Development K. Pyke, Coordinator, Museum Operations J. San Antonio, Senior Advisor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Absent: P. Milton Item/Ref # 1. 2. 3. 4. Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Review and Approval of Agenda T. Higgins reviewed the agenda items. Agenda approved. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. Review and Approval of Minutes -September 15, 2021 Moved by D. Hughes Seconded by T. Lyle-Gravlev That the Minutes of the September 15, 2021 meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Presentations/ Delegations Action Items/Status(include deadline as appropriate) Page 1 of 5 Item/Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status(include deadline as appropriate) 4.1 Katrina Pyke, Coordinator, MuseumOperations, City of Pickering RE: Proposed Museum Travelling Exhibit K. Pyke, Coordinator, Museum Operations, mentioned the Pickering Museum Village’s recent recognition as the best small museum in Ontario through Attractions Ontario. She added that alongside other grant applications, the proposed museum travelling exhibit presentation is part of a current grant application to the Federal Government regarding the Access to Heritage funding program for travelling exhibits. Through the aid of the Presentation, K. Pyke noted that the travelling exhibit was focused on corn and its impact on the community, Canada, and the world, and will be travelling in a specially-designed trailer to reach a broader audience. K. Pyke asked the committee for any feedback they might have regarding the accessibility of the travelling exhibit. Discussion ensued regarding: • the accessibility of the trailer under the AODA including enhanced accessibility features like braille and attempting to keep interactive aspects external to the trailer so there are less accessibility issues; and, • the engagement of other senses other than touch to engage people and to be cautious and sensitive regarding language/narrative regarding indigenous peoples. Moved by T. Lyle-Gravlev Seconded by A. Lue That the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee support the grant application by the Pickering Museum Village. Carried 5. New Business 5.1 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Page 2 of 5 Item/Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status(include deadline as appropriate) J. San Antonio, the Senior Advisor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, explained her role at the City of Pickering as well as her professional background. A brief discussion ensued regarding common accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion difficulties experienced by individuals, as well as the importance of collaborations between accessibility and diversity staff and the accessibility working group, especially in relation to the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Accessibility 5 Year Plan. 5.2 Site Plan Review: -Site Plan Application S06/21-Amberlea Creek Developments Inc.(760 Kingston Road) I. Janton, Senior Planner, Site Planning, City Development, reviewed and provided background on the Site Plan Application and asked for input from Members of the Committee. Discussion ensued between Members of the Committee, regarding: • the need for sidewalks; and, • concerns surrounding the increased need for senior housing in Pickering. 5.3 Service & Support Animal Initiative D. Wysocki spoke about the input that was received from individuals and groups regarding the initiative that would be compiled into an informative report. He noted that this information would be presented on December 3, 2021, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, alongside pamphlets and other information. T. Higgins asked that the committee support D. Wysocki in this endeavor. 5.4 DRPS Children’s Games – Drive Thru October 23rd T. Higgins reviewed the Program, the benefits it would provide, and the modifications that were Page 3 of 5 Item/Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status(include deadline as appropriate) made to the event due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. He added that the event would be held at the East Shore Community Centre on October 23rd. 5.5 Five Year Accessibility Plan 2021-2025 T. Higgins reviewed the feedback that was received to date on the Plan. Along with committee input, the new platform used by Pickering called, “Let’s Talk Pickering” could be used to elicit future feedback from the public for the committee. T. Higgins will learn about the platform and possibly use it to obtain feedback for the plan before it is sent to council. Therefore, an updated version would be needed to be reviewed by the committee again soon. 5.6 Accessible Housing -Trailers P. Bashaw outlined the issues and opportunities surrounding modular housing and the opportunity to bring down the cost of housing. Discussion ensued regarding best practices from the City of Toronto. I Janton noted that she would look into zoning issues around modular housing. 6. Correspondence T. Higgins read a letter of support he wrote on behalf of the committee to be sent to the City of Pickering regarding the City Centre Project and accessibility considerations. 7. Other Business & Updates P. Bashaw discussed the accessible transit and transportation through Community Care Durham and its impact on the community. He suggested a potential partnership between the Committee and Community Care. The item would be brought up at a later meeting once Members of the Committee were able to consider the topic. Page 4 of 5 Item/Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status(include deadline as appropriate) T. Higgins surveyed the Members for updates. G. Lang noted that he had attended a virtual conference regarding BIA organizations and how to make them more accessible such as the integration of AODA policies. T. Lyle-Gravlev spoke about a survey from PFC All Abilities Programs that would be circulated throughout the community and encouraged committee members to complete it and forward it to their contacts. J. McLellan discussed a current building site requiring an elevator and expressed the desire for builders to be mindful of accessibility. 8. Next Meeting – November 17, 2021 9. Adjournment Meeting Adjourned: 9:04 pm Page 5 of 5