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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 15, 2023 Page 1 of 5 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee March 15, 2023 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Attendees: D. Currie S. Fatima P. Milton R. Rizvi S. Snyders B. Ferguson T. Lyle-Gravlev M. Thorpe Ross A. Eamer, Guest S. Haley, Guest K. Hayes, Senior Manager, Digital Advisory, MNP L. Page, Consultant, Digital Advisory, MNP C. Schilling, Guest S. Van Meer, President, Park N Water Ltd. A. Mostert, Manager, Landscape & Parks Development J. McLellan, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade I. Janton, Senior Planner - Site Planning T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator (Staff Liaison) A. MacGillivray, Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary) Absent: A. Khan C. Rudberg-Chin Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Review and Approval of Agenda T. Higgins reviewed the agenda items. Agenda approved. 2. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. 3. Approval of Minutes Moved by B. Ferguson Seconded by S. Snyders Page 2 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) That the Minutes of the February 15, 2023 Meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, with the noted correction be approved. Carried 4. Presentations/Delegations 4.1 City of Pickering’s Digital Strategy K. Hayes, Senior Manager, Digital Advisory, MNP and L. Page, Consultant, Digital Advisory, MNP made a presentation to the Committee regarding the City of Pickering’s Digital Strategy. During the presentation, the Committee engaged in discussion around: • ensuring that the City’s digital services are easy to use for those with varying abilities; • how those with vision and hearing impairments would be engaged to share feedback on this strategy; • whether there were examples from other municipalities on how they are implementing digital strategies; • clarification regarding the objectives of the digital strategy engagement; • the various accessibility challenges that need to be considered when implementing digital services; • ensuring services are accessible on mobile devices; and, • making sure that graphics and videos are described on City websites and documents. 4.2 Training/Development/Orientation − Site Plan Reviews I. Janton provided an overview of the Site Plan Review process, relevant legislation, and the Committee’s role in the review process. K. Hayes and L. Page to provide to the Committee some examples of accessible websites and other strategies undertaken at other municipalities. 5. New Business 5.1 Site Plan Review − S03/23 - Caplink Limited - Block 4 This matter was deferred to a future Committee meeting. Page 3 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) − S02/23 - 1030 Salk Road This matter was deferred to a future Committee meeting. 5.3 Snow Removal for Seniors and People with Disabilities S. Snyders spoke to the accessibility concerns experienced during the recent snowfall, specifically regarding the lack windrow clearance on municipal sidewalks and bus shelters. He also spoke to the City’s existing Snow Clearing Program and requested whether the Committee consider bringing forward a motion to Council to ask the City to study the feasibility of modern options to clear snow off of windrows. T. Higgins informed the Committee that City Staff are presently looking into this matter and suggested that the Committee revisit this matter in the future. 5.2 Accessible Playgrounds A. Mostert provided an overview of CSA and AODA requirements for playgrounds, as well as the City’s plans for reconstruction of various playgrounds. S. Van Meer, President, Park N Water Ltd, spoke to the importance of creating play structures that offer components for a variety of ages and abilities. Discussion ensued with the Committee and Guests discussing: • whether there was an opportunity for one of the City’s play structures to be fully fenced in to offer a safe play area for children prone to run or wander; • whether there is an opportunity to incorporate communication boards at the play structures; Page 4 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • whether double side-by-side slides are being considered to be incorporated in the City’s play structures; • the need for ramps on play structures to lead to useable play features; • whether a wide variety of accessible swing designs can be considered for the City’s playgrounds; • whether an accessible swing can be considered specifically for Frenchman’s Bay East Park; • whether other features can be incorporated that are accessible to those with fine motor skill challenges; • whether more information can be provided to the Committee with regards to features like communications boards and accessible swings; • whether there are adequate railings on the playground ramps; • whether there are opportunities to incorporate accessible seating and table areas at the City’s playgrounds; and, • the City’s work to explore accessible access to the parks from the street or parking areas. A. Mostert thanked the Committee and guests for their feedback. 5.4 AAC 2022 Year-End Report & 2023 Work Plan – Draft T. Higgins spoke to the 2022 Year-End Report & 2023 Work Plan, and indicated that he will look to circulate a draft to Members for their feedback. He noted that a semi-final draft will be brought forward for discussion at the April Meeting. T. Higgins also noted that Members are encouraged to be present at the Council Meeting to present the 2022 Year-End Report & 2023 Work Plan, and that he would solicit Members who may be interested in doing so. Page 5 of 5 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 5.5 LEAD Project and the Durham Abilities Centre – Update T. Higgins provided an update regarding the LEAD Project and provided information regarding the upcoming workshop series taking place in March 30, April 19, and April 26, and solicited Members for their availability to attend. B. Ferguson and D. Currie indicated interest in attending the workshops. 6. Correspondence There were no items of correspondence. 7. Other Business 7.1 2020 National Building Code J. McLellan, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade highlighted recent changes to accessibility elements of the National Building Code and the importance of bodies such as the Accessibility Advisory Committee in advocating for these kinds of changes. T. Higgins requested that J. McLellan circulate a summary of the changes to the Committee for reference. 8. AAC Member Roundtable Updates 9. Next Meeting – April 19, 2023 10. Adjournment Moved by S. Snyders That the Meeting be adjourned. Carried. Meeting Adjourned: 9:17 pm