HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-03 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
May 3, 2017, 6:30 P.M.
Council Chambers
Present: André O’Bumsawin
Tim Van Leeuwen
Maureen Reed
Sally Barrie
Shea-Lea Latchford
Also Present: Jeannette Whynot – Accessibility Coordinator
Mayor Foster (7:15pm)
Regrets: Councillor Partner
Jacqui Watchorn
Meeting was called to order at 6:37pm.
1. Adoption of Minutes
Moved by André O’Bumsawin seconded by Maureen Reed
That the minutes of the meeting of April 5, 2017 be approved.
Carried
2. Presentation
The Accessibility Coordinator led the Committee through a consultation on the
updated Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP). Beginning with the Customer
Service Standard, the Committee provided feedback and ideas on each of the
five Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
3. Business Arising From Minutes
(a) ServiceOntario Bowmanville Update
The Accessibility Coordinator advised the Committee that after the April meeting,
the Municipality was expecting to issue an Order under the Ontario Building Code
for the non-complaint ramp at the Bowmanville ServiceOntario location. However,
the ramp was removed before the Order could be issued, so the Municipality was
not able to take any action.
A discussion about what the Committee could do next took place. The
Accessibility Coordinator and Committee Chair advised the Committee that they
were working with Councillor Partner on possible next steps. The Committee
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Advisory Committee
once again expressed their deep frustration that the Bowmanville ServiceOntario
location is not accessible and the lack of action from the Province on this issue.
(b) Maple Fest Schedule
Shea-Lea Latchford went over the volunteer schedule for Maple Fest and
explained where the Tourism tent should be located.
(c) National Access Awareness Week
The Committee was advised that the Mayor had proclaimed May 28-June 3,
2017 as National Access Awareness Week in the Municipality of Clarington.
Additionally, the Committee’s request for a flag raising was also approved and is
scheduled for Monday May 29th at 9 am in from of Town Hall.
The Committee’s delegation to Council in support of National Access Awareness
Week is also scheduled for May 29th. The Committee was advised by the
Accessibility Coordinator General Government meeting begins at 9:30 am but
there is no way to predict what time André will give the delegation because
agendas can fluctuate depending on what is scheduled.
4. New Business
(a) Accessible Businesses for Clarington Tourism
The Accessibility Coordinator thanked the Committee for their help in identifying
physically accessible businesses in Clarington and requested that they continue
sending their recommendations.
Maureen Reed asked if it was possible to use the Clarington Board of Trade to
have businesses self-identify as accessible, to help with the task. Committee
members discussed this but many felt that many businesses think they are
accessible but are not and so it would be dangerous to forward on that
information without it being verified by the Committee in some way. As an idea
for future work with the Board of Trade, the Committee agreed it would be worth
exploring but that anything claimed to be accessible would need to be verified.
The Accessibility Coordinator advised the Committee that she is preparing the
information in such a way that things like power-door operators and accessible
washrooms are identified as individual characteristics. This way, people will know
what they can expect and the level of accessibility they will encounter.
(b) Durham Region Accessibility Award Nominations
The Accessibility Coordinator provided Committee members with a copy of this
year’s call for nominations from the Region of Durham. Nomin ations will be
discussed and voted on at the June 6th AAC meeting. The Committee was
encouraged to think of businesses, organizations and individuals who have never
been nominated before.
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Advisory Committee
5. Regional Update
(a) Regional Updates
No Regional updates were provided.
(b) Regional AAC Minutes
Regional AAC minutes were distributed to Committee members for their interest.
6. Other Business
No other business was brought forward.
7. Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday June 6, 2017 at 6:30 pm.
8. Adjournment
Moved by André O’Bumsawin seconded Tim Van Leeuwen
That the meeting adjourn.
Carried
The meeting concluded at 8:06 pm.
_________________________
Chair
_________________________
Secretary