HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-06 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
December 6, 2017, 6:30 P.M.
MAC Meeting Room 1A
If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility
Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131.
Present: Shea-Lea Latchford
Andre O’Bumsawin
Tim Van Leeuwen
Maureen Reed
Councillor Partner
Also Present: Andrea Nicholson – Accessibility Coordinator
Faye Langmaid - Manager of Special Projects, Planning Services
Regrets: Sally Barrie, Jacqui Watchorn
The meeting was called to order at 7:40pm.
1. Adoption of Minutes
Moved by Maureen Reed, seconded by Andrea O’Bumsawin
That the minutes of the meeting of November 1, 2017 be approved.
Carried
2. Presentation
(a) King Street Parklet
Faye Langmaid reported on the proposed King Street Parklet development. A
Public Information Centre was held November 7, 2017 and was attended by Tim
Van Leeuwen and Andrea Nicholson who provided input on improving
accessibility. Faye also reported that Durham Region Transit and Go Transit
were contacted after the Public Information Centre to inquire about the possible
installation of a transit shelter and was informed that a transit shelter will not be
installed at the parklet location. Committee members requested that the
development include space for a mobility device beside benches, firm surfaces,
and low vegetation to enable an unobstructed view when seated in a wheelchair.
(b) Community Improvement Program Grants
Faye Langmaid presented information regarding the Community Improvement
Program (CIP) grants available to Newcastle, Bowmanville and Orono BIAs. The
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CIP grants currently include matching grants for upgrades to Building Code,
Heritage Facade, Signage. Types of grants and grant amounts vary by BIA. A
new Accessibility grant is being proposed for making accessibility improvements.
CIP Grant applications will be accepted in January, and will be awarded after the
CIP program and budgets have been approved by Council. The Committee
supports the Accessibility grant.
(c) Sidewalk Patios and Streateries
Faye Langmaid reported that Council approved a pilot project to permit
restaurants in downtown Bowmanville and Newcastle to use on-street parking as
the sidewalk and/or patio for patrons to eat and drink outdoors. Faye reviewed
the requirements of the restaurants and the Municipality. One restaurant in
Bowmanville and one restaurant in Newcastle have expressed interest in the
project. Construction of the seasonal sidewalks will comply with Integrated
Accessibility Standards for Design of Public Spaces. The Committee requested
that the barrier-free on-street parking spaces be unaffected by the project. The
sidewalk patios will be on the Planning and Development meeting agenda for the
January 8, 2018.
3. Business Arising From Minutes
(a) Change in meeting room and day for January – April 2018
The Committee discussed alternate meeting dates for January –April to
accommodate Committee members’ schedules.
Moved by Maureen Reed, seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen
That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting dates be changed to the first
Thursday of the month for January – April 2018 meetings
Carried
Andrea Nicholson informed the Committee that Meeting room 1A will be
unavailable for the next few meetings due to relocation of staff during second
floor renovations and an alternate room will be listed on each meeting agenda. .
(b) AAC membership
The Committee discussed attendance at meetings and number of members
permitted on the Committee permitted. Andrea Nicholson referred the Committee
to the Committee’s Terms of Reference which covers Committee Composition
and Absences.
Moved by Tim van Leeuwen, seconded by Andre O’Bumsawin
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That a request be made to the Municipal Clerk to post for one additional
Accessibility Advisory Committee member.
Carried
(c) Delegation to Council for International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On behalf of Council, Councillor Partner thanked Andre O’Bumsawin for
presenting to Council on International Day of Persons with Disabilities on
November 27, 2017.
4. New Business
(a) 2017 Accessibility Annual Status Update preparations
Andrea Nicholson requested input from Committee members for the Annual
Status Update. The Committee identified accomplishments to highlight in the
Accessibility Annual Status Update. Andrea will prepare the 2017 Accessibility
Annual Status Update and bring to the next meeting.
(b) January Meeting date
The meeting date was discussed under new business.
(c) Dementia Friendly Communities
Andrea Nicholson reported that Alzheimer Society of Durham Region (ASDR)
requested a delegation to present to the Committee on Dementia Friendly
Communities. The Committee agreed to have a presentation in February or
March 2018.
5. Regional Update
(a) Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee
Andre O’Bumsawin reported that at the November Regional AAC meeting, the
Region conducted user testing on their updated website. Regional Committee
members were provided with a laptop for testing purposes. The testing was
helpful in identifying areas of the website that were not functioning as expected.
Andrea Nicholson read an email update from Sally Barrie stating that Patricia
Rundle who was a past member for Clarington AAC and a present member of
Regional AAC has recently retired. Pat was a true advocate for accessibility and
her passion, personal experience and wisdom were valuable to the Committees
and the Community.
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(b) Metrolinx-Durham Region Transit (DRT)Accessibility Public Meeting
Andre O’Bunsawin and Tim Van Leeuwen attended the public meeting on
November 27, 2017 and reported that the meeting was informative and provided
an opportunity to see new bus designs. Tim advocated for more bus shelters.
Andre reported that new bus designs have a lift that restrains wheelchairs from
the sides. Andre provided feedback on the accessibility features of the new bus
designs.
Andre O’Bunsawin raised concerns regarding ride bookings being refused by
DRT.
6. Other Business
(a) Autism Durham
Councillor Partner reported that Autism Durham requested a delegation to
present to the Committee. The Committee agreed to have a presentation.
Councillor Partner will provide the contact information for Autism Durham.
(b) Audio quality in Council Chambers
Councillor Partner reported that the sound quality in Council Chambers is poor
making it difficult to hear what people area saying and requested the Committee
write a letter to Council to request that improvements be made. The Committee
Chair deferred this item to January 2017 Agenda.
(c) Consultation of AACs
Andrea Nicholson reported that the Municipal Clerk received correspondence
from Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO) indicating that under Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the ADO must review the standards of
the Act. The Directorate believes that a fulsome review of Accessibility Advisory
Committees is warranted at this time and is moving forward with a consultation of
the Accessibility Advisory Committees, including an online survey and focus
groups. The consultation will begin in January 2018 and will be conducted over
approximately 5 months. The goal of the consultation is to learn more about the
work of AACs, what conditions are required to make them successful and how
the Directorate might better support Committees going forward. The Municipality
of Clarington will be contacted by The Strategic Council (a market research firm)
with more information.
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7. Date of Next Meeting
Thursday January 4, 2018 at 6:30 pm MAC Meeting Room 3C (new room)
8. Adjournment
Moved by Maureen Reed, and seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen
That the meeting adjourn.
Carried
The meeting concluded at 8:07 pm.
_________________________
Chair
_________________________
Secretary