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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-05 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee September 5, 2018, 6:30 PM MAC Meeting Room 3C If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Present: Shea -Lea Latchford (Chair) Andre O'Bumsawin Tim Van Leeuwen Councillor Wendy Partner Maureen Reed Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer Sally Barrie Pinder DaSilva (until 7:OOPM) Also Present: Andrea Nicholson — Accessibility Coordinator Regrets: Jacqui Watchorn Celebrating Accessibility in Clarington The meeting was preceded by the "Celebrating Accessibility in Clarington" event where the AAC recognized organizations/business they nominated for the Durham Region Accessibility Award for Clarington. The event was attended by Lindsey Park (MPP Durham), Mayor Foster, Councillors Hooper and Partner, Anne Greentree (Municipal Clerk) Gord Wier (Director, Emergency and Fire Services) Rob Maciver (Municipal Solicitor), Trevor Pinn (Deputy Treasurer), Leanne Walker (Communications) and David Crome (Director of Planning) and Yvette Chenier (representing Swiss Chalet Bowmanville). The four nominated organizations/businesses were: Swiss Chalet Courtice, The Courtyard, Captain George's Fish and Chips Bowmanville, Swiss Chalet Bowmanville. The meeting was called to order at 7:25pm. Adoption of Minutes Moved by Maureen Reed, seconded by Sally Barrie That the minutes of the meeting of June 7, 2018 be approved. Carried 1. Presentations There were no presentations. Clarington Accessibility - 2 - Sep 5, 2018 Advisory Committee 2. Business Arising From Minutes a) AAC Awareness at Community Events - October 13 Applefest As per Councillor Hooper's request, the festival organizers have offered the AAC a space at Applefest. The space may, or may not, be outside of the Hooper stores. Because spaces are limited, Andrea Nicholson accepted the offer of a space on behalf of the Committee. Andrea Nicholson reported that some of the requirements of the festival is that each space will be setup by 8:45am. Representatives of the AAC will be required to be present at the booth from 9:OOAM until 5:OOPM, rain or shine. The Committee would have to supply their own tent, table and chairs and follow the remaining requirements of the festival organizers. The Committee discussed participation at the event. Maureen Reed can provide a tent, and Shea -Lea Latchford can arrange for the tent to be set up and taken down. Weather may affect the participation of some AAC members. The Committee expressed concern that it will be too a long day for one or two people and agreed that the Committee will only proceed with the event if four AAC members are able to commit to manning the booth so that the time can be adequately split up. A decision will be required at least 14 days prior to the event. Shea -Lea Latchford, Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, and Tim Van Leeuwen agreed to participate for part of the day. Andrea Nicholson agreed to contact the AAC members not present at the meeting to determine if there are enough members to participate. In the event that fewer than four AAC members are able to participate, Andrea Nicholson agreed to contact the festival organizers and cancel the space. b) Correspondence regarding May 28, 2018 delegation to General Government Committee. The Committee received a copy of the correspondence sent to Andre O'Bumsawin on behalf of Council "That the delegation of Andre O'Bumsawin, Accessibility Advisory Committee, regarding National Access Awareness Week, be received with thanks." Page 2of6 Clarington Accessibility - 3 - Sep 5, 2018 Advisory Committee 3. New Business a) Elections Accessibility Plan Andrea Nicholson presented the 2018 Clarington Elections Accessibility Plan and highlighted key areas. Moved by Sally Barrie, seconded by Maureen Reed That the Accessibility Advisory Committee endorse the 2018 Clarington Elections Accessibility Plan. Carried b) Joint Regional AAC Forum and Awards Information regarding the Sept 24, 2018 Joint Regional AAC Forum and Awards being held at the Regional Municipality of Durham Headquarters was emailed to all AAC members. Interested AAC members may register using the online link provided in the email, or by contacting Andrea Nicholson. c) Request from Bowmanville resident for support Andrea Nicholson provided background regarding a resident who requested accommodations from the property manager in his apartment residence. Andrea Nicholson provided the resident with information about CIP grants to support his repeated request to the property manager. The Committee agreed that issues related to a private business or residence were beyond the Terms of Reference for the Committee. Councillor Partner proposed that the Committee request that Councillor Hooper (Ward 2), speak to the property manager. d) Temporary Relocation of Accessible Parking near proposed King Street Parklet, Bowmanville Andrea Nicholson reported that while the King Street Parklet is under construction, the accessible parking spaces adjacent to the construction area will be relocated elsewhere within the parking lot during the construction period. e) Third Review of AODA Information regarding the Third Review of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 was emailed to AAC members along with links to the Act and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. AAC members can send feedback directly via the link in the email, or send feedback to Andrea Nicholson Page 3 of 6 Clarington Accessibility - 4 - Sep 5, 2018 Advisory Committee by September 21, who will compile any feedback received into one document and submit it before the Oct 1 deadline. f) TTY (Teletype) Andrea Nicholson reported that Clarington now has a TTY number which will enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing who use TTY devices to call the Municipality. The TTY software the Municipality is using will allow the TTY caller to access any department. The TTY number is posted on Clarington's website www.clarington.net. After the municipal elections, the media will be informed and a formal launch to inform the public will take place. g) Articles to CBOT and BIAs On behalf of the Committee, Maureen Reed and Andrea Nicholson worked together to submit a short monthly article on accessibility to Clarington Board of Trade (CBOT). As requested by Councillors Partner and Hooper, the articles are also being submitted to the Bowmanville, Newcastle and Orono Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) each month. h) Promotional Items Andrea Nicholson reported that the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario is unable to provide the AAC with any promotional items to give out at awareness events, due to spending freezes. In the past they have provided items such as pens, jar openers, eyeglass cloths. The Committee has sufficient stock of wallet magnifiers, but is low on many other items. Andrea Nicholson presented a few options for purchasing promotional items such as jar openers, tote bags, drawstring sport packs and fun flyers (frisbees). Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, seconded by Andre O'Bumsawin That the Committee purchase 500 jar openers. Carried The Committee agreed to discuss the purchase of an additional item at the October meeting. Andrea Nicholson is meeting September 6, 2018 with the Communications Coordinator who will be designing the AAC promotional banners. Page 4 of 6 Clarington Accessibility - 5 - Sep 5, 2018 Advisory Committee 4. Regional Updates a) Regional AAC Andre O'Bumsawin reported that the Regional AAC has not had a meeting since June however, the Regional AAC was invited to participate in a meeting held by Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) with other Regional AACs in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. The TTC plans to have similar meetings twice per year. Andre also reported the Regional AAC discussed issues related to Durham Region Transit (DRT) and the need to educate and inform Regional Councillors about the experience of DRT users. 5. Other Business a) Garbage containers at transit stops Tim Van Leeuwen reported that at some transit stops the garbage containers are positioned in a manner that blocks the view of the approaching busses for people who are using wheelchairs. Tim agreed to take some photographs which can be forwarded with the concern to the appropriate jurisdiction. i) Advertising on busses Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer raised concern that it may be difficult for some transit users to recognize the appropriate bus when advertising covers the bus, while recognizing that advertising supports transit. Andrea Nicholson reported that Durham Region Transit busses have audio announcements which inform waiting transit users the bus number and route, if the person is unable to see the route name and number displayed at the front of the bus. j) Resignation from AAC Andre O'Bumsawin reported that he will be moving out of the Municipality and will be resigning from the Committee within the next month. The Committee members thanked Andre for his expertise and service to the Committee. Andre will submit his resignation in writing. 6. Next meeting Wednesday October 3 at 6:30 PM, Meeting Room 1 A Page 5 of 6 Clarington Accessibility - 6 - Sep 5, 2018 Advisory Committee 7. Adjournment Moved by Andre O'Bumsawin and seconded by Councillor Partner, That the meeting adjourn. Carried The meeting concluded at 9:05 PM Chair Secretary Page 6 of 6 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee October 3, 2018, 6:30 PM 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 (Chair) Tim Van Leeuwen Maureen Reed Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer Pinder DaSilva Also Present: Andrea Nicholson — Accessibility Coordinator Linda Kent — Director, Clarington Public Library (until 6:50PM) Sarah Vaisler — Deputy Director, Clarington Public Library (until 6:50PM) Megan Elliott — Manager of Business Administration, Clarington Public Library (until 6:50PM) Melissa Scott — Manager of Service Excellence, Clarington Public Library (until 6:50PM) Eric Riddell — Shoalts and Zaback Ltd. (until 6:50PM) Paul Wirch — Planner (until 7:25PM) Regrets: Jacqui Watchorn Councillor Wendy Partner Sally Barrie The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM. 1. Adoption of Minutes Moved by Maureen Reed, seconded by Pinder DaSilva That the minutes of the meeting of September 5, 2018 be approved. Carried 2. Presentations a) Library Main Branch renovations Linda Kent introduced Eric Riddell, of Shoalts and Zaback Ltd. (architectural firm), who reported that the Clarington Public Library will be undergoing a renovation to make improvements to the Main Branch. Some issues were noted in the Clarington Public Library Service Review and the goal is to make the library accessible and inclusive. Public and Staff consultations were held in Clarington Accessibility - 2 - October 3, 2018 Advisory Committee September. Shoalts and Zaback Ltd. is seeking input from various groups prior to redesigning the library space. The new design will be presented to the Library Board in November 2018 for approval and then to the new Clarington Municipal Council for approval. Eric requested input from the AAC, noting that the slate flooring and accessible washrooms had already been noted as areas for improvement. The Committee provided suggestions to improve access such as sensor sliding doors at the entrance, universal washroom with space to allow access from either side of the water closet with drop down grab bars on both sides of the water closet, washroom lights on a sensor, elongated bar power door operators instead of push button operators, large print wayfinding signage for collections and washrooms and other library features, and lowered stacks to allow those in a seated positon to reach items in the library's collection. Committee members were provided with drawings of the current space and invited to submit any additional comments via an online survey or the Accessibility Coordinator. Andrea Nicholson will provide the survey link to Committee members. b) Clarington Secondary Plans Paul Wirch provided background on Clarington's Official Plan and Secondary Plans. Paul described the Secondary Plan area of Bowmanville West Urban Station. Face-to-face public consultation on the Bowmanville West Urban Station Secondary Plan has already taken place and an online tool for residents to provide input and feedback has been in place and will come to a close within the next week. Paul utilized the online tool adding in feedback from Committee members, including the need for safe crossings over rail lines and walkable areas in and around the retail areas. The Committee noted that the retail areas are currently designed to encourage vehicle access rather than safe pedestrian access. Committee members may access the link to the online tool on their own to and additional comments and feedback for the remainder of the week. 3. Business Arising From Minutes a) AAC Awareness at Community Events - October 13 Applefest The Committee will now share the Elections tent for Applefest. The Elections staff will put up the tent, bring out the AAC materials, take down the tent and bring leftover materials back to Town Hall. The tent will be up from 8:45am until 2:OOPM. Andrea Nicholson will prepare the AAC materials (brochures, bookmarks, jar grips, magnifiers and reflective zipper pulls. The Committee agreed to the following schedule: Page 2 of 5 Clarington Accessibility - 3 - October 3, 2018 Advisory Committee 8:45AM — 2:OOPM Shea -lea Latchford 8:45AM — 11:30AM Pinder DaSilva 11:30AM — 1:OOPM Sylvia Jaspers-Feyer 9:30AM — 2:OOPM Tim Van Leeuwen (weather permitting) b) Promotional items / Budget Jar Grips — the 500 Jar grips that were ordered were received. Banners — the Committee reviewed designs and images for the banners. The Committee selected preferred images and requested an image of a person using a walker. The Committee agreed that the banner should include the words "Accessibility Advisory Committee" and some points about the Committee's role. Andrea Nicholson will email all AAC members for suggestions on wording and then liaise with Communications on the draft design on the banner. iii. Other — Andrea Nicholson presented some other options for utilizing remaining budget including purchasing additional promotional materials and hosting an educational event on universal design. Committee members that were present at the Joint Regional AAC event on September 24 agreed that speaker Thea Kurdi of DesignABLE Environments was an interesting, dynamic speaker on universal design. The Committee discussed hosting an educational event for municipal staff including individuals from various departments, and possibly external developers. Andrea Nicholson agreed to contact Thea Kurdi to determine speaker fees and to consult with Municipal staff regarding the interest and feasibility of attending an education session on universal design. Moved by Maureen Reed, seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen That the remaining funds be earmarked for the AAC to host an educational event on universal design featuring speaker Thea Kurdi, if practicable. Carried c) Joint Regional AACs Forum and Awards The Sept 24, 2018 event was attended by Andre O'Bumsawin, Tim Van Leeuen, Pinder SaSilva and Andrea Nicholson. Speaker topics were: Universal Design, Portable Washrooms and Play spaces. Those in attendance particularly enjoyed the session on Universal Design. Page 3 of 5 Clarington Accessibility - 4 - October 3, 2018 Advisory Committee 4. New Business a) AAC Site Plan Review Subcommittee Sylvia Jaspers-Feyer will serve on the subcommittee for the remainder of the term, replacing Andre O'Bumsawin. 5. Regional Updates a) Regional AAC No updates b) Regional Municipality of Durham to host Spring ONAP meeting Andrea Nicholson reported that the Accessibility Coordinators in Durham Region will work together to host a spring meeting of the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals. The event is an education and networking event for Accessibility Coordinators, most of whom work at local municipalities. 6. Other business c) Dynamic Symbol of Access Andrea Nicholson reported that Ontario MPPs voted to in support of Grey -Bruce - Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker's motion to adopt the Dynamic Accessibility Symbol. Andrea provided a copy of the media release. Andrea reported that the Oshawa Accessibility Coordinator has contacted the Accessibity Directorate for direction and will share any information that comes back. d) On Street parking outside Newcastle Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Van Leeuen reported that a curb cut has not been added to the on street parking outside of Newcastle Shopper Drug Mart. Andrea Nicholson will follow up with Operations regarding the status of the work. e) Garbage containers at transit stops Tim VanLeeuwen reported that he has been unable to get a photograph of the bust stop at King Street and Mearns in Bowmanville where garbage cans block the view of the oncoming bus. Andrea Nicholson agreed to obtain photo to pass along to the appropriate jurisdiction. Page 4 of 5 Clarington Accessibility - 5 - October 3, 2018 Advisory Committee 7. Next Meeting Andrea Nicholson reported that Committees are not meeting between Council Terms. The Committee expressed interest in meeting in November. Andrea will confirm with the Municipal Clerk whether a November meeting may be held on November 7. 8. Adjournment Moved by Maureen Reed and seconded by Pinder DaSilva, That the meeting adjourn. Carried The meeting concluded at 8:00 PM Chair Secretary Page 5 of 5 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee November 7, 2018, 6:30 PM 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 (Chair) Maureen Reed Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer Pinder DaSilva Councillor Wendy Partner Sally Barrie Also Present: Andrea Nicholson — Accessibility Coordinator Faye Langmaid — Acting Director of Planning (until 7:15PM) Regrets: Jacqui Watchorn Tim Van Leeuwen (attending Metrolinx-DRT meeting) The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM. 1. Adoption of Minutes Moved by Councillor Partner, seconded by Pinder DaSilva That the minutes of the meeting of October 3, 2018 be approved. Carried 2. Presentations a) Special Projects update and feedback Faye Langmaid reported on the patio project and included feedback from the two restaurants, the BIAs and the community. Faye requested the Committee's feedback. The Committee reported that the patios had good design however having the patio adjacent to the road was less favourable than having the sidewalk relocated between the patio and the road. The Committee recommended that ramps be wider than minimum standard to allow for wheelchairs with side bags, or scooters, to have easier access to the patio. It is important that people with disabilities using the patios have access to an accessible washroom. Faye also reported on the King Street Parklet. The parklet is almost complete and the Municipality is waiting for the installation of the bus shelter before Clarington Accessibility - 2 - November 7, 2018 Advisory Committee installing the seating. The accessible parking spaces in the adjacent parking lot will have new lines painted. Faye will prepare a report to Council on these special projects. 3. Business Arising From Minutes a) Educational Event for Municipal Staff on universal design Andrea Nicholson presented information on Thea Kurdi's Accessibility Boot Camp, a half day education session for staff on accessibility and universal design. The program is designed for a small group of 20 people. The format is part presentation and part practical. The fee is $50 per person for 20 people. Andrea will coordinate the event on behalf of the Committee. Moved by Sally Barrie, seconded by Pinder DaSilva THAT the Accessibility Advisory Committee provide the funds for Thea Kurdi's Accessibility Boot Camp for 20-25 municipal staff. Carried b) AAC Awareness at Community Events - October 13 Applefest Committee members that participated in the awareness event at Applefest reported the event went well. The Committee appreciated being able to share a space with the Elections tent. Materials were counted before, and after, in an effort to determine the quantity of materials needed for this event in the future. The following items were distributed to the community throughout the day: oc 100 reflective zipper pulls oo 100 wallet magnifiers oo 250 jar grips oo 150 brochures oo 150 bookmarks c) Promotional items / Budget Banners — the Committee reviewed the updated banner designs and by consensus chose the banner that contained 5 images. Andrea Nicholson will request the order for banners. Page 2 of 5 Clarington Accessibility - 3 - November 7, 2018 Advisory Committee d) On -street parking outside Newcastle Shoppers Drug Mart Andrea Nicholson reported that follow-up was made with Fred Horvath, Director of Operations, who has forwarded the request for a curb ramp adjacent to the parking space to Engineering. Because this is a Regional road, Sean Bagshaw, Capital Works Engineer will contact the Region of Durham regarding the options for a curb ramp. e) Garbage containers at transit stop blocking view at eastbound Highway 2 and Mearns. Andrea Nicholson reported that Operations has been informed that for people using wheelchairs, the view of oncoming busses at this transit stop was blocked by the set of garbage containers. Arrangements have been made by Operations to have the garbage containers moved to the south side of the sidewalk at eastbound Highway 2 and Mearns. 4. New Business a) December 3rd — International Day of Persons with Disabilities The Committee discussed options for recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Given that the Council and Committees will be between terms, the Committee agreed to request a proclamation and flag raising. A formal flag raising ceremony will not be requested this year. Andrea Nicholson will make the request to the Mayor's Office on behalf of the Committee. b) Accessibility Coordinator Update Jeannette Whynot has returned from maternity leave and will transition back into the Accessibility Coordinator's role over the next month. Andrea Nicholson will also remain in the role until the end of December. c) Next Term of AAC Andrea Nicholson informed the Committee that applications are being accepted for the Committee for the 2018-2022 term and agreed to send the link to the applications page to committee members by email. Those interested in applying must submit a new application. The new Council will appoint members in early 2019. Committee members may sit on the Committee for two consecutive terms as per the AAC's Terms of Reference. Page 3 of 5 Clarington Accessibility - 4 - November 7, 2018 Advisory Committee 5. Regional Updates a) Regional AAC Sally Barrie reported that the Regional AAC will have its last meeting on November 21. The Regional AAC is looking for members including members who represent non-visible disabilities, caregivers and people with dementia. Local AAC members may also sit on the Regional AAC, 6. Other business a) Boardwalk at Bond head Parkette Newcastle Councillor Partner reported that residents have complained that the edge protection on the boardwalk is a trip hazard. Andrea Nicholson reported that a 50mm edging is a safety feature required on boardwalks as per the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation: Design of Public Spaces. Councillor Partner also reported that a resident who uses a wheelchair finds it difficult to make 2 turns to get to the beach access mat and suggested the mat be located directly opposite to the accessible parking spaces instead of several metres away. Andrea reported that the beach access mat may be located when the slope to the beach is a lower slope. Councillor Partner agreed to follow up Peter Windolf, Manager of Park Development. Andrea agreed to send Councillor Partner the standard regarding edge protection on boardwalks. The Accessibility Coordinator will track the progress, report back to the new AAC at the next meeting. b) Playground review Shea -Lea Latchford reported that the site plan review subcommittee reviewed two playgrounds for accessibility on October 31. The playgrounds were equipped with several accessible features. A consultation was held on November 1 with three local daycare providers facilitated by Stephen Brake (Operations), Ken Mercer (Operations) and Andrea Nicholson (Accessibility Coordinator). The daycare providers were pleased with the playground design and gave input to improve the playground features. 7. Next Meeting After the new Council appoints the new AAC members, members will be notified of the next meeting date. Page 4 of 5 Clarington Accessibility - 5 - November 7, 2018 Advisory Committee 8. Adjournment Moved by Maureen Reed and seconded by Pinder DaSilva, That the meeting adjourn. Carried The meeting concluded at 7:44 PM. Chair Secretary Page 5 of 5