Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-08 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee January 8, 2020, 6:30pm 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 Pinder DaSilva Tim Van Leeuwen — 7:40pm Councillor Jones Sarah McConaghy Catherine McConaghy Deb Kalogris Also Present: Jeannette Whynot — Accessibility Coordinator Brad Eyre — Durham Region Transit Regrets: Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair Marina Ross The meeting was called to order at 6:35pm. 1. Approval of November 2019 Meeting Minutes Moved by Pinder DaSilva and seconded by Deb Kalogris, That the minutes of the November 6, 2019 meeting be approved. Carried 2. Approval of the Accessible Housing Checklist Ms. Whynot provided the Committee with a copy of their work plan, based on the discussion at the previous meeting. The work plan is divided into four categories: Marketing and Advertising, Events, Initiatives and Projects, and Meetings. The Committee went through the various goals listed in the work plan and mutually agreed that it was a good document that could be amended as necessary in the future. Moved by Councillor Jones and Seconded by Deb Kalogris, That the Accessible Housing Checklist be approved and shared as part of the Committee's comments when reviewing site plan approvals that include housing. Carried Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes January 8, 2020 3. Q&A with Durham Region Transit Shea -Lea Latchford welcomed Brad Eyre, Operations Supervisor for OnDemand and Specialized Serviced, Durham Region Transit (DRT), to the meeting. Prior to the meeting, Mr. Eyre was given some questions from the Committee to help guide the conversation. One comment noted that the application for specialized service was extraordinarily long, 18 pages to be exact. Mr. Eyre noted that while the application is longer, it also ensures the people who need Specialized Service receive it, and receive the right kind of service. In the early days of Specialized Service, people would be approved indefinitely, which meant people who say broke an ankle were still using Specialized Service 7 years later. By making the application longer and having more service options, DRT is ensuring the people who need the service are receiving it. Applications are typically processed within 2 weeks of being received. If there is going to be a delay, the applicant will be granted temporary service until it can be reviewed. To speed this up, Mr. Eyre suggested hand delivering the application to DRT, as it would save some time for the applicant. He also suggested that applicants ensure the form is filled out fully and completely — when information is missing or unclear, it delays the process. DRT does not reimburse the cost of having a medical professional fill out the form. They recognize that this may be a financial burden to some people, but is essential for ensuring people get the right kind of service. The issue of fees for filling out an application was brought up to the Transit Executive Committee (TEC) recently. They recommended checking with ODSP to see if there were funds through their program. The Integrated Service Model was also explained to the Committee. This model allows DRT to use their fleet of conventional busses to transport people with disabilities across their network. Instead of only having a specialized bus pick someone up and drop them off, DRT may use a specialized bus or contracted taxi to pick someone up and drop them off at a bus shelter. From the bus shelter, the person can take the conventional bus for the majority of their trip. If they cannot get to their final destination on their own, DRT will pick them up in a specialized vehicle or contracted taxi and take them to their final destination. Through this integrated system, DRT tries to limit the number of transfers within the trip. Mr. Eyre provided the Committee with some updates that will, hopefully, positively impact the residents of Clarington. New bus shelters will have lights, making them safer for everyone. DRT will be providing a conventional bus to Newcastle, in light of Metrolinx ending their service to Newcastle later this year. On -Demand service is also coming to Clarington, which will help provide service to rural residents who have no bus service. It will also provide additional service to residents in non -peak times. On - Demand service does not require an application form — it is separate from specialized service and is available to all Clarington residents who are at least 1 km away from a bus stop. Page 2 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes January 8, 2020 Ms. Whynot asked that DIRT work to ensure the new services and changes are clearly and effectively communicated with the community. In the past, changes have not been well -communicated, leading to frustration and anger amongst those who rely on public transportation. Noting that there will be a lot of changes to routes, times and the introduction of On -Demand service, Ms. Whynot expressed the concern that residents will likely be very confused. Mr. Eyre assured the Committee that DIRT would be communicating the changes to the public and that every effort would be made to ensure On -Demand was explained clearly. The following additional information was provided for clarification, after the meeting: As per to Durham Region Transit Report, 2020-DRT-02: • Introduction of new Route 902 connecting Bowmanville to Oshawa along Highway 2 starting September 2020 to provide public transit service to residents in response to Metrolinx eliminating the existing GO Bus Route 90; • New On Demand services connecting Uxbridge with York Region, and introducing service to Clarington to connect rural areas to the new Route 902 along with urban areas currently without service; • Service enhancements to the Frequent Transit Network and PULSE (including the introduction of articulated buses) • The introduction of DIRT service on Highway 2 between downtown Oshawa and Clarington (to provide public transit service resulting from Metrolinx cancelling GO bus Route 90) • Improved connections to Lakeshore East GO services • New peak time service to key growth areas in Seaton, Kedron and West Whitby 4. Other Business Sarah McConaghy asked how we can catch people who abuse accessible parking spaces and accessible permits. She noted that she's seen someone with an accessible parking permit stay in the car while someone else runs into a store. Since the person with a disability does not exit the car, why would they need to park in the accessible spot? Ms. Whynot noted that it's a hard thing to catch, but it could be flagged for by-law. Sarah Taylor asked if the wheelchair accessible parking signs had been installed at the community centres. Ms. Whynot advised that they should have been done in December, but she would follow-up to make sure it was completed. Page 3 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes January 8, 2020 5. Adjournment Moved by Sarah Taylor and seconded by, Pinder DaSilva That the meeting adjourn (end). Carried The meeting concluded at 8:03 pm. Chair Secretary Page 4 of 4