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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-05 Agenda.pdf.s.0-oo-Access kom ,g aarbgton If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Date: Wednesday February 5t", 2020 Time: 6:30pm Place: Municipal Administrative Centre, Room 1A 1. Call to Order 2. Minutes 2.1 Minutes of meeting of January 8, 2020 (Attached). 3. Guest Presentation and Q&A 3.1 Tony Ricciardi, Manager of Construction, Regarding Accessibility of Infrastructure Projects 4. Approval of the 2019 Annual Status Update (Attached) 5. Group Discussion: Plans for 2020 • What events does the Committee want to participate in (Attached List)? • Does the Committee want to sponsor staff training for National AccessAbility Week? • Any other ways to celebrate National AccessAbility Week (i.e. flag raising, proclamation, information tables, or community movie night?) 6. Business Arising out of Previous Meetings 6.1 Work Plan 6.2 Wheelchair Accessible Parking Signs — June to provide update 7. Other Business 8. Adjournment Next meeting: Wednesday March 4th, 2020 Please advise the Clerk's Department by calling 905-623-3379, ext. 2109 or emailing clerks clarington.net, if you are unable to attend the meeting. Clarington 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 -2- Advisory Committee 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 - Page 2 of 3 Clarington Accessibility -3- Advisory Committee 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. 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. 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. 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 3 of 3 Clarington Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Reviewed By: File Number: General Government Committee Anne Greentree, Municipal Clerk Andrew C. Allison, CAO Report Number: By-law Number: Resolution#: Report Subject: 2019 Accessibility Annual Status Update Recommendation: 1. That Report LLL-NNN-YY be received; and 2. That Report LLL-NNN-YY be placed on the municipal website. Municipality of Clarington Report 30T30T Report Overview Page 2 This Report is the Municipality of Clarington's annual update on the measures taken during 2019 to improve accessibility in our community and to report on the progress made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). 1. Background Statement of Commitment 1.1 The Municipality of Clarington is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities when they live, work, play, visit and invest in our community. 1.2 We promote an inclusive, caring and respectful community where programs, services and facilities are available to everyone. Our goal is to make Clarington a barrier -free community and each year we come closer to achieving that goal. 2. Accessibility Legislation in Ontario Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) 2.1 The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 sets out a road map for an accessible Ontario by 2025. The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) has been created as part of the Act to provide rules that businesses and organizations in Ontario need to follow to identify, remove and prevent barriers. In addition to the General Requirements, the IASR contains mandatory and enforceable standards in five key areas: • Information and Communications • Employment • Transportation • Design of Public Spaces 0 Customer Service Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report 30T30T 2.2 The Design of Public Spaces Standard focuses on removing barriers in areas not covered by the Ontario Building Code such as playgrounds, on and off-street parking, recreational trails and service counters. It applies to new construction or re -construction of existing spaces. It does not require organizations to retrofit in order to be compliant. Ontario Building Code (OBC) 2.3 The OBC regulates the minimum building standards for the construction of all new buildings and buildings that undergo a significant renovation. The Code includes requirements for minimum accessibility within buildings. 2.4 The OBC was amended to include enhancements to accessibility in buildings. As of January 1, 2015, most new construction and extensive renovations will be subject to updated accessibility requirements. Existing buildings, where no work is planned, are not affected by these new requirements. 3. Accessibility Annual Status Update Clarington's Accessibility Advisory Committee 3.1 The Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee (CAAC) is a citizen committee that acts as an advisory body for Council. Its mandate is to advise on the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives and facilities. Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report 30T30T 3.2 Each member of the CAAC is a volunteer with the exception of the Council representative. The majority of CAAC membership is held by persons with disabilities. The CAAC is supported by the Accessibility Coordinator and the Clerk's Department. 3.3 The CAAC's term coincides with Council's term. Following the 2018 Municipal Elections, a new CAAC was formed and will work within its mandate until 2022. The 2018-2022 CAAC members bring a wide range of personal and professional experiences and perspectives related to the challenges faced by people with disabilities. They provide invaluable advice and support as we continue to work toward a barrier -free Clarington. 3.4 Under the AODA, the Municipality is required to consult with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) when new developments and municipal projects are being planned. In 2019, the CAAC reviewed approximately 40 site plan applications and three municipal projects for barriers to accessibility. This is a role the Committee takes seriously. They take pride knowing they have helped contribute to a more accessible Clarington by advising applicants to exceed minimum accessibility standards. In 2019, the CAAC continued to advocate for accessible housing when reviewing residential site plans and accessible places of employment when reviewing commercial/industrial site plans. 3.5 In 2019, the CAAC also: • Made a delegation to Council in support of National AccessAbility Week. • Raised the Access Clarington flag for National AccessAbility Week. • Hosted a booth at AppleFest, in partnership with the Diversity Committee. • Hosted awareness tables at five municipal facilities in support of National AccessAbility Week and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. • Attended Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings and the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Forum and Awards night. • Hosted an event to recognize organizations the Committee nominated for a Durham Regional Accessibility Award. • Attended the Metrolinx/Durham Region Transit annual consultation in December. • Provided feedback on the Orono Hall Accessibility Renovation, the Clarington Public Library's Main Branch accessibility renovation, and phase two of Farewell Creek Trail. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report 30T30T 3.5 Feedback was also provided on numerous smaller municipal projects lead by the Engineering Department. Accessibility Governance 3.7 The Accessibility Coordinator acts as a resource for all municipal service areas and facilitates compliance with the AODA. To ensure Clarington continues to meet or exceed the requirements of the AODA, the Coordinator continued to stay informed about legislation and participated in accessibility networks such as the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals (ONAP) and other Accessibility Coordinators in Durham Region through attendance at quarterly coordinators meeting. 3.8 The Coordinator provided legislated, mandatory training for all employees and volunteers on providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities, the IASR and the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities, as required under AODA. Additionally, training and support continued to be provided to staff in the area of creating accessible documents. With the introduction of TTY (teletype) in 2018, training and support was provided on using SimpliciTTY software to communicate with customers who use a home TTY device. 3.9 The Accessibility Coordinator continued as the staff liaison to the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee and facilitator of site plan and municipal project reviews by the Site Plan Review Sub -Committee. 3.10 In an effort to support accessibility retrofit projects in older municipal facilities, the Coordinator prepared accessibility grant applications and managed the implementation of grant projects in collaboration with various departments. Summary of Accessibility Activities Activity Number of Occurrences Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings 7 AODA training sessions 21 Accessible document training sessions 5 TTY training sessions 4 Site plans reviewed —40 Municipal projects reviewed 3 Municipality of Clarington Page 6 Report 30T30T Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation - General Requirements 3.11 The Municipality of Clarington continues to monitor and update its accessibility policies as necessary. 3.12 The Municipality of Clarington's Multi -Year Accessibility Plan 2018-2023 outlines the initiatives the Municipality has taken to ensure compliance with AODA. Additionally, the Plan outlines how the Municipality will continue to meet its legislated obligations under AODA and address the needs of our growing community as we work towards a fully accessible and inclusive community. The Multi -Year Accessibility Plan is posted on the Clarington website. 3.13 The Purchasing Department continues to include accessible design, features and criteria when purchasing goods, services or facilities. If the Municipality was not able to purchase accessible goods, services or facilities, the Municipality gave an explanation as to why, upon request. 3.14 We continue to ensure that training is provided on the requirements of the accessibility standards and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities to all municipal employees, volunteers, persons who participate in developing policies and person who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the Municipality. Information and Communications - Website 3.15 The Municipality of Clarington website complies with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, an achievement the Municipality met well before the January 1, 2021 deadline prescribed by the AODA. 3.16 Staff across all departments continue to work hard to ensure everything on the website is in an accessible format. In some situations, we have not been able to post content that is in an accessible format. Where something is not accessible to a person, we encouraged them to contact us and we worked with them to find a suitable accessible format. 3.17 Our website continues to feature BrowseAloud. The BrowseAloud feature has a number of helpful tools that make our website even more accessible such as: toolbar downloads, text magnifier, highlighting, reading out loud, and language translation. For 2019, this feature was used 173 times. Municipality of Clarington Report 30T30T Accessible Documents Page 7 3.18 In support of accessible documents for our website, we continued to provide training to municipal staff on how to create accessible Word 2013 documents throughout 2019. The Accessibility Coordinator continued to train and support staff who need help creating accessible documents. 3.19 The Municipality remained dedicated to making both internal and external documents accessible and continued to make great strides in providing documents in an accessible format. We continue to encourage individuals who find a document inaccessible to contact us via phone or email to request it in an alternative format. Employment 3.20 The Municipality of Clarington remained committed to accessible and equitable hiring practices and continued to meet its Employment Standard obligations under the AODA. All job postings included a statement about the availability of accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. 3.21 Successful candidates are informed, through their offer of employment, that accommodations are available for people with disabilities. All employees are informed of policies regarding job accommodations. The Municipality continued to provide workplace and emergency response information in accessible formats to employees who required it. Transportation 3.22 In 2019 the Accessibility Advisory Committee was consulted on the updated Vehicle For Hire Bylaw (previously Taxicab Bylaw). Their insight and feedback were included in the updated Bylaw. 3.23 The Region of Durham is responsible for transportation within Clarington. Metrolinx (Go Transit) also provides transportation service through Clarington. 3.24 Any feedback regarding transportation is shared with Durham Region Transit and/or Metrolinx. The Accessibility Coordinator frequently liaised with Durham Region Transit on issues relating to accessible public transportation in Clarington. 3.25 Clarington's Accessibility Advisory Committee continued to participate in public meetings held by Durham Region Transit and Metrolinx and advocate for improvements to public transit services for people with disabilities. Municipality of Clarington Page 8 Report 30T30T Design of Public Spaces 3.26 The Municipality of Clarington continued to ensure that all new and redeveloped public spaces complied with the requirements of the Design of Public Spaces Standard. This means that new and redeveloped parks, trails, parking lots, service counters and pathways of travel were designed to make things easier for everyone — people with disabilities, seniors and families — to use and enjoy public spaces. Where accessible requirements are not met in any Municipal project, staff continue to work together to ensure that any deficiencies identified are corrected in a timely and appropriate manner. 3.27 Although the Municipality is not required to retrofit public spaces under this Standard, we continued to proactively make accessibility improvements, as is the case with the Bowmanville Library Branch renovation project, currently underway. We will work towards creating a barrier -free Clarington by removing barriers and exceeding our legal requirements whenever possible. Customer Service 3.28 The Municipality of Clarington continued to be in compliance with the Customer Service Standard. When accessing goods, services and facilities provided by Municipality, individuals may use their assistive devices. Guide dogs and service animals may be used in all areas/premises that are open to the public, unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law. People with disabilities can access their support person/worker when accessing Municipal goods, services and facilities. 3.29 We continue to train all new employees and volunteers on Accessible Customer Service, including how to communicate with people with disabilities in a manner that takes into account their abilities. We will work with the person with a disability to determine what methods of communication works best for them. 3.30 We will continue to explore best practices for accessible customer service and investigate assistive technologies that can assist staff in providing accessible customer service to our residents and visitors. 4. Next Steps 4.1 Throughout 2020, the Municipality of Clarington will continue to work towards meeting, maintaining and exceeding its obligations under AODA and its Integrated Accessibility Standards. In keeping with our goal of becoming a barrier -free community we will: • Explore the opportunity to develop Clarington's Universal Design Standards. • Respond to requests for information in an alternative format. • Continue to support and educate staff on creating accessible documents. • Continue conducting accessibility audits on Municipal buildings and facilities. Municipality of Clarington Report 30T30T Page 9 • Continue to review and update accessibility policies and perform a gap analysis of missing policies. • Provide current staff and volunteers with updated information on changes to our accessibility policies and continue providing accessibility training to all new staff and volunteers. • Continue to review by-laws to ensure they are consistent with the principles of the AODA and that they meet or exceed the minimum Standards required under the AODA. • Respond to public inquiries related to accessibility. • Continue to collaborate with the Clarington Board of Trade and BIAs. • Monitor accessibility trends, themes and actions at the grassroots, provincial and federal levels. • Continue advocating for greater accessibility within the community. • Continue to seek out funding opportunities that support accessibility and inclusion. • Explore assistive technology and devices to improve access to Municipal facilities, programs and services. 5. Concurrence This report has been reviewed by the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee. 6. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that the 2019 Accessibility Annual Status Update report be received for information and be placed on the municipal website. Staff Contact: Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator, 905-623-3379 x 2131 or accessibility@clarington.net. Attachments: Not Applicable Interested Parties: The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision: Accessibility Advisory Committee Clarington 2020 Community Events Event Date Event Time Event Description Event Location MAY May 2, 2020 9am-5pm Maple Festival Historic Downtown Bowmanville May 15 - 17, 2020 Victoria Day S eedFest Weekend Canadian Tire Motorsport Park May 16, 2020 10-4pm Honey Bee Orchard Blossom Walk Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery JUNE June 8, 2019 12:OOpm-2:OOpm Teddy Bear Picnic Clarington Museums no dates yet Fri/Sat - 12 to 11 p.m. Sunday - 12 to 8 p.m. Bowmanville Rotary Rockin' Ribs & Brews June 13, 2020 10am-4pm Doors Open Clarington Courtice June 12 - 13, 2020 9am - 5pm Summerfest Historic Downtown Bowmanville June 19 - 21, 2020 Varac Vintage Grand Prix Canadian Tire Motorsport Park June 20, 2020 Spartan Race (Sprint/Super Weekend) Brimacombe JULY July 1, 2019 Canada Day Celebrations - Newcastle July 1, 2019 5 to 10 p.m. Clarington Canada Day Garnet B Rickard Recreation Complex July 2 - 5, 2020 Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix Canadian Tire Motorsport Park July 13 & 14, 2019 Newcastle Artist & Artisan Show & Sale Newcastle Memorial Arena July 19 - August 25, 2019 Opening day: 6pm - 8pm 39th Annual Juried Show Visual Arts Centre July 17, 2020 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Healthy Parks, Healthy People Darlington Provincial Park Page 1 of 2 Clarington 2020 Community Events Event Date Event Time Event Description Event Location AUGUST August 14 - 16, 2020 Canadian Superbike Double Header Weekend Canadian Tire Motorsport Park August 8, 2020 10am-4pm Annual Orono Antique Street Festival Downtown Orono August 22, 2020 9am-5pm BluesBERRY Festival Historic Downtown Bowmanville August 23, 2020 Clarington Honey Festival 2020 Kendal August 29, 2020 10-4pm Kid's Outdoor Art Festival Visual Arts Centre �SEPTEMBER September 4 - 6, 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 250 CTMP Sep 10 - 13, 2020 Orono Agricultural Fair Orono Fair Grounds OCTOBER October 3, 2020 9am - 2pm Newcastle Harvest Festival Downtown Newcastle October 17, 2020 9am-5pm Apple Festival & Craft Sale --fHistoric Downtown Bowmanville Page 2 of 2