Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-04 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee March 4, 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 Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair Tim Van Leeuwen Deb Kalogris Sarah Taylor Marina Ross Councillor Jones arrived at 7:03 PM Also Present: June Gallagher, Deputy Clerk Absent: Pinder DaSilva Sarah McConaghy Catherine McConaghy The meeting was called to order at 6:34 PM. 2. Guest Presentation and Q&A 2.1. Gord Weir, Director of Emergency & Fire Services, regarding and update from Emergency and Fire Services Overview Chief Weir was present to update the Committee regarding the Emergency and Fire Services Department initiatives and to answer questions from the Committee. He noted that the Emergency Plan is available online (https://www.clarington.net/en/town-hall/emergency-pIan.asp). Chief Weir informed the Committee that his department performs regular testing with the Emergency Operations Centre, OPG/Darlington, and the Port Granby Project (for disposal of low level radioactive waste). Flooding He noted the Department's involvement in the Cedar Crest Beach flooding which affected 39 properties in 2017. Chief Weir added that, until 2017, there had been no significant flooding in the area. He stated that this is a private property matter, but the Department is there in the case of emergency. To that end, Staff and volunteers built 44,000 sandbags in the first year and bought a machine to assist, but the machine is labour intensive. Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes March 4, 2020 Chief Weir explained that the sandbags deteriorate quickly, so the building of sandbags has to be balanced with the cost of the endeavor. He noted that he had met with the Ministry of the Environment regarding the re -purposing of the sandbags however the sandbags would need to be tested before they are re- used. The Municipality is able to re -use them on the roads to combat snow and ice. Chief Weir added that he is looking for volunteers to do sandbagging (see https:Hforms.ciarington.net/EFS/Sandbag-Volunteer-Form). Think Ahead Program Chief Weir provided a handout and updated the Committee on the Think Ahead program which is designed to bridge the gap in home fire safety and families supporting children or adults with special needs and disabilities. He explained that the program includes a home visit, providing an opportunity for firefighters and families to discuss matters such as fire prevention strategies, early smoke/fire detection accessible for individuals of all abilities, emergency planning and home escape planning. Chief Weir explained the Think Ahead Residential Pre -Plan which includes: building design, smoke alarms/residential fire alarm systems, means of egress, home escape planning, post home inspection — fire station visit and preparation of a Go Bag. For example — if a person involved in the fire requires a mobility device, the firefighters can ensure that the device and the person are identified to aid in rescue. This may also result in protecting the mobility device from smoke and water damage. Chief Weir noted there has not been a lot of interest, from the public, in the program. He noted that commercial properties also use the program to advise of critical infrastructure such as computers. More information on the program can be found at https://www.clarington.net/en/town-hall/fire-and-accessibiIity.asp. To participate in the "Think Ahead" program, contact Clarington Emergency & Fire Services at 905-623-5126 or thinkahead@clarington.net. Deb Kalogris offered to promote the program within Community Care and its clients. Sarah Taylor offered to pass the information to her child's school. Chief Weir noted that they have reached out to the schools but there has been no firm commitment from the schools. It was suggested that the schools may be more amenable to digital files of the information. Chief Weir added that they are also promoting this through the Junior Firefighter program (see https://www.ciarington.net/en/town-hall/junior-firefighter- program.asp for more information on the Junior Firefighter program.) TO DO: June to update the link for Think Ahead program to have it placed on the Accessibility webpage. Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes March 4, 2020 911 Changes Chief Weir noted that there are changes in the 911 world where people are now texting to 911 for emergencies. Durham Region hopes to be able to have this done soon. It is mandated to be in place by June, 2020. COVID-19 Chief Weir updated the Committee on preparations for COVID-19. He noted that he receives Provincial updates daily, as well as information from the Durham Regional Health Department. Chief Weir noted that hand sanitizers and masks are becoming difficult to find. He added that the masks used by the Department are to protect against fluids and are among the most difficult to purchase now. Chief Weir stated that Staff will be reviewing the Pandemic Plan. He advised on protective measures that individuals can take. Gord Weir can be contacted at gweir(a)-clarington.net or 905-623-3379 ext, 2802. 3. Minutes Moved by Marina Ross and seconded by Sarah Taylor That the minutes of the February 5, 2020 Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved. Carried 4. Business Arising out of Previous Minutes 4.1. Accessibility Annual Report was received by Council. 4.2. Work Plan Discussion The Committee reviewed certain aspects of the work plan, in particular, "Local Youth Engagement'. The Committee discussed the following suggestions: • Visiting schools to do talks — some of the high schools have Committees focused on accessibility and diversity. • Reaching out to youth groups or organizations, some are in churches, perhaps the Firehouse Youth Centres. • Pathfinders and Rangers out of Maplegrove Church - Councillor Jones will arrange with them as they are always interested in speakers. • Perhaps have the youth take on the project of "how to get the word out" "honesty & gratitude" or put up a display during Accessibility Week. • Possibility of an "experiential day" involving the youth, but there are concerns about liability and how best to execute (to show a breadth of disabilities). It was suggested that the new Accessibility Coordinator can investigate this suggestion. Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes March 4, 2020 • Placing a board, "Accessibility is.....", in the Youth Centres for the Accessibility Week for the youth to post their idea of accessibility. • Councillor Jones will be in touch with the Courtice Secondary High School to see if they are interested in a project or event. • Marina Ross suggested that she had prepared a "living in their shoes" document which may be helpful as a presentation document. 4.3. Wheelchair Accessible Parking Signs at Recreation Facilities June provided the Committee with an update regarding the wheelchair accessible parking signs. Ms. Gallagher received confirmation from Ken Ferguson that all supplies are in Hampton and locates will be completed next week with total installation done within 3 weeks. 4.4. Review 2020 events: • Maplefest (May 2nd, 2020 9-5PM). Volunteers sharing a booth with Tourism or Diversity Advisory Committee — Shea -Lea; Tim, and Sylvia will attend. • Canada Day Celebration (July 1st, 2020 5-10PM at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex). Banners and tables in the lobby, no volunteers. Erica will put this out to the Diversity Advisory Committee to host the booth, as she understands they would like a presence at the event. Shea - Lea and Sarah Taylor will attend • Bluesberry Festival (August 22, 2020 9-5PM). Ask Tourism or Diversity Committee to distribute materials on behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, no booth for Accessibility Advisory Committee. • Newcastle Harvest Festival (October 3rd, 2020 9-2PM). Tim Van Leeuwen will distribute materials up and down the festival, no booth for Accessibility Advisory Committee. • Apple Festival (October 17th, 2020 9-5PM). Volunteers at a booth shared with Tourism or Diversity Committee. • International Day of People with Disabilities (December 3rd, 2020) — Setting up of booths and tables. June provided an update from the Diversity Advisory Committee meeting held on February 27, 2020 regarding partnering on events. Tourism will be organizing Canada Day, but due to the nature of that event, she is recommending that any booths be supported by a staff/volunteer and not be unattended. However, Tourism or Diversity Advisory Committee will have a booth and may be able to distribute the materials. Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes March 4, 2020 4.5. NationalAccessAbility Week (May 31st to June 6th, 2020) • Flag Raising — June 1st 8:30 AM is confirmed • Proclamation — already in place • Information Tables — Garnet B. Rickard, Alan Strike, Bowmanville Library; Courtice Community Complex. If help is needed, Sylvia can assist. TO DO: Marina to talk Library. • Delegation to June 1, 2020 9:30 AM in the Council Chambers; General Government Committee meeting — New Accessibility Coordinator to create document; Shea -Lea to present. • Movie Night — June contacted Kiley Percy and Gabrielle Bell and she recommends that we use the Library. Arrangements need to be made with movie provider. The Committee suggested Thursday, June 4th — 6:00 PM perhaps at the Newcastle Library closes at 8:00 PM TO DO: June to book the Library. Sarah Taylor offered to assist in investigating what arrangements need to happen with the movie provider. • Lunch and Learn — Possibly have the Brain Injury Association of Durham (BIAD) make a presentation = TO DO: June to see about presentation for staff. • FYI —BIAD is exhibiting a mask display at the City of Oshawa for the week. June noted that the Communications Division is available to assist with promotions. June to follow up with the Communications' Division to start work on posters and developing social media timings, etc. (too late for Recreation Guide, but may be able to make it in the Library Guide). Councillor Jones may be able to assist with developing content to pass on to the Division, however the Committee hopes that the new Accessibility Coordinator will be in place to develop content. 4.6. Newcastle Arena — Replacing the Automatic Door Opener June noted that Rob Groen, Supervisor of Buildings and Property, confirmed the shop drawings were completed, to replace the automatic door opener in the Newcastle Arena, approximately February 6th, 2020 and should be six weeks from then. 5. Other Business 5.1. Update on hiring process of Temporary Accessibility Coordinator Ms. Gallagher informed the Committee that the Municipality is in the process of hiring and hope to have someone in place soon. Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes March 4, 2020 5.2. Announcement, on January 28, 2020, by Ministry, regarding "Establishes a New Framework to Continue Progress on Accessibility" — Follow link to Ministry website. Ms. Gallagher distributed correspondence from David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland -Peterborough, summarizing the announcement of the cross - government accessibility framework, in particular: • Applying an accessibility lens when evaluating capital projects and programs • Resuming Health Care and Education Standards Development Committees • Offering free webinars • Expanding professional networks of youth with disabilities 5.3. Changes regarding the Organizational Review and how it may affect the Accessibility Coordinator Position. (See page 8 of Report CAO-006-20) June explained that the Municipality has recently gone through an organizational review. She added, as a result, Council has approved a recommendation to move the Accessibility Coordinator position from the Municipal Clerk's Department to the Community Services Department in January, 2021. 5.4. Enabling Accessibility Grant - Replacement of Front Entrance to Kendal Community Centre June provided an update from Rob Groen regarding the replacement of the front entrance at the Kendal Community Centre. We are waiting for approval of the Enabling Accessibility Grant, but Rob advises that the project is expected to start in March. 5.5. Transportation Update — from Tim Van Leeuwen Tim reported that he had attended the Metrolinx update meeting at the Abilities Centre on February 29t". He explained that the meeting presented the short term plans as well as the overall GO Train plan with a goal of 2025 to be completed. He noted that the meeting touched on the use of the bridge on Stevenson Road to cross over, stopping at Knob Hill Farms location, behind Shoppers Drug, ending near Seasons Clarington. Tim added that Metrolinx also explained their plans for electrifying the trains and increasing service times on the main corridor. Electrification will be starting on the west end but will continue with diesel in the east end (because they can't electrify due to the sharing of the tracks with CP). He noted that Metrolinx committed that anything new in their system will be accessible, e.g. tiles on the floor. Tim explained that there was no confirmation on the changes to the "90 Route" but the changes are expected to take place in September. He added that the On Demand service is for anyone in the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes March 4, 2020 community. Links to the documents that Tim provided can be found online at https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/content/open-house-materials. 5.6. Snow Clearing — South Courtice Arena Sarah Taylor informed the Committee that she was concerned about the snow clearing practices at the South Courtice Arena and Courtice Community Complex (and possibly others) where the snow was being piled in the accessible parking spots. TO DO: June to follow up with Community Services Department. 6. Adjournment Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen and seconded by Deb Kalogris That the meeting adjourn at 8:27 PM. Carried Next meeting: Wednesday April 1, 2020.