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Home My WebLink About2020-10-07 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes for the meeting of October 7, 2020, 6:30PM Via Microsoft Teams 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 Councillor Janice Jones Deb Kalogris Marina Ross Sarah Taylor Tim Van Leeuwen Also Present: Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator Regrets: Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair Sarah McConaghy Catherine McConaghy The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. 1. Guest Presentation and Q&A 1.1 Jamie Austin, Michael Binetti and Trevor Steffler of Durham Region Transit (DRT) provided a presentation about the new On -Demand Service. On -Demand is a zone - based system replacing low ridership routes; it is intended to be more efficient and effective than conventional transit. On -Demand Service utilizes the same fare structure as route -based system; trips can be booked the day of travel or in advance and are offered with DIRT vehicles and contracted taxi services. 1.20n-demand service is designed for conventional users and is intended to take them to the nearest stop where conventional service is available. For those who require specialized services, that service remains unchanged. 1.3 DIRT is conducting a study on social equity and is looking for feedback on their proposed guidelines. The priorities being looked at are financial, single parent, newcomers, indigenous, language / literacy, seniors, youth, women and abilities. There will be an additional focus on priority neighbourhoods as identified by the Durham Region Health Department. Some of the guidelines will address supportive infrastructure (including connection to pedestrian network), service coverage (i.e. on - demand), service span and frequency and transit serving employment uses. Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 7, 2020 2. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes 2.1. The Members reviewed the meeting minutes from the September 9, 2020 meeting. Moved by Councillor Janice Jones; seconded by Deb Kalogris Carried 3. Business Arising out of Previous Minutes 3.1. Request from Newcastle resident for additional accessible parking in Downtown Newcastle Erica has followed up with Public Works on the status of this; will provide an update once received. 3.2. Accessibility of Air Travel Erica has invited MPP Park to an upcoming meeting to discuss advocacy to other levels of government. 3.3. Service Ontario Bowmanville — Accessibility Concerns Erica and Anne Greentree, Municipal Clerk, met with Richard Carr, Manager Issuer Services with Service Ontario, to share community concerns regarding accessibility and customer service at the Bowmanville location. Richard was taking the concerns back to his team to discuss further. Erica will continue to follow up. 3.4. Region of Durham Accessibility Awards Members considered looking at accessibility of local businesses who responded quickly and efficiently to COVID-19 protocols to ensure everyone felt safe and secure. Members shared a list of potential nominees: • CIBC Bowmanville • Hooper's Jewellers • M&M Meats Bowmanville • East Side Mario's • Boston Pizza • Foodland Newcastle Members suggested Municipality of Clarington staff and Committees as potential nominees. While these would be ineligible, there is the opportunity to recognize Page 2 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 7, 2020 them as "honourable mentions". Erica will share the list by email for Members to consider and include any that are missing. Once final list is compiled, Members will vote through email on top candidate who will be put forward on behalf of the Municipality of Clarington's Accessibility Advisory Committee to the Region of Durham. 3.5. Clarington's Ward Boundary Review Clarington is currently reviewing its ward boundaries as they have remained unchanged for over twenty years. The goal is to ensure that residents' needs are addressed appropriately and equitably with adequate representation. Members are encouraged to complete the online survey (Erica will confirm when the survey closes) or attend a public consultation session (virtual). To access the survey or view consultation dates visit: https://engageclarington.ca/ward- boundary-review 3.6 Clarington Snow Clearing Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities Erica shared information that registration is open for Clarington's Snow Clearing Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities until October 30. Qualified residents will receive snow clearing services of driveway windrows and sidewalks by the Municipality. Members are encouraged to share with their network to ensure those who require this service have registered. 3.7 Service Canada — One Time Payment for People with Disabilities Communication was received to indicate that a one-time payment for people with disabilities will be issued to recognize expenses incurred by individuals with disabilities during the pandemic. 3.8 Treat Accessibly On the AAC workplan, Treat Accessibly was identified as an annual ongoing initiative to promote in the community where residents can receive a lawn sign to show their property is accessible for trick or treaters (for example treats handed out at the end of the driveway instead of front door). The Committee decided not to promote this year given we are in a pandemic situation and there is uncertainty surrounding advice on trick or treating for Hallowe'en. 3.9 International Day of Persons with Disabilities The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is coming up December 3, 2020. At the next meeting of the AAC, ideas will be discussed to recognize this occasion virtually. TO DO: Members bring ideas to virtually recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities to the November meeting. Page 3 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 7, 2020 4. Other Business 4.1. Members provided the following updates: Councillor Janice Jones has received many questions about the new on -demand service by DRT and has taken it herself a couple of times. Will be working to advocate to get some of the issues worked out. Pinder DaSilva shared that the Abilities Centre in Whitby is considering offering a physically distanced parking lot Hallowe'en event. Sarah Taylor shared a drive through parking lot program for Hallowe'en is happening in Durham Region as well. Sarah would like the AAC to consider as a future project advocacy to local businesses to install motorized doors for increased accessibility. She will bring this forward for future discussion. Deb Kalogris is going to test out the new on -demand system for DRT and will share her experience with the group. Erica Mittag shared that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Erica also asked for input from the Committee for community resources to support individuals who require staff support to attend and where a support worker is not readily available (i.e physical guidance, verbal cues and direction). Deb will share with some of her contacts to see if there is someone available to help support. Shea -Lea Latchford shared she attended aquafit this past week and was advised by facility staff that the accessible / community changeroom was not available. Erica will follow up with the facility staff and will provide an update to Shea -Lea. 5. Adjournment 4.1 The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Moved by Sarah Taylor; seconded by Marina Ross That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Next meeting Wednesday, November 4, 6:30 p.m. Via Microsoft Teams Page 4 of 4