HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-05 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
Minutes for the meeting of
November 5, 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: Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair
Pinder DaSilva
Councillor Janice Jones (until 7:00 p.m.)
Deb Kalogris
Sarah McConaghy
Catherine McConaghy
Marina Ross
Tim Van Leeuwen
Also Present: Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator
Jack Ammendolia, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.
Regrets: Shea -Lea Latchford, Chair
Sarah Taylor
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer chaired the
meeting.
1. Guest Presentation and Q&A
1.1. Jack Ammendolia, Managing Partner and Director, Education of Watson &
Associates Economists Ltd. Jack shared a presentation about the current Ward
Boundary Review in the Municipality of Clarington. Clarington currently has 4
wards. This review will look at the population and housing forecasts for today
and into the future (next 3 election cycles). The review looks to keep
communities of interest intact, balance urban and rural, receive community
feedback.
1.2. Phase 1 of the review focused on awareness and connecting with communities
to help identify priorities and options. Through public consultation, the initial
assessment is that the current boundaries do not meet Clarington's guiding
principles or the population growth that has resulted in disparities (concentration
of growth in Ward 1 and 2). Results to date show that population parity /
representation principle is the most important to the community (46%).
Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 7, 2020
1.3. Mr. Ammendolia provided an overview of the options being recommended:
o Option A — population distribution with 2 wards maintaining a mix of rural
and urban combinations; Courtice and East end intact with an East / West
split for Bowmanville.
o Option B — reflects distinctive communities of interest but results in large
population disparities; Ward 1 and Ward 2 are very large in comparison
with the others.
o Option C — adds a rural ward north of Courtice and Bowmanville for a
total of 5 wards; has decent population disparity and keeps communities
of interest together.
o Option D — includes 6 wards; 2 of them largely rural areas but results in
significant population disparity.
1.4. Members are asked to visit https://engageclarington.ca/ward-boundary-review to
complete the survey by November 24, 2020. Members are asked to share this
link with their networks to ensure more resident participation.
2. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes
2.1. The Members reviewed the meeting minutes from the October 7, 2020 meeting.
Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen; seconded by Deb Kalogris
That the minutes of the meeting of October 7, 2020 be approved.
Carried
The Members reviewed the meeting minutes from the October 22, 2020 meeting.
Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen; seconded by Marina Ross
That the minutes of the meeting of October 22, 2020 be approved.
3. Business Arising out of Previous Minutes
3.1. Request from Newcastle resident for additional accessible parking in Downtown
Newcastle
Erica will continue to follow up with Public Works on the status of this project.
3.2. Accessibility of Air Travel
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Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 7, 2020
Erica has invited MPP Park to an upcoming meeting to discuss advocacy to other
levels of government. Erica will reach out to the Ministry of Transportation to see
if a representative could attend an upcoming meeting.
3.3. Service Ontario Bowmanville — Accessibility Concerns
Erica Mittag followed up with the manager of the Service Ontario locations for an
update. He advised the technology in use at the public sites is not always
available for the privately owned sites. Erica recommended that for consistency
of service this technology should be offered at all locations. Erica will continue to
follow up.
3.4. Region of Durham Accessibility Awards
Members determined a virtual celebration event will be held on Wednesday,
December 2 at 7:00 p.m. to recognize businesses and organizations in
Clarington who have made contributions that improve accessibility. Erica Mittag
will coordinate invitations and plan for the evening. Members offered to hand
deliver (with physical distancing measures) the certificates and prizes (swag
bags) to the nominees following the ceremony.
4. New Business:
4.1. International Day of People with Disabilities — December 3, 2020
Members discussed recognizing International Day of People with Disabilities on
December 3, 2020 by sharing social media content through Clarington's social
media channels. Erica will coordinate this with the Communication Department.
4.2. Ontario Raising Awareness about Accessibility
The Province of Ontario is launching a new public education campaign which will
help organizations identify and remove barriers. It will help businesses learn
more about accessibility, inclusion and hiring people with disabilities.
4.3. Website Accessibility
Organizations are obligated to have accessible websites by January 1, 2021.
Erica has been in contact with the Municipality of Clarington's Communications
team and confirmed the website is compliant.
4.4. Abilities Virtual Conference
There is a free virtual conference being held globally November 20 to 22, 2020.
There will be seminars discussing new products coming to market, key note
speakers and panel discussions. Erica will share the registration link for those
who are interested.
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Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 7, 2020
5. Adjournment
4.1 The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Moved by Sarah McConaghy; seconded by Pinder DaSilva
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
Next meeting Wednesday, December 2, 7:00 p.m. (Awards Celebration)
Via Microsoft Teams
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