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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-03Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes for the meeting of March 3, 2021 6:30 p.m. 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 Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair Pinder DaSilva Councillor Janice Jones Deb Kalogris Marina Ross Sarah Taylor Tim Van Leeuwen Also Present: Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator Ted Chesney, National Manager Corporate Services Projects, Toyota Canada Mary Jane Bacon, Clarington Animal Services Supervisor (until 7 P.M.) Regrets: Sarah McConaghy Catherine McConaghy The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. 1. Presentations Accessibility at new Eastern Parts Distribution Centre — Ted Chesney, National Manager Corporate Services Projects at Toyota Canada. Ted shared a presentation about the construction of the new Parts Distribution Centre that opened recently in Clarington. Due to the challenges with accessibility at their headquarters building, there was a goal to incorporate accessibility into the design of the new facility. They engaged a consultant who helped guide them in this journey and were recognized with a Gold Level Accessibility Certification by the Rick Hansen Foundation. Toyota Canada continues to investigate opportunities to increase their accessibility at this new facility. Shea -Lea thanked Ted for sharing his presentation with the Committee. Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — March 3, 2021 Disability and Dog Leashes — Paul Beaumont, Resident Mr. Beaumont shared his concern that he didn't believe his situation was communicated to the Committee adequately at their previous meeting. He would like to share his experience with the Committee and provided background on the matter. He explained his lack of ability to leash his dog while using his scooter due to risk of injury to the animal and the requirement to use two hands to properly steer and control his scooter. He feels the "Pets at Large" by-law was not created with the disability community in mind. He would like the Committee to reconsider their previous recommendation to keep his dog on a leash and utilize a leash attachment or standard leash affixed to his scooter. Shea -Lea thanked Paul for his presentation to the Committee. National Disability COVID-19 Survey — Pinder DaSilva, Abilities Centre Pinder shared first quarter survey results of the National Disability COVID-19 Survey. This survey was developed by the Abilities Centre and the Canadian Disability Participation Project with a goal of helping communities to ensure that COVID-19 response strategies meet the needs of people of all abilities. Pinder shared some demographics of the survey respondents as well as highlighted some of the findings of the effects of the pandemic on the respondents. As next steps, the survey will continue to collect data. A condensed version will be posted on the Abilities Centre website to provide real time results and resources for visitors to the site. The presentation is shared with the minutes. Shea -Lea thanked Pinder for her presentation to the Committee. All presentations were received for information. 2. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes The Members reviewed the meeting minutes from the February 3, 2021 meeting. Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer; seconded by Pinder DaSilva That the minutes of the meeting of February 3, 2021 be approved. Carried 3. Business Arising from Previous Meeting Minutes Update on request for accessible on -street parking in Newcastle Councillor Jones shared that funds to add one additional accessible on -street parking spot was approved through the 2021 Budget. Page 2 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — March 3, 2021 LEAD (Leading Equitable Accessible Delivery) Initiative Sarah Taylor offered to be the representative from the Accessibility Advisory Committee on the LEAD Working Group. Thank you, Sarah. Service Ontario — Bowmanville Location Erica provided an update on this ongoing situation. The representative from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services responded to an inquiry by staff to confirm what supports are available to private Service Ontario sites to ensure accessible services at their locations. Supports are available but there is no requirement for the sites to adopt them. Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer; seconded by Pinder DaSilva Whereas the current COVID-19 social distancing requirements have impacted the number of people allowed inside businesses at one time; Whereas the current Service Ontario Bowmanville location lacks the necessary indoor space to comply with current public health guidelines on COVID-19 social distancing; Whereas residents of Clarington, especially persons with disabilities, cannot line up outside for hours on end for government services; Whereas the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee supports the need to make government services accessible to everyone, especially people with disabilities Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Clarington write to Members of Provincial Parliament, Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and Ministry staff, urging the privately operated Service Ontario Bowmanville location to adopt available technology to increase its accessibility to residents during these uncertain times, including the adoption of appointment software and that they establish protocols to address persons with disabilities who are required to attend for in -person services. Carried Clarington Annual Accessibility Status Update Erica shared that the Annual Accessibility Status Update was received by Council (per memo attached to the agenda) and is now posted on our website. 4. New Business Healthy Communities Grant Application Erica shared some information about the Healthy Communities Fund that is open for applications until March 9, 2021. The Committee's support of this application is requested. The Municipality of Clarington is considering submitting a proposal for upgrades to local playgrounds including the installation of rubber surfaces, inclusive Page 3 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — March 3, 2021 play features and outdoor fitness equipment. Sarah suggested that paved pathways, benches, and shade structures could be included. Sylvia suggested that there could be a connection between this project and the previous application for mobility device charging stations in public spaces. Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer; seconded by Pinder DaSilva That the Municipality of Clarington's application to the Healthy Communities Fund be supported by Clarington's Accessibility Advisory Committee. Carried 5. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m. Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen; seconded by Sarah Taylor That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Next meeting Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Via Microsoft Teams Page 4 of 4