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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-006-21Clarington 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: Council Date of Meeting: July 5, 2021 Report Number: CSD-006-21 Submitted By: George Acorn, Director of Community Services Reviewed By: Andrew C. Allison, CAO Resolution#: C-255-21 File Number: [If applicable, enter File Number] By-law Number: Report Subject: Enabling Accessibility Fund Application Recommendations: 1. That Report CSD-006-21 be received; 2. That Council support the application for funding the project; 3. That Council approve an amount not to exceed $472,500 dollars (35% of the total cost of the project) subject to approval of our funding application for the federal Enabling Accessibility Fund from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund; 4. That upon approval of the funding staff be authorized to issue an RFP for the design and engineering for the accessibility improvement project at the Municipal Administrative Centre; and 5. That all interested parties listed in Report CSD-006-21 and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report CSD-006-21 Report Overview The Municipality of Clarington is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities as they live, work, play, visit and invest in our communities. We promote a caring, inclusive and respectful community where Municipal programs, services and facilities are available to everyone, including people with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure accessibility for the public we serve and our employees. Staff are considering an application to the Enabling Accessibility Fund to provide accessibility improvements at the Municipal Administrative Centre to provide an accessible space for our employees and residents. This proposed project would greatly improve accessibility and will include an accessible connection between the Municipal Administrative Centre and the Clarington Public Library Bowmanville Branch. Subject to approval of funding, a cash commitment of $472,500 is required by the Municipality. As the centrepiece of municipal administration, it is important this building is made more accessible for the residents of our community who visit the building to access services. Additionally, the Municipality as an employer, wants to create an accessible workplace that accommodates the needs of a diverse workforce. The work we intend to accomplish through this funding opportunity will make great strides forward in both key areas. The guidelines of this funding program require a commitment of up to 35% of the proposed project cost. Based on the estimated project cost of $1.35M, staff are seeking approval from Council for $472,500. This approval is subject to the Municipality being successful with the funding request. If successful, we are planning to have this work commence in Summer 2022. 1. Background 1.1 The Enabling Accessibility Fund is a federal grant administered through Employment and Social Development Canada that makes Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. The aim of the fund is to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs, and services or to access employment. 1.2 There are three different program components, and each holds separate calls for funding. Staff have reviewed the program components and have identified an opportunity for an application to the Mid -Sized Projects component which gives funding for larger construction projects. 1.3 The Mid -Sized Project component will provide between $350,000 up to $1 million dollars for accessibility upgrades. This is the first time this component has been available since 2018. Applicants are required to demonstrate cash contributions of a minimum of 35% of the project total. Municipality of Clarington Report CSD-006-21 2. Application Page 3 2.1 The Municipality of Clarington is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities as they live, work, play, visit and invest in our communities. Currently, we meet legislated obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), however there is much opportunity to enhance our accessibility in our buildings and services which in turn provides a better experience for all. 2.2 Application to the program is due July 29, 2021. Staff are currently preparing a proposal for a major accessibility renovation at the Municipal Administrative Centre which could include: • Modify the ramp access on the north entrance and provide a new accessible entrance • Provide accessible customer service counter(s) • Develop a landscaped service animal relief area • Install universal washroom facility on main floor • Install two mobility device charging stations • Install new power door openers • Implement wayfinding signage • Improve accessibility to connect Municipal Administrative Centre with Clarington Public Library Bowmanville Branch through installation of a ramp or replacement of the existing lift 2.3 These enhancements will provide an accessible space for both our staff and residents and will eliminate barriers for people entering our buildings to work and / or receive services. 2.4 Projects must be ready to start on or after April 1, 2022 and must be completed by March 31, 2024. Based on previous applications through this program, it is anticipated funding decisions will be announced early in 2022. 2.5 To assist in illustrating the benefit this project would have to both the staff and the public who work and access services in the Municipal Administrative Centre and the Library Main Branch, staff will be seeking the support of our Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Clarington Public Library, as part of the application process. If we are Municipality of Clarington Report CSD-006-21 Page 4 successful in our application, we will also be involving both in the design and details for the renovation project. 3. Financial Considerations 3.1 Applicants through the Enabling Accessibility Fund Mid -Sized Projects stream are required to demonstrate a cash contribution of 35%. 3.2 It is estimated the project value for the above -mentioned upgrades will total $1.35 Million. When awarded the full amount, the Municipality of Clarington will need to commit up to 35% of the total cost or $472,500 to the project. 3.3 The Treasurer has been consulted on the financial implications and has advised that the required funds could be allocated from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund in order to secure the funding. The Treasurer would recommend that a contribution to the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund over a period of five years or $95,000 be funded from the tax levy to replenish the Fund. Alternatively, a transfer of $472,500 could be included in the 2022 budget, which has the effect of having this project funded as a 2022 budget item while ensuring cash resources are available to meet the application criteria. 3.4 The project budget will include: Item Estimated Cost Engineering and Design $148,000 Construction $1,136,000 Post renovation furnishings and equipment $66,000 Total $1,350,000 4. Concurrence 4.1 This report has been reviewed by the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer who concurs with the recommendations. Municipality of Clarington Report CSD-006-21 5. Conclusion Page 5 5.1 The successful receipt of this funding for renovation of the Municipal Administrative Centre will assist in Clarington's goal to be an inclusive employer and create a diverse and inclusive environment for our staff and our residents. It is respectfully recommended that Council approve the funds required to be able to apply for the Enabling Accessibility Fund and subsequent RFP process. Staff Contact: Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator, 905-623-3379 ext. 2563 or emittag@clarington.net. Attachments: Not Applicable Interested Parties: There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision.