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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-08Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes for the meeting of September 8, 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: Pinder DaSilva Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair Deb Kalogris Marina Ross Sarah Taylor Tim Van Leeuwen Sarah McConaghy Catherine McConaghy Councillor Janice Jones Also Present: Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator Paul Wirch, Senior Planner Sarah Parish, Planner I Regrets: Shea -Lea Latchford 1. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. 2. Declaration of Interest None 3. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen; seconded by Sarah Taylor That the minutes of the meeting of June 2, 2021 be approved. Carried Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — September 8, 2021 4. Presentation Planning Department re: use of pavers in development projects Paul Wirch, Senior Planner Sarah Parish, Planner II Paul and Sarah presented research into accessible sidewalk paving materials within new commercial development across other municipalities (Oshawa, Ottawa, Mississauga, & Oakville). The purpose was to address a citizen request asking that pavers be banned in developments. Paul and Sarah's research demonstrated the importance of early implementation and adoption of accessible paver design into new developments. Heaving, where pavers lift up and/or drop, was identified as a major accessibility issue. Additionally, the seams create a bumpy effect for people using mobility devices/strollers. Sarah and Paul's research concluded that the use of pavers in development should be limited to decorative uses only. Concrete or asphalt should be the main path of travel and pavers can be used as banding along the perimeters of wider sidewalks. Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Seconded by Marina Ross, Whereas, pavers in development projects pose a significant barrier for people with disabilities, Whereas, pavers are known to lift, shift and buckle over time creating trip hazards, Whereas, people with disabilities have the right to travel freely and safely in their community, and Whereas, there are good alternatives to using pavers through pedestrian paths of travel and pavers can be used decoratively instead of functionally, Therefore be it resolved, that the Accessibility Advisory Committee supports the Planning Departments recommendations that pavers be limited in use in commercial developments. Carried 5. Business Arising from Previous Meeting Minutes 5.1 2021 Accessibility Award Nominations Committee members discussed possible businesses to nominate for this year's accessibility award as follows: Page 2 of 3 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — September 8, 2021 Loblaws — had their carryout & curbside programs which was quite helpful for community members and their vaccine clinic was quite accessible Graphic Milestones for Adults with Disabilities to work and create — new business highlighting employment (craft outlet program) for adults with disabilities. Seems to be a fairly new program/company and not exactly sure yet what impact they are having; Sylvia is going to reach out to them to get some more information on them potentially as a candidate for next year. Toasted Walnut — have shifted to a different space which is more accessible but no one has been inside of it to assess washroom accessibility. Some of the tables may be all upstairs (no elevator) which isn't great for accessibility Moved by Councillor Jones, seconded by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, That the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee abstain from nominating a person/business/organization for this years accessibility award and focus on finding suitable candidates for next years award. Carried 5.2 Clarington Launches Fully Accessible Waste System Jeannette provided the Committee with information on the newly launched fully accessible 4R's waste system pilot project. Official press release is available on the Municipality's website. The Committee will be updated as the project continues to roll out and we see how the tactile indicators wear use and time. 5.3 Clarington Charges Forward — Update Jeannette provided a brief update on the Charging Forward project. The charging stations have all been installed except the location where we are planning on using a solar option. We are awaiting the installation of three benches, which have been ordered. We have asked the funder for permission to use some extra funds to purchase and install charging units inside some municipal facilities, mainly the recreation centres. A virtual ribbon cutting and video will be produced to introduce the project to the public. Several Committee members noted they had seen people using the charging stations already. Page 3 of 3 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — September 8, 2021 6. New Business 6.4 2021 Enabling Accessibility Fund Application(s) In June 2021 the Municipality applied for a large grant to make accessibility updates at Town Hall. We should know the result of our application in the new year. If successful, Town Hall would undergo a large 2-year transformation that would see a new accessible entrance, ramp, barrier -fee universal washroom, updated customer service desks, updated furniture in the boardrooms, changing the lift to the library to an elevator and outdoor landscaping to provide a service animal relief area. 6.5 2022 Election Accessibility Given that next year is an election year, Jeannette advised the Committee that they can expect to see some things about election policy and procedure in the future. 7. Adjournment Moved by Sarah Taylor, Seconded by Sarah and Catherine McConaghy That the meeting be adjourned Carried Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm Next meeting: Wednesday November 3, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams Page 4 of 3