Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-06Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes for the meeting of October 6, 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 Sarah Taylor Tim Van Leeuwen Sarah McConaghy Catherine McConaghy Councillor Janice Jones Also Present: Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator Donald Salah, Program Manager, Ontario Chamber of Commerce — Discover Ability Network Regrets: Pinder DaSilva Deb Kalogris Marina Ross 1. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. 2. Declaration of Interest None 3. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes Moved by Sarah Taylor; seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen That the minutes of the meeting of September 8, 2021 be approved. Carried Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 6, 2021 4. Presentation Discover Ability Network Presentation Donald Salah, Program Manager, Ontario Chamber of Commerce — Discover Ability Network Donald Salah presented information on the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's Discover Ability Network to the Committee. The Committee learned that the Discover Ability Network is free to join and focuses on three areas: Networking, Job Matching and Training. After learning about the Discover Ability Network and the opportunities they can offer the Municipality, the following motion was presented: Moved by Shea -Lea Latchford, Seconded by Sarah and Catherine McConaghy That the Municipality of Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is in support of the Discover Ability Network program and recommends endorsement with the broader Municipality of Clarington, and That the Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends the Municipality of Clarington joins the Discover Ability Network program to use as a recruitment tool for inclusive hiring Carried 5. Business Arising from Previous Meeting Minutes 5.1 December 3rd — International Day of Persons with Disabilities Jeannette requested ideas from the Committee on how to mark December 3rd — International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The following were requested and will be investigated further by Jeannette: • Flag Raising • Information tables in the Community Centres/Facilities • Social media posts • Community survey for feedback • Movie night Jeannette will investigate and report back at the November meeting. Other suggestions should be forwarded to Jeannette. Page 2 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 6, 2021 5.2 Trail Accessibility Sarah Taylor spoke about her experience along the waterfront trail and her discovery that one parking lot does not have an accessible connection to the waterfront trail. While the trail itself is excellent, she noted that the parking lot did not have an accessible connection and there was a pole in the middle of the walkway, in addition to a slope issue and being made of gravel. Jeannette advised that she would speak with Public Works and see if they can come up with a solution. She will report back once there is more information. Sarah also noted that the trails maps used outdated language and requested that they be updated. Jeannette advised she will speak with Public Works and have the maps updated as soon as possible. 5.3 Sidewalk Connectivity Sarah Taylor brought forward an issue and requested that the Committee work towards a solution. Recognizing that there is no easy or quick fix, Sarah wanted to get the issue in front of the Committee and staff so work could begin to address the lack of connectivity in sidewalks and multi -use pathways/trails in Clarington. As an example of the issue facing people with disabilities, and the general public, there is no safe pedestrian connection between Courtice and Bowmanville. With no sidewalks or multi -use trail/path, people with disabilities are forced to either use their mobility device on busy (and fast) Highway 2 or try and navigate over gravel shoulders and grass covered private property. Sarah requested that the Municipality address the lack of pedestrian connectivity throughout Clarington, which received support from all members of the Committee. Jeannette will reach out to staff and invite them to speak/listen to the Committee at a future meeting. 6. New Business 6.1 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. Page 3 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — October 6, 2021 7. Other Business Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer asked if there would be snow removal on the trails again this year. Councillor Jones confirmed that there would be snow removal again and they are trying to determine if it can be expanded to more trails in the future. 8. Adjournment Moved by Sarah McConaghy, Seconded by Sarah Taylor That the meeting be adjourned Carried Meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm Next meeting: Wednesday December 1, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams Page 4 of 4