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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-01Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes for the meeting of December 1, 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 Pinder DaSilva Deb Kalogris Marina Ross Councillor Janice Jones Also Present: Tony Ricciardi, Manager of Infrastructure, Public Works Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator 1. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. 2. Declaration of Interest None 3. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer; seconded by Marina Ross That the minutes of the meeting of November 3, 2021 be approved. Carried 4. Guest Speaker: Tony Ricciardi, Manager of Infrastructure, Public Works Tony introduced himself to the Committee and discussed various projects that are related to pedestrian connectivity in Clarington. Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — December 1, 2021 Tony explained that the difficulty with multi -use trails or walking paths is the connection of urban areas to one another often depends on the residential development happening in that area. For example - Courtice will grow exponentially in the next 5 years which will result in increased trails, however it will take a long time before Courtice is connected to Bowmanville. The trail that connects Oshawa to Courtice (Prestonvale) and will eventually extend to Hancock Road, which will assist in pedestrian travel, though probably not to the extent the Committee is looking for right now. Implementing multi -use paths — to bring pedestrians and cyclists off the main road takes time as they are directly connected to Secondary community plans and residential development. To further complex the issue, the Municipality requires Regional approval even though we are responsible for construction and maintenance. Residents are encouraged to put in requests and Public Works will see if they are feasible in the short/medium/long term. There is a push for a connection to the waterfront trail linking Courtice urban area to the waterfront. Once this happens, the waterfront trail would allow people to travel from Courtice to Bowmanville and beyond safely. Tony also discussed how the Municipality's Active Transportation plan — will help to plan where facilities need to go and when they can be constructed; goal is to connect every path and trail eventually. When asked about the Toyota Trail, the Committee was informed that the contractor is mobilizing next week. Prep work to start in April (weather permitting) with a planned completion date in September (weather permitting). Everyone encouraged to email Jeannette if they see sections of sidewalks that are broken/not connected, and she will forward to Tony. There is budget every year to complete sidewalks and sidewalk repairs. The Committee Thanked Tony for taking the time to attend the meeting and expressed interest in having him attend a future meeting to continue discussing the Committee's concerns/wishes. 5. Business Arising from Previous Meeting Minutes 5.1 Trail Charging Station Update & Discussion of Indoor Locations Due to some changing budget lines, we asked the funder if we could install 6 units in indoor locations to further assist community members who use an electric mobility device. We were granted permission and have since bought 6 additional devices. A brief overview of each proposed location was provided to the Committee and the following locations were recommended by the Committee: 1. Courtice Community Complex: by the pool viewing area as long as the safety of the railing and drop can be addressed Page 2 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — December 1, 2021 2. Bowmanville Older Adult Association: Location further way from the front door so people can see their bus/transportation/ride arrive while charging 3. Bowmanville Library —near the bottom of the stairs from Town Hall at the entrance. This location allows for people to charge while keeping an eye on if their ride is there. 4. Diane Hamre Recreation Centre — Location near the front desk as it promotes safety and visibility to the pick up area. 5. Newcastle Library — Only one option offered but removing the magazine rack to install charging station. Provides a view of the street so individuals can see if their ride has arrived. 6. South Courtice Arena — Installed at Pad A next to the accessible seating area and across from the customer service desk All areas chosen will decrease opportunities for vandalism. 5.2 National AccessAbility Week 2022: Brainstorming Postponed to next meeting due to time constraints 6. New Business 6.3 2021 AODA Compliance Jeannette outlined how the Municipality is required to submit an AODA compliance report every two years. There is one due by December 31, 2021. She reported that the Municipality will be indicating full compliance on all questions that are applicable to Clarington. 6.4 2021 Annual Status Update As required under the AODA, the Municipality is required to produce an annual status update that reviews process made under the Act and our Multi -Year Accessibility Plan. The update will be shared with the Committee for approval in January or February and then go to Council for approval. Once approved, it will be posted on the website as required under the Act. 6.5 Appointment to Boards and Committees Policy Update Jeannette shared the document with the Community for information. The Committee learned it will offer a better way for staff and council to approve members applying for committee positions. The link is there to the policy so if you have any questions then send them to Jeannette. 7. Other Business: Committee members asked if all paths that were cleared last winter will be cleared again this winter. Councillor Jones confirmed that they would be and there is consideration for expanding the snow removal to a few other recreational paths. Page 3 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — December 1, 2021 8. Adjournment Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, seconded by Tim VanLeeuven, That the meeting be adjourned Carried Meeting was adjourned at 8:04pm. Next meeting: Wednesday January 12t", 2022 at 6:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams Page 4 of 4