HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-20-83 4 !,
CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT R. DUPUIS, P. ENG., DIRECTOR
HAMPTON,ONTARIO TEL.(416)263-2231
LOB 1JO 987-5039
REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF MARCH 7 , 1983.
REPORT NO: WD-20-83
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SUBJECT: PROPOSED HANDICAPPED PARKING PROGRAM.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended :
1 . That this report be received; and ,
2. That the Regional Municipality of Durham be advised
that the Town of Newcastle endorses the resolution
of Regional Council and wishes to participate in the
handicapped parking program; and ,
3. That the Town of Newcastle is in favour of the request
that Metropolitan Toronto enter into a reciprocal
agreement for handicapped parking; and ,
4. That the Town of Newcastle recommends that the Regional
Municipality of Durham establish a Committee to co-
ordinate the interests of local Municipalities and
organizations concerned with the provision of handi-
capped parking facilities , and that the service be
brought into effect by the Fall of 1983; and ,
5. That the Director of Public Works assign appropriate
Staff to represent the Town of Newcastle and liaise
with local organizations interested in the proposal . ,�
WD-20-83 - 2
BACKGROUND AND REPORT:
On July 19 , 1982, Council , by Resolution No. C-610-82 directed
Staff to review the matter of handicapped parking facilities and ,
Report WD-68-82 outlined the procedures to be followed and the
organizations which may wish to be involved in the provision of
this service in the Town of Newcastle.
By letters dated October 6 , 1982, various area organizations were
contacted and requested to indicate their interest in the proposal ,
and it was suggested that a meeting be convened to co-ordinate all
aspects of providing this service. Unfortunately there was little
or no response from the agencies and the matter was held in abeyance.
On January 5 , 1983, the Public Works Department again wrote to local
organizations (including Newcastle Social Planning Council , Bowmanville
Business Centre , Newcastle Village Business Improvement Area and Orono
Downtown Business Association) and , to date, has had a verbal response
from only the Bowmanville Business Centre indicating interest in the
proposal .
Over the past year, the Public Works Department has assembled a con-
siderable amount of data on the subject of the provision of special
parking facilities for the handicapped , and has learned from other
Municipalities , of some of the problems to be expected in inaugurating
such a project.
It is felt that the Town of Newcastle should make every effort to
facilitate the proposal , and it would be Staff's recommendation that
the Public Works Department continue the efforts to involve the local
agencies , and gain their input , and convey the local requirements and
input to the Regional level so that all information can be co-ordinated.
The provision of parking spaces for the handicapped is not merely a
question of passing a by-law and signing designated areas for the
purpose. The physical aspects of such a proposal require that the
designated spaces be in a safe , yet central , area , where sidewalk
ramps can be constructed to accommodate wheelchairs , provision of
appropriate signing and , ultimately , supervision and policing of the
ongoing use of the parking spaces to ensure that the service is not
abused.
WD-20-83 _ 3
The Public Works Department is very interested in the proposal put
forward by the Region of Durham, and feel the Town has much to gain
by actively participating in the attempts to co-ordinate efforts in
installing special parking facilities for the handicapped of the area.
It is felt that , by close liaison with all other municipalities and
agencies having interest, and pooling of resources and information ,
the service can be effected in the most efficient manner and at the
earliest possible time.
The active interest and participation of service organizations and
agencies which are involved in the provision of special requirements
to the disabled , is vital to the success of the proposal and , towards
this end , it is the intention of the Public Works Department to invite
representatives of the agencies previously contacted to meet and
discuss the project , with a view to formalizing the requirements of
the handicapped in this Municipality.
In the meantime , Staff would welcome any advice or assistance the
Region of Durham is able to provide.
Respectfully submitted ,
I
R.G. Dupuis , P. Eng. ,
Director of Public Works.
March 1 , 1983 .
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r EB 18 1983
DURHAM TOWN OF MfWCASTLE
CLERK DEPARTMENT
The Regional February 17, 1983
Municipality
of Durham
Clerks Department
605 Rossland Road East Mr. D.W. Oakes
P O Box 623,
Whitby,Ontario Clerk , Town of Newcastle
Canada3
(416)668-7711 8-7711 40 Temperance Street
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BOWMANVILLE, Ontario
C W LUNDY,A.M.CT,
Regional Clerk
Proposed Regional Handicapped Parking Program
Mr. Oakes, the Works Committee of Regional Council considered the
above matter and at a meeting held on February 16, 1983 Council
adopted the following amended recommendations of the Committee:
1'a) THAT the Area Municipalities be requested 'to advise the
Region on or before March 16, 1983 if they would
participate in a Regional handicapped parking program
b) THAT Metropolitan Toronto be requested to advise the
Region if they would enter into a reciprocal agreement
for handicapped parking."
I would appreciate if you would place this matter before your
Council and further to advise me of their decision on or before
the above date.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of Report #30-83 of
W.A. Twelvetrees, Commissioner of Works.
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DISTRIBUTION
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C.W. Lundy, A.M.C.T. ACK. lY: ....... .
Regional Clerk Cau.ti,dl IV
ORIGINAL TO:
CWL:jml COPIES TO:
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cc: W.A. Twelvetrees, Commissioner of Works — w, o
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Regional Municipality of Durham
Works Department
Commissioner' s Report to Works Committee
Report 30-83
Date February 8, 1983
Subject
WC-63-82 DAVID J . BURKE, CONSULTANT, BARRIER-FREE DESIGN PROJECT, DATED
OCTOBER 20, 1982 ADVISING THAT THEY ARE A FREE SERVICE SPONSORED BY THE
ONTARIO MARCH OF DIMES. THEY ARE ANXIOUS TO SEE A BY-LAW IN PLACE WHICH
WOULD IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY AND MOBILITY FOR ALL DISABLED PERSONS IN THE
REGION. (CC #701)
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Recommendations
A. THAT the Area Municipalities be requested to advise the Region if they
would participate in a Regional handicapped parking program.
B. THAT Metropolitan Toronto be requested to advise the Region if they
would enter into a reciprocal agreement for handicapped parking.
Report
The attached letter from Mr. David J . Burke requests the Region of Durham
to consider passing the necessary by-laws to provide for one parking permit
which could be used by disabled people throughout Durham.—`9r. Burke
outlines in his letter three additional areas of concern as:
1) The need for designated on-street drop-off zones located in the downtown
sections of the various municipalities for disabled persons using a
transportation system (Handi-Transit or Para Transit type vehicles) .
2) The allocation of designated parking spaces in transportation related
parking facilities (bus and train terminals) .
3) Designated parking spaces in all . major public and private off-street
parking lots .
T1
A
Page 2
Report 30-83
Date February 8, 1983
Report (continued)
The above requests are related to an amendment made to Municipal Act in 1978
which enables municipalities to enact specific parking regulations for
physically disabled persons . Since its enactment a number of Ontario
municipalities, (including the Towns of Ajax and Pickering) have initiated
permit parking programs for the handicapped. Each municipality, having passed
such a by-law, issues its own unique style permit for identification. The
rules applied to qualify for a permit, in many instances, also differ.
Although well intended this has lead to confusion amongst the handicapped and
enforcement personel . There is no reciprocity amongst the various municipal
systems. A permit issued in one municipality is not recognized if displayed
in another municipality and a disabled person cannot be sure of the treatment
he will receive outside of his own area as benefits and priviledges differ.
(eg. the handicapped driver accustomed to parking in a "no parking" zone in
his own municipality may mistakenly park in a "no parking" zone in another
municipality which does not allow this priviledge and consequently receive a
ticket. )
In an attempt to overcome these problems and to promote inter-provincial
reciprocity, the Province of Ontario will be introducing symbol licence plates
on request to physically disabled drivers or to persons who regularly
transport physically disabled passengers as part of the new plate-to-owner
system. The province has urged all Ontario municipalities to adopt a program
recognizing these plates as equivalent to the municipally issued parking
permits.
Unfortunately the approach taken by the Province is much too broad. There is
no provision in the act for a penalty for abuse; the plate, once issued is
permanent; it is displayed on the vehicle whether or not it is transporting a
disabled person; the guidelines for qualification for the plates are too broad
and handicapped female drivers have expressed a fear concerning public
disclosure of their disability on the chance of being criminally assaulted if
a permanently affixed identification, such as the provincial licence plate or
an adhesive sticker is used.
Regional staff met with Mr. Burke following receipt of his letter. The
concerns expressed in his letter were discussed and arrangements made for him
to meet with the Region' s Traffic Advisory Committee on January 13th to
present his request and answer any' subsequent questions.
Prior to this meeting Regional staff contacted Metropolitan Toronto who
operate a permit system and suggested that we enter into.a reciprical
arrangement with them regarding any handicapped parking system the Region
might adopt. Metro' s staff concurred that this was a desireable arrangement.
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Page 3
Report 30-83
Date February 8, 1983
Report (continued)
The proposal was discussed at the Traffic Advisory Committee meeting with Mr.
Burke and Mr. Manuel who operates the Handi-Transit system in Oshawa, as well
as the Durham Regional Police and area municipality representatives. All
present at the January 13th meeting endorsed this suggestion.
Further discussions have taken place with staff at Metropolitan Toronto.
Assuming the Region adopts a by-law similar to Metro's then a permit issued by
Durham or Metro would be recognized in either municipality. Alternatively,
Metro has agreed to issue the permits on behalf of Durham. In tfi s case only
one permit need be carried by the applicant when travelling in Metropolitan
Toronto or Durham.
In our view this approach will go a long way towards eliminating some of the
existing confusion.
Under this proposal , a permit would be issued to any person who is permanently
confined to a wheel chair or who is restricted to the permanent use of
crutches or braces and who is permanently disabled in such a way that his or
her mobility is seriously restricted. Application forms would be available in.
Durham and could either be mailed directly to Metro Toronto by the applicant
for processing or forwarded by Regional staff if requested.
The permit (copy attached) would be issued by Metropolitan Toronto and
entitles the recipient to park up to 24 hours in an area where parking is
allowed for 3 hours, to park in a "no parking" zone or to park at a parking
meter without payment. To be successful the system would require the Region
of Durham and all area municipalities to pass similar by-laws.
The other issues raised in Mr. Burkes letter (ie. designated drop-off zones
located in downtown areas for handicapped transit vehicles and reserved
off-street spaces for handicapped parking in public and private parking
facilities) are being pursued. A meeting has been scheduled for March 8th to
discuss these matters further. We will report to the Works Committee on the
disposition of these issues following that meeting.
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OSHAWA CIVIC CENTRE hilt WONALL)MIX,
141 Thornton Road South, Oshawa, Ontario. LU 5Y1 PhEG: UDkN r
'AS AWAi A',Fl NEL
Telephone: (416) iMxUWq: 57 ) -4t73 EALcurivEID,AECrOR
AL31LITY FUND
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October 20 1982
To
OCT 10 M
D. McMullen 0 r
AcI ZOA
Manager
Traffic Operations
Works Department
Region of Durham
105 Consumers Drive
Whitby, Ontario
Dear Mr. McMullen.,
represent a consultant team called " Barrier -Free Design". We are a free service
sponsored by the Ontario March of Dimes and funded by Canada Employment and
Immigration Commission for the purpose of increasing accessibility for handicapped
people throughout Durham Region.
In the course of our work over the past eight months, we have recognized an ongoing
problem for disabled people as being insufficient controlled, accessible parking.
The local March of Dimes office is receiving an increasing number of inquiries on
the status of disabled parking throughout the Region. The organization's community
worker has found that many people are confused and frustrated about the issue, particularly
because not all municipalities have a by-law and those that do are not recognized
reciprocally. It is our suggestion that a by -law be developed that would allow one
parking permit to be used throughout Durham Region.
As you know, in the 1981 Oshawa and Whitby Mayors' Task Force Reports, the problem
of accessible parking for the disabled was addressed. The major areas of concern
were:
1. the need for on-street parking stalls located in downtown sections of the
various municipalities, clearly identified for the exclusive use of the disabled
public using a transportation system ( drop-off zones);
2. parking lots associated with transportation systems should have handicapped
parking spots allotted and clearly rn I arked and located near the access
routes of the facility;
3. all major private and public off-street parking lots contain strategically
located stalls for the use of any vehicle, public or privately owned) associated
with the transportation of the physically disabled'
We can't help without your help . . . !o: :ne nCUrGe Td, RL,(P (j
151rholl No 4941.i-11-13
' 11f,
Mr. D. Mctviullen
Octobcr 20, 1982
Page 2
„4, that any by-law adopted regarding parking for the disabled should have it's
rules and penalties strictly enforced.
When such a by -law is being; developed, we agree that these four major points should
be incorporated. Through our own experience as disabled people and from feedback
we have received through our project work, some additional points should be considered.
There are many types of physical disabilities other than, being confined to a wheelchair.
Temporary or seasonal disabilities should be considered. A temporary disability could
be a person recovering from major surgery or someone with a broken leg. An example
of a seasonal disability is a person who suffers from severe asiLhma. A long walk across
the parking lot to the facility in the winter, could, due to the added exeriion to their
system, bring on an attack which could incapacitate or cause injury to them. In both
examples , a temporary permit could be issued for the length of time needed.
Permits should be issued to both disabled drivers and disabled passengers. It would
be the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that the parking privileges were not
abused.
"Enclosed are copies of existing parking by-laws, sample permits, and a sample
by-law and permit information put out by the Ivlinistry of Transportation and Communications
We are anxious to see a by-law in place which would improve accessibility and mobility
for all disabled persons in our Region. If we can be of any help in supplying information
or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
r
David J, Burke
Consultant
Barrier -Free Design Project
579 -4173
cct T. E. Stevens
C. W. Lundy
G. Herrema
PLEASE NOTE
*** Material is available in Works Department
(C�>
CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLF
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT R. DUPUIS, P.ENO., DIRECTOR
HAMPTON,ONTARIO TEL.(416)263-2231
LOB 1JO 9675039
REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF OCTOBER 25, 1982.
REPORT NO. WD-89-82.
SUBJECT: PARKING FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS.
RESOLUTION # C-981-82
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended that this report be received for
c' information.
BACKGROUND:
Report # WD-68-82 to the September 13, 1982, Meeting of Committee
detailed the proposed steps to be taken in providing parking fac-
ilities for the handicapped; it was reported that, in other area
Municipalities wherein such provisions had been implemented, the
local merchant organization had, in conjunction with the area
Social Planning Council , been the prime instigator and administrator
of the facilities.
REPORT:
On October 6, 1982, Staff wrote letters to the Newcastle Social
Planning Council , Bowmanville Business Centre, Newcastle Village
B. I .A. , and Orono Downtown Business Association, suggesting a
Meeting be convened on October 19, 1982,. at which it was proposed
that a plan be formulated for a co-ordinated effort in the Town
reserving parking spaces for the handicapped in designated areas.
WD-89-82 _ 2 _
By the morning of October 19, 1982, only one response had been
received from the groups contacted, and the others were tele-
phoned to ask if they were interested in the project, and if
they intended to be present at the Meeting. In the absence of
any positive reaction and response to the proposal , the Meeting
was cancelled.
It is felt that, without the co-operation of the local business
groups and the Social Planning Council , who could provide valu-
able input to the proposal for parking for the handicapped, the
Town can do little to realise the project. From the previous
liaison with other Municipalities who had, quite successfully,
designated these parking areas, there are many factors to be
considered, and a co-ordinated scheme involving all parties who
may have interest in the project, is ,essential for it's ultimate
success.
It is suggested that a further attempt be made to. bring together
all parties to formulate a plan for the parking facilities, after
which time a report and recommendation would be presented to
Committee for consideration and/or approval .
Respectfully submitted,
R.G. Dupuis, P. Eng. ,
Director of Public Works
October 19, 1982.
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tes a 4 September 13, 1982
Resolution NGPA-979-82
Moved by Mayor Rickard, seconded by Councillor Prout
THAT the previous resolution be amended, and the donation
go through the local .�ancer Society.
"CARRIED"
Parking for Handicapped Resolution OGPA-980-82
Persons (Resolution
OC-610-82 Moved by Councillor Prout, seconded by Councillor Hamre
THAT Report WD-68-82, re Parking for Oandicapped
Persons, be received for information.
"CARRIED"
Resolution #GPA-981°82
Moved by Councillor Hubbard, seconded by Councillor Hamre
THAT the previous resolution be amended, and the
Director of Public Works liaise with the Social
Planning Council and' the a. I.A. 's to establish
appropriate handicapped parking.
"CARRIED"
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CORPORATION OF Rf TOWN OF NEWCASTU
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT R. DUPUIS, P. ENO., DIRECTOR
HAMPTON,ONTARIO TEL,(416)263.2231
LOA 1JO
987.5039
REPORT TO THE GENERAL. PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 13, 1982,
REPORT NO. WD-68-82.
SUBJECT: PARKING� FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS
(RESOLUTION # C-610-82) .
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended that this report be received for
information.
BACKGROUND AND REPORT:
Resolution # C-610-82 directed: That Staff review signing for
handicapped parking and report to the General Purpose and Admin-
istration Committee".
The Municipal Act, Chapter 302, Section 210 (118) states that a
Council may pass by-laws for exempting, pursuant to permits issued,
the owners and drivers of vehicles operated by or carrying a
physically handicapped person, from any provision of) a by-law
passed for prohibiting or regulating the parking,' standing or
stopping of motor vehicles on any highway.
In researching the above, Staff learned that the Town of Lindsay,
in October, 1981, enacted a by-law to regulate parking of vehicles
for physically handicapped persons; such vehicles had to bear an
identifying marker, or sticker, and the owner or operator had to
hold a permit specifically issued for the purpose of parking
exemptions.
WD-68-S2 _ 2
It was also learned that the Town of Lindsay Chamber of Commerce
was the producer and issuing agency of the identification and
permits, and the total effort to provide parking for handicapped
persons was co-ordinated by the Chamber and the local Social
Planning Council . The Corporation of the Town of Lindsay was
instrumental , ultimately, in enacting and administering the
by-law, a copy of which is attached for information and reference.
In view of the data gathered so far, which included on-site
inspections of convenient and appropriate .parking for physically
handicapped vehicles, the following has become evident:
1 . Designated, parking spaces should not be in close proximity
to busy intersections.
2. Spaces provided should provide clear passage to sidewalks ,
with benefit of ramps for wheelchair access.
3. Where possible, owners of private parking facilities should
be requested to designate space for parking for handicapped
persons.
It is respectfully suggested that the Social Planning Council of
Newcastle and the Business Improvement Associations may wish to
take an active part in ensuring the provision of adequate and
suitable parking spaces for physically-handicapped people, poss-
ibly in conjunction with Handi-Transit and other interested
agencies in the area. Staff would be pleased to provide any
practical assistance, on behalf of the Town, and word in co-
ordination with all local B. I.A. groups in achieving the common
goal , and thus request the authority to instigate thJs proposal .
Upon the collation of a specific plan, it would be appropriate
to submit a further report on the progress of the project.
Respectfully subrRitted,
R.G. Dupuis, P. Eng. ,
Director of Public Works.
August 31 , 1982.
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