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Home My WebLink About2024-10-15Clar*mn Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Tuesday October 15, 2024 6:30 p.m. Online Via Microsoft Teams If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext 2131 Present: Lesley Scherer (Chair) (until 7:40pm) Keith Brettell Sanja Wirch Barbara Henn Sheikh Hossain Beatrice Kraayenhof Also Present: Jeannette Whynot — Accessibility Coordinator Katelyn Brown — Municipality of Clarington Ken Ferguson — Municipality of Clarington Dare Orija — Colliers Project Leaders Shalice Coutu — MJMA Dan Kronby — MJMA Regrets: Councillor Corinna Traill Hawa Mire Allison Speight The meeting called to order at 6:32 p.m. 1. Land Acknowledgement Statement Lesley Scherer shared the Land Acknowledgement Statement. 2. Declarations of Interest No declarations 3. South Bowmanville Recreation Centre (SBRC) presentation and discussion Shalice Coutu, architect with MJMA, presented the current plans for the SBRC Phase 1 expansion, highlighting specific accessibility elements such as turning radiuses, clear space and the locations of power door operator, among other things. Committee members offered the following comments and recommendations. Mobility Device Charging Station • The AAC recommends placing a mobility device charging station near the main entrance. Positioned in a way that users can charge their device and have a clear view of the parking lot. Page 11 Parking & North Entrance • The Committee is supportive of the design and location of the accessible parking spaces. They expressed their appreciation that four of the accessible spaces will feature EV charging stations that can only be used by cars with accessible parking permits. • The Committee suggested moving the bike racks further away from the accessible parking spaces to reduce the chances of cyclists interfering with the accessible path of travel. It was noted that cyclists can pose a danger to people with disabilities when their spaces are not clearly defined or intertwine too closely. • The Committee was pleased to see tactile wayfinding incorporated but noted it needed refining before they can offer meaningful accessibility. Outdoor Community Square Overall, the Committee is supportive of the proposed outdoor space being developed as part of Phase 1. Current drawings lack enough detail for the Committee to provide detailed comments, however the following things were discussed: Service Animal Relief Area • It was recommended that this be located east of the south exist because there appears to be clear space adjacent to the sprinkler room. Utilizing the sprinkler room's water access will allow staff to wash the space, thus ensuring it is kept clean. Its proximity to the entrance also makes this a desirable location. Additional Rest Areas Committee members recommended that additional rest areas/seating be provided along the walking/skating path. Current plans do not show any seating beyond the current gathering area, however offering rest areas throughout the area will ensure people of all abilities are able to safely sit when they need a break. Seating Garden • The Committee would like to see more detailed plans when they are available. • Any fixed seating and site furniture must consider the needs of people with disabilities, their equipment and the people who support them. Emergency Assistance • Members asked if it was possible to incorporate a blue light emergency system in the outdoor space. Blue Light beacons are found on college and university campuses have and provide pedestrians a way to call for help in an emergency. • The design team advised they had not considered this but would explore options. Indoor — General Comments A committee member suggested including a scannable QR code at the entrance that linked to an online map giving people who are blind and low vision an opportunity to navigate the facility independently. The majority of power door operator locations are in excellent locations; however Committee members noticed a few locations that could be better designed. For example, behind the customer service counter, the power door button is poorly placed behind a workstation and on the hinge side. The Committee prefers the elongated power door openers over the traditional circular design because it is more inclusive. Page 12 • Seating should be moveable and meet the needs of larger bodies. Consider offering a mix of seats with and without arm rests. • Consider incorporating sensory elements into the interior decor. Tactile features on walls were offered as a suggestion. • Signage should be clear and well -designed. Raised characters, in addition to Braille, will make signage accessible to blind users. Quiet Space & Prayer Room • The Committee noted they were really pleased to see a quite space being provided, however they raised concerns with it being a shared space for prayer and religious needs. • If someone is using the quiet room to calm down and someone is using the adjacent space for prayer, how well will that meet the needs of the users? • The Committee recommends the two spaces be separated and accessed through separate doors. Indoor — Washrooms • The Committee asked if it was possible to include one Hoyer Lift in the facility to assist caregivers when transferring people onto the adult change room. They suggest adding a ceiling Hoyer Lift to Universal Accessible washroom located near the change rooms. • Washroom signage should indicate the features within it and include Braille that is accurately states what kind of washroom it is. The project team thanked the members of the AAC for thoughtful and insightful comments. The AAC will be consulted again once there are additional designs to review. 4. Other Business No other business was discussed. 5. Adjournment Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Barb Henn That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting was adjourned at 8:02pm. Page 13