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Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes
Tuesday April 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
In -Person and Online via Microsoft Teams
Present:
Lesley Scherer (Chair)
Keith Brettell (Vice -Chair)
Barb Henn
Michael Kamstra
Bea Kraayenhof
Hawa Mire
Sheikh Hossain
Regrets:
Sanja Wirch
Councillor Traill
Also Present:
Jeannette Whynot, Staff Liaison
The meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m.
1. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Lesley Scherer shared the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
2. Declarations of Interest
No declarations
3. Approval of January 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Moved by Barb Henn; seconded by Keith Brettell
That the January 28, 2025 meeting minutes be approved as presented.
Carried
4. New Member Introduction
Committee members briefly introduced themselves to the newest member, M. Kamstra.
5. National AccessAbility Week Update
J. Whynot provided the committee with an update on what is planned in recognition of National
AccessAbility Week (NAAW).
Monday May 26t", 9:00am flag raising at the Municipal Administrative Centre
Tuesday May 27t", in partnership with the Town of Ajax, a panel discussion featuring
members of the Clarington and Ajax AAC's discussing the impact of accessibility. This webinar
will be made available to full and part-time staff across the Durham Region.
Wednesday May 28t", Easter Seals Red Shirt Day and Durham Accessibility Conference.
Thursday May 29t", in partnership with CLMA there is an author visit at the Bowmanville
Library branch.
Saturday May 31st, 12pm to 3pm, in partnership with CLMA, the AAC's first Curiosity Expo at
Courtice Library Branch.
Throughout the week there will be social media posts in recognition of NAAW. Posts will
highlight accessible programs, services and initiatives in Clarington. J. Whynot requested
members share their ideas for social media messaging during NAAW, highlighting if there were
themes or items they would like to see shared with the community. Collectively members
shared information about respecting personal space, respecting consent, the importance of
acceptable language, invisible disabilities and accessible parking etiquette. J. Whynot advised
she will share this information with communications staff and requested members share any
additional ideas with her via email.
L. Scherer suggested engaging local schools through and advised she would be able to
connect with one of the high schools to see if they would be interested in something.
6. Curiosity Expo Update
In collaboration with CLMA, the Curiosity Expo preparations are well underway. Seven of the
ten available tables are taken. To support table hosts, Clarington and CLMA are hosting a
poster creation night. An optional event, the poster night will give table hosts the opportunity to
meet staff before the Expo, create a poster that highlights their special interest, and familiarize
themselves with the space.
J. Whynot and L. Scherer requested that committee members plan to attend the event and
promote it through their networks. J. Whynot will share the event poster with the committee
through email and advised that printed copies are available upon request.
7. Accessible Taxi Update
J. Whynot advised that Clarington is in the process of amending its Vehicle for Hire bylaw,
which governs taxis in Clarington. The amendment will permit licensed accessible taxis from
other Durham municipalities to pick up rides in Clarington. The goal is to remove barriers and
improve access to accessible taxis in Clarington and across Durham. This bylaw amendment
is awaiting Council approval, which should be received at their April 28th meeting.
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8. Durham Accessibility Awards
J. Whynot shared that the Region of Durham is currently looking for nominations for their
annual accessibility awards, but noted that the Region has changed the nomination process
significantly this year. A discussion about the change of process took place. Committee
members shared a general concern that there was a lack of consultation about the change and
that the change increases the burden on local AACs.
J. Whynot requested that members consider how they want to move forward with their
nomination(s) this year given the change in process and asked that they bring nominations to
their next AAC meeting in June.
9. Other Business
J. Whynot advised that there will be a special AAC meeting on Thursday May 22nd to discuss
Phase 2 of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre (SBRC). The meeting will begin at
6:30pm and will be held in hybrid format. Members can expect an email invitation soon.
J. Whynot shared that the Bowmanville BIAs annual MapleFest is taking place on Saturday
May 3rd from gam to 5pm, rain or shine. Committee members were advised that the Staff
Liaison is unable to attend this year but advised members they are welcome to attend with
other Clarington staff if they are interested. Members who are interested in attending, should
email J. Whynot.
10. Next AAC Meeting.
Wednesday June 18, 6:30pm. Hybrid format.
11. Adjournment
Moved by Keith Brettell; seconded by, Michael Kamstra
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm
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