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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-29If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext 2131 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday October 29, 2025, 6:30 p.m. In-Person and Online via Microsoft Teams Present: Lesley Scherer (Chair) Keith Brettell (Vice-Chair) Barb Henn Bea Kraayenhof Sanja Wirch Sheikh Hossain Regrets: Councillor Traill Hawa Mire Jagmeet Singh Kohli Also Present: Jeannette Whynot, Staff Liaison Maddie Nelles, Digital Media Specialist Glen Macfarlane, Economic Development Officer Asya Bidordinova, Consultant, Sierra Plan Andrea Sinclair, Consultant, MHBC Plan 1. Call to Order K. Brettell called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. 2. Land Acknowledgement Statement K. Brettell shared a Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3. Declarations of Interest No declarations were made. 4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes Moved by B. Henn, seconded by L. Scherer That the minutes of September 24, 2025, meetings be approved as presented. Carried. Page | 2 5. Presentation: Communications Social Media Audit Survey M. Nelles shared that the Municipality of consulting a social media audit with a consultant. The purpose of the audit is to assess performance, identify improvements and guide a future strategy. In addition to the AAC, the survey is also being sent to the Diversity Advisory Committee and the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee. M. Nelles advised that they will be sent a short survey via email within the next few days and requested that it be completed within two weeks. The survey should take approximately 5 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous. 6. Community Improvement Plan Review and Consultation G. Macfarlane introduced A. Sinclair and A. Bidordinova, consultants working for the municipality to review the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) program. A. Sinclair and A. Bidordinova explained that CIPs are a Planning Act tool used to encourage private investment for public benefit. Currently, Clarington has 4 CIPs in Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono and Courtice. All CIPs, except Courtice, have an accessibility grant which provide a 50% cost share up to $10,000 for accessibility improvements such as ramps, railings and entrance modifications. A. Sinclair and A. Bidordinova shared that their review is looking at how the CIP program can be updated to further its goals. Recognizing that accessibility is important to the community, they are looking for feedback from the Committee on barriers they experience in the places they visit. Committee members shared the following barriers to accessibility in the community: • businesses that have steps but no railings • steps that lack contrast • narrow entrances • no power door opener • inaccessible entrances (stairs, no ramp) • heritage homes converted into businesses lack accessibility • raised sidewalks and uneven transitions in Orono • narrow sidewalks in the historic downtown areas • unclear and/or inaccessible storefront signage The Committee shared that they supported expanding the CIP to include all commercial zones because currently there are businesses outside of the CIP areas that are ineligible for the grants. Thoughtful expansion would ensure all businesses are eligible for the accessibility grant which would encourage more businesses to address gaps to accessibility. The Committee also discussed if the 50/50 cost share model with reimbursement after completion was a barrier for some businesses. Members expressed concern that the upfront cost may be deterring businesses from seeking the funding. The Committee suggested the Page | 3 project team research alternative models for payment, including staged or pre-payment models. Staff advised that the current payment model exists to ensure public funds are used for their intended purposes, but they will take their feedback into consideration. The Committee suggested that the Municipality explore funding for affordable housing, including Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) and tiny homes. Additionally, the Committee inquired if CIP funding could be used to encourage more accessible community events. Staff advised that CIP funding cannot be used for events because it’s intended for physical changes only. Staff suggested inviting the municipal events team to a future meeting to discuss their ideas on making events more inclusive. A. Sinclair and A. Bidordinova thanked the Committee for their thorough and thoughtful feedback and advised they will share an update for their review in early 2026. 7. Accessible Parking Deferred to next meeting. 8. Accessibility Banners Deferred to next meeting. 9. Next AAC Meeting. Either Wednesday November 26, 2025, 6:30pm. Hybrid format. 10. Adjournment Moved by B. Henn; seconded by L. Scherer. That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.