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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-26If 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 November 26, 2025, 6:30 p.m. In-Person and Online via Microsoft Teams Present: L. Scherer (Chair) K. Brettell (Vice-Chair) B. Henn B. Kraayenhof (from 6:36pm) H. Mire S. Wirch Councillor Traill Regrets: S. Hossain J. Singh Kohli Also Present: J. Whynot, Staff Liaison M. Westover, Manager, Strategic Communications and Initiatives 1. Call to Order L. Scherer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Land Acknowledgement Statement L. Scherer shared a personalized Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3. Declarations of Interest No declarations were made. 4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes Moved by S. Wirch, seconded by B. Henn. That the minutes of October 29, 2025, meetings be approved as presented. Carried. Page | 2 5. Accessible Parking As a follow up to previous discussions about finding ways to remove parking-related barriers for people with disabilities, Scherer and K. Brettell shared their draft motion for the committee’s review and endorsement. Moved by K. Brettell, seconded by B. Henn, WHEREAS accessibility is a fundamental principle of public policy and a legal obligation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and WHEREAS accessibility is a core value of the Municipality of Clarington, as outlined in its strategic plans and multi-year accessibility plan, and WHEREAS residents and visitors with disabilities face challenges with accessible on-street parking and municipal off-street parking spaces, and WHEREAS residents with disabilities may require additional on-street parking periods due to their disability, and WHEREAS residents with disabilities may require personal support workers, caregivers and other professional services at their home for periods exceeding three hours at a time, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends, THAT the Municipality of Clarington amend the traffic bylaw in the following ways: a) vehicles with valid accessible parking permits be exempt from paid on -street parking fees b) vehicles with valid accessible parking permits be exempt from paid off -street parking in municipal parking lots THAT staff be directed to explore by-law and/or policy amendments that address residential parking limitations that adversely impact people with disabilities such as: a) allow vehicles with valid accessible permits to park on residential roads for up to 6 hours, b) allow individuals with valid accessible permits to purchase yearly on-street parking permits, and c) allow individuals with valid accessible permits to purchase an on-street parking permit for a reduced fee, similar to the inclusion membership discount. THAT staff be directed to explore by-law and/or policy amendments that address the parking needs of caregivers who provide in-home support to people with disabilities, Page | 3 THAT staff be directed to consult with the Accessibility Advisory Committee on by-law and/or policy amendments to ensure the needs of people with disabilities are met, and THAT the municipality temporarily extends the on-street residential parking limit to 6 hours for vehicles with valid accessible permits until more formal bylaw and/or policy changes are made. Carried. 6. 2026 Goals and Priorities Committee members shared their goals and priorities for the committee through the 2026 calendar year. 7. Council Updates Councillor Traill shared that there is ongoing work related to safety improvements at rail crossings near Wilmot Creek. Councillor Traill reiterated her commitment to advocating on quality of life and accessibility-related issues affecting seniors and residents on fixed incomes. 8. Staff Updates J. Whynot shared that there will be a flag raising on December 3rd at 9:00am in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Members were encouraged to attend if available. J. Whynot shared that the Municipality is considering hosting an Accessibility Information Fair in recognition of National AccessAbility Week and asked committee members for feedback on the event. The fair would include service providers, community organizations and a small number of tables reserved for people with disabilities to connect with the community. Members offered suggestions on engagement strategies, interactive elements, including mental health resources, and showcasing inclusive toys. 9. Other Business Either Wednesday January 28, 2026, 6:30pm. Hybrid format. 10. Adjournment Moved by K. Brettell; seconded by Councillor Traill. That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting adjourned at 7:34p.m.