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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-28If 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 January 28, 2026, 6:30 p.m. In-Person and Online via Microsoft Teams Present: L. Scherer (Chair) K. Brettell (Vice-Chair) B. Henn S. Hossain S. Wirch Councillor Traill (until 7:58pm) Regrets: B. Kraayenhof J. Singh Kohli H. Mire Also Present: J. Whynot, Staff Liaison S. Staunton, Records and Elections Coordinator (until 7:26pm) A. Micu, Parks Design and Development Manager (7:12pm – 7:46pm) 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 K. Brettell. That the minutes of the November 26, 2025, meeting be approved as presented. Carried. Page | 2 5. 2026 Election Accessibility Plan Review S. Staunton, Records and Elections Coordinator, presented the draft 2026 Municipal Election Plan. This plan outlines legislative requirements under the Municipal Election Act, lessons learned from the 2022 election and planned measures to support an accessible election for candidates and voters with disabilities. Highlights of the plan include: • Continued use of internet and telephone voting, with accessible Election Centres (EACs) throughout the municipality. • Physical inspections of all EACs using barrier-free guidelines. • Accessible communication through multiple formats and platforms. • Post-election accessibility reporting and public feedback mechanisms. • Accessibility supports for candidates Following the presentation, the committee discussed the use of smart glasses as a new form of assistive technology being used by people with disabilities. The accessibility benefits of smart glasses and privacy-related concerns were discussed. Members recommended that elections staff receive training and awareness on smart glasses. Committee members also recommended that the municipality include clear messaging on the availability of accessibility supports in their public election communication. Members suggested the inclusion of a QR code on printed materials, that links to additional accessibility information on the election website. The Committee also recommended that the municipality offer a sensory-friendly voting time, to assist voters who have sensory disabilities. Moved by K. Brettell; seconded by B. Henn, That the Accessibility Advisory Committee endorse the 2026 Clarington Election Accessibility Plan. Carried. 6. Belmont Park Design Presentation A. Micu, Parks Design and Development Manager presented the current design for Belmont Park (Newcastle). The presentation included a review of the pathways, playground areas, multi-sport court, and seating areas. Accessible park features were reviewed and included: • Barrier-free pathways, including slopes • Accessible playground surfacing (engineered wood fibre) • CSA Z614 Annex H compliance for playground equipment • Accessible seating and picnic areas Page | 3 • Shade structures and tree canopy planning Following the presentation committee members raised concerns with the park’s proximity to a storm water management area and creek. The park’s proximity to water was raised as a safety risk for children who may wander. Staff clarified that the playground area is approximately 140m from the creek and approximately 250m from the stormwater pond. Additionally, staff clarified that there is fencing along portions of the environmental area and grade separations (steep slopes) rather than fencing. Staff advised that the park location cannot be changed as this time but acknowledged the noted the Committee’s concerns for future park development review. Members also inquired about the lack of parking and its impact on accessibility. Staff advised that Belmont Park is classified as a neighbourhood park, which mean s it does not qualify for a parking lot and is intended to be walked to by the neighborhood residents. Committee members inquired about lighting, seating and wheelchair access to the multisport court area. Staff advised that there will not be lighting because this park is open dawn -dusk. The barrier-free path of travel to the court was reviewed and the accessible seating area was highlighted as an accessible feature of the park. Staff confirmed that the court will be drop- in/informal use only and that it will not offer any formal programming or leagues. A. Micu thanked the committee for their feedback, encouraged them to complete the online park survey, and advised that he will continue to engage them on future projects. 7. Accessible Parking Motion Update/Council Update Councillor Traill advised that on Monday January 26th, Council approved the AAC’s motion on accessible parking. The Committee was advised that vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking permit no longer need to pay for parking in paid municipal lots or paid on-street parking spaces. Additionally, a temporary adjustment in residential areas for vehicles with valid accessible parking permits from three to six hours was also approved. A brief discussion of logistics and next steps took place. 8. Website Accessibility Discussion S. Wirch initiated a discussion on an opportunity to improve facility-specific accessibility information on the Municipality’s website. Referencing the City of Toronto’s website as an example, S. Wirch suggested including a more detailed list of accessibility features at each recreation facility. It was suggested that the municipality create video walk-throughs or other similar visual orientation tools for the website. Additionally, members suggested an interactive or map-based navigation tools would further enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. Page | 4 9. Staff Updates J. Whynot shared that the Municipality refreshed its website and now includes a new accessibility widget. This accessibility widget gives users the ability to alter the website to suit their personal accessibility needs. This tool allows users to adjust the text size, colour contrast, language and so much more. J. Whynot gave the Committee a brief demonstration of how to use it and encouraged everyone to try it out on their own. J. Whynot advised that Durham Region Transit (DRT) has an Accessibility Survey open right now and will share the survey link with them via email. 10. Next AAC Meeting Wednesday March 11, 2026 at 6:30pm, hybrid format. 11. Adjournment Moved by K. Brettell; seconded by B. Henn. That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.