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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-03 Minutes Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee June 3, 2015, 6:00 P.M. Meeting Room 1A Present: Andre O’Bumsawin Jacquie Watchorn Councillor Partner arrived 6:10 PM Tim Van Leeuwen Maureen Reed arrived at 6:30PM John Sturdy Also Present: Anne Greentree, Municipal Clerk Michelle Chambers, Committee Coordinator Jeannette Whynot Regrets: Sally Barrie Shea-Lea Latchford 1. Adoption of Minutes Moved by Andre O’Bumsawin seconded by Councillor Partner That the minutes of the meeting of May 13, 2015 be approved. CARRIED 2. Presentation Mr. Jim McEwen, local resident of Clarington was present to explain some issues that he has had with respect to accessibility within the Municipality of Clarington. He provided some personal background information and explained what circumstances have lead to him contacting the Municipality. Mr. McEwen noted several locations within the Region of Durham and within the Municipality that he has had issues with which included the Service Ontario office and the newly constructed fish ladder in Bowmanville. Mr. McEwen highlighted some of the common issues he encounters with respect to accessibility on a regular basis which included:  No automatic door openers  Thresholds in doorways of restaurants are too high  Too many paving stones are used in landscaping plans  Steps leading up to stores Mr. McEwen provided some suggestions to assist with accessibility for accessing the fish ladder which included: An alternate ramp that has a more gradual slope  Marked accessible parking spots Clarington Accessibility - 2 - June 3, 2015 Advisory Committee Mr. McEwen continued by explained some of the issues he encounters with accessible washrooms and concluded by noting that he has contacted many government agencies with his concerns in hopes that businesses can be offered additional funding or low interest financing to assist them with the financial implications of becoming accessible. Jeanette explained that the recent changes to the Ontario Building Code has significant changes with respect to newly constructed washrooms, however it is on go forward basis- not retroactive. The Committee members agreed that it would be helpful to have information regarding accessibility on business websites. Jeannette thanked Mr. McEwen for attending this meeting and invited him to come and speak again in the future. 3. Business Arising From Minutes (a) Review 2015-2018 CAAC Workplan Jeannette reviewed the workplan and noted that the timelines needed to be determined. She continued by reviewing the objectives and scheduled timelines and determined which Committee members were willing to assist with each individual objective. Jeannette discussed the possibility of an incentive program and moving forward with how we can approach businesses and assist with this in support of their businesses. Jeannette concluded by noting that she will be in touch with the members over the summer break to finalize the workplan. Moved by Andre O’Bumsawin seconded by Maureen Reed That the 2015-2018 CAAC Workplan be adopted. CARRIED 4. New Business (a) Festival Guide Jeannette reviewed a sample Festival guide and explained that this objective will need both short and long term goals. She added that she is looking for assistance to develop a guide that is specific to the Municipality of Clarington. Clarington Accessibility - 3 - June 3, 2015 Advisory Committee Anne discussed moving forward what the goals will be for events within the Municipality and that accessibility will be included in the event approval process. Jeannette explained that she is hoping to observe some of the festivals and events in the Municipality and hopes to make suggestions and changes for next year. 5. Regional Update (a) Regional AAC – Accessibility Awards – to take place at the Annual Joint Forum in September, 2015 Jeannette advised the Committee that nominations are being accepted until June 30, 2015. A discussion to place regarding potential nominees and Jeannette asked for nominations to be sent to her by Friday, June 12, 2015. 6. Other Business A brief discussion took place about Parks and Trails and Peter Windolf will be asked to attend a meeting at a later date. 7. Date of Next Meeting September 2, 2015 at 6:00 PM. 8. Adjournment Moved by Maureen Reed, seconded by Andre O’Bumsawin That the meeting adjourn. CARRIED The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. _________________________ Chair _________________________ Secretary