Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWD-89-82 CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT R. DUPUIS, P. ENG., DIRECTOR HAMPTON,ONTARIO TEL.(416)263-2231 LOB 1JO 987-5039 REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 25, 1982. REPORT NO. WD-89-82. SUBJECT: PARKING FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS. RESOLUTION # C-981-82 RECOMMENDATION: It is respectfully recommended that this report be received for information. BACKGROUND: Report # WD-68-82 to the September 13, 1982, Meeting of Committee detailed the proposed steps to be taken in providing parking fac- ilities for the handicapped; it was reported that, in other area Municipalities wherein such provisions had been implemented, the local merchant organization had, in conjunction with the area Social Planning Council , been the prime instigator and administrator of the facilities. REPORT: On October 6, 1982, Staff wrote letters to the Newcastle Social Planning Council , Bowmanville Business Centre, Newcastle Village B. I .A. , and Orono Downtown Business Association, suggesting a Meeting be convened on October 19, 1982,. at which it was proposed that a plan be formulated for a co-ordinated effort in the Town reserving parking spaces for the handicapped in designated areas. �! r WD-89-82 - 2 _ By the morning of October 19, 1982, only one response had been received from the groups contacted, and the others were tele- phoned to ask if they were interested in the project, and if they intended to be present at the Meeting. In the absence of any positive reaction and response to the proposal , the Meeting was cancelled. It is felt that, without the co-operation of the local business groups and the Social Planning Council , who could provide valu- able input to the proposal for parking for the handicapped, the Town can do little to realise the project. From the previous liaison with other Municipalities who had, quite successfully, designated these parking areas, there are many factors to be considered, and a co-ordinated scheme involving all parties who may have interest in the project, is essential for it's ultimate success. It is suggested that a further attempt be made to bring together all parties to formulate a -plan for the parking facilities, after which time a report and recommendation would be presented to Committee for consideration and/or approval . Respectfully submitted, R.G. Dupuis, P. Eng. , Director of Public Works October 19, 1982. I :vh - .F. r►(a utes - 4 - September 13, 1982 Resolution #GPA-979-82 Moved by Mayor Rickard, seconded by Councillor Prout THAT the previous resolution be amended, and the donation go through the local Cancer Society. "CARRIED" Parking for Handicapped Resolution #GPA-980-82 Persons (Resolution _ #C-610-82 Moved by Councillor Prout, seconded by Councillor Hamre THAT Report WD-68-82, re Parking for Handicapped Persons, be received for information. "CARRIED" Resolution #GPA-981.,82 Moved by Councillor Hubbard, seconded by Councillor Hamre THAT the previous resolution be amended, and the Director of Public Works liaise with the Social Planning Council and 'the n. I.A. 's to establish appropriate handicapped parking. "CARRIED" I I i 4 CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT R. DUPUIS, P.ENG., DIRECTOR HAMPTON,ONTARIO TEL.(416)263.2231 LOB 1J0 9875039 REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 13, 1982. REPORT NO. WD-68-82. SUBJECT: PARKING FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS (RESOLUTION # C-610-82). RECOMMENDATION: It is respectfully recommended that this report be received for information. _ BACKGROUN-D AI_RFPOR_T_: Resolution # C-610-82 directed: " That Staff review signing for handicapped parking and report to the General Purpose and Admin- istration Committee". The Municipal Act, Chapter 302, Section 210 (118) states that a Council may pass by-laws for exempting, pursuant to permits issued, the owners and drivers of vehicles operated by or carrying a physically handicapped person, from any provision of a by-law passed for prohibiting or regulating the parking, standing or stopping of motor vehicles on any highway. In researching the above, Staff learned that the Town of Lindsay, in October, 1981, enacted a by-law to regulate parking of vehicles for physically handicapped persons; such vehicles had to bear an identifying marker, or sticker, and the owner or operator had to hold a permit specifically issued for the purpose of parking exemptions. i i WD-68-52 2 It was also learned that the Town of Lindsay Chamber of Commerce was the producer and issuing agency of the identification and permits, and the total effort to provide parking for handicapped persons was co-ordinated by the Chamber and the local Social Planning Council . The Corporation of the Town of Lindsay was instrumental , ultimately, in enacting and administering the by-law, a copy of which is attached for information and reference. In view of the data gathered so far, which included on-site inspections of convenient and appropriate parking for physically handicapped vehicles, the following has become evident: 1 . Designated parking spaces should not be in close proximity to busy intersections. 2. Spaces provided should provide clear passage to sidewalks , with benefit of ramps for wheelchair access. 3. Where possible, owners of private parking facilities should be requested to designate space for parking for handicapped persons. It is respectfully suggested that the Social Planning Council of Newcastle and the Business Impr_ovemen-t_Assocaa-tions may-wi-shto take an active part in ensuring the provision of adequate and suitable parking spaces for physically-handicapped people, poss- ibly in conjunction with Nandi-Transit and other interested agencies in the area. Staff would be pleased to provide any practical assistance, on behalf of the Town, and work in co- ordination with all local B. I.A. groups in achieving the common goal , and thus request the authority to instigate this proposal . Upon the collation of a specific plan, it would be appropriate to submit a further report on the progress of the project. Respectfully sub itted, R.G. Dupuis, P. Eng. , Director of Public Works. August 31 , 1982. :vh