HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-02 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
September 2, 2015, 6:00 P.M.
Meeting Room 1A
Present: André O’Bumsawin
Tim Van Leeuwen
Maureen Reed
John Sturdy
Sally Barrie
Shea-Lea Latchford
Also Present: Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator
Slav Potrykus, Traffic Coordinator, Engineering Department
Regrets: Councillor Partner
Jacquie Watchorn
Adoption of Minutes
Moved by André O’Bumsawin seconded by Maureen Reed
That the minutes of the meeting of June 3, 2015 be approved.
CARRIED
1. Presentation
Updates to barrier-free parking spaces in municipal lots
Jeannette introduced Slav and provided context for the presentation the AAC
was to receive. Beginning in 2016 the AAC will be consulted on the
development/redevelopment of all recreational trails, accessible on-street
parking, rest areas on exterior paths of travel and outdoor play spaces. It was
noted that although the Municipality of Clarington does not have to consult the
AAC on off-street parking lots, Clarington wants to consult the AAC as much as
possible, above and beyond the requirements outlined in the AODA.
Slav advised the AAC that the operations department has a yearly budget for
maintenance of municipal lots, which includes repainting. Although the
maintenance budget for this year has been largely used, there may be
opportunities next year to use this budget to make some minor changes to the
municipal parking lots around the Municipal Administrative Centre (MAC).
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Slav outlined the following changes:
King Street Lot:
Maintain the current 2.0m access isle;
Designate a 3.0m Type B parking space to the east of the
abovementioned access aisle;
Designate a 1.5m access isle to the east of the Type B space; and
Designate a 3.4m van accessible, Type A space
Division Street Lot:
On the West side of the lot develop two 3.0m Type B parking spaces with
a 1.5m access aisle between the two spaces;
Access aisle will connect with the current curb cut through the median,
providing access to the King Street lot; and
On the East side, designate two 3.7m van accessible spaces with a 1.6m
access aisle.
Silver Street Lot:
Reconfigure the two existing barrier-free parking spaces to include:
One 3.0m Type B space;
o
One 1.5m access aisle; and
o
One 3.5m Type A space
o
Bibles for Missions Lot:
Currently, there are no barrier-free parking spaces in the municipal portion
of this lot;
Remove three regular spaces from the South side of the lot;
Designate one 3.0m Type B space;
Designate one 1.5m access aisle; and
Designate one 3.5m Type A, van accessible space
Church Street Fire Hall – West Lot
Reconfigure the two existing barrier-free parking spaces to include:
One 3.0m Type B space;
o
One 1.5m access aisle; and
o
One 3.5m Type A space
o
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Once an access aisle is developed, one pre-cast curb will be removed and
the path of travel will be altered to ensure a smooth transition from parking
lot to exterior path of travel.
Church Street Fire Hall – East Lot
Currently there are no barrier-free spaces in this lot;
On the West aisle closest to the building, place one 2.8m Type B space
and 1.5m access aisle;
On the adjacent aisle, place one 3.6m Type A space and 1.5m access
aisle;
Due to site restrictions, it was noted that the Type B space cannot be
added until the entire parking lot is resurfaced and the slope issue can be
addressed.
Church Street – On-Street Parking
It is proposed that a 12.5m “specialized transportation zone” (or similar
phrase) be established on-street, in front of the old fire hall on Church St.
The Clarington Project runs an adult day program for individuals with
developmental disabilities. Consequently, there are a large number of
drop offs.
However, given that this facility only has two barrier-free parking spaces,
drivers often have to disembark passengers in unsafe areas or areas that
are further away from the building.
The proposed drop-off zone would include appropriate signage and
“hatched” markings on the pavement.
Two unpaid, on-street parking spaces would be removed to accommodate
this drop-off zone.
Newcastle Hall Parking Lot
Currently there is one oversized (7m) barrier-free parking space;
It is proposed that this space be designated with two Type B parking
spaces and one 1.5m access aisle. One space will be 2.75m and the other
will be 2.85m;
It is also proposed that one Type A space be designed. The existing
access aisle will be utilized.
It was noted that 3 barrier-free parking spaces exceeds the requirements
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of the AODA, but given that this facility is used by a diverse population for
a variety of uses, it is recommended that the extra spaces be provided.
Mill Street Parking Lot - Newcastle
Currently, there are two barrier-free parking spaces in the North East
corner of this lot;
It is proposed that these spaces be reconfigured to allow for:
One 3.4m Type A space;
o
One 1.5m access aisle; and
o
One 3.0m Type B space
o
Once the presentation had finished, the committee was asked for any comments
and/or feedback. The committee was supportive of the presentation and did not
have any issues with the proposed changes.
Moved by André O’Bumsawin, seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen
That the Presentation be received
CARRIED
3. Business Arising From Minutes
(a) Festivals Guide
André provided an update on the festivals guide project. He advised the
committee that he and Jeannette had met and reviewed several examples of
festivals guides focusing on accessibility. It was explained that he will be working
on a draft “checklist” to give to event organizers when they receive their permits
from the Clerk’s department and that later he will work on developing a longer
version that better explains how these features benefit all people. André advised
he hoped to have a finalized “checklist” in January so to ensure that it can be
given out to event organizers for all of next year’s festivals.
(b) Disability Awareness Presentations
Jeannette advised the committee that in response to the work plan item,
awareness presentations, that she had made with Maureen Reed and they had
subsequently begun work on a series of 15-20 minute awareness presentations.
Maureen advised the committee that the first presentation will focus on “universal
design”. The goal is to have committee members comfortable with presenting
these presentations. The committee was advised that once a draft presentation
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was ready, Jeannette and Maureen would go over it with everyone for feedback
and approval.
(c) ServiceOntario Advocacy Letter
Jeannette advised the committee that the letter is still being drafted and that the
committee will see the letter at the next AAC meeting. The committee was further
advised that a Freedom of Information (FOI) request may occur to gain further
insight into the accessibility of this location and whether or not ServiceOntario
required this private location to meet accessibility standards through its
procurement process. The committee was supportive of this idea and felt it was a
very good step to take in light of the ongoing issues relating to the Bowmanville
ServiceOntario location.
4. New Business
(a) Taxicab Consultations – accessible on-demand service in Clarington
Jeannette advised the committee that the November or December AAC meeting
will be, in part, a public consultation on the need for accessible on-demand taxi
service in Clarington. The committee was advised that Clarington has an
obligation under the AODA to conduct this type of consultation with the AAC and
members of the public. Currently there are no accessible on-demand taxis in
Clarington. It was explained that through the consultation this could change or
remain the same.
Some committee members noted that they felt there was a need for this type of
service. Sally advised the committee that the organization she works for has their
own accessible van and they frequently receive requests to use it for other trips,
which they cannot do.
The committee asked if the taxicab companies in Clarington would be advised of
the consultation. The Accessibility Coordinator advised that the meeting will be
advertise and that the Municipality will do its due diligence in making sure that
interested parties are aware of the meeting.
(b) Universal Design Standards for Municipal Facilities
Jeannette provided an overview of a project to develop a universal design guide
for municipal facilities. The committee was given a brief history of other municipal
guides available and the reason why Clarington requires this type of resource.
Jeannette advised the committee that Clarington plans to adopt the 2015 guide
published by the Town of Oakville and that she will ensure that all relevant
departments (engineering, planning, operations, etc.) all have a chance to review
and comment on the guide before it’s formally adopted. Additionally the
committee was told they once it is closer to completion, they will have the
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opportunity to review and endorse it.
(c) StopGap Community Ramp Project Overview
Committee members provided a copy of StopGap’s Community Ramp Project
Handbook and were asked to review the program closely in preparation for a
more detailed discussion and motion at the next meeting.
Jeannette advised the committee that in response to the committee’s desire to
improve the physical accessibility of “downtown” businesses, this was one option
they could consider. The committee was advised this booklet was for information
gathering only and that a discussion on whether or not to proceed with this
project will occur at the next AAC meeting in October.
5. Regional Update
(a) Joint AAC Form
Committee members were advised that the annual Joint AAC forum will be
Wednesday September 23, 2015 from 5-8pm at the Region’s headquarters.
Members were given a copy of the agenda for the event and advised to RSVP
their attendance as required on the agenda.
6. Other Business
Tim advised that he went to a new memorial bench in Whitby which had an
access space for people with disabilities beside the bench. Jeannette advised the
committee that this type of design will become more common going forward as it
is one of the requirements of the Design of Public Spaces Standard. Committee
members were pleased to learn that they will be consulted on such things going
forward.
Committee was advised that the Clarington Project will receive a Durham
Accessibility award at the Regional AAC meeting on Sept 23, 2015
7. Date of Next Meeting
October 7, 2015 at 6:00 PM.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Sally Barrie, seconded by André O’Bumsawin
That the meeting adjourn.
CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
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_________________________
Chair
_________________________
Secretary