Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes

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Virtual Meeting
Present:
  • Larry Brual
  • Liam Lacy, Vice-Chair
  • Adam Lamplugh
  • Mike Moraites
  • Paul Scott, Chair
Regrets:
  • Victoria Formusa
  • Michael Richards
  • Marta Swirydowicz
Also Present:
  • Councillor Shahid, Mayor's Designate
  • Michele Cotton, Staff Liaison, Accessibility Coordinator
  • Heather Ellis, Recording Secretary, Council and Committee Coordinator

1.
Call to Order

 

2.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest

 

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

3.
Approval of Previous Minutes

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byLiam Lacy

    That the Accessibility Advisory Committee minutes of June 4, 2024 be approved.

    Carried

4.
Presentations

 

There were no presentations.

5.
Delegations

 

There were no delegations.

6.
General Business and Reports

 

6.1
Accessibility Advisory Committee Member Training

 

Michele Cotton provided an overview of the responsibilities of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Members including:

  • understanding accessibility legislation;
  • knowledge of accessibility issues, planning, and needs; and,
  • information about providing Committee recommendations to Council.

6.2
Regional Accessibility Award

 

Michele Cotton advised that the Durham Region's Accessibility Advisory Committee requested that the Accessibility Advisory Committee refine their nomination of the Abilities Centre for their work on accessible programs.

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byLiam Lacy

    That the Accessibility Advisory Committee nominates the Abilities Centre as the recipient for the Regional Accessibility Award in recognition for their work on the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD) Process.

    Carried

6.3
Regional Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting

 

Michele Cotton stated that the Regional Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting was being held in Ajax at the Audley Recreation Centre, on September 19, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ms. Cotton advised that the meeting will provide an opportunity for municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees to network and share information and experiences. She clarified whether anyone had a transportation issue to discuss at the meeting and requested that anyone wishing to attend let her know by Friday, September 6, 2024.

6.4
Provincial Legislative Review of Design of Public Spaces

 

Michele Cotton provided an update regarding the proposed provincial legislative update to the design of public spaces and building code. Ms. Cotton advised that she submitted comments on behalf of the Town on August 27, 2024. She stated that the purpose of the proposed changes was to create a minimum standardization to the accessible design of public spaces. She further stated that the provincial legislative review included 127 recommended changes to the legislation including:

  • design of public spaces such as exterior paths of travel, sidewalks, multi use trails, leisure trails, beach access routes, outdoor eating spaces, and accessible parking;
  • accessible playgrounds;
  • transportation;
  • the building code; and,
  • municipal enforcement powers over the design of public spaces.

A brief question and answer period ensued regarding who would be responsible for developing and distributing awareness campaign materials to the public.

6.5
Accessibility Improvement Grant Updates

 

Michele Cotton stated that the Town has not released the Accessibility Improvement Grant at this time and that she would provide a further update at a future meeting.

6.6
Subcommittee Updates

 

Communication and Customer Service Subcommittee

Liam Lacy provided an update regarding the Communication and Customer Service Subcommittee. Mr. Lacy advised that the Subcommittee discussed the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee booth at the Harvest Festival on September 21, and the Regional Accessibility Award nomination. 

Site Plans and Built Environment Subcommittee

Michele Cotton provided an update regarding the Site Plans and Built Environment Subcommittee. Ms. Cotton stated that the Subcommittee competed six playground audits using the Playground Audit tool. Ms. Cotton stated that the next step was to review the results of the audits with design and maintenance staff.

6.7
Micromobility Devices on Multi-Use Trails Update

 

Note: this matter was discussed under Item 8, Council Update.

7.
Correspondence

 

There was no correspondence.

8.
Council Update

 

Councillor Shahid advised that the issue of micromobility devices on multi-use trails has not come back to Council at this time.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • safety concerns about micromobility devices on sidewalks;
  • enforcing micromobility device usage;
  • micromobility device policies and enforcement standards in other municipalities; and,
  • when the matter may be presented to Council.

9.
Other Business

 

9.1
Fully Accessible Playground

 

Mike Moraites requested feedback from the Committee regarding the construction of a fully accessible playground within the Whitby waterfront area.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • funding for a fully accessible playground;
  • revitalization plans for the waterfront;
  • working with Town staff to provide a broad recommendation that does not dictate the location of a fully accessible playground; and,
  • defining an accessible playground and the required facilities.

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byMike Moraites
    1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee requests that Council direct Staff to establish a Committee to explore the possibility of creating a fully accessible playground within the waterfront area that is composed of Town Staff, two Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and representatives from the Abilities Centre Board; and,
    2. That the Committee’s findings be submitted to Council for information.
    Motion Lost

10.
Next Meeting

 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.

11.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byAdam Lamplugh

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

    Note: These minutes were approved by the Accessibility Advisory Committee on November 5, 2024. 


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