Fourth Meeting of the Town of
Advisory Committee on Accessibility
Minutes
Committee members
present:
Carl Bodnar
Jaqueline Bell
Ted Chivers, Co-Chair
Robert Hunn, Co-Chair
Joan Jenkyn
Scott Labbett
Regional Councillor Gordon Landon
Sidney Polak
Carole Robertson
Regrets:
Councillor Valerie Burke
Staff present:
Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk
The meeting of the Advisory Committee on
1.
Approval of
Minutes –
The Committee requested clarification of a statement made during the presentation by the Manager of Plans review, regarding the requirements for accessibility standards “less than 300m2 or 8 inches above the adjacent ground level”. Staff will provide clarification at the next meeting.
Moved by: Regional
Councillor Gord Landon
Seconded by: Ted Chivers
That the minutes of the
CARRIED
2.
The Committee reviewed
The Committee agreed that public awareness and by-law enforcement were the main issues with respect to disabled parking offences. A partnership with the March of Dimes might be beneficial, and the Chair agreed to visit the website and contact a representative to find out more information.
The Committee reviewed a previous discussion regarding the
removal of a disabled parking space in front of the Second Cup at
3.
The Committee reviewed the letter from the Chair of the
Newmarket
Moved by: Ted Chivers
Seconded by: Joan Jenkyn
That the Advisory Committee on
CARRIED
4. Diversity
Nadine Daley, Manager, Human Resources, provided an overview of the Town’s Diversity Initiative and an outline of the proposed outcomes.
In the Ontario Healthy Communities Program, inclusivity has
been defined as creating a climate where people experience both the feeling and
the reality of belonging. The path to inclusivity involves creating awareness
of the issue. The Town has established a steering committee that has researched
data, demographics, and the community. A draft plan and recommendations will be
presented to Council in the summer of 2009, followed by implementation of
several initiatives, followed by evaluation and progress tracking. With respect
to
The Committee made several comments, and questioned if a recommendation will include hiring disabled persons and accommodating the expenses associated with their needs. Nadine explained current and proposed policies and practices.
It was noted that some cultures have not shown any interest in participating in accessibility initiatives, and it may be related to that culture’s stigma towards disability. Discussions included ways to encourage a connection in these cases. Another issue is the lack of leisure and exercise programs for disabled persons, and that more promotion of such programs may increase participation in the future.
Nadine advised that
The Committee expressed appreciation to Nadine Daley for her informative presentation.
5. Response from Manager of Plans Review
Robert Hunn summarize an email from Chris Bird, Manager of Plans review, in response to questions following his presentation at the last meeting. Staff will circulate a copy to the members.
The Committee discussed legislated policies regarding the
Building Code, and how to encourage businesses to be barrier-free. Inadequate
Building Code standards need to be identified and addressed, through the
Director of Building, the
Ted Chivers agreed to work with Chris Bird in drafting a resolution to this effect for the next meeting.
6. Other Business
a) Updated
Committee Lists
The Committee received an updated contact list for the Advisory Committee members, as well as a list of the Technical Advisory Committee members.
b) Cycling and Pedestrian Committee
Carole Robertson, who is also a member of
7. New Business
a) Draft Brochure
Carl Bodnar displayed a draft information brochure to
encourage the private business community to become aware of accessibility
issues. The Committee discussed its “Mission Statement” and “Mandate”, and the
fine line between advisory and action initiatives. It was noted that
b) Election of Chair
Ted Chivers advised that the experiment of having two co-chairs has proven to be complicated, and both co-chairs have agreed to return to the formal chair/vice chair arrangement. Due to other commitments, Ted will not be available for either position.
It was agreed that elections will take place at the next meeting, in May.
c) No Parking Zones
Jaqueline Bell recommended that, similar to the City of
7. Adjournment
Moved by: Carole Robertson
Seconded by: Carl Bodnar
That the
CARRIED
The Committee adjourned at
To do:
- Kitty to contact Chris Bird for clarification of statement “less than 300m2 or 8 inches above the adjacent ground level”, for next meeting
- Robert Hunn to contact March of Dimes regarding partnership opportunities/benefits
- Warren to provide an update on the removal of a handicap parking space in front of the Second Cup at Warden Avenue and Hwy 7
- Warren to follow up on the Committee’s resolution to
recommend that accessible washroom stall signage, encouraging the public to
keep the stalls vacant for patrons with limited abilities, be included in the
Town of Markham
- Kitty to get a get a copy of Chris Bird’s response e-mail from Robert Hunn, and circulate it with next agenda
- Ted Chivers agreed to work with Chris Bird in drafting a resolution regarding inadequate Building Code standards, for the next meeting.
-
- Carole Robertson to request a representative Cycling and
Pedestrian Committee attend a future
- Jaqueline Bell to investigate the