Fifth Meeting of the Town of Markham

Advisory Committee on Accessibility

 

Minutes

Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 3:30 p.m.

Ontario Room

 

Committee members present:

Carl Bodnar

Jaqueline Bell

Councillor Valerie Burke

Ted Chivers, Co-Chair

Prescott Harrison

Robert Hunn, Co-Chair

Joan Jenkyn

Scott Labbett

Sidney Polak

Carole Robertson

 

Regrets:

Regional Councillor Gord Landon

 

Staff present:

Don Taylor, Manager, Executive Operations

Warren Ruparain, Accessibility Coordinator

Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

 

The meeting of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility convened at 3:30 pm with Ted Chivers presiding as Chair.

 

 

1.                  Approval of Minutes – April 15, 2009

 

The Committee noted appreciation to Carl Bodnar for his efforts in preparing the draft brochure, item 7a) of the April 15th minutes.

 

Moved by: Robert Hunn

Seconded by:  Prescott Harrison

 

That the minutes of the April 15, 2009 meeting of the Town of Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility be approved.

                                                            CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.                  Chair and Vice-Chair

 

Nominations were called for the position of the Chair and Vice Chair. By acclamation, Sidney Polak was declared Chair, and Robert Hunn was declared Vice-Chair. Both positions will take effect following the June, 2009 meeting.

 

 

3.         Priority/Objectives Discussion

 

The Chair reviewed that the members had been requested to submit their top two issues, for a discussion by the Committee to determine the priority/objectives for the near future. Warren Ruparain reviewed the submissions received, and advised that the common two issues were:

-         accessible business initiatives;

-         raising awareness of accessibility issues.

 

With respect to the accessible business initiatives, Warren provided an update on his meeting with Corporate Communications, and their idea to create an award program to recognize accessible businesses. Staff will work with the Markham Board of Trade to develop criteria. The Committee suggested that the awards be categorized for different types of businesses – restaurants, stores, etc., and that instead of recognizing just one business each year, a certificate might be issued to businesses that meet accessibility criteria. The awards could be self-nominating or by public nominations, and the Town would be able to assist in promoting and advertising the award. Warren will request that a representative from the Board of Trade meet with the Accessibility Committee in the fall.

 

The Chair requested that the complete list of submitted priorities be provided with the minutes of this meeting, and that it be placed on the agenda in June or September for discussion.

 

 

4.         Outstanding Items and Issues

 

Warren Ruparain advised that the draft AODA standards will be released for public comment shortly, and copies will be provided to the Committee.

 

Warren advised that he has discussed the EatSmart program with the organizers, as requested by the Committee, and has concluded that the program would not fit with the Committee’s objective.

 

Don Taylor and Warren reported on the recent Accessibility Customer Service training program given to 900 Markham staff members, and gave a brief overview. A training session is planned for September, and the Committee indicated an interest in attending, and suggested that participation by the Markham Board of Trade may assist in the previously discussed awards initiative.

 

Warren provided an update on the Town’s website. The plan is to make it Priority One accessible.

 

Items from the “To Do” list were reviewed and updates were provided.

-         a further follow-up will be made with Chris Bird regarding clarification of his presentation

-         the March of Dimes opportunity was discussed, and it was concluded that no additional revenues would result for accessibility initiatives, however, it has benefits from a public relations aspect

-         the Manager of the Second Cup advised that a handicapped space has not been removed, but the posted sign has been removed

-         the Committee’s resolution to recommend that accessible washroom stall signage be included in the Town’s Accessibility Guidelines, has been conveyed to the appropriate people

-         the e-mail from Chris Bird to Robert Hunn was provided with the agenda

-         Ted advised of discussions regarding a resolution to amend the Building Code, and suggested that with Warren’s representation on behalf o the Committee, and in light of the recent emphasis on accessibility, amendments to the Building Code should be achieved. A resolution was passed by the Committee.

-         Warren has been working with Corporate Communications on the draft brochure, and will work on the mission statement/mandate for the September meeting

-         Carole Robertson will be inviting a staff member to attend the September meeting to discuss the Cycling and Pedestrian Committee initiatives

-         Jaqueline Bell is continuing work on the Toronto and Markham By-laws for No Parking Zones 

 

The Committee passed the following resolution:

 

Moved by: Joan Jenkyn

Seconded by: Carole Robertson

 

That the Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility advocates that the standards of the Town of Markham’s Accessibility Guidelines, as reviewed by Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility and adopted by Town of Markham Council, be utilized by the Ministry of Housing to update the Ontario Building Code.

     CARRIED

 

 

5.         Other Business

 

a)         Correspondence from Chris Bird

 

The Committee received a correspondence regarding Building Code Standards. Chris Bird’s timely response was appreciated.

 

 

 

 

b)         Regional Forum on Accessibility

 

Registration forms and information had been previously provided. Ted, Robert, and Sidney will be attending and will report back to the Committee. A request was made to obtain a copy of the handbook ‘Making Accessibility Happen’.

 

c)         Good Citizenship Recognition

 

The Committee received correspondence seeking nominations for Good Citizenship awards. It was noted that the nomination is accompanied by onerous applications and background information requirements. If anyone feels strongly about a candidate, assistance could be provided by the Chair and staff.

 

d)         Markham Centre

 

Robert Hunn advised he is unable to attend and represent the Committee at the Markham Centre meeting on May 28, and Sidney Polak agreed to attend.

 

e)         GO Train Station

 

The Committee received correspondence from Dianne More, President of the Markham Village Conservancy, in response to the Committee’s submission of concerns regarding accessibility at the GO Strain Station. Ms. More agreed that there are opportunities for improvement, but the Conservancy would not be responsible for costs. Ted advised that once a response has been received from GO, he will approach the Town on this issue. It was recommended that Deputy Mayor Jack Heath be contacted as well. Don Taylor agreed to follow up with the Commissioner and look into governance and Heritage issues. This item will be included on the agenda for the June meeting.

 

f)          Whitchurch-Stouffville Seminar

 

The Committee received information regarding a Business Awareness Seminar being held in Whitchurch-Stouffville on June 2, 2009.

 

 

 

The Committee adjourned at 5:00 p.m.