SIXTH MEETING OF THE

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY

 

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

 

MINUTES

Members                                                                                  Regrets

Robert Hunn (Chair)                                                                 Vito Bigioni (Vice-Chair)

William Broger                                                             Connie Weber

Sherry Setnyk                                                                           Sam Jhangiani

Carole Robertson                                                                     Regional Councillor Jack Heath

Dr. John White

 

Staff

Yvonne Hurst, Committee Clerk

 

The meeting convened at the hour of 7:00 p.m. 

 

1.         MINUTES OF FIFTH MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE MEETING IN 2005 HELD ON MAY 18, 2005

           

            THE TOWN OF MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the minutes of the Town of Markham Accessibility Committee meeting held on May 18, 2005, be adopted.

 

CARRIED.

 

2.         ACCESSIBILITY UPDATE 2005

 

The Committee reviewed the Accessibility Update – 2005 provided by Gil Verbeek, Maintenance Co-ordinator for the Town.  It was noted that the list does not show any items completed since 2001. 

 

It was suggested that Mr. Gil Verbeek be invited to attend the September meeting to discuss what issues are being addressed with respect to accessibility in the Town.   

 

The Committee was not aware of having reviewed expansion plans for the Museum.  Town staff will be requested to advise if these plans were before the Committee for consideration of accessibility issues.

 

THE TOWN OF MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Mr. Gil Verbeek, Maintenance Co-Ordinator for the Town of Markham be requested to attend the September meeting of the Markham Accessibility Committee to discuss the current status of accessibility projects throughout the Town.

 

CARRIED

 

 

3.         CSD’S DISABILITY INFORMATION SHEET NO. 18

 

The Committee received and reviewed the information provided regarding Employment and Persons with Disabilities in Canada.  No further action was required with respect to this item.

 

 

4.         ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT

 

Mr. Robert Hunn, Chair, noted that he is in receipt of the Peterborough Accessibility Plan.  The Peterborough Plan has an Accessibility Audit Checklist attached.  Carole Robertson indicated that the City of Toronto uses an Accessibility Audit tool, however, she has not been successful to date in obtaining a copy. 

 

It was suggested that a sub-committee be established to review the audit tools available and determine which one (or a combination of several) would be best for the use of the Committee.  It was noted that Mr. Gil Verbeek may be working on an audit tool for the Town, however, the Committee concurred that they require a separate audit tool for their own purposes when auditing new municipal facilities and public buildings (e.g. restaurants). 

 

It was suggested that some form of recognition be given for public buildings that meet the accessibility criteria (e.g. a plaque).  It was noted that the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) will come into effect in the next couple of years so public places and businesses will be required to be accessible. 

 

The Chair indicated that a report on accessibility guidelines was developed in 1999 by Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill.  The Peterborough Guidelines were put in place in 2002.  It was suggested that the Committee review the Joint Guidelines and the Peterborough Accessibility Guidelines and then develop an audit tool using information in the Sioux Ste. Marie and Peterborough Audit Tools.

 

The Committee requested that copies of the Joint Guidelines and Appendix “A” of the Peterborough Accessibility Guidelines be forwarded by Town staff in mid-August for review at the September meeting.

 

It was also noted that a draft of the Accessibility Plan for the Town of Markham had not yet been received by the Committee for comment. 

 

THE TOWN OF MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Council of the Town of Markham be made aware of the Accessibility Committee’s concern that the draft Markham Accessibility Plan, as mandated by the Province and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, has not yet been received by the Town of Markham Accessibility Committee in order that this Committee has the opportunity to provide comment.

 

CARRIED

 

 

5.         NEW BUSINESS

 

            Accessibility Committees – Staffing

 

                                                     Carole Robertson advised that, at a recent breakfast meeting attended by regional Accessibility Committee representatives, it was noted that a number of committees in the Region have a member of Town staff assigned to the committee.  The staff person is then able to provide items of concern to the appropriate staff or Council as issues arise.

 

            THE TOWN OF MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

WHEREAS, a number of Accessibility Committee’s in the Region of York have a staff representative assigned to the committee;

 

AND WHEREAS, the presence of a staff person assists with the smooth flow of information between the Accessibility Committee and Town staff/Council;

 

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Markham be requested to provide a representative from Town staff to act as a conduit in taking items and information from the Accessibility Committee to the appropriate staff or Council.

 

CARRIED

 

            New Members

 

The Committee discussed the advertisements placed for volunteers to sit on the Accessibility Committee.  It was noted that an advertisement was placed on the Town’s page of the Thornhill Liberal and other local newspapers.  The question was raised: is the request for volunteers on the Town’s website?

 

 

 

Whitchurch-Stouffville Accessibility Committee

 

Mr. Robert Hunn, Chair, referenced the letter received from Brenda Lobraico, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Whitchurch-Stouffville, who is looking for information on how Markham encourages existing businesses to become accessible.  He advised that he has obtained information for Ms. Lobraico and will draft a letter for the Whitchurch-Stouffville Accessibility Committee for the Committee’s review.

 

            Access Guide Canada

 

Mr. Robert Hunn, Chair, informed the Committee of a publication titled “Access Guide Canada” that provides listings for businesses and services to persons with disabilities.

 

            City of Toronto – Accessibility Award

 

It was noted that the City of Toronto provides an Accessibility Award for those who contribute to accessibility in Toronto.  Information for persons with disabilities can be obtained from diversity@toronto.ca.  Mrs. Sherry Setnyk indicated that she would call the City of Toronto and obtain information on its accessibility award.

 

Terms of Reference

 

Mr. Robert Hunn, Chair, noted that the Terms of Reference have been circulated for the Committee’s review.  Concerns were expressed that there is a lack of input by the committee into accessibility issues within the Town and that the audit of businesses is carried out as agreed upon.  The Committee suggested that a dedicated staff person is required to follow up issues in the Town. 

 

 

6.         NEXT MEETING

 

There are no meetings scheduled for July and August.  The next scheduled meeting of the Accessibility Committee is on September 21, 2005.

 

 

7.         ADJOURNMENT

 

            The Advisory Committee on Accessibility adjourned at the hour of 8.10 p.m.