FIRST MEETING OF THE

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

MINUTES

Members Regrets

Robert Hunn (Chair) Sharon Prasow

Connie Weber Martha Shultz

Vito Bigioni (Vice-Chair) William Broger

Sherry Setnyk

Dr. John White

Regional Councillor Jack Heath

Sam Jhangiani

Carole Robertson

Staff

Judi Kosch, Committee Clerk

The meeting convened at the hour of 7:05 p.m.

1. MINUTES OF TENTH MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE MEETING IN 2004 HELD ON DECEMBER 15, 2004

There was general discussion on the success of the tour of the new Angus Glen Community Centre and there were some minor revisions made on the issues suggested by the Committee: include Braille on signage along with the suggested colour change; emphasize the importance of standardized signage across the Town - it was agreed that this particular item be brought forward every three to four months – the Chair agreed to write a letter to Alan Wolfe on this matter.

THE TOWN OF MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

THAT the minutes of the Town of Markham Accessibility Committee meeting held on December 15, 2004, be adopted as amended.

CARRIED.

2. YORK REGION ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE

The Chair briefly reviewed the letter from the Chair, York Region AAC,

Wilf Morley on the proposed accessibility guide. It was agreed that the guide should be available online with limited hard copies. There was general discussion on the scope of the guide and there was consensus on the importance of standardized requirements for accessibility to a wide range of venues across the Region.

3. STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL POLICY – PUBLIC CONSULTATION REGARDING BILL 118

The Chair advised of a meeting this Saturday, January 22, at the Region of York offices in Newmarket to further discuss Bill 118. It was agreed that Vito Bigioni, Connie Weber and Carole Robertson will attend and report back to the next Committee meeting.

4. NEW BUSINESS

Resignations

The Chair advised of the resignation of Sharon Prasow. Additionally, it was suggested that Martha Shultz will be resigning. The Chair will confirm this and advise Committee at the next meeting.

Markham Centre

The Chair advised of a recent conversation with Chris Raynor, Clerk’s Department, regarding the possibility of having a staff member speak to the Committee on the Markham Centre development. Following discussion, it was agreed that an invitation will be extended for a staff member to give a 15-minute overview presentation on the Markham Centre development followed by a 15-minute question period.

5. NEXT MEETING

The next scheduled meeting of the Accessibility Committee is on February 16, 2005.

6. ADJOURNMENT

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility adjourned at the hour of 8.15 p.m.