FIFTH MEETING OF THE

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, June 17, 2004

MINUTES

Members Regrets

Robert Hunn (Chair) Dr. John White

Vito Bigioni (Vice-Chair) Sherry Setnyk

Sharon Prasow Regional Councillor Jack Heath

Martha Shultz

Connie Weber

Carole Robertson

William Broger

Sam Jhangiani

Staff

Yvonne Hurst, Committee Clerk

Guests

Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor

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

1. MINUTES OF FOURTH MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE MEETING IN 2004 HELD ON MAY 19, 2004

THE TOWN OF MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

That the minutes of the Town of Markham Accessibility Committee held on May 19, 2004, be adopted.

CARRIED.

2. ACCESSIBILITY AUDITS 2004

Ms. C. Conrad, Town Solicitor, was in attendance to review the Town of Markham Accessibility Plan. A copy of the plan was provided to each member of Committee. Ms. Conrad noted that the plan was adopted by Council on October 24, 2003. A public meeting has been held and the plan was circulated to 15 agencies who deal with persons with disabilities. Only one response was received from Participation House who indicated a concern that the issue of ‘snow removal’ should be included in the plan. It was pointed out that, when snow accumulation is high or furniture, etc. is placed at the curb for pick up, it is difficult to discharge a passenger with a wheelchair. It was suggested that a possible solution would be to ensure that a parking space is allocated in a nearby parking lot for persons with disabilities.

Ms. Conrad further noted that Mr. R. Dominico, Manager of Corporate Strategy and Quality, has been identified as the Town’s Coordinator with respect to the Accessibility Plan. Mr. Dominico will coordinate with each department in the Town with respect to updating the plan for Council’s consideration in the fall.

Each department has identified achievements made to date and objectives for future implementation (some will be identified in current or future budgets and some may be done immediately). She stressed that projects requiring budget allocation may not obtain funding to proceed in 2004. Asset Management has a list of outstanding projects and a partial allocation of funds has been identified for the completion of some projects. Where budget allocation is not made in 2004, projects will be rolled over to 2005 or future budgets.

The Human Resource Department will be completing its 2004 project objectives and the Markham Library will be accommodating most of its 2004 projects. Improved signage, accessible furniture and a barrier free design for libraries will be considered in future budget years.

Ms. Conrad noted that an overall 3.9% budget increase has been targeted for 2004. Choices will have to be made by Council as to how much funding can be allocated for accessibility issues. Ms. Conrad pointed out that each department will provide a budget submission outlining the projects that are recommended for implementation in 2004. Ms. Conrad indicated that there are a number of options for the public to become involved in the budget process.

Members of the committee interested in attending budget meetings can request the Town Clerk to provide notification of the date and time of these meetings. The budget process will begin in the early Fall with approval possibly early in the New Year. Members could make a submission for inclusion of accessibility capital projects in 2005 by writing to the Mayor and members of Council. The letter could request that specific projects, identified in the Town’s Accessibility Plan, be included in the 2005 budget.

A budget breakfast is held each year and it was suggested that, if a letter is to be forwarded by the Accessibility Committee to the Mayor and members of Council, it should be forwarded prior to this meeting. The Chair suggested that a meeting be held with Mr. R. Dominico (Co-ordinator for the Town’s Accessibility Plan) to determine what specific barriers could be included in the updated plan for Council’s consideration in September.

Ms. Conrad indicated that she would provide the Committee with a list of what projects receive funding in 2004 and what projects did not receive funding this year.

3. PROVINCIAL CONSULTATION ON THE

ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Members of the Committee were requested to review the report from the Community Services and Housing Committee, York Region, adopted by Regional Council at its meeting of March 25, 2004, providing recommendations to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario as part of the Provincial consultation on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and provide any comments at the next meeting of this committee.

4. REVIEW OF “PEOPLE IN MOTION” EVENT HELD ON JUNE 4-5, 2004

Mr. R. Hunn attended the “People in Motion” event held on June 4-5, 2004. He noted that there was representation from the major banks and different levels of government. Over 100 exhibitors were set up covering a variety of services from cruises to special equipment for the physically challenged.

5. CITY OF GUELPH BARRIER FREE POLICIES

Review of the City of Guelph Barrier Free Policies was deferred to the next meeting of the Accessibility Committee.

6. VIDEO – “RULES OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE”

The Committee viewed the video provided by the Clerk’s Department on Parliamentary procedures.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

a) "Access to Markham Guide"

The Chair, Robert. Hunn, circulated a copy of the most current edition (2000) of the “Access to Markham Guide”. He noted that the guide is now 4 years old and was originally sponsored by the Lions Club. Also circulated was a copy of the “Access Winnipeg” accessibility guide. It was noted that the Winnipeg guide has a significant number of commercial ads to defray the cost. The Committee agreed that the guide should be updated and also placed on the Town’s web site.

It was pointed out that the guide should address such issues as finding an accessible dentist, restaurant or doctor. A map in the middle of the guide and a detailed index for easy reference were suggested for inclusion in an update edition.

It was further suggested that the Committee approach the Lions Club to see if the club would be interested in sponsoring a 2004 edition of the brochure. Mr. V. Bigioni advised that he would contact the Markham Lions Club in this regard.

8. NEW BUSINESS

Certificates of Appreciation

Mr. R. Hunn, noted a certificate of appreciation was presented to Barbara Howe on June 8, 2004. He will contact Frank Zambri to ensure that his certificate of appreciation is forwarded to him.

Non-Driver Identification

Ms. C. Robertson advised that she has met with the Parliamentary Assistant (P.A.) for the Minister of Transportation with respect to a non-driver identification card. She outlined to the P.A. that it is difficult for non-drivers to provide the required identification in many instances. The Parliamentary Assistant indicated that legislation would go forward in either the fall or winter sessions to provide for a non-driver identification card.

Hybrid Vehicles – Sound Issue

A concern was expressed that the new hybrid motor vehicles are very quiet. This poses a problem for the visually impaired who may not hear when a vehicle is approaching.

9. NEXT MEETING

There are no meetings scheduled for July and August, however, the Committee concurred that an August meeting may be required. The Clerk’s Department will be contacted to determine if a room is available for a meeting on August 18^th, 2004.

It was also noted that the Accessibility Committee meeting scheduled for September 15, 2004 falls on the eve of Rosh Hashanah. The Committee suggested that the Clerk’s Department be contacted to determine if a room is available for a meeting on September 22, 2004. The Committee will be advised when the above noted meeting dates are confirmed.

10. ADJOURNMENT

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility adjourned at the hour of 8:35 p.m.