FIFTH MEETING OF THE

MARKHAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY IN 2008

ONTARIO ROOM

MAY 21, 20083:30 P.M.

 

MINUTES

 

PRESENT:

Robert Hunn (Chair)

Regional Councillor G. Landon

Ted Chivers

Bill Broger

Carl Bodnar

Prescott Harrison

Sidney Polak

Carole Robertson

Joan Jenkyn

 

REGRETS:

Councillor V. Burke

 

STAFF:

Don Taylor, Director, Strategic Initiatives

Shirley Hsieh Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design

Shane Holten, Accessibility Consultant

Chris Raynor, Committee Clerk

 

 

1.         MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE
MEETING HELD ON APRIL 16, 2008

 

THE MARKHAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY RECOMMENDS:

 

That the minutes of the Town of Markham Accessibility Committee meeting held on April 16, 2008 be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         INTRODUCTIONS BY NEW MEMBERS

 

Ms. J. Jenkyn and Mr. C. Bodnar provided brief introductions.

 

 

 

 

3.         ACCESSIBILITY DESIGN GUIDELINES UPDATE

 

Mr. S. Holten, SPH, provided Committee with an overview of the Accessibility Design Guidelines. It was noted that Phase 1 of the project set technical criteria for the built environment. The second phase will be broader and will consider planning, design and development processes.

 

Committee was advised that the Guidelines will not be retroactive and do not apply to private buildings. It is hoped that the Town will act as a leader for the development community and that best practices can be passed on. The Guidelines will consider all accessibility requirements including signage for the visually impaired.

 

It was noted that the Town has recruited an Auditor General and that confirming compliance with the Accessibility Guidelines will likely be one of their responsibilities.

 

AP 5.1         Committee Clerk to invite Asset Management staff to the next meeting in order to discuss the process for prioritizing the implementation of accessibility requirements in Town facilities.

 

4.         UPDATE ON COMMITTEE COORDINATOR POSITION

 

Mr. D. Taylor, Director, Strategic Initiatives, provided a brief update on the Accessibility Coordinator position. It is hoped the job description will be finalized shortly. It was noted that internal coordination is already ongoing, with the Human Resources Department making arrangements to tackle the requirements of the Customer Service component of the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act.

 

 

5.         OUTSTANDING AGENDA ITEMS/CTTE PRIORITIES

 

There was discussion of the outstanding agenda items and priorities. It was noted that the Accessibility Plan will be a priority for the new Accessibility Coordinator. The procurement of business cards for Committee members was discussed, as were the accessibility-oriented Frequently Asked Questions in use in the Contact Centre. There was brief discussion concerning the barriers created by the large stone garbage cans used outside locations such as Tim Horton’s outlets.

 

AP 5.2         Robert Hunn and Ted Chivers to prioritize the list of outstanding issues and highlight the must-do items and bring back for discussion at the next meeting.

 

THE MARKHAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY RECOMMENDS:

 

That Councillors’ terms on the Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility be staggered so as to provide increased continuity.

CARRIED

6.         REQUEST FOR FEE RELIEF FOR ON STREET PARKING - APPEAL

 

This item was deferred to the next meeting at the request of the local resident.

 

 

7.         GARAGE WIDTHS IN NEW HOMES

 

AP 5.3         Committee Clerk to follow up with Regional Councillor G. Landon regarding the garage widths issue and with D. Taylor regarding the obstruction of accessible parking spots at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

 

 

8.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

            a)     Richmond Hill – Request for representation on Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee

           

THE MARKHAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY RECOMMENDS:

 

            That the letter dated April 10, 2008, from the Town of Richmond Hill requesting that the Regional Municipality of York increase the current membership of the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee to include a representative from the Town of Richmond Hill’s Accessibility Committee be received and endorsed.

CARRIED

 

 

            b)     Port Colbourne – Request for provincial funding to assist with implementation of Regulation 429/07

 

Consideration of this item was deferred to the next meeting.

 

            c)     Newmarket – Penalties for the misuse of Disabled Parking Permits

 

Consideration of this item was deferred to the next meeting.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 5.20 p.m.