First Meeting of the Town of Markham

Advisory Committee on Accessibility

 

Minutes

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

3:30 p.m.

 

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 Gordon Landon

 

Staff present:

Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

Andrew Brouwer, Deputy Clerk

Warren Rupnarain, Accessibility Coordinator

 

 

  1. Welcome and Introductions

 

Chair Ted Chivers called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and asked that meeting attendees introduce themselves.  The Chair noted that William Broger had submitted his resignation, citing health reasons.  The Chair expressed his appreciation for Mr. Broger’s contributions to the Committee.

 

  1. Approval of Minutes – November 19, 2008

 

Moved by Carole Robertson

Seconded by Robert Hunn

 

That the minutes of the November 19, 2008 meeting of the Town of Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility be approved.

                                                                                                                        CARRIED.

 

 

  1. Overview of Committee Mandate

 

The Chair provided an overview of the Committee’s mandate, summarized as “assisting Council in improving opportunities for persons with disabilities by promoting the implementation of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in Markham”.

 

It was clarified that all accessibility advisory committees across Ontario had the same statutory mandate.  Additional projects and initiatives may be undertaken in line with the spirit of the mandate, subject to Town approval where required.

 

 

  1. Legislative Framework

 

Warren Rupnarain, Accessibility Coordinator outlined the general intent and responsibilities of accessibility advisory committees and municipal councils associated with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.  Mr. Rupnarain will provide a link to the website where the legislation can be accessed or hard copies of the same where requested.

 

 

  1. Overview of Roles

 

An overview of the roles and responsibilities of Committee members, Co-Chairs, Council Appointees, Accessibility Coordinator and Clerk’s Department were outlined as indicated in the materials included in the agenda package.

 

 

  1. Guidelines for Effective Meetings

 

Andrew Brouwer, Deputy Clerk outlined guidelines for effective meetings. Committee members suggested other ways to improve meetings.

 

 

  1. Parking Responsibilities & Exemptions for Holders of Disabled parking Permits

 

Robert Hunn referred to the City of Toronto document entitled “Information Concerning Disabled Person Parking Permits: Parking Exemptions and Holder Responsibilities” with a view to its applicability as a communication tool for the Town.  Andrew Brouwer will review this further with by-law enforcement staff.

 

A number of specific parking questions were raised and it was suggested that these questions be sent to Andrew Brouwer by e-mail by Friday, February 6 for response.

 

 

8.   Outreach to Organizations

 

Joan Jenkyn suggested that the Committee outreach to other organizations for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of disability issues, to learn about how organizations are responding to statutory accessibility requirements and as a means of input on the Town’s accessibility planning initiatives.  Various outreach and input venues were discussed including a workshop format and regularly scheduled presentations at Committee meetings.  Input from other municipal accessibility coordinators and diversity coordinators was also suggested.

 

The value of such outreach was acknowledged by the Committee, with the understanding that the Committee’s present work plan and budget may limit this initiative in 2009.  It was suggested that Warren Rupnarain prepare options for outreach to community organizations for a future meeting, keeping in mind the Committee’s existing work plan and budget limitations.

 

 

  1. Must Dos & Nice to Dos, 2009 Work Plan

 

The document “Outstanding agenda items/issues” was distributed and discussed.  The Chair requested that Warren Rupnarain document the progress on outstanding items/issues, to be included in the minutes of the meeting.

 

 

  1. Adjournment

 

Moved by Joan Jenkyn

Seconded by Robert Hunn

That the January 21, 2009 meeting of the Town of Markham Committee on Accessibility be adjourned.

                                                                                                                        CARRIED.

 

 

The Committee adjourned at 5:25 p.m.