Town of
Advisory Committee on Accessibility
Minutes
Canada Room
Committee members
present:
Jaqueline Bell
Carl Bodnar
Councillor Valerie Burke
Jocelyn Horsford
Robert Hunn
Rhonda
Jacobson
Joan Jenkyn
Sidney Polak - Chair
Carole Robertson
Regrets:
Ted Chivers
Regional Councillor Gord Landon
Staff present:
Warren Rupnarain,
Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk
The meeting of the Advisory Committee on
1. Approval of Minutes –
Moved by: Carole Robertson
Seconded by: Carl Bodnar
That the minutes of the
CARRIED
2.
Wilf Morley and Lois Davis from the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee were in attendance to give a presentation. Mr. Morley explained the structure of the Regional Committee, advising that the Chair is an elected councillor, and the members can only sit on the committee for two consecutive terms (8 years). The committee meets twice each month, and there is a representative from every department, including the Police Department, to answer any questions that may arise. Mr. Morley discussed common accessibility issues and the activities of the YRAAC. They have recently been involved in providing advice for accessible trails.
Discussions included opportunities for the two committees to work together, by keeping in touch via e-mail and sharing meeting minutes. Coordinated activities and promotions were suggested. Mr. Morley agreed to provide contact information for regional staff that could assist in providing trail and pathway criteria. In response to questions, Mr. Morley suggested that parking in no parking zones must be addressed through the local Council.
The Chair thanked Mr. Morley and Ms. Davis for attending the meeting and giving their presentation.
3. Cycling and Pedestrian Committee Initiatives
Lorenzo Mele, TDM Coordinator, Town of
With respect to accessibility, Mr. Mele outlined best practice guidelines, and noted such considerations as avoiding steep slopes, using an appropriate width, and using special trail surfacing and/or bridging. The Accessibility Guidelines are used to ensure the trail route and design provides opportunities for a wide range of users and abilities.
The Committee had comments and questions regarding:
- cost effectiveness of going over or under roadways;
- pedestrian safety and education is essential, and perhaps VIVA could take a leadership role in this regard;
- the CAN-BIKE program is an enthusiastic initiative to encourage people to bike to work;
- even though bikes are permitted on all roadways, bike signs are erected on certain routes in order to guide cyclists along connected, preferred routes;
- converting sidewalks to multi-use paths would be beneficial, and an education program regarding mobility may reduce the objections against sidewalk installations.
The Committee thanked Mr. Mele for his very informative
presentation.
4. Business Initiative
Warren Rupnarain gave a presentation regarding an accessible business initiative for accessibility awards and recognition, in conjunction with the Markham Board of Trade. It is intended that an Accessible Business Criteria will be developed in accordance with OADA guidelines. A program will be established to present certificates to businesses that comply, as well as present awards to businesses that exceed the requirements or are worthy of recognition.
The Committee was interested in the proposal, but cautioned
that the program should be available to all businesses, not just Board of Trade
affiliates.
Due to the short time frame available, the Committee agreed
to form a subcommittee to work on ensuring all businesses are included. The
Business Recognition Subcommittee will consist of Warren, Rhonda, Jocelyn,
Carol, Jacqueline, Carl, and Sidney.
The Committee thanked
5. Second Cup parking
6. Deferred Items
The following items were deferred to the next meeting due to lack of time:
- Accessibility Plan Letters of Appreciation
- Resignation of Scott Labbett
- Questionnaire (The Chair provided handouts on the effectiveness of the AAC, its role and the accomplishments of other AAC's. Committee members were asked to review these and come prepared to discuss how and where the committee should focus its efforts at the next meeting)
- Opportunities (The Chair provided handouts to be discussed at the next meeting)
7. New Business
a) Accessibility Plan Report
The Chair requested staff to provide clarification on the Accessibility Plan being delayed until next year, at the next meeting.
b) Pamphlet
The Committee discussed the draft pamphlet that had been sent to Corporate Communications requesting they review and prepare a finished document for general purpose information to the public.
Moved by: Carl Bodnar
Seconded by: Joan Jenkyn
That Warren Rupnarain and Corporate Communications be
requested to continue work on the draft
And that Corporate Communications also be requested to draft
a smaller version of the pamphlet, for insertion into the Markham Life
magazine, for the
CARRIED
c) Thornhill Community Centre
Councillor Valerie Burke advised that a presentation will be made at the next meeting regarding plans for the Thornhill Community Centre, which includes some notable accessibility features.
d) Sustainability Fair
The Town is holding a Sustainability Fair this Saturday at the Civic Centre, which will include accessibility issues. It is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Joan and Jacquie will attending and report back to the Committee at the next meeting.
8. Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for
The Committee adjourned at