Town of
Advisory Committee on Accessibility
Minutes
Canada Room
Committee
members present:
Carl Bodnar
Councillor Valerie Burke
Ted Chivers
Robert Hunn
Joan Jenkyn
Sidney Polak - Chair
Carole Robertson
Regrets:
Jaqueline Bell
Jocelyn Horsford
Rhonda Jacobson
Regional Councillor Gord Landon
Staff present:
Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk
The meeting of the Advisory Committee on
1. Minutes –
It was noted that a list of pending or outstanding items arising from the minutes will be included in future agendas.
Moved
by: Carole Robertson
Seconded
by: Carl Bodnar
That the minutes of the
CARRIED
2. Questionnaire
The Committee was provided with the Questionnaire results and handouts on the effectiveness of the AAC, its role and the accomplishments of other AAC's. The Chair reviewed the results of the survey and concluded that it raises a question about this committee’s achievements and effectiveness, as will be discussed in the following agenda item, “Opportunities”.
3.
Opportunities
The Committee had been provided with a handout on opportunities, for a discussion about areas where the Committee should focus its efforts. It was suggested that many great ideas have been initiated, but do not reach a conclusion. It was noted that the Markham AAC duties include, among other things: advising Markham Council with respect to the annual Accessibility Plan; reviewing site plans, zoning by-laws, plans of subdivisions, the five-year Official Plan review, and budgeting for accessibility; and audits on public facilities and business establishments.
The Committee reviewed its accomplishments against the defined role for AAC's, questioned its effectiveness and discussed process improvements.
The following suggestions were discussed:
- form subcommittees for projects and appoint a Chair
- list ongoing projects on the agenda and receive regular update reports until completed
- include a ‘due date’ for projects
- enlist more support from staff
- be more assertive in following through with projects
- focus on specific project(s) instead of trying to do too many things at one time
- form partnerships, such as with the Markham Board of Trade
- work on outreach opportunities
- promote and raise awareness of the Committee, to let the public know it exits (i.e. a regular newspaper column)
- the Committee’s main function is advisory
- participate in site plan presentations to Council
-
get involved in the annual
National Accessibility Week, for promotion and outreach purposes
The Committee acknowledged that their
achievements have been substantial, including appointment of the town
disability coordinator, reviewing mayor developments and site plans, as well as
having received many relevant staff presentations and heightening the Town’s
awareness of accessibility issues. However the completeness of
reviews, follow-up on identified issues and identification and work
on accessibility initiatives can be improved.
It is important to continue advocacy
initiatives, and to bring attention to problems that are identified. An example
was given of the Boston Pizza restaurant, which has the parking lot and handicapped
parking area located around the corner from the entrance, making it difficult
to access. The Committee had been advised that this design is in accordance
with Town of
The Committee discussed the importance of support from staff and Council. The role and responsibilities of the Accessibility Coordinator were discussed, with respect to the Accessibility Plan and the Committee. The Committee relies on staff and Council members Valerie Burke and Gord Landon to implement their ideas. Robert Hunn suggested that other AAC’s be canvassed to learn how they coordinate with staff. Sidney, Bob, and Ted will approach Warren and Don to discuss these issues, and the matter will be discussed further at the January meeting. A follow-up discussion with the Mayor may be arranged.
The Chair also added the status of the Accessibility Plan, for discussion with staff. The document is to be issued every year, and the current version needs to be reviewed by the Committee for comment as soon as possible. Staff was asked to provide this document in its current form, at the earliest opportunity. A request will be conveyed to the coordinator, to obtain copies of Accessibility Plans from other municipalities, for comparison.
The Committee requested that the Clerk provide attendance records for staff and committee members. The Clerk was also directed to convey to staff, the concerns identified at this meeting.
4. Sustainability Fair
The Committee received the written report from Joan Jenkyn and Jaqueline Bell regarding the Sustainability Fair held on October 24, 2009at the Markham Civic Centre.
5. New Business
a)
Staff was asked to identify the dates for Accessibility Week, 2010. The Committee will request Council proclaim the week, and will plan some activities. Corporate Communications will be asked to assist with a media release and promotions. A committee member (or a subcommittee) will be appointed to take the lead on this project and to keep the Committee informed.
b)
The Clerk was directed to contact YRAAC regarding whether the Chair of the Markham AAC should be participating in the regional committee.
c) Acknowledgement
A Committee member acknowledged the great work of the current and past Chairs of the Markham AAC. Councillor Burke was thanked for her continued attendance and support.
d) Correspondence – Ministry of
Citizenship and Immigration
The committee received correspondence from
the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, regarding nominations for
Volunteer Service Awards.
e) Independent Review of OADA
A committee member mentioned that Charles
Beer is doing an independent review of the OADA and asked that if anyone has
any information, to please bring it forward.
6. Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for
Items for the Agenda:
- Accessibility Week, 2010
- The role and responsibilities of the Accessibility Coordinator
- Accessibility Plan
- York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee, and appointment of Markham ACC Chair
- List of pending/outstanding items
The Committee adjourned at