Town of Markham

Advisory Committee on Accessibility

Minutes

Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 3:30 p.m.

Canada Room

Committee members present:

Carl Bodnar

Councillor Valerie Burke

Prescott Harrison

Robert Hunn

Joan Jenkyn

Sidney Polak - Chair

Carole Robertson

Jaqueline Bell

Jocelyn Horsford

Rhonda Jacobson

Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Staff present:

Don Taylor, Manager, Executive Operations

Warren Ruparain, Accessibility Coordinator

Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

The meeting of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility convened at 3:35 pm with Sidney Polak presiding as Chair.

1. Minutes – January 20, 2010

Moved by: Prescott Harrison

Seconded by: Bob Hunn

That the minutes of the January 20, 2010 meeting of the Town of Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility be approved.

CARRIED

2. Markham BIA

Phil Howes of the Markham BIA was in attendance to discuss accessibility issues on Main Street Markham. Phil provided the 2009 BIA Directory and gave a brief outline of the establishment and objectives of the BIA, to promote and enhance the business district.

Regarding accessibility, he discussed Heritage issues, the contributions of the Centre for Dreams, and the accessibility study prepared by students a few years ago that is available on the BIA website.

A major deterrent for accessibility is the cost factor, as many businesses cannot afford to make the necessary improvements, however, Main Street is going through a Class Environmental Assessment that will incorporate accessibility features in the re-design of the street. The EA is currently dealing with traffic issues, but the design phase will follow, at which time accessibility issues will be addressed.

Mr. Howes urged the Committee to get involved in the public consultation process. The Committee requested that efforts be coordinated to ensure accessibility issues are not missed during the EA process. Phil and Warren will work together in this regard. Phil suggested that the possibility of being able to promote Main Street Markham as “accessible” would be a benefit to the area businesses. Accessible washrooms have been approved for construction by the Town, which will be a big advantage. Older buildings are difficult to retrofit, but the newer buildings are accessible. The Committee questioned whether Heritage funding is available for accessibility improvements. Warren agreed to look into this and report back.

Discussions included signage for the visually impaired, the increasing percentage of senior citizens in the Main Street area, the need for accessibility ramps from the parking spaces at the rear of the businesses, and parking policies.

Mr. Howes advised that the dates of BIA Board Meetings are posted on their website, and they would welcome a contingent from the Accessibility Committee. He suggested that the Committee submit an article for the BIA newsletter. Rhonda, Jaqueline and Sidney agreed to attend the BIA meeting next month, and will prepare a presentation in coordination with the Promotions Subcommittee.

The Committee thanked Phil Howes for attending the meeting and for his assistance.

3. Budget for Promotional Projects

Warren advised that the Town’s Accessibility budget is primarily for capital costs, such as the ramp in the Council Chamber and automatic door openers. It is not for promotional expenses. It was explained that these projects were allocated to this budget rather than the infrastructure grant because they pre-dated the grant program. Approximately $90,000 is still available in the budget.

The Committee discussed that there is a need to promote public awareness of the Committee and accessibility projects, including Accessibility Awareness Week. The Committee’s mandate includes public education, which could include a newsletter or publication. There are also opportunities for free publicity through the Economist & Sun.

Don will check on sources of funding and report back. The Committee suggested that the Chair and Council representatives track this issue.

4. Promotions Subcommittee

The Committee received the minutes of the Communications Subcommittee meeting held on January 29, 2010. Warren provided an update, advising that the Promotions Subcommittee will be producing an insert for the June edition of Markham Life. The focus is on the Town’s overall accessibility initiative, with a paragraph on the Accessibility Committee. Warren will provide a draft at a future meeting. Markham Life is distributed as an insert in the Economist and Sun Newspaper. Jaqueline will approach the Economist to see what cost is for a small article, possibly a human interest story.

The Subcommittee is also working on updating the Town website.

With respect to Accessibility Awareness Week, (the first week in June, 2010), the Subcommittee will be making a presentation at Council, for proclamation of the week.

5. Report on Board of Trade Initiative

The Committee received the minutes of the Business Initiatives Subcommittee meeting held on February 10, 2010.

Warren met with Dave Deeley of the Markham Board of Trade, regarding the Awards program. They suggest that people can nominate a business by submitting a written statement explaining why the business deserves an award for accessibility, instead of the businesses having to meet a certain criteria. It was also suggested that disability organizations such as CNIB be approached to nominate businesses.

The Business Initiatives Subcommittee will review the nominations and make recommendations to the AAC, which will make the decision on one winner and two runner-ups. This will be promoted as a prestigious award, with media coverage and possible presentation by the Mayor at the annual Business Wards Dinner in November.

Rhonda will draft a list of organizations and e-mail it around to the Committee for additional suggestions. Warren will draft a proposal and process for the Markham Board of Trade’s consideration. Discussion included the criteria, nomination, and selection processes. Dave Deely will be requested to attend the next Subcommittee meeting for further discussions.

6. Site Plan Policies

Warren provided an update, with respect to the Boston Pizza establishment, and discussions with staff regarding ways to ensure future building designs provide appropriate access and accessibility. The Town has been made aware of the concern and will make every effort to ensure it is done properly in the future. Warren was asked to follow up with Ronji Borooah, Town Architect and request a presentation to the AAC on this matter.

7. Q & A for Contact Centre

Don advised that the Contact Centre is not aware of any Q & A that was submitted, but is aware that the concept was discussed. Sidney and Prescott confirmed that a great effort had been made by the Committee to prepare and submit the document approximately two years ago.

The Committee determined that follow up is needed to see what had been done with the Q&A's and assess if they would be useful as a backup to the Markham web site

8. Opportunities

This item will be discussed at future meetings.

9. Other Business

The members noted that sufficient notice for subcommittee meetings is required, to allow for transportation arrangements. Staff will ensure future notice is sufficient.

The Committee questioned if travel expenses for subcommittee meetings can be reimbursed. Don will check on this and report back.

Jacqueline reported that the Mandarin restaurant has relocated its disabled parking spots to a more suitable location, next to the entrance, and she will be sending them a thank-you letter. It was suggested that a form letter of recognition be prepared for use in similar situations. “On behalf of the AAC…”

Warren provided an update on automatic door openers, confirming that they are tax-deductible.

10. Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. in the Canada Room.

The Committee adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Outstanding Items List

1. Accessibility Awareness Week activities

Promotions Subcommittee working on plans

2. Accessibility Plan

Draft coming forward in March, 2010. Ensure aspects mandated by Province, such as By-laws are included in plan.

3. Accessible Business Initiatives

a) Brochure: Promotions Subcommittee

b) Insert in Markham Life Magazine: Promotions Subcommittee

c) Board of Trade: Warren will continue to work on Business Awards

4. Q & A for Contact Centre

Don advised the Contact Centre is not aware of a Q&A submission, however, Sidney and Prescott are sure that one was made.

5. York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee

Watch for York Region’s recruitment campaign and call for membership

6. Lack of accessible parking on Main Streets in Unionville and Markham.

The Markham BIA has attended the AAC to discuss parking issues. Committee members were encouraged to attend a future BIA meeting and submit an article for their newsletter. (Rhonda, Jaqueline and Sidney to attend next month)

Warren will approach the Unionville BIA and arrange for their attendance at a future AAC meeting.

7. Main Street Environmental Assessment

Warren and Phil Howes (Markham BIA) to coordinate efforts to ensure accessibility issues are not missed.

8. Heritage Funding

Warren will check into funding for accessibility improvements in Heritage buildings.

9. Operating Budget and Travel Expenses

Don will check on sources of funding and report back.

10. Standards for Heritage buildings.

The Unionville Arms has been rebuilt without consideration for accessibility. The Ontario Trillium Foundation could provide some solutions.

11. Bench Installation

Investigate or arrange a presentation in April or May on practices regarding the installation of benches along sidewalks, in malls, and other locations, and what funding is available.

12. Outreach

Raise the profile of the Committee with outreach opportunities. i.e. Accessibility Awareness Week; Accessibility Plan; and business initiative with Board of Trade.

13. Opportunities

A subcommittee may be formed in the fall for this issue.