FIFTH MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY
TOWN OF MARKHAM
Ontario Room, Markham Civic Centre
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Members Regrets
Robert Hunn (Chair) Sharon Prasow
Barbara Howe (Vice-Chair) Dr. John White
Martha Shultz Carole Robertson
Connie Weber Shirley Marsh, Planner
Frank Zambri
Councillor S. Daurio
Yvonne Hurst, Committee Clerk
Mr. Alan Wolfe, New Reception Building Markham Museum
Mr. Henry Wong, Wong Gregersen Architects – Older Adults Centre, Thornhill Community Centre
The meeting convened at the hour of 7:05 p.m.
1. MARKHAM
MUSEUM
NEW
RECEPTION BUILDING
Mr. Alan Wolfe, presented drawings of the new reception building at the Markham Museum. The new building will be constructed on the museum grounds to the south of the parking lot and will contain an orientation room, reception area and washrooms. The orientation room will accommodate large gatherings, while the reception area will be a place to assemble. The reception area leads to the outdoor patio area. The floor plans include a men’s washroom, women’s washroom and family washroom. The plans also include a drop off area for buses and wheelchair accessible parking stalls. The outdoor patio is accessible as there is no lip that would hinder wheelchair accessibility.
The Committee discussed at length the issue of doors on the washrooms. It was suggested that there should be a button to open the door and another button to close the door. While there may be some consideration for leaving the doors off the men’s and women’s washrooms (providing that the sight-lines retain privacy) it was stated that the family washroom should have a door. Mr. Wolfe indicated that he would investigate the possibility of leaving the doors off the men’s and women’s washrooms.
It was also pointed out that there must be adequate space to the side of the toilet to allow transfer from the wheelchair to the toilet. Mr. Wolfe advised that automatic flushers will be installed thereby eliminating the accessibility concerns that arise with regular hand flushers. With regard to the weight of the doors, it was noted that standard wooden doors are to be used.
Connie Weber suggested that blinds be installed on the windows in the orientation room as the visually impaired have more difficulty in focussing in bright light. It was also suggested that different flooring textures be used in different areas to assist the visually impaired in determining their location. A glare resistant floor would be helpful. With respect to wall colours it was suggested that, if the doors are to be painted in a light colour, a dark frame of colour be used to identify these areas for the visually impaired.
Pingle House Restoration and Addition
Mr. Wolfe continued his presentation by providing drawings of the proposed restoration and addition for the Pingle House. He noted that the 1200 square foot farmhouse, located at Angus Glen, is being renovated for use as a learning centre and library. The plan includes one barrier free washroom, one men’s washroom and one women’s washroom. He advised that the second floor is not accessible due to the narrow winding staircase. However, this floor only contains a meeting room and office. The main floor will be the area used mainly by the public as this floor contains a large meeting area. The committee suggested that buttons be installed at both sets of doors at the entrance to the house.
2. OLDER
ADULTS CENTRE
THORNHILL
COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mr. Henry Wong, Wong Gregersen Architects, provided drawings of the expansion plans for the Older Adults Centre in the Thornhill Community Centre. Mr. Wong reviewed the two additions that are planned for the Thornhill Community Centre. The additions are at the south end of the building for the seniors’ centre and on the north side with a fitness centre and gymnasium. A canopy design is proposed for the south entrance. Wheelchair accessible parking stalls have been provided for as well as automatic doors. Mr. Wong noted that the interior space in the seniors’ centre is barrier free.
The addition also consists of a kitchen, activity rooms and a link to the Thornhill Community Centre. Each activity room has a closet, sink and cupboard for storage.
Automatic door openers have been included for the washroom. Mr. Wong recommended that doors be included for the washrooms since there is a noise factor to be considered when the doors are not installed. It was suggested that an infrared light be considered for opening the doors. It was also suggested that automatic doors be installed at the ‘link’ to the Thornhill Community Centre.
It was pointed out that there is a canopy cover over the entrance and the entrance is at grade for accessibility.
Councillor Daurio indicated that 640 older adults have registered to date for the centre. The centre is convenient for older adults as there are shops, restaurants and medical services close by. The seniors’ club is targeted for opening in September. The centre will be used all day and well into the evening and will have a variety of programs for a diverse age group.
Mr. Wong noted that construction of the south addition will be tendered in June and in October for the north addition. Mr. Wong advised that the long wall in the centre will be covered in material suitable for hanging artwork (with a long track and lighting) to enable the work of the seniors’ and others to be displayed.
3. ADOPTION
OF THE MINUTES OF THE FOURTH
MEETING
OF THE TOWN OF MARKHAM ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY – APRIL 23, 2003
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY RECOMMENDS:
THAT the minutes of the Fourth meeting in 2003 of the Town of Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility held on April 23, 2003 be adopted.
CARRIED.
4. UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
AGENDA
JUNE - Markham Centre
The Committee requested that David Clark, Town Architect be invited to present an overview of the Markham Centre Development at the June ACC meeting.
Web Site – Accessibility
Councillor Daurio advised that he is continuing to work with staff with regards to making the Town’s web site accessible.
Cedarcrest Automatic Doors
Councillor Daurio reported that the issue of automatic doors at Cedarcrest has been referred to recreation staff and the Water Street Seniors staff. If they are needed they should be installed. These staff will deal with the issue.
Town of Markham Accessibility Plan
It was noted that the Region of York model accessibility plan contains information that could be used as a guideline when preparing the Town of Markham’s plan. The Committee noted that there is some urgency in the preparation of the plan since it is required to be in place by the end of September, 2003. The Committee expressed concerns that a draft plan will not be available for review at its June meeting.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
Letter – Jillian’s Place
An email was received from Jillian’s Place thanking the Committee for providing an opportunity for them to meet and tell about their hopes, dreams and plans for Jillian’s Place. Cathy McComiskey, Co-Chair of Jillian’s Place, asked for a list of Committee members so that they would be able to forward future correspondence. It was pointed out that lists of appointees to a committee are public knowledge and can be obtained from the Clerk’s Department.
6. NEW BUSINESS
AGENDA JUNE - CNIB
Connie Weber requested that she be placed on the agenda in June for a presentation on CNIB products.
Habitat for Humanity
Barbara Howe advised that Habitat for Humanity is constructing a home in Newmarket. A family has been selected and following the major construction works volunteers will be required for painting, etcetera.
7. NEXT
MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2003 AT 7:00 PM
IN
THE ONTARIO ROOM.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The Advisory Committee on Accessibility adjourned at the hour of 8:20 p.m.