Town of Newmarket

Minutes

Accessibility Advisory Committee

Meeting #:
Date:	Thursday, September 17, 2020
Time:	10:30 A.m. - 12:30 P.m.
Location:	Electronic VIA ZOOM See How to Login Guide

Members Present:

• Steve Foglia, Chair
• Jeffrey Fabian
• Felim Greene
• Linda Jones
• Patricia Monteath
• Councillor Simon (10:42 AM - 11:34 AM)

Members Absent:

• Cindy Gorlewski

Staff Present:

• K. Saini, Deputy Town Clerk
• M. Ashworth, Capital Works Project Manager
• E. Engman, Capital Projects Work Manager
• P. McIntosh, Recreation Programmer - Seniors & Special Needs
• B. Morrow, Grant Coordinator
• J. Grossi, Legislative Coordinator

Guests:

• Tara Godfrey, Canadian Hearing Services (CHS)

​​The meeting was called to order at 10:30 AM.
Steve Foglia in the Chair.

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1.

Notice

Steve Foglia advised that all Town facilities were closed to the public, and that members of the public were encouraged to attend an electronic Advisory Committee or Board Meeting by joining through the ZOOM information provided with the agenda.

2.

Additions & Corrections to the Agenda

None.

3.

Conflict of Interest Declarations

None.

4.

Presentations & Deputations

None.

5.

Approval of Minutes

5.1

Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2020

• Moved by: Linda Jones
  Seconded by: Patricia Monteath
  1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2020 be approved.
  
  
  
  Carried

6.

Items

6.1

Appointment of Vice-Chair

• Moved by: Patricia Monteath
  Seconded by: Linda Jones
  1. That Jeff Fabian be appointed the Vice Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
  
  
  
  Carried

6.2

Major Disability Organizations’ Open Letter to the Ford Government and Ontario Municipalities regarding Electric Scooters

The Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee discussed the Major Disability Organizations' open letter to the Ford Government and Ontario municipalities regarding electric scooters and advised that they agree with the current Town of Newmarket by-laws. Steve Foglia, Chair, provided background information on this item and the current by-law wording. 

• Moved by: Patricia Monteath
  Seconded by: Felim Greene
  1. That the News Release from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) regarding Major Disability Organizations’ Open Letter to the Ford Government and Ontario Municipalities regarding Electric Scooters be received; and, 
  2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee endorse the current wording in Town of Newmarket by-laws regarding electric scooters. 
  
  
  
  Carried

6.3

North-West Quadrant Trail System Design Concepts

The Capital Works Project Managers provided an overview of the North-West Quadrant Trail System Design Concepts which included a detailed slope analysis, bridge design elements, and landing options along the trail.

The Members provided feedback regarding the slope preference along the trails and the options for landings, and expressed a preference for less landings and a more gentle slope, where possible. They also discussed the proximity of accessible parking to the trail entrances and exists, and the option for washrooms at various locations. 

• Moved by: Councillor Simon
  Seconded by: Linda Jones
  1. That the update provided by the Capital Works Project Managers regarding the North-West Quadrant Trail System Design Concepts be received. 
  
  
  
  Carried

6.4

Electric Vehicle Parking Project

The Grant Coordiantor provided the Accessibility Advisory Committee with information regarding the Electric Vehicle Parking project and reviewed potential locations in the Town of Newmarket where they could be installed. He advised that the locations were going to be reviewed with the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) before being finalized. He further advised that this project would not affect any existing accessible parking spots at the identified locations. 

The Members provided feedback regarding options for van friendly accessible parking spots and proximity to buildings or events. 

6.5

Grant Funding for Accessible Washroom at Fairy Lake

The Grant Coordinator advised that the Town of Newmarket is continually watching for Provincial and Federal  funding opportunities for accessibility projects, including the accessible washroom at Fairy Lake. The Accessibility Advisory Committee Members discussed the Upper Canada Mall washroom renovation and asked Staff to review the project when designing any future accessible washrooms. The Members also discussed accessible access and pathways to the washrooms. 

• Moved by: Felim Greene
  Seconded by: Patricia Monteath
  1. That the updates provided by the Grant Coordinator regarding the Electric vehicle Parking Project and the Grant Funding for Accessible Washroom at Fairy Lake be received. 
  
  
  
  Carried

6.6

Accessibility Advisory Committee Member Recruitment Update

The Legislative Coordinator provided an update on the recruitment process for an additional Accessibility Advisory Committee Member due to a recent resignation. She advised that Council would appoint a new member prior to the next Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting.

6.7

Next Meeting

The Legislative Coordinator advised that the next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 10:30 AM via Zoom. 

7.

New Business

7.1

Chair Updates

• The Chair asked for Staff to provide an update on downtown parking regarding accessible van friendly spots and increasing accessible parking spots available
• The Chair advised that increasing accessibility on Main Street was still a priority for this term and that it would be further discussed at a future meeting
• Disappointment was expressed in regards to the buildings that were demolished and rebuilt on Main Street because no accessible features were added to the building, and the entrance was rebuilt with the same accessible barriers that existed previously
• The Chair shared a story regarding accessibility issues at a local store and how they were resolved due to his actions and speaking to the appropriate people. He advised that the proper automatic door openers and curb cuts were installed to meet accessibility requirements. The Chair encouraged all Members to speak up with they recognize that accessibility improvement opportunities. 

8.

Adjournment

• Moved by: Patricia Monteath
  Seconded by: Jeffrey Fabian
  1. That the meeting be adjourned at 11:34 AM.
  
  
  
  Carried