Town of Newmarket

Minutes

Accessibility Advisory Committee

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Electronic VIA ZOOM
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Members Present:
  • Steve Foglia, Chair
  • Jeffrey Fabian
  • Linda Jones
  • Allen Matrosov
  • Patricia Monteath
  • Councillor Simon
  • Huma Tahir
Members Absent:
  • Martha Jez
Staff Present:
  • J. Grossi, Legislative Coordinator

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


1.

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.

  • Moved by:Patricia Monteath
    Seconded by:Jeffrey Fabian
    1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2021 be approved. 


    Carried

6.

The Legislative Coordinator provided an update on the Enabling Accessibility Fund and advised that the Town of Newmarket has applied for funding to be used on an accessible washroom, a further update would be provided once the application has been approved or denied. She further advised that the small projects component was still not open for applications. 

Steve Foglia advised that he visited all Main Street businesses with Tom Hempen, Chair of the Main Street District Business Improvement Area Board of Management, in August to increase awareness of the Making Main Street Accessible initiative. He further advised that businesses were very encouraged and provided positive feedback. Approximately a dozen businesses have already scheduled an audit, and common themes show that the physical distancing requirements due to the pandemic have increased accessibility in many businesses, and automatic door openers are needed in most storefronts. Members discussed the promotional campaign, possible newspaper articles, and advertising opportunities. 

Steve Foglia further provided an update on the meeting with a representative of the York Region District School Board where opportunities for students to participate in media campaigns, audits, construction and marketing would be available. 

Steve Foglia advised that he attended the first meeting of the Federal Accessibility Committee that he sits on and that he was encouraged by the conversations had so far.

Steve Foglia provided comment regarding the accessible parking and van accessible parking in the provided plans, as the islands do not allow for wheelchairs to exit. The Legislative Coordinator advised that all comments were to be forwarded to the Chair via email for submission to the Planning Department. 

Steve Foglia brought two accessibility issues forward to staff at the Old Town Hall where the ramp meets the landing to enter the building, and at the rear of the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall where a curb cut is missing to allow pedestrians to exit the sidewalk. The Legislative Coordinator advised that the issues would be escalated to the appropriate department. 

  • Moved by:Patricia Monteath
    Seconded by:Linda Jones
    1. That the meeting be adjourned at 11:09 AM.


    Carried
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