Town Services Council Committee Meetings Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes

The Corporation of the Town of Huntsville

Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting

Meeting held on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.

In the Huntsville Civic Centre, Partners Hall

Chair:

Debbie Kirwin

Members:

Mayor Claude Doughty (left at 3:50 p.m.)

Donna Glashan

John Kenny (arrived at 2:30 p.m.)

John Krochak (via phone)

Rod Mundy

Laurel Shaw

Grant Wager

Agatha West

Deb Willows

Absent:

Bruce Liddle

Lorne Michaelis

Staff:

Denise Corry, Director of Corporate Services

Dianne Conwath, Deputy Clerk

Guest:

Julia Montgomery, Clerk’s Assistant, City of Orillia

CONVENE

Moved by Agatha West AAC26-08

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: we do now convene as an Accessibility Advisory Committee at 2:05 p.m.

Carried.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Moved by Agatha West AAC27-08

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: the Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda dated August 19, 2008 be adopted as printed and circulated.

Carried.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUINARY INTEREST

Donna Glashan declared a Pecuniary Interest under 7. a) Items for Discussion – Registered Disability Savings Plans & ODSP for personal reasons.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Grant Wager AAC28-08

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes dated June 17, 2008 be adopted as printed and circulated, as amended.

Carried.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

(a) Accessible Parking Downtown

Rod Mundy advised that Rod and along with his wife Anne met with Peter Brown, Director of Public Works to inspect curb cuts for the accessible parking spots in the Downtown core. The determination was that all accessible parking spots on Main Street can accommodate curb cuts noting there is enough space that the curb cut inclines can be made behind the vehicle and the area would be hatched to designate the space. Mr. Mundy noted that Peter Brown would be meeting with the Library Staff with respect to usage of the three accessible parking spots in front of the Library.

Mayor Doughty noted the accessible parking spot located behind The Finds, near River Mill Park, is being relocated to half way between where it is now and King Street.

6. INTRODUCTION

Denise Corry, Director of Corporate Services introduced our guest, Julia Montgomery, Clerk’s Assistant from the City of Orillia who is here as an observer as to how the Town of Huntsville has handled accessibility.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

(a) Registered Disability Savings Plans & ODSP

Deb Kirwin circulated and highlighted an article regarding “The Registered Disability Savings Plan: Next Steps”. (Schedule “A” attached to the Minutes)

Deb Kirwin and Donna Glashan explained in detail the Registered Disability Savings Plan and the effects the Plan would have on ODSP and further noting that our local MPP has been contacted to see what his stance is on this.

(b) Muskoka Heritage Place

In response to Teri Souter’s, General Manager, Muskoka Heritage Place request for the Accessibility Advisory Committee to assess accessibility on the site, Deb Kirwin reviewed with the Committee a ‘draft’ comments (Schedule “B” attached). Committee suggested the following additions under Miscellaneous – computer and telephone volume.

A discussion took place regarding the placement of a bench at the foot of the stairs leading up to the Methodist Church for those visitors not wanting to go to the Church.

Donna Glashan provided Committee with a copy of the CNIB Clear Print Accessibility Guidelines. Committee requested that a copy be forwarded to Teri Souter for her information (Schedule “C” attached).

Deb Kirwin asked Committee to further review the ‘draft’ comments, provide her with any additional comments and she will then prepare final draft, which will be circulated to Committee and then forwarded onto Teri Souter.

REPORTS

(a) Guide Dog Education

Deb Willows said that most businesses were open and receptive to receiving the Guide Dog Education Information Pamphlet that was distributed to the Downtown Businesses (Schedule “D” attached).

A discussion took place regarding distribution of the information pamphlet to the King William Street businesses. It was Committee’s feeling that due to the proximity of the businesses, this would be a large undertaking and it was suggested having someone attend one of the meetings of the King William Group. Deb Kirwin advised that she would contact Russ Matthews regarding making a presentation to the King William Group.

(b) Site Plans

Deb Kirwin said that the Committee provided comments on numerous residential site plans with respect to all accessibility items: Cairns Crescent and Kitchen Road South - 58 townhouse units, 6 townhouse units at foot of Winona Drive, townhouse development in Hidden Valley, proposed parking lot next to St. Mary’s Church, and at 1 Small Street a one storey commercial building. Deb Kirwin noted that these townhouse developments are all residential and as opposed to commenting on every time, Committee should simply provide them with information on visitability. Deb Kirwin further noted that when it comes to condos/apartment buildings, the Ontario Building Code states 10% must be accessible but there is nothing in the Ontario Building Code for residences.

A discussion took place regarding the placement of sidewalks in subdivisions.

Deb Kirwin indicated that a subcommittee of the Muskoka Wide Accessibility Committee would be meeting on August 26, 2008 to discuss the handling of Site Plans by Accessibility Advisory Committees.

In the absence of Bruce Little, Deb Kirwin advised that a request had been made regarding the placement of a handrail along the walkway at the side of Town Hall. Deb Kirwin further noted that some time ago a request had been made but were advised that a handrail would not be feasible. Mayor Doughty said that he would look into this matter.

9. UPDATES

(a) River Mill Park Playground

Deb Kirwin updated Committee regarding the Fibar surface installed in the new playground at River Mill Park stating that the Fibar surface requires inspection of the surface daily, frequent maintenance and top-offs approximately every three years in order to comply with ASTM F 1951-99 accessibility standard.

Discussion took place regarding the current Fibar surface in comparison to the use of a rubberized surface.

A further discussion took place regarding the phase 2 construction of the playground. Deb Kirwin presented to Committee the recommendation that the Fibar be removed and replaced with a rubberized surface noting the Fibar that is removed can be placed in other Town playgrounds. Deb Kirwin indicated that she had spoken with John Finley, Economic Development/Grants Officer and there are grants available for this type of project.

Moved by Rod Mundy AAC29-08

WHEREAS: on June 13, 2005 Bill 118, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) became law;

AND WHEREAS: the purpose of Bill 118 is to benefit all Ontarians by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities by 2025;

AND WHEREAS: the Town of Huntsville’s Official Plan supports universal access (Section 2.4.10);

AND WHEREAS: the Town of Huntsville’s Park Master Plan supports accessibility in every stage of the parkland process (Section 5.1.8);

AND WHEREAS: the Town of Huntsville’s Community Master Plan supports the use of universal design in urban planning and supports accessibility issues (Section C.4);

AND WHEREAS: the new playground at River Mill Park was built using a ground surface (Fibar) that requires inspection of the surface daily, frequent maintenance and top-offs approximately every three years in order to comply with ASTM F 1951-99 accessibility standard;

AND WHEREAS: the Accessibility Advisory Committee supports the River Mill Park Playground Phase 2 construction that includes a Sway Fun and having the Fibar surface removed and replaced with a rubberized surface making the playground accessible for all;

NOW THEREFORE IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: Staff be directed to pursue any available grants for these components of Phase 2, River Mill Park Playground Project.

Carried.

(b) 2008 Accessibility Plan Working Group

Deb Kirwin advised that the 2008 Accessibility Plan Working Group would be meeting tomorrow noting that all Town Departments have been asked to identify accessibility barriers as they pertain to their respective Department. Deb Kirwin expects to have a ‘draft’ ready for review at the next Committee Meeting.

Deb Kirwin provided a follow-up to the ‘draft’ Visitability Letter that she had circulated to Committee and Town Staff for comments and is ready to circulate the letter. A discussion took place regarding the ‘draft’ letter along with the recommendation of a couple amendments to the letter (Schedule “E).

Rod Mundy noted this letter is an educational and awareness tool.

10. NEW BUSINESS

(a) AAC History

Deb Kirwin suggested to Committee the possibility of recruiting one person or a subcommittee to research all of the Committee Minutes to summarize all topics that the Committee has discussed, resolved or not; further noting that this history summarization would greatly assist new Members to bring them up-to-date on the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s history.

It was the consensus of Committee this was a good idea with a suggestion that year one be done first and then see how much work is involved and if it is a valuable tool before proceeding with the following years.

Deb Kirwin asked for a volunteer(s) and none forth coming asked the Committee to give this some thought and it can be discussed further at the next Meeting.

(b) Private Property Parking Issues

A discussion took place regarding taxicabs parking in the accessible parking spot in front of a local restaurant and how this problem could be addressed: through the Town’s By-law Department, speaking directly to the Taxi Companies or speaking with the Owner of the restaurant. Mayor Doughty will ask the Town’s By-law Staff to write a letter to the local Taxi Cab Companies as to what constitutes use of an accessible parking space and to speak with the Owner of the Restaurant.

11. ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Bruce Liddle AAC-30-08

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: we do now adjourn at 4:15 p.m. to meet again on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in Partners Hall, Huntsville Civic Centre.

Carried.