The Corporation of the Town of Huntsville
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
In the Huntsville Civic Centre, Partner’s Hall
Chair:
Debbie Kirwin
Members:
Mayor Claude Doughty left at 3:21 p.m.
Donna Glashan
John Kenny
John Krochak via telephone
Bruce Liddle
Doug Millman
Rod Mundy
Laurel Shaw arrived at 2:13 p.m.
Grant Wager
Deb Willows
Absent: Agatha West
Staff: Tanya Calleja, Administrative Assistant-Clerks
1. CONVENE
Moved by John Kenny AAC12-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: We do now convene as an Accessibility Advisory Committee at 2:05 p.m.
Carried.
2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Moved by John Kenny AAC13-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: The Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda dated Tuesday, April 15, 2008 be adopted as printed and circulated.
Carried.
3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
- Nil –
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Rod Mundy AAC14-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: The Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes dated March 18, 2008 be adopted as printed and circulated.
Carried.
5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES
(a) Visitability Education
This item was to be deferred until the next meeting.
(b) 2008 Accessibility Plan Working Group
A question was raised as to whether the members of the 2008 Accessibility Plan Working Group had yet been chosen.
Mayor Doughty noted that the members would be chosen after the new CAO had been hired.
6. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
(a) AAC Joint Meeting Agenda
Chair Kirwin noted that the AAC Joint Meeting was scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in the Huntsville Civic Centre, Partner’s Hall.
Chair Kirwin further noted that Bracebridge and Gravenhurst would be in attendance as well as the possibility of a few District AAC members.
A discussion took place whether other Muskoka Townships and the Town of Parry Sound should also be extended an invitation.
It was noted that Chair Kirwin would send invitations to all Townships as well as the Town of Parry Sound.
It was determined that each Town would be invited to speak on their area initiatives, answer questions and provide comments.
A question was raised as to whether, at the meeting, if the District could address providing a District wide Customer Service Policy, including a multi format policy (i.e. tax bills in large print), and whether an accessible audit of District owned Huntsville buildings could be conducted.
Chair Kirwin noted that she would ask the District if they would address the issues at the meeting.
A question was raised as to the status of the District 2008 Accessibility Plan.
Chair Kirwin noted that the District Working Group met every two months and that the 2007 Accessibility Plan did not go through their Accessibility Advisory Committee.
(b) Accessible Parking Downtown
A discussion took place regarding the current accessible downtown parking status.
Chair Kirwin noted that since the loss of two downtown accessible parking spots beside Hutcheson, Reynolds & Caswell Insurance and the Mighty Dollar, it was felt another spot, perhaps in front of The Nutty Chocolatier near Brunel Road, was warranted.
A discussion took place between two other possible locations: a) In front of Miss Lester’s or; b) The last available spot on Main Street in front of the Town Dock closest to Pizza Pizza.
Safety concerns were raised regarding the grade of the hill in front of Miss Lester’s and the vehicles dividing into two lanes near the point of Pizza Pizza on Main Street.
It was noted that the Committee Members were encouraged to review the possible locations for the next Committee Meeting.
A discussion took place regarding accessible parking in River Mill Park and the ramp beside Pizza Pizza.
Chair Kirwin encouraged all Committee Members to review the River Mill Park plan boards and fill in the comment sheets.
Moved by Grant Wager AAC15-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: One designated accessible parking spot be placed on Main Street East in front of The Nutty Chocolatier being the last spot to the west of Brunel Road (south side);
AND FURTHER THAT: The recommendation be forwarded to the District Municipality of Muskoka for approval and that the District By-law be amended to reflect same;
AND FURTHER THAT: By-law #2003-122, The Disabled Persons Parking By-law, be amended upon receiving District approval.
Deferred.
7. REPORTS
(a) Site Plans
Chair Kirwin noted that the Committee provided comment on the Sarjeant Company Cement Plan – Hemmings Road with respect to all accessibility items.
A discussion took place regarding the beginning of the merge lane traveling west on King William Street beside the Huntsville Place Mall and traffic turning in and out of Shoppers Drug Mart. It was noted due to traffic flow, the merge lane had to begin where it currently was located and that vehicles turning left from Scott Street onto King William Street may decide instead to detour through Meadow Park Drive.
Chair Kirwin noted that as an existing building, Crabby Joe’s Restaurant continues under the current site plan and therefore comment from the Accessibility Advisory Committee was not provided; however, Chair Kirwin would try to touch base with the Owners to discuss with them potential accessibility concerns.
(b) Senior’s Report
A question was raised regarding disabled parking ticketing and potential curb cuts at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.
It was noted that Hospital Staff had yet to discuss ticketing with the security guards and that curb cuts would be difficult due to that it is private property.
A question was raised as to whether accessible parking signage could be placed in the parking lot at the Medical Building at the corner of Muskoka Road 3 North and Frank Miller Drive and if the By-law Enforcement Department could include them in their daily patrol.
Chair Kirwin noted she would follow up with the Hospital Staff and the By-law Enforcement Department.
8. UPDATES
- Nil -
9. NEW BUSINESS
(a) Jerry Ford Radio Interview – “MS Living & Social Impact Study”
John Krochak provided background information regarding the creation of the new website (www.msliving.org) for those with, and those living with someone with Multiple Sclerosis as well as his role in aiding Jerry Ford with his research.
The Committee listened to a 15 minute radio interview conducted March 9, 2008 by Voice Print with Jerry Ford regarding MS Living and the Social Impact Study.
Mr. Krochak further encouraged Committee Members to fill out the survey at the website as the more information provided, the better the website will be.
A discussion too place regarding the radio interview and the need for education right at the diagnosing of the disease.
(b) Federal Funding Program – Enabling Accessibility Fund
Chair Kirwin provided an overview of the Enabling Accessibility Federal Fund Program initiative that provides funding to non-profit organizations to renovate or repair buildings in order to address accessibility needs.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/eaf/call2008/index.shtml
Chair Kirwin further noted she provided John Finley, Economic Development / Grants Officer and Dean Hall, Manager of Leisure and Facility Services with the information in order to possibly aid the many local Community Hall Groups in retrofitting Community Halls in addressing accessibility needs.
It was noted that the submission deadline was April 30, 2008 but a second deadline would be sometime in the fall of 2008. Funding would range from $50,000 for a small project up to $1,000,000 to $15,000,000 for a large project.
(c) David Onley – Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Chair Kirwin noted that David Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario has been invited to speak at the new Sports / High School Complex in Bracebridge on August 8, 2008 to discuss Accessibility Awareness. The AAC from Bracebridge has asked us to promote it in Huntsville. They will keep us up to date on the proposed event.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Grant Wager AAC16-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: We do now adjourn at 4:03 p.m. to meet again on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Huntsville Civic Centre, Partner’s Hall.
Carried.