Corporation of the Town of Huntsville
ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Huntsville Civic Centre, Partners Hall
_________________________________________________________________
Chair:
Debbie Kirwin
Members:
Councillor John Davis
John Kenny
John Krochak (via telephone)
Bruce Liddle
Rod Mundy
Laurel Shaw
Grant Wager
Deb Willows
Absent:
Agatha West
Staff:
Dianne Conwath, Deputy Clerk
Brian Crozier, Director of Community Services
CONVENE
Moved by Rod Mundy AAC07-09
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: We do now convene as the Accessibility Advisory Committee at 2:00 p.m.
Carried.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Moved by Rod Mundy AAC08-09
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: the Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda dated Tuesday, March 10, 2009 be adopted as printed and circulated.
Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
- Nil -
DELEGATION
Brian Crozier, Director of Community Services – Plans - G8 Legacy Centre
Brian Crozier provided a detailed review of the drawings for the new G8 Legacy Centre, which encompasses the current Centennial Centre, Jack Bionda Arena and the new 2nd ice surface.
Chair Kirwin said that due to timing restraints she met last week with Mr. Crozier and Councillor Greaves with regard to accessibility requirements at the new G8 Legacy Centre. Chair Kirwin said her comments and recommendations were well received.
Chair Kirwin said that Committee would consider with these comments and recommendations today in the form of a motion.
Discussions took place regarding:
accessible washroom facilities;
location of a second elevator;
proximity of accessible parking;
relocation of the Rotary Village Train Station.;
accessibility issues related to Muskoka Pioneer Village. Mr. Crozier indicated with the train not being in service this year will give Staff the opportunity to address accessibility concerns related to Muskoka Pioneer Village;
proposed location of the two bridges crossing the Muskoka River;
the new entrance way i.e. height and width of the canopy;
G8 Legacy Site security before and during the G8 Summit; and
fibre optic upgrades for the Huntsville Centennial Centre and Huntsville High School.
MINUTES
a) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – February 17, 2009
The Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes dated February 17, 2009, were received and reviewed.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES
b) G8 Legacy Centre – Submission of Accessibility Requirements
Chair Kirwin reviewed the submission of accessibility requirements that she had presented to Brian Crozier and Councillor Greaves with respect to comments and recommendations for the new G8 Legacy Centre.
Moved by Rod Mundy AAC09-09
WHEREAS: the Town of Huntsville successfully hosted the first Winter Paralympics Games in 2006 and learned first hand what barriers faced the athletes while they were here;
AND WHEREAS: it is the intention to host the Winter Paralympics Games again;
AND WHEREAS: the Town of Huntsville is committed to providing access to all residents and visitors alike;
AND WHEREAS: it is necessary to improve accessibility at the current Huntsville Community Centre and to build a fully accessible G8 Legacy Centre;
NOW THEREFORE IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: the attached recommendations be approved by Committee and forwarded to Council for consideration.
Carried.
b) Pool Access at the Centennial Centre Pool
Chair Kirwin presented and outlined, in detail, a proposal on Pool Access, which elaborates on five specific proposals:
Chair Kirwin thanked Member Shaw for her research and to Member Wager for his input in the proposal related to pool access.
Discussions took place regarding the:
Moved by Rod Mundy AAC10-09
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: the attached Proposal, prepared by Chair Debbie Kirwin and Member Laurel Shaw regarding “Pool Access” be received;
AND FURTHER THAT: the recommendations contained in the attached Report be approved by Committee and forwarded to Council for consideration.
Carried.
c) Customer Service Training – Muskoka Tourism Proposal
Chair Kirwin updated Committee on the proposal prepared by the Muskoka Chief Administrative Officers regarding Muskoka Tourism membership participating in a Customer Service Training Program, Train the Trainer. Chair Kirwin said she had spoken to Michael Lawley, Executive Director of Muskoka Tourism who is on side. Chair Kirwin noted that we have to wait and see if the proposal receives approval from the Government.
A discussion took place regarding Muskoka Tourism having a database that indicates which accommodations are accessible.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
- Nil -
REPORTS
a) Senior’s Report
Member Liddle said that a new handrail had been installed at the Bowling Alley.
Committee suggested that a thank you letter be sent to the Owner of the Bowling Alley, the Owner of the property as well as the Management Company regarding the installation of the new handrail.
UPDATES
a) 2009 National Access Awareness Week
Chair Kirwin said that she requested information from SCAPD and the City of London and is waiting for their response.
Chair Kirwin suggested that she is leaning towards the distribution of a flyer to the business community but in the meantime, is hoping to get more information from other Municipalities as to how they are handling accessible customer service.
Committee felt that the distribution of a flyer outlining the accomplishments the Huntsville Accessibility Advisory Committee would be an excellent educational tool.
A discussion took place regarding the local business community relationship through Muskoka Tourism.
Member Kenny said that he had spoken with Mr. Michael Lawley of Muskoka Tourism regarding accessibility issues and would like to invite him to attend an Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting to orientate him as to accessibility in the Town of Huntsville including, but not limited to, businesses and accommodations and to the accomplishments of the Huntsville Committee or to another venue, such as the upcoming Muskoka Wide Accessibility Advisory Conference. Chair Kirwin said that she would contact Mr. Lawley with respect to his attendance at one or both Meetings.
A discussion took place regarding G8 accommodations and initiatives to promote Huntsville.
NEW BUSINESS
a) Medical Building Accessible Parking
Chair Kirwin said that with the construction of the new parking lot at the Medical Building near Huntsville Hospital the Town was asked to monitor and enforce parking at the site. Chair Kirwin said that once the parking lot is completed the plans are to have seven wheel-chair accessible parking spots at the front of the building with the back lot being paid parking.
Discussions took place regarding proper and adequate signage related to:
process to obtain a ticket to park, accessible parking spots, and drop-offs.
b) Community Living Request
Chair Kirwin said that Community Living Huntsville together with Huntsville High School are hosting an event at the High School entitled Life After High School on Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Chair Kirwin asked if the Committee would be interested in participating to set up a booth. Discussions took place regarding the type of information that the Committee could provide:
Member Shaw said she would be interested in participating and Chair Kirwin indicated that she would prepare a list of Committee accomplishments.
c) Huntsville Public Library
Councillor Davis noted that the Huntsville Public Library is currently preparing to redesign the front entrance and possibly expand the Library. He had suggested to Maureen Cubberley, Chief Librarian/CEO that she speak with Debbie Kirwin with respect to addressing accessibility.
A discussion took place regarding the present access to the Huntsville Public Library i.e. ramp and stairs.
Chair Kirwin said that she would like any preliminary drawings to come to the Committee for review.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Rod Mundy AAC11-09
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: We do now adjourn at 3:55 p.m. to meet again on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Huntsville Civic Centre, Partner’s Hall.
Carried.