Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20240110
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Harold Kim (Chair)
Peter Angelo* (Vice Chair)
Lois Davies
John Lenchak
Hailey Reiss*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Members Absent: Alison Hughes
Jeffrey Preston
Other Attendees: Michelle Johnson, Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator
Phillip Rose, Manager of Cultural Services
Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
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Wednesday, January 10, 2024 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by John Lenchak
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2023
Moved by Peter Angelo
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
December 6, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator; Re: Community
Reflection Space
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and a visual review of the
four proposed community reflection space locations for the Committee’s
consideration. It was noted that this project would come back for the
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Wednesday, January 10, 2024 3
Committee’s input on amenities and accessibility options for the selected
space later in the year.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects and Committee
feedback included: (1) Town Park and Lambert Willson Park/Arboretum
locations may not be appropriate due to heavy use and activities; (2)
Consider providing an alternative indoor reflection space in addition to the
outdoor space; (3) Support for the Town Hall and Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee Park locations for reasons of security, accessible parking and
transit; (4) Ensure barrier-free options for any seating and pathways; and
(5) Consider bookable space for organized reflection gatherings.
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the memorandum regarding Community Reflection Space be
received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding
Community Reflection Space be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor: Re: Stronach Aurora Recreation
Complex (S.A.R.C.) Gymnasium Update
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and a visual review of the
S.A.R.C. addition and alterations, including site and floor plans, conceptual
drawings, interior finishes, and accessibility measures.
The Committee inquired about the emergency exit stairway from the new
gymnasium and recommended that an accessible ramp be installed with
connectivity to existing paths of travel.
The Committee provided further feedback on accessible design aspects
including the need for: colour contrast to define boundaries between the
walls and floors or objects such as seating; uniform floor colour; and
safety decals for glass surfaces.
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Wednesday, January 10, 2024 4
Moved by Peter Angelo
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the memorandum regarding Stronach Aurora Recreation
Complex (S.A.R.C.) Gymnasium Update be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (S.A.R.C.) Gymnasium Update be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
7.3 Round Table Discussion; Re: Town of Aurora Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
2022 to 2026
(Link to Multi-Year Accessibility Plan)
Staff provided an update on various matters including: (1) An online
survey is now available on the Town’s Engage Aurora platform at
engageaurora.ca/RNA until February 14, 2024, to provide input on the
Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with Disabilities, as well as
opportunities to attend one of the virtual or in-person focus groups; (2)
Confirmed that the accessibility compliance report was submitted to the
Ministry in December 2023 and the website non-compliance issues are
being addressed; and (3) National AccessAbility Week will be held May 25
to June 1, 2024, and the Region is looking to collaborate with local
municipalities.
The Committee and staff discussed various ideas and ways to celebrate
National AccessAbility Week and shared information on the initiatives of
previous years. Staff agreed to provide feedback to the Region.
Moved by Peter Angelo
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding the
Town of Aurora Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2022 to 2026 be received
and referred to staff for consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
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Wednesday, January 10, 2024 5
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
Staff advised that a Town-wide parking lot review and study will be completed
over the next couple of years. It was also noted that the Town is currently
embarking on the Promenade Streetscape Detailed Design project and staff have
requested that the Accessibility Advisory Committee be involved in the
consultation process as the streetscape plan evolves.
The Committee expressed concern regarding the number of parking spaces
provided in relation to the size and number of buildings being developed. Staff
advised that private facilities must meet minimum requirements and the
Committee can always make recommendations for improvements.
10. Adjournment
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Lois Davies
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Carried