Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20240214
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Peter Angelo (Vice Chair)*
Alison Hughes*
Hailey Reiss*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Members Absent: Councillor Harold Kim (Chair)
Lois Davies
John Lenchak
Other Attendees: Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Jaclyn Grossi, Deputy Town Clerk
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:08 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
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
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 January 10, 2024
Moved by Hailey Reiss
Seconded by Alison Hughes
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
January 10, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Site Plan Application SP-
2023-01 (Submission #2) 100 Goulding Avenue
Staff provided an overview of the site plan and comments submitted to
the Planner on behalf of the Committee. The Committee and staff
discussed various aspects of the site plan and further suggestions were
made regarding: consideration of additional barrier-free parking; and
consideration of the location of tactile walking surface indicators for curb
ramps to be on the flat top surface instead of the slope.
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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 3
Moved by Hailey Reiss
Seconded by Alison Hughes
1. That the memorandum regarding Site Plan Application SP-2023-01
(Submission #2) 100 Goulding Avenue be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Site
Plan Application SP-2023-01 (Submission #2) be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: 2024 Accessibility Significant
Dates
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum, noting that most of the
accessibility significant dates are also listed on the Town's online
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) calendar, and the dates would be
further recognized through the Town's social media channels. The
Committee and staff discussed various aspects including: consider
recognizing other, less visible, days of significance that are recognized by
the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), such as brain
injury awareness and mental health disorders, including Invisible
Disabilities Week; consider the language used in messaging and amplify
messages of partner organizations where the Town does not create/post
content; and consider testimonials, discussions with community members
affected to highlight lived experiences, celebrate successes, and increase
disability awareness. Staff agreed to connect with the Communications
team and provide the Committee with additional significant dates, social
media messaging, and promotions for National AccessAbility Week.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Hailey Reiss
1. That the memorandum regarding 2024 Accessibility Significant Dates
be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding 2024
Accessibility Significant Dates be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 4
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 matters including: (1) Staff met with
AccessNow and Parks staff to launch the project to assess the Town’s
fourteen trails and remaining seven facilities throughout the year; the
Committee will be invited to participate during the assessment and
mapping exercise; and a report will be provided to the Committee and
Council by the end of the year; and (2) On January 30, 2024, Town Council
endorsed and signed the Dear Everybody Agreement, in support of the
initiative from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and to
demonstrate the Town’s commitment to champion inclusivity and support
people with disabilities; Aurora is the first municipality to sign this
agreement.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Hailey Reiss
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
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
Staff extended a reminder that today is the last opportunity to provide feedback
on the Town’s Recreation Needs Assessment survey at engageaurora.ca/rna and
the Committee was encouraged to share the information and invite others to
provide input.
Staff advised that Jeffrey Preston has resigned from the Committee and the
vacancy is currently posted at aurora.ca/committees until February 25, 2024. The
Committee was encouraged to share this information within their networks.
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Wednesday, February 14, 2024 5
10. Adjournment
Moved by Hailey Reiss
Seconded by Alison Hughes
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Carried