Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20240508
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Harold Kim (Chair)
Peter Angelo (Vice Chair)*
Lois Davies
Alison Hughes*
John Lenchak
Sean Noble*
Hailey Reiss*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Other Attendees: Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet*
Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
The Committee consented to extend the hour to 9:10 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, May 8, 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 April 10, 2024
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April
10, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager of Parks and Fleet; Re: Town Park Accessible
Playground Update
Staff provided an overview of the proposed Town Park accessible
playground features and key components. The Committee expressed
general support for the proposed playground design and provided
feedback regarding consideration for: (1) wider slides to accommodate
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Wednesday, May 8, 2024 3
larger persons/caregivers accompanying a child; (2) at least one metal
slide in addition to plastic slides, which can be problematic for children
with cochlear implants; (3) platform swing for wheelchairs, potentially to
replace some other feature; (4) musical sensory areas; (5) quality and
durability standards; (6) signage indicating the intended users of the
accessible features, to also serve as an educational opportunity to inform
people about those with disabilities; (7) communication boards; (8)
fencing, especially on any side of the park facing a street; (9) painted
games area; (10) inclusivity of the park; (11) learnings from deficiencies of
previously built accessible parks; (12) sticker solutions for signage; (13)
park orientation video; (14) upgraded washrooms, parking, and shade
options; (15) signage in accessible formats; and (16) connectivity.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Hailey Reiss
1. That the memorandum regarding Town Park Accessible Playground
Update be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Town
Park Accessible Playground Update be received and referred to staff
for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 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) National AccessAbility
week and the Town’s accessibility videos; (2) Accessibility assessment of
Town trails and parks by AccessNow; (3) Compliance reporting to the
Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility; (4) York Region private affordable
housing meeting and action plan; (5) Recreation Needs Assessment
survey results, key themes, and next steps; (6) Review of the Committee’s
initiatives and Terms of Reference; and (7) Planning for the next Multi-Year
Accessibility Plan, including Special Events and new strategies to address
the accessibility gaps.
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Wednesday, May 8, 2024 4
The Committee provided input on accessible video options, continuity of
trails between municipalities within York Region, standards for percentage
of accessible housing, and the importance of creating accessible, two-way
communication with the community. The Committee provided further
feedback and priorities on the six draft goals of the Recreation Needs
Assessment survey.
Moved by Hailey Reiss
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
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee announced that the Voices of Joy Community Choir would be
holding its 25th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2 p.m. at
Bethel Church, 333 Davis Drive, Newmarket, and all were encouraged to attend.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Lois Davies
Seconded by John Lenchak
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Carried