Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20230906
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Harold Kim (Chair)*
Peter Angelo (Vice Chair)
Alison Hughes*
John Lenchak
Hailey Reiss*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Other Attendees: Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Rahul Varadharajulu, Project Management Office Consultant*
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 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, September 6, 2023 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Peter Angelo
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 June 7, 2023
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Peter Angelo
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 7,
2023, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Site Plan Application SP-
2023-08 (Submission #1) 90 Engelhard Drive
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 a further suggestion was
made regarding consideration for: better indication of actual capacity of
"one-passenger" elevators and whether the elevator can accommodate a
person in a wheelchair with an attendant.
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Wednesday, September 6, 2023 3
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the memorandum regarding Site Plan Application SP-2023-08
(Submission #1) 90 Engelhard Drive be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Site
Plan Application SP-2023-08 (Submission #1) be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Site Plan Application SP-
2023-09 (Submission #1) 61 Allaura Boulevard
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 a further suggestion was
made regarding consideration for: clarification that sidewalks and
approach walkways are flush with building entrances.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the memorandum regarding Site Plan Application SP-2023-09
(Submission #1) 61 Allaura Boulevard be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Site
Plan Application SP-2023-09 (Submission #1) be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.3 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Site Plan Application SP-
2023-10 (Submission #1) 55 Eric T Smith Way
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 a further suggestion was
made regarding consideration for: two additional accessible parking
spaces.
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Wednesday, September 6, 2023 4
Moved by Hailey Reiss
Seconded by Alison Hughes
1. That the memorandum regarding Site Plan Application SP-2023-10
(Submission #1) 55 Eric T Smith Way be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Site
Plan Application SP-2023-10 (Submission #1) be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.4 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Treat Accessibly in Aurora
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and background of the
Treat Accessibly initiative. The Committee and staff discussed various
aspects and suggestions including: holding community trick-or-treat street
events for children with disabilities prior to Halloween; delivery of event
signage where needed; incentives/donations for community participation;
increase awareness by posting signs—in addition to lawn signs—in various
locations including public notice boards, facilities, parks, and trails; and
encourage local businesses to advocate for the initiative.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the memorandum regarding Treat Accessibly in Aurora be
received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Treat
Accessibly in Aurora be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.5 Round Table Discussion; Re: Town of Aurora Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
2022-2026
(Link to Multi-Year Accessibility Plan)
Staff provided an update on the status of various initiatives including:
budget request to complete the AccessNow assessment of the remaining
Town facilities, parks, and trails; construction of gymnasium at Stronach
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Wednesday, September 6, 2023 5
Aurora Recreation Complex; collaboration with Region on accessibility
assessment of trails; sensory tents at special events; provincial review of
the design of public spaces accessibility standards under the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); and the upcoming October
meeting of the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals.
The Committee and staff discussed the trail accessibility issues being
addressed with the Region, mapping, trail accessibility status
identification, and opportunities to exceed the AODA standards.
Moved by Peter Angelo
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding the
Town of Aurora Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2022-2026 be received
and referred to staff for consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Hailey Reiss
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Carried