Minutes - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20231221
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, December 21, 2023
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Ron Weese (Chair)
Irene Clement
Jessie Fraser*
Shaheen Moledina*
Mayor Tom Mrakas* (Ex-officio Member)
Members Absent: Michelle Dakin (Vice Chair)
David Gren
Adrian Martin
Corrina Tai
Other Attendees: Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet*
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 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
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 21, 2023 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
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 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 19,
2023
Moved by Shaheen Moledina
Seconded by Irene Clement
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
of October 19, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Recreation; Re: Recreation Needs
Assessment for Persons with Disabilities
Lisa Warth provided a brief overview of the project scope, community
engagement and timelines, and introduced the project consultants. Jodi
Ball and Gabrielle Peters of J Consulting Group facilitated the discussion
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 21, 2023 3
and invited Committee members to share their experiences and insights
on inclusive recreation programs and services, needs and gaps, delivery of
programs, and expectations of the assessment.
The Committee provided feedback and discussed various elements
including: the need for fully accessible playground and greater information
on accessibility of parks and trails, including on the AccessNow app; the
need for more summer camp spaces and staff training to make summer
camp programs more accessible for children with special needs or
behaviours; the need for a study of existing and changing demographics
of Aurora; the need for a clear understanding of what the Town already
provides as a baseline from an accessible and inclusive standpoint; the
importance of also surveying caregivers and family of participants with
lived experiences; outreach to York Region Early Intervention Services and
school boards to help support accuracy of survey; connect with local
sports organizations re best practices; the need for better communication,
in multiple languages, on the programs and supports currently available in
Town; inclusion vs integration/segregation; and identification of barriers
such as financial, transportation, and equipment.
Discussion on expectations included: recognizing the link and possible
gaps between programs and services and related built facilities; how to
address desired services that may not fall within the purview of the Town;
comparator information from other municipalities, public and private
organizations and service providers; outcome that includes broad range of
demographics, types of disabilities, best practices, solutions, and
priorities; and opportunities to build on or create partnerships with other
groups.
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
1. That the memorandum regarding Recreation Needs Assessment for
Persons with Disabilities be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with Disabilities
be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action
as appropriate.
Carried
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 21, 2023 4
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Carried