Minutes - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20240911
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, September 11, 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: Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage
Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
*Attended electronically
____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 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,
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Wednesday, September 11, 2024 2
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.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Peter Angelo
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 May 8, 2024
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May
8, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
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Wednesday, September 11, 2024 3
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Presentation from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Draft
Affordable Housing Action Plan
Staff provided a presentation on the draft Affordable Housing Action Plan
including details on Aurora's growth context, the current affordable price
threshold, the six key objectives of the plan: (1) Increase housing supply;
(2) Promote housing affordability and stability; (3) Ensure complete
community growth; (4) Streamline approvals; (5) Enhance partnerships;
and (6) Continually monitor, assess and educate, and the next steps.
The Committee provided feedback and sought clarification on the various
action items and considerations under the key objectives including
inclusionary zoning to make housing affordable, impact on accessible
parking if minimum parking requirements are eliminated, maintaining
accessibility components in vertical housing, and accessible barriers in
secondary and tertiary units impacting availability.
The Committee and staff further discussed about action items for
accessible housing such as the benefits of universal design standards,
providing incentive opportunities, and supporting a range of care-based
housing.
Moved by Peter Angelo
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the presentation regarding Draft Affordable Housing Action
Plan be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding
Draft Affordable Housing Action Plan be received and referred to
staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
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Wednesday, September 11, 2024 4
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:
National AccessAbility week and the Town’s accessibility videos;
Recreation Needs Assessment Plan will be brought for Council's
consideration to the October 1, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting;
Update to verbiage in site plan memorandums to staff and applicants
emphasizing recommendations from committee lived experiences and
Town of Aurora’s Accessible Design Standards;
Review of Design of Public Space Standards;
Ongoing accessibility assessment of Town trails and parks by
AccessNow;
Inclusion of accessibility assessment of playgrounds in the upcoming
budget process;
Final assessment of accessible features at the new Town Square
facility before the opening;
Availability of sensory equipment and tents for events;
Update to the Accessibility training for staff; and
Forthcoming projects such as the Downtown Promenade project
replacing the Yonge Street streetscape and the installation of multi-
use path on Yonge Street.
The Committee sought clarification and provided suggestions on the
various accessible features at the Town Square facility such as the
railings surrounding the outdoor stairs, accessible and companion seating
in the Performance Hall, overall priority and designated seating and
signage, and consideration of interpreters during events and
performances.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by John Lenchak
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Wednesday, September 11, 2024 5
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
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Peter Angelo
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
Carried