Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20241113
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Harold Kim (Chair)
Lois Davies
Alison Hughes*
John Lenchak
Hailey Reiss*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Members Absent: Peter Angelo (Vice Chair)
Sean Noble
Other Attendees: Councillor Ron Weese
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.
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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November 13, 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 September 11, 2024
Moved by Hailey Reiss
Seconded by Alison Hughes
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 11, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Condominium Application
CDM-2024-02 (Submission #1) 1588 St. John's Sideroad
Staff provided an overview of the condominium application and
comments submitted to the Planner on behalf of the Committee. The
Committee had no further input.
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2024 3
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the memorandum regarding Condominium Application CDM-
2024-02 (Submission #1) 1588 St. John’s Sideroad be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding
Condominium Application CDM-2024-02 (Submission #1) be received
and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Zoning By-law Application
ZBA-2024-06 (Submission #1) 240 Industrial Parkway South
Staff provided an overview of the Zoning By-law amendment application,
including an Accessibility Design Standards analysis for the proposed
private school, and comments to be submitted to the Planner on behalf of
the Committee. The Committee and staff discussed various aspects of
the application and further suggestions were made regarding consideration
for (1) a safety crossing at the barrier-free parking spaces; and (2) a higher
safety fence along the west side of the property facing the railroad track.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the memorandum regarding Zoning By-law Application ZBA-
2024-06 (Submission #1) 240 Industrial Parkway South be received;
and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding
Zoning By-law Application ZBA-2024-06 (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(EX)-
2024-15 (Submission #1) 14987 and 14993 Yonge Street
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November 13, 2024 4
Staff provided an overview of the site plan exemption application and
comments to be submitted to the Planner on behalf of the Committee.
The Committee had no further input.
Moved by Hailey Reiss
Seconded by Lois Davies
1. That the memorandum regarding Site Plan Application SP(EX)-2024-
15 (Submission #1) 14987 and 14993 Yonge Street be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Site
Plan Application SP(EX)-2024-15 (Submission #1) be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.4 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) Town Hall and Aurora
Seniors Centre parking lot upgrades to meet Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliance have commenced and will be
completed by 2025; (2) Aurora participated for a second year in support of
the Treat Accessibly initiative to provide an accessible Halloween trick-or-
treating experience; (3) Accessibility Advisor attendance and provincial
update at the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals (ONAP)
conference in October 2024 at London, Ontario; (4) AccessNow trails and
facilities accessibility assessments to be completed this month; and (5)
Purchase of Priority Seating covers for persons with disabilities for the
Performance Hall at Aurora Town Square and other Town events.
The Committee expressed concerns regarding the lack of available
parking at the Aurora Seniors Centre during certain programming and
suggested that extra time be built into the schedule between programs to
free up space for arriving participants. Staff agreed to share this feedback
with the programming staff.
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November 13, 2024 5
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 advised that the AODA Customer Service Standards review report is open
for public review, noting that the matter of service animals has been a major
discussion point in many municipalities and provinces. Committee members
were encouraged to review the initial recommendations and submit their feedback
by early January 2025. The Committee inquired about the requirements for the
use of service animals and staff provided clarification.
Staff advised that the Province’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) Forum
for all AAC members across Ontario, which was postponed from October 2024, is
now planned for the first quarter of 2025 and details will be shared with the
Committee once confirmed.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Hailey Reiss
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Carried