Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20250409
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)
Lois Davies
Alison Hughes* (Vice Chair)
Jo-anne Spitzer
Marilyn Williams
Members Absent: John Lenchak
Elaine Martini
Other Attendees: Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager of Parks and Fleet
(departed at 8:09 p.m.)
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, 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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April 9, 2025 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 Marilyn Williams
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 February 12, 2025
Moved by Lois Davies
Seconded by Alison Hughes
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 12, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Parks and Fleet; Re: 2025 Park Project
Updates
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum regarding 2025 capital
Parks Projects and the redesign of Fleury Park. Based on public feedback
gathered at the February 7, 2025 Public Information Centre, staff shared
plans to move the playground and splashpad adjacent to Aurora
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April 9, 2025 3
Community Centre parking area, and installing rubberized, barrier-free
surfacing.
Committee provided the following feedback and suggestions:
that accessible features be built into all future playground
templates, perhaps through a change in policy, with the AAC
providing specific feedback on particular features; and
that future parking areas adjacent to accessible parks provide
additional parking for caregivers; and
that double-wide metal slides replace plastic slides, for those
requiring cochlear implants and/or assisted play, and platform
wheelchair swings be considered; and
to select appropriate ground cover for inclusive play, ensuring
routes to accessible features are fully accessible; and
consider provision of a water-safe wheelchair for use at the
splashpad, with nearby storage provided at the Aurora Community
Centre.
The Committee and staff further discussed the above suggestions. It was
noted that the Committee’s feedback would be incorporated into a future
report to Council.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Marilyn Williams
1. That the memorandum regarding 2025 Park Project Updates be
received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding
General 2025 Park Project Updates 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)
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April 9, 2025 4
Staff provided an update on the following:
AccessNow assessment of facilities and trails is complete, with
playground assessments ongoing and regularly updated as retrofitting
occurs. Staff shared AccessNow's assessments of Fleury Park surface
hazards, terrain descriptions, features and pathways, and confirmed
assessments are shared with other departments for consideration.
Staff reported collaborating with Aurora Chamber of Commerce to
encourage use of AccessNow with their members and invited
Committee members to attend future mapping events.
Committee members expressed concern regarding lack of
accessibility of Fleury Park Trail when approaching from York Region
District School Board bridge, and staff provided a response.
Features of three Snoezelen Maxi Carts used to manage over-
stimulation, and their use at recreation complexes, indoor town events
and summer camp.
Committee members inquired as to the cart's availability to the public
during non-events, and staff provided a response.
Next steps following the March 26, 2025 Town-Wide Parking Survey
open house and encouraged feedback from committee members.
Upcoming plans to create a video featuring the importance of
accessible features and playgrounds and will use clips from future
events.
Moved by Lois Davies
Seconded by Alison Hughes
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.
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April 9, 2025 5
9. New Business
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Alison Hughes
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Carried