Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20250611
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)*
Lois Davies
John Lenchak*
Elaine Martini*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Marilyn Williams
Members Absent: Alison Hughes (Vice Chair)
Other Attendees: Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:08 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
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June 11, 2025 2
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 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 April 9, 2025
Moved by Marilyn Williams
Seconded by Elaine Martini
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
April 9, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Site Plan Application SP-
2024-09 (Submission #2), 28 Sunday Drive
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June 11, 2025 3
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum noting that the applicant
has incorporated all suggestions and comments as suggested by the
Committee previously.
The Committee had no further suggestions or feedback.
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Elaine Martini
1. That the memorandum regarding Site Plan Application SP-2024-09
(Submission #2) 28 Sunday Drive be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding
Site Plan Application SP-2024-09 (Submission #2) 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
Staff provided the following updates:
York Region Multi-Year Accessibility Plan roundtable including
discussions on various topics such as the educational approach
towards AODA going forward to go beyond minimum standards,
how municipalities are achieving compliance requirements, funding
required to achieve accessible standards across the board, and
Ministry's approach in involving local and small organizations in
educating and bringing awareness to achieve accessible standards
Accessibility Compliance Audit to the Province, response to a
questionnaire from the Province was submitted in May with
detailed overview and proof as requested, and now currently in the
process to respond on further follow up questions.
The Committee and staff discussed about the details of the questionnaire
and the follow up requirements and next steps.
York Region Transit (YRT) Plan discussion with YRT staff indicated
that 65% of current bus stops are accessible and are working
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June 11, 2025 4
towards ensuring all bus stops are accessible. Further details were
shared regarding training offered by YRT, and other services such
as Mobility On-Request Paratransit to assist with public transit
service.
The Committee discussed and emphasized the need for local businesses,
libraries and other public areas to keep YRT services contact information
available for those individuals with accessible needs.
National Accessibility Awareness Week (NAAW) highlights of the
events and activities that took place during NAAW including guest
speaker, various drop-in and sport programs, sensory room and
carts and presence of various community organizations
showcasing their accessible programs
The Committee inquired about the overall attendance at these programs
and events and extended their appreciation to staff on the efforts for a
successful week.
Town Wide Parking Study discussion with consultants highlighting
the focus on improving parking in the downtown core, accessible
and equitable access to residential street parking, maintaining
barrier-free spots as per requirements, accessible EV parking, and
signage to track accessible parking in public spaces
Staff sought the Committee's feedback on the adequate evacuation
means and shared the availability of evacuation chairs. The Committee
and staff discussed about the use and function of the evacuation chairs,
training required to ensure proper use in emergency situations, and the
cost and maintenance of the chairs.
The Committee requested that an overview of the incomplete items in the
2022-2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan be brought forward to a future
meeting.
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Elaine Martini
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June 11, 2025 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 John Lenchak
Seconded by Elaine Martini
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Carried