Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20250910
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)
Alison Hughes (Vice Chair)* (departed at 8:54 p.m.)
Elaine Martini*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Marilyn Williams
Members Absent: Lois Davies
John Lenchak
Other Attendees: Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 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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September 10, 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 June 11, 2025
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
11, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: 2022 – 2026 Multi-Year
Accessibility Plan Detailed Update
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September 10, 2025 3
Staff provided an extensive update on the status of 24 initiatives outlined
and will provide to Committee the number of staff with accessibility
issues.
The Committee and staff discussed various solutions to address and
resolve accessibility and parking issues found at both Town- and
privately-owned properties.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Elaine Martini
1. That the memorandum regarding 2022 – 2026 Multi-Year
Accessibility Plan Detailed Update be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding 2022
– 2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Detailed Update 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:
• Following an extension request to the Ministry of Seniors and
Accessibility Compliance Audit in June, a submission was provided by
staff in July, with a request for further documentation received in
September from the Province. Staff are currently generating a
response.
• AccessNow accessibility assessments and the mapping of 22 large-
and medium-sized playgrounds has now been completed, as have all
Town trails. Staff will continue to report on remaining parks and
playgrounds into the fall, resuming in spring 2026 until all
playgrounds are linked on the Town website.
• Staff advised that several site plans, all minor in scope, have been
reviewed over the summer.
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September 10, 2025 4
• In partnership with a consultant, an assessment by staff is underway
on the Town Hall/Aurora Senior's Centre parking lot to ensure
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
compliance.
• An accessibility plan will be generated by staff in collaboration with
the Clerks Department as part of the preparation for the 2026 Ontario
municipal election to ensure AODA compliance and additional
temporary accessible parking is provided at all voting centres.
• Staff reported that a request to purchase 18 evacuation chairs for the
Library and Town Square was denied. In the event of an emergency,
existing evacuation chairs located in public buildings and those
possessed by Central York Fire Services will be utilized.
• Staff will begin preparation of the 2027-2030 Multi-Year Accessibility
Plan (MYAP) by requesting the hiring of a consultant in their fall
budget. Multi-Year Plans will now coincide with Council terms, with
the 2027-2030 MYAP completed in time for the new term of Council to
approve.
• Treat Accessibly will be supported again this year and staff will
collaborate with the Communications department to encourage
residents' support.
• National Disability Employment Awareness Month will feature a light-
up event by the Town on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Moved by Marilyn Williams
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding the
Town of Aurora Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2022 - 2026 be received
and referred to staff for consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2025 5
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee and staff discussed accessibility considerations for future
Concerts in the Park events in the Town Park.
Additionally, the Committee and staff discussed York Region Transit's 'Mobility
On-Request Paratransit Service', '65+ Service' and 'Accessibility Services'
available throughout York Region.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Marilyn Williams
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Carried