Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20251112
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner* (Chair)
Lois Davies (arrived at 7:05 p.m.)
Alison Hughes* (Vice Chair)
John Lenchak
Elaine Martini* (arrived at 7:09 p.m.)
Jo-anne Spitzer
Marilyn Williams
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 7:07 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
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
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November 12, 2025 2
Moved by Marilyn Williams
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
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 10, 2025
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Marilyn Williams
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
September 10, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Condominium Application
CDM-2025-01 (Submission 1), 32 Don Hillock Drive
Staff provided an overview of the condominium application for the subject
property including 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) adding tactile plates to the top step of external
staircases located along the back and side of the property, (2) ensuring
automatic door openers with door delays are installed on all entry doors,
(3) the addition of one barrier-free parking spot as per requirements, for a
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November 12, 2025 3
total of three, (4) relocation of the curb ramp from the side of the first
barrier-free parking spot to adjacent to the access aisle to provide access
to all users, (5) moving both barrier-free parking spots - or placing the one
additional barrier-free parking spot - midway along the front of the
building, and (6) suggesting a ramp be installed to replace the staircase at
the external corner of the building.
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the memorandum regarding Condominium Application CDM-
2025-01 (Submission 1), 32 Don Hillock Dr. be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding
Condominium Application CDM-2025-01 (Submission 1) 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)
Staff provided the following updates:
With the expiration of the current Multi-Year Accessibility Plan in 2026,
staff will gather feedback from the community and the Committee and
collaborate with various Town departments in preparation for future
projects.
Staff received the third Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility
Compliance audit and provided a submission, resulting in the Town
receiving full compliance.
Staff across multiple departments will review the submission to
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), due by
the end of the year.
Treat Accessibly, occurring at the Aurora Farmers' Market on October
25, received a wonderful turnout, with many visitors in costume and
vendors providing treats. 30 new signups were added in October, for a
total of 126.
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November 12, 2025 4
Evacuation chairs, while not currently required at Town Square due to
new fire prevention features incorporated into the new building, will be
considered for older buildings owned by the Town.
Accessible Standards Canada is issuing an accessible evacuation
standard for review, working towards a goal of making federal entities
across Canada accessible by 2040.
Staff attended the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals
conference, and shared concerns with the Deputy Minister of Seniors
and Accessibility about improving legislation to raise minimum
building standards, and the Deputy Minister provided a response
regarding outreach and education.
Staff reported that two presentations will be made at the December
Committee meeting regarding the Town Hall front parking redesign,
and the Aurora Promenade Streetscape revitalization.
Staff provided an update on the Yonge Street Multi-Use path design
running from Industrial Parkway South to Bloomington Road. The west
side will incorporate a multi-use path while the east side will
incorporate a sidewalk. Design is currently at 90% with multiple
accessibility features and seating to be incorporated. A public open
house is scheduled on November 20, 2025 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the
Aurora Public Library.
The Committee and staff further discussed snow clearing at bus stops
and accessible ride services available through various providers.
Moved by Elaine Martini
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
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
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November 12, 2025 5
The Committee and staff discussed concerns surrounding the feasibility of
maneuvering and storage of new 95-gallon wheeled bins recently delivered to
Town residents, and expressed an interest in providing feedback on behalf of
residents with accessibility concerns.
10. Adjournment
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Alison Hughes
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Carried