Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20250212
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
7 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)
Lois Davies
Alison Hughes (Vice Chair)
John Lenchak
Elaine Martini
Jo-anne Spitzer
Marilyn Williams
Other Attendees: Phillip Rose, Manager, Cultural Services
Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
The Members introduced themselves.
1.1 Appointment of Committee Vice Chair
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Marilyn Williams
1. That Alison Hughes be appointed as Vice Chair of the Accessibility
Advisory Committee for a two-year term (2025-2026).
Carried
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2025 2
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
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Elaine Martini
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 November 13, 2024
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
November 13, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2025 3
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Cultural Services; Re: Public Art Strategy
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum regarding the ongoing
development of the Public Art Strategy and noted that consultation will be
held with the Committee for future public art projects as required.
The Committee had no comments or questions.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the memorandum regarding Public Art Strategy be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Public
Art Strategy be received and referred to staff for consideration and
further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Site Plan Application SP-
2024-09 (Submission #1) 28 Sunday Drive
Staff provided an overview of the site plan 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) relocation of the barrier-free parking spots preferably
closer to the building, (2) installation of accessible washrooms on the
second floor, and (3) additional clearance space from the main entrances.
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Marilyn Williams
1. That the memorandum regarding Site Plan Application SP-2024-09
(Submission #1) 28 Sunday Drive be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Site
Plan Application SP-2024-09 (Submission #1) be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2025 4
7.3 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 the following matters:
National AccessAbility Week 2025 - availability of ParaSport Try-it
days and sensory programming during the week
Aurora Sport Plan Update - the plan was recommended at the
February 11, 2025 Committee of he Whole meeting to adopt staff
recommendations
Yonge Street Multi-use Path - an open house was conducted on
January 14, 2025 and various path options were presented to
residents
Aurora Town Parking Study - an introductory meeting was held to
review the current Town owned on and off-street parking use
Fleury Park - an open house was held on January 15, 2025 and
review of the park design and accessible features was presented to
the residents
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (S.A.R.C) Parking Study - an
introductory meeting was held to review the current S.A.R.C parking
lot use
AccessNow Trails and Playgrounds Assessments - assessments of
95% of Town trails has been completed; assessment of
playgrounds will be held throughout 2025-2026
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - training was
administered to all staff
Aurora Town Square - installation of listening device at the
customer service desk, purchasing wheelchair for the customer
service staff for public assistance, and changes in accessible
seating online booking process
The Committee and staff further discussed about the possibility of
improving accessibility along the Yonge Street corridor specifically on the
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2025 5
east side, and suggested that accessibility seating be marked when
possible at Town Square 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.
9. New Business
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by John Lenchak
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Carried