Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20260211
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)*
Lois Davies*
Alison Hughes
John Lenchak*
Elaine Martini*
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 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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February 11, 2026 2
Moved by Alison Hughes
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 December 10, 2025
Moved by Marilyn Williams
Seconded by Alison Hughes
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
December 10, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Town Hall Parking - 30
Percent Design
Staff, with assistance of an Aurora Town Hall and Seniors Centre Parking
Lot Rehabilitation rendering, outlined the plan's 30 percent design features
and spoke to the objective of incorporating the proposed Community
Reflection Space south-west of Town Hall into the east portion of the
parking lot redesign. Staff noted the redesign will address grading issues
across the parking lot, as well as relocating and increasing the quantity of
regular parking spaces by 17 spots and ensuring all barrier-free parking is
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (A.O.D.A.) compliant,
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2026 3
providing safe cross-walk routes between the two facilities as well as to
the trail access point, incorporating accessible drop-off zones in front of
the Seniors Centre, and improving ease of navigation through the parking
lot.
The Committee inquired whether Seniors Centre programming could be
adjusted to avoid excessive use on particular days, whether covered
parking might be provided to barrier-free parking spots and suggested the
barrier-free parking spots at the Town Hall main entrance be relocated to
adjacent to the entrance.
Staff and the Committee discussed accessibility concerns with regard to
possible installation of a slope, and replacing Town Hall main entrance
steps as part of the planned grading adjustments. As the rendering
provided is unclear, staff will seek clarification.
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the memorandum regarding Town Hall Parking – 30 Percent
Design be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Town
Hall Parking – 30 Percent Design 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 an update of the 2022-2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan,
specifically noting the following items completed in 2025:
115 site plans were reviewed, although not all required presenting to
the Committee.
The Town reported compliance with the A.O.D.A. and the 2025
Accessibility Compliance Report was submitted to the Ministry of
Seniors and Accessibility (M.S.A.A.).
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February 11, 2026 4
The 2025 accessibility update was posted to the Town of Aurora
website as per compliance.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan Status Report was
presented to Committee of the Whole on February 11, 2026, reflecting
some outstanding items which are expected to be completed with the
implementation of a new Training Management System rolling out this
year.
A barrier-free shuttle service and parking spaces continue to be
provided to ensure the Town's special events remain fully accessible.
Additional barrier-free parking spaces will be provided at upcoming
Municipal elections voting stations, as part of the accessibility election
plan to be reviewed with the new Clerk in the coming weeks.
25 playground assessments were completed with AccessNow with the
balance resuming in the spring. AccessNow will provide a report which
will be shared with the Parks Department for reference when
considering playground updates.
Staff continue to advise from an accessibility perspective on various
capital projects.
Additionally, staff discussed the 2027-2030 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
including the intention to hire a consultant and preparation for National
Accessibility Week (beginning May 31) with Community Services and
various community partners. Staff provided an update on the
implementation of sensor parking currently under consideration as part of
the Town-Wide Parking Study, and its benefit to provide advance notice of
available accessible parking spots.
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Elaine Martini
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
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2026 5
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee inquired about accessible scooter parking spots being made
available adjacent to the Victoria Street entrance of the Aurora Cultural Centre.
Staff noted the continuation of committee meetings throughout the municipal
election period and into early 2027, and provided notice of future capital projects
and the opportunity to review the 2027-2030 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan by the
Committee in the coming months.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Elaine Martini
Seconded by John Lenchak
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Carried