Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20260408
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner, Chair (arrived 7:10 p.m.)
Lois Davies
Alison Hughes, Chair*
John Lenchak* (arrived 7:02 p.m.)
Elaine Martini
Jo-anne Spitzer
Marilyn Williams
Other Attendees: Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 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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April 8, 2026 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 February 11, 2026
Moved by Elaine Martini
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 11, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
6.1 Amandipp Singh, Founder and CEO, Enabled Talent; Re: Accessibility
Initiatives
Amandipp Singh, CEO, Enabled Talent, presented a plan to promote
coordinated initiatives between the Town of Aurora and local employers,
educators, non-profit agencies, and accessibility advisory committees to
identify primary challenges and further accessibility initiatives.
Moved by John Lenchak
Seconded by Marilyn Williams
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
7. Matters for Consideration
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April 8, 2026 3
7.1 Memorandum from Town Clerk; Re: Draft 2026 Municipal Election
Accessibility Plan
Staff provided an extensive overview of the Draft 2026 Municipal Election
Accessibility Plan, outlining accessibility features for both internet and
ballot voting methods that will be provided at voting locations for
candidates, electoral staff and voters, as well as accessibility training
planned for election officials and accessible elections communications.
Additionally, staff extended an invitation to the Committee for members to
take part in voting location inspections; staff to provide upcoming events
details. Staff further underscored the level of accessibility to be provided
at advance polling stations.
The Committee spoke to security concerns around internet voting, and
provided the following suggestions when considering voting locations:
providing an alternative to school gyms with high ceilings, for those
with hearing disabilities or neurodivergent individuals
propping heavy entrance doors open, or ensuring automatic door
openers are working
use of plain language, ideally at a grade six to eight level, when
providing instructions
providing service animal rest stations
providing respite seating, including non-rolling chairs with arms
Moved by Marilyn Williams
Seconded by Elaine Martini
1. That the memorandum regarding Draft 2026 Municipal Election
Accessibility Plan be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding the
Draft 2026 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan 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
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April 8, 2026 4
Staff provided an update of the 2022-2026 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan,
specifically:
As Atkinson and Optimist Parks come due for replacement,
feedback on inclusive features and accessible play elements may
be provided via EngageAurora.ca/Playgrounds until Friday, April 10,
2026.
Town Hall parking lot refurbishment is on schedule, and the Aurora
Seniors Association has been informed of the ensuing work, with a
completion deadline for September, ahead of Municipal Elections.
May 24 - 30, 2026 will see multiple events celebrating National
Accessibility Week happening throughout Aurora featuring
speakers, drop-in events, and adaptability try-out activities.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by John Lenchak
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
The Committee inquired on the status of acquiring additional evacuation chairs
for use at the Town Square, and staff responded that due to state-of-the-art fire
suppression features included in the new building, the consensus is that
additional evacuation chairs are not required. However, fire safety plans for older
buildings owned by the Town will be reviewed regarding the potential need for
evacuation chairs in those locations.
Staff noted a conversation with the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility where it
was discussed that the use of evacuation chairs is not required by Provincial
legislation, affecting their utilization by many municipalities.
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April 8, 2026 5
10. Adjournment
Moved by Lois Davies
Seconded by Elaine Martini
That the meeting be adjourned at 8 p.m.
Carried