Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20260513
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)
Lois Davies
John Lenchak*
Elaine Martini
Jo-anne Spitzer
Marilyn Williams
Members Absent: Alison Hughes (Vice Chair)
Other Attendees: Kyle Stitt, Manager, Facilities*
Andrea Vento, Program Manager, Facility Capital Projects*
Gregory Peri, Accessibility Advisor
Linda Bottos, 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.
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May 13, 2026 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Elaine Martini
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 April 8, 2026
Moved by Marilyn Williams
Seconded by John Lenchak
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of April 8,
2026, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Kyle Stitt, Manager, Facilities Management; Re: 27
Mosley Street (Victoria Hall) Refurbishment
Staff provided a brief overview of the proposed Victoria Hall refurbishment
project including the project team members, site plan, the planned
demolition of the current addition and construction of a new addition to
incorporate an accessibility ramp at the south end of the building, the floor
plan including a barrier-free washroom, elevations, and internal and
external conceptual renderings.
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May 13, 2026 3
There were questions and discussion on various aspects including the
location of the accessibility ramp and potential safety issue of a single
ramp access from the building, occupancy load of the building, parking,
and concerns about the proximity of barrier-free parking spaces. The
Committee was generally supportive of the proposal.
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Elaine Martini
1. That the memorandum regarding 27 Mosley Street (Victoria Hall)
Refurbishment be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding 27
Mosley Street (Victoria Hall) Refurbishment 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 an update on the following matters:
The Town of Aurora hosted the Ontario Network of Accessibility
Professionals on April 23-24, 2026, including more than 100
professionals from across the province in a hybrid meeting.
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility is holding a virtual
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) forum on the morning of June
11, 2026; registration is due by May 27; and topics will include
accessible employment, site plans and tips, and influencing council
and executives.
Compliance update on meeting accessibility standards under the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA): Staff
confirmed that the Town is compliant—meeting and exceeding the
standards—and noted the compliance statistics of other organizations.
The Town of Aurora is hosting its celebration of National AccessAbility
Week (NAAW) during the week of May 24-30, 2026, and details are
available at aurora.ca/NAAW. Major events will include a Behaviour
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2026 4
Management System Training session on May 27 at the Stronach
Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC); a Brain Health with Alzheimer
Society session on May 28 at Aurora Town Square; and drop-in
programming and “Try It” activities on May 30 at the SARC. Staff
agreed to follow up on the communication schedule and ensure
Council is informed of the events.
York Region is hosting the 2026 National AccessAbility Week
Accessibility Advisory Committee Professional Development Forum on
June 3, 2026, with registration due by May 25.
Municipal Election 2026: Staff advised on the work being done to
secure voting locations and ensure the election is fully accessible.
Committee members were offered the opportunity to attend during the
inspections of potential locations. Concerns were expressed regarding
the potential influencing of voters at senior facilities. The Committee
requested that clear instructions for online voting be given to seniors.
Moved by Marilyn Williams
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
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Elaine Martini
Seconded by Marilyn Williams
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Carried