Minutes (Appointed) - Accessibility Advisory Committee - 20260909
Town of Aurora
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner, Chair*
Lois Davies*
Alison Hughes, Vice Chair*
Elaine Martini*
Jo-anne Spitzer*
Marilyn Williams
Members Absent: John Lenchak
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 7:01 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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September 9, 2026 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Marilyn Williams
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 June 10, 2026
Moved by Alison Hughes
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
10, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Site Plan Application SP-
2026-04 (Submission 1) - 15037 Yonge Street
Staff provided a brief outline and site plans for SP-2026-04 - 15037 Yonge
Street, noting the inclusion of barrier-free parking spaces, washroom
facilities and main entrance access ramp. Staff reported prior submission
of barrier-free access to upper floors and inclusion of cut-away curbs, and
confirmed fire and building officials will be reviewing the site plans to
ensure their alignment with appropriate codes.
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September 9, 2026 3
The Committee inquired about the inclusion of basement easement
windows for fire safety.
Moved by Marilyn Williams
Seconded by Alison Hughes
1. That the memorandum regarding Site Plan Application SP-2026-04
(Submission 1) - 15037 Yonge St. be received; and
2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee comments regarding Site
Plan Application SP-2026-04 (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
Staff provided an update on the following matters:
AccessNow has completed assessments of 20 playgrounds this year,
including Machell Park during the recent Ribfest event, where some
issues were identified, namely the location of accessible porta potties
and bunching of Mobi-Mats during use. Additionally, the Aurora
Recreation Complex's universal washroom, gymnasium and program
space was assessed.
Windrow Removal Pilot Program applications are now being accepted.
The York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee is now accepting
applications for new committee members, with a focus on Aurora
member representation.
Treat Accessibly will occur again on October 31 at the Aurora Farmers'
Market, providing both candy and non-edible treats. Multiple media
events are planned.
Yonge Street Streetscape design is at 60 percent and will include one-
lane traffic on Yonge Street with the second lane in each direction
accommodating parking, tree and planter bump-outs. New turning
restrictions will be implemented at Yonge and Wellington Streets.
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September 9, 2026 4
A consultant has been confirmed who will commence both internal and
external opportunities for input on the 2027-2030 MYAP (Multi-Year
Accessibility Plan). The draft Plan will be presented to the AAC in the
spring of 2027 and to Council by the end of June.
Town staff have reported unpleasant experiences with animals in our
facilities regarding lack of AODA-identifying features and handler's
interactions with other patrons. An internal working group has been
created to work with by-law, legal and facility departments to
implement a solution.
The Committee suggested Access Trax mats (or similar style mats) be
considered once current Mobi-Mats become due for replacement. Further
recommendations were provided on signage being posted at facility
entrances regarding the Town's service animal policy.
The Committee and staff discussed the plan to ensure accessibility
assessments and features are linked on all Town park and trail website
pages and reviewed the current link to assessed Town parks on
AccessNow's website. Staff confirmed that signage at all parks and trails
will be enhanced to include accessibility and amenity features. Rental of
accessible, portable washrooms was discussed for use during the Treat
Accessibly and non-sensory Santa events, and staff confirmed that
existing curb issues and washroom accessibility enhancements at Town
Park are being looked into by the parks department.
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
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
8. Informational Items
None.
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September 9, 2026 5
9. New Business
The next AAC meeting date was shared, as well as the process for applying to
the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the new term of Council.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Lois Davies
Seconded by Elaine Martini
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Carried