AGENDA ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

AGENDA

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE January 23, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

River Plate Room, Town Hall

Meeting No.1

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1. Call to Order

2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

3. Approval of Minutes

3.1 November 21, 2012 ................................................................................................ Page 3

4. Presentation/Discussion Items 4.1 Ajax Public Library Board Presents “Politicians Unplugged” ........................... Page 9 Jennifer Brown, Ajax Public Library Board Chair (6:00 – 6:15 p.m.)

4.2 Visit to the Abilities Centre Summary 4.3 Town of Ajax Volunteer Recognition Awards 4.4 Preliminary Staff Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation Training Overview 4.5 Ontario Regulation 413/12 - Design for Public Spaces – Overview & Impacts

5. Standing Items 5.1 Approval of 2013 Work Plan & Guest Presenters Discussion ......................... Page 10 5.2 Accessibility Guidelines / Tip Sheets

6. Correspondence

6.1 thestar.com article: ‘Toronto Businesses Get Free Ramps – and New Customers in

Wheelchairs’ ........................................................................................................ Page 13 6.2 Strong Neighbourhood Strategy Infographic .................................................... Page 15

7. Update from Council

8. New Business

9. Adjournment

Next Meeting: Wednesday February 20, 2013 at 6:00 p.m., River Plate Room, Town Hall

DRAFT MINUTES Accessibility Advisory Committee

November 21, 2012 Council Chambers, Town Hall

Meeting No.9 Committee Members: Councillor Pat Brown (exited 7:30 p.m.) Marcia Bowen Sepelene Deonarine Dawn Gabriel Camille Gooden (6:10 p.m.) Kathreen Smith – Vice Chair Michel St-Arneault Julia Stevenson Staff: Sarah Moore, Committee Coordinator Guests: Donna Mullings, Ajax resident Ben Chartier, Deputy General Manager Specialized Services –

Durham Region Transit Tony Francis, Supervisor of Scheduling – Durham Region Transit Peter Cho, RV Anderson Consulting

Ranil Fernando, Capital Projects Coordinator Christy Chrus, Senior Planner Marilou Murray, Manager of Strategy, Communications & Policy

Regrets: Barb Dowds, Lorraine Battaglia, Vincent Plouffe

1. Call to Order Vice-Chair Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest None

3. Approval of Minutes

Moved by: S. Deonarine Seconded by: D. Gabriel

That the Minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting held on October 17, 2012, be adopted.

CARRIED

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Accessibility Advisory Committee November 21, 2012

Page 2

4. Presentation/Discussion Items

4.1 Durham Transit Specialized Services Update Mr. Ben Chartier and Mr. Tony Francis of Durham Region Transit Specialized Services, provided a summary of recent accessibility compliance relative to the transportation section of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. It was noted that specialized transit ridership is growing at a high rate with approximately 8% increase in the past year. Mr. Chartier provided details relative to accessibility features on conventional transit vehicles, which includes elements such as priority seating, courtesy seating, low floors, hard surface stops, and larger shelters. C. Gooden entered the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Target objectives in 2013 compliance were identified to include, fare parity, visitor service, coordinated service with TTC and WheelTrans connections, increased hours of service, and development of an accessibility plan. Mr. Chartier acknowledged continued efforts to have drivers announce stops, however he noted the process is inconsistent and will continue to be remedied with the installation of automatic annunciates and electronic displays. For 2014, priorities will include elimination for support person fare, review of the specialized transit eligibility process, and improvements to the specialized services trip booking process. Mr. Francis distributed copies of the 2012 Durham Transit bus stop hard surfacing map for the Town of Ajax. He noted that 90% of stops in Ajax will be accessible by the end of 2012. Several stops in north Ajax were noted to be converted and/or developed further pending development of the area. He acknowledged that Ajax is above and beyond many surrounding municipalities in terms of accessible and hard surface stops. It was noted that stops shared with GO Transit will require collaborative consultation as hard surface areas will be different sizes that at sole Durham Region Transit stops. Additional concerns were noted with few stops that do not have the surface depth for ramp deployment. Vice-Chair Smith inquired whether specialized transit will stop at non-hard surfaced stops and whether Ms. Stevenson would be eligible for such service. Mr. Chartier confirmed that Ms. Stevenson is eligible to apply for Specialized Transit Service. Details relative to the application process are available online at www.durhamregiontransit.com. Ms. Moore posed questions relative to the design of bus shelters. Mr. Francis noted that the design has been improved to allow for increased area, leading to better maneuverability. Seven new shelters were noted to be installed in Ajax at various locations by the end of 2012. In 2013, nearly 100 will be installed as new or replacement shelters across the Region. Vice-Chair Smith thanked Mr. Chartier and Mr. Francis for their update. 4.2 Church Street Class Environmental Assessment

Mr. Peter Cho, RV Anderson Consulting and Mr. Ranil Fernando, Capital Projects Coordinator, presented alternative design options for improvements to the Church Street North roadway as part of a Class Environmental Assessment (EA). Mr. Cho noted the focus area include Church Street North between Rossland Road and Taunton Road. The EA process is relative to the realignment of Rossland Road. To mitigate increased traffic from the realignment and surrounding residential development, installation of a roundabout was

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http://www.durhamregiontransit.com/


Page 3

identified as a proposed design option. Mr. Cho shared feedback relative to design options obtained from recent public information centres. He noted that roundabouts are very common and effective traffic calming elements in many parts of the world. He reviewed the appropriate pedestrian crossing and vehicular use of roundabouts, noting curb depressions, and refuge areas for pedestrians. Members identified several concerns with roundabouts and pedestrian accessibility, such as knowing when it is safe to cross, and wayfinding elements in comparison to a four-way lighted intersection. Questions were posed relative to installation of traffic lights. A strong need for public education on using roundabouts from a pedestrian and driver perspective was emphasized. Mr. Fernando and Mr. Cho explained that lights are not primarily used with roundabouts or on arterial B roads, as the intent is to keep the traffic moving. It was emphasized that the roundabout is a concept design only. Ongoing studies will continue to be reviewed for improved solutions. Mr. Fernando noted that he anticipates further reporting on automated yield detection systems, which would sound an audible signal for pedestrians to yield depending on traffic flow. The potential for incorporating different coloured pavement or wayfinding markings was proposed. Mr. Cho agreed to take back the Committee’s accessibility feedback on the concept design and include comments relative to visual impairments in the EA. The project has an anticipated time line to 2017. The Committee requested to be included on circulation of any materials relevant to the EA process and design. 4.3 Lower Harwood Avenue Study and Street Treatment Design Ms. Christy Chrus, Heritage Planner, presented an overview of the lower Harwood Avenue study resulting from the Transportation Master Plan and Bikeable & Walkable Ajax Master Plan. The study area was noted to include Harwood Avenue south of Highway #401 to the lake and is divided into three areas, residential (Lake view), institutional (near the hospital) and down town (to Bayly Street). The purpose of the study is to create a long term design vision for elements such as intersections, street furniture, parking, signage, bike lanes, public art opportunities and lighting. The study findings will act as a will guide future capital projects. Ms. Chrus identified comments received through public consultation including the need for off road bike lanes, enhanced mid block pedestrian crossings, more benches and garbage receptacles, and the concern for speeding traffic on lower Harwood Avenue. The study does not touch the tree lined median in any way. A review of proposed design elements in the individual study areas was presented. The down town section proposes to provide for wider sidewalks, off road cycle tracks and a row of on-street parking. The institutional area is also proposing to have separate bike lanes. The residential area may look at reducing to one lane of traffic and use the additional lane as buffered bike lane to address traffic speeding conditions. Members raise questions relative to the feedback from residents on the proposition to reduce traffic to one lane. Mixed comments were received. Ms. Chrus also spoke to opportunities for installation of public art and the civic square at the Medallion Development. She noted the project to be introduced over a twenty year time line. She agreed to take back comments relative to accessible pedestrian crossing considerations.

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Page 4

With consent of all Members present, Item 7 was brought forward.

7. Update from Council Councillor Brown shared details relative to the upcoming Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Medallion Development on November 25, 2012. Councillor Brown exited the Meeting (7:30 p.m.) With consent of all Members present, Items 4.5. – 4.7 were brought forward. 4.5 Site Plan Amendment – SPA 16/12 Index Energy Request for Comments The Committee acknowledged that due to the application being an industrial property, limited comments were provided. However consideration for accessibility in any employee access areas was requested. 4.6 Special Event Tour of the Abilities Centre – Tuesday December 11, 2012 Ms. Moore reminded members of the tour of the Abilities Centre in Whitby scheduled for Tuesday December 11, 2012. She circulated a draft event invitation to be shared with members from the Diversity & Community Engagement and Recreation & Culture advisory committees. Members were asked to RSVP their participation by December 3, 2012 and indicate whether they are able to carpool. 4.7 February Update to Council Ms. Moore reminded the Committee of the opportunity to present a mid-term update to Council in the new year. She provided potential dates and agreed to keep the committee informed of agenda scheduling. Members expressed interest in preparing a delegation. With consent of all Members present, Items 4.4 was brought forward. 4.4 Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy Ms. Marilou Murray, Manager of Strategy, Communications & Policy, presented background information relative to the Strong Neighbourhood Strategy which is supported through the Community Action Plan, Safety Strategy and Diversity & Community Engagement Plan. The strategy is comprised of two phases, the first of which, implemented between November 2011 and March 2012, included review of demographics, drafting of neighbourhood boundaries and a summary report of key findings. Phase two will include detailed demographic analysis, neighbourhood consultation and development of a draft Strong Neighbourhood Strategy for Council’s approval, anticipated for June 2013. Ms. Murray circulated copies of the draft neighbourhoods map, which identifies 24 catchment areas, and reviewed key statistics from Phase 1. Preliminary findings indicate that neighbourhoods characterized with young families, new comers, older adults, low income, low education and single parents should be focused on. Phase 2 will be implemented until June 2013 and will include a series of public meetings in various

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catchment areas, an online survey and community leader focus groups. A demographic analysis of updated census data as well as psychographic information will be conducted. The strategy will include action items and priorities for a five-year implementation time line. Members were encouraged to become involved in the process by participating in neighbourhood meetings, encouraging neighbours to attend and completing the online survey. The Committee posed questions relative to inclusive communication tactics to be deployed and suggested consideration for language translation. Ms. Murray noted social media tactics including a web portal, as well as hard copy materials to be made available at Town facilities. She also noted the possibility of arranging for “language whisperers” to be present at the eight public meetings. 4.8 Previous Business Updates Ms. Moore provided updates relative to several items of business arising from the October 17, 2012 Meeting. She noted that audible pedestrian signals are not operational at Bayly and Kitney and that the Ajax Accessibility in Action Plan was endorsed by Council. Ms. Moore also provided information from By-law services relative to accessible parking concerns at the Durham Centre.

5. Standing Items 5.1 Draft 2013 Work Plan

Ms. Moore provided a brief summary of the draft 2013 work plan noting several initiatives carried over from 2012. In the interest of time, Members were encouraged to review and prepare for further discussion at the January meeting. Additionally, Ms. Moore asked the Committee to consider suggestions for potential guest speakers in the new year. 5.2 Accessibility Guidelines / Tip Sheets In the interest of time, this Item was deferred until the January 23, 2013 Meeting.

6. Correspondence

6.1 Site Plan Review: Request for Comments – SP21/12 Oxnard Homes 6.2 DRAFT Letter to Metrolinx Re: Access Concerns 6.3 Regional AAC Meeting Minutes

With consent of all Members present, the items of correspondence identified at the November 21, 2012 Meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee were received for information.

8. New Business

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Page 6

None 9. Adjournment

Moved by: M. St-Arneault Seconded by: S. Deonarine

That the November 21, 2012 meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be adjourned (8:05 p.m.).

CARRIED

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Connecting you with your elected officials

T H E A J A X P U B L I C L I B R A R Y B O A R D P R E S E N T S :

Date: Sunday, January 20th, 2013

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (TBC)

Location: Main Branch, Rotary Room, 55 Harwood Ave. S.

Get to know the Town of Ajax’s elected representatives in a casual, interactive conversation. Don’t miss this opportunity get plugged into what’s happening in Ajax.

Councillor Crawford has a proven solid commitment to serve her community for the betterment of all. She believes that communication is the foundation of building relationships and ensuring community engagement. She has a passion for delivering outstanding customer service. Find out more about what community projects and organizations Marilyn is involved with and why she’s proud to represent Ajax.

F E AT U R I N G :

Councillor Marilyn CrawfordWard 1

9

2013 Accessibility Advisory Committee Work Plan P a g e | 1

Last Updated: January 16, 2013

Item Objective Timeline Status

1.

AODA Integrated Accessibility Standard Update Participation in consultation and review of Town of Ajax compliance with Integrated Accessibility Standards Requirements 2013 focus will include:

policy development

staff training

Policy & Procedure

Service Delivery

Information & Communications

January 1, 2014

ongoing

2.

Mid-term Committee Update Delegation to Council Review of recent committee achievements and future projects. Presented by Committee Chair and Members

Service Delivery

Community Partnerships

Information & Communication

February 11

or February 25

3.

Regional AAC Chairs Meeting Attendance at quarterly Regional AAC meetings with Committee Chairs and staff liaisons. Communication and participation in annual Regional Joint AAC Meeting (date TBD)

Community Partnership


Quarterly: May 1

August 7 November 27

4.

National Access Awareness Week Discussion/brainstorming for 2013 event(s), Council proclamation & delegation Delegation – May 2013 May 26 – June 1, 2013



Planning: March/April

2013 Event: TBD

5.

Multi-year Accessibility Plan (2012-2017) Review and comment on development and implementation of the accessibility plan document

Departmental & AAC consultation

Public Meeting?

Annual status report to Council

Policy & Procedure

Service Delivery


Facilities & Infrastructure

Annual Status

Reporting:

Fall 2013

10




6. Taxi By-law Review Review and provide comment on Town’s taxi by-law with attention to accessible taxi cabs

Service Delivery

Policy & Procedure early 2013

ongoing

7. 2013 DREN Accessibility Award Nomination Nomination preparation and submission for annual Regional Accessibility Awards


Information & Communications April 18

8.

Volunteer Recognition Awards Nomination preparation and submission for annual Town of Ajax Volunteer Recognition Awards; participation in Award Selection Review Committee


Information & Communications Jan - March

9. Accessible Ajax Web Content Review existing content and provide feedback for additional elements to include

Information & Communication TBD

10. Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee Newsletter Contribution of article/content submissions


Information & Communication

Submission Dates TBD

Ongoing

11.

Durham Transit Specialized Services Annual presentation and discussion of accessibility improvements to DRT services & specialized services, including compliance plans for the Integrated Accessibility Standards, OR 191/11 Transportation requirements

Policy & Procedure

Service Delivery


Fall 2013

12.

Highway #2 Bus Rapid Transit Project Monitor & review updates of the proposed implementation of a rapid transit system connecting Durham Region along Highway #2; provide comment on accessibility of service & infrastructure

Facilities & Infrastructure Update

TBD

11




13.

2013 Building Approvals/Site Plan Review Participate in review of major community and Town development proposals to provide feedback on accessibility elements.

Facilities & Infrastructure Monthly

Ongoing

14.

StopGap Program Investigate opportunity for community partnership with local businesses (i.e. Home Depot) to participate in the Stop Gap program Potential for partnership with local BIAs/Rotary

Facilities & Infrastructure

Community Partnerships TBD

In progress

15.

Accessibility for Business Brochure Review and revise Town of Ajax Accessibility Brochure to include information on importance of accessibility for local businesses. To be included as part of informational awareness resource package for Ajax businesses



Service Delivery

TBD

16. Accessibility Tip Sheets Development of clear guidelines for staff and external clubs/organizations on the following topics:

Accessible event planning

Hosting an accessible meeting



Service Delivery TBD

17. Strengthening Community Partnerships Invitation of local accessibility related organizations to present educational information to the Committee.



Service Delivery TBD ongoing

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Thursday, January 3, 2013

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Video Photos (1)

Toronto businesses get free ramps — and new customers in wheelchairs

Barbara Turnbull Life Reporter

Take a walk along the shopping strip on Roncesvalles Ave., between Howard Park Ave. and

Queen St. W., and you’ll notice 43 stores and restaurants with ramps brightly painted in

blue, orange, green or red. There are another 15 in Kensington Market, 13 in the Junction

and 17 in Stouffville. More than 100 in all. And counting.

They’re the result of an initiative called StopGap, which provides ramps to businesses that

have a step at the entrance, making it difficult for people in wheelchairs to enter unassisted.

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Published on Thursday January 03, 2013

Luke Anderson, whose StopGap initiative gives free ramps to local businesses, enters a store in Kensington Market.

RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR

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Page 1 of 3Toronto businesses get free ramps — and new customers in wheelchairs - thestar.com

1/3/2013http://www.thestar.com/living/article/1309588--toronto-businesses-get-free-ramps-and-new-...

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The man who is turning these mountains into molehills is Luke Anderson, a 34-year-old

Toronto man. The ramps are made by volunteers with materials donated by local hardware

stores, and offered free. Feedback from residents and business owners has been excellent.

“They have let us know the ramps give the storefronts a warmer, more approachable feel,”

says Anderson.

De La Mer, a Roncesvalles fish market that opened in May, is a good example. The shop’s

step, at 16 centimetres, is higher than most. Manager Christian Dreher admits it was

overlooked when they renovated the interior.

“We had the opportunity to put in a ramp and I don’t know why we didn’t,” he says. “It’s a

massive step and it’s really restrictive.”

So he welcomed StopGap’s offer, made in the blitz of the street in September. He was able

to bypass the bureaucracy of obtaining a building permit. Plus, Dreher notes cheerfully, “it

was free.”

“We have a couple of disabled customers coming in now,” he says.

Anderson is a structural engineer who uses a wheelchair and had dealt with steps going in

and out of his workplace at Blackwell Structural Engineers for five years. The idea came to

him while commiserating with a colleague about those steps. (There’s a concrete ramp there

now installed by the building owners.)

“We were thinking about how we could raise awareness to problems like that and how we

could get the conversation started about this issue across the city,” he says.

The conversation is relevant to small business owners, who must make their establishments

accessible by 2025.

“There are businesses out there that cannot afford to construct a permanent modification to

their storefront,” Anderson says. “This is a very cheap, efficient solution that might be the

answer to the mom and pop coffee shops.”

The project was given the thumbs-up by City Council and lauded by Councillor Adam

Vaughan. The portability of the ramps means no permit is required. They are light, with a

convenient rope handle on one side, so they can easily be brought in at night.

Clare Raman, of Kid Culture in the Junction, says she was pleased to get StopGap’s offer.

“It was something we were going to do, seeing as we’re a children’s store,” Raman says,

referring to her customers with strollers. “We’ve had great reactions to it, everybody thanks

us for it.”

Anderson wants no proprietary claim to the idea. The StopGap website

(stopgapblog.blogspot.ca) describes how to make the steps for community projects.

It’s starting to spread across Canada, partially thanks to Marilyn Engel, with the Home Depot

at St. Clair Ave. and Keele St., which has provided materials and constructed ramps. Each

Home Depot has a community fund, so Engel added StopGap to the company website. So

far 15 associates in stores across Canada have taken up the initiative, she says.

“I thought it was the coolest idea,” she says.

Anderson recently heard from an accessibility advocate in the Philippines who was inspired

after visiting the website.

“It extends way beyond the city limits and goes across the country and around the world,”

Anderson says.

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Help Build Dynamic Neighbourhoods in Ajax!

To learn more, and to find out what neighbourhood you live in, visit

www.ajax.ca/connectingneighbours or call 905-619-2529, ext. 3323

Neighbourhood Discussions8

The Town is focused on creating a welcoming and inclusive community where residents connect and build strong relationships.

With YOUR HELP we’re developing a STRONG NEIGHBOURHOOD STRATEGY.

NEIGHBOURHOOD DATE LOCATION*

Midtown, Uptown

Pickering Beach, Lakeside, Southwood, Carruthers Creek

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Village, Hermitage, Riverside

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Audley, Salem Heights, Deer Creek

Discovery Bay, Duffins Bay, Clover Ridge

Meadow Ridge, Nottingham, Duffins Crossing, South Greenwood

January 247 p.m.

January 297 p.m.

January 317 p.m.

February 217 p.m.

February 267 p.m.

February 277 p.m.

February 287 p.m.

March 57 p.m.

Archbishop Denis O’Connor C.H.S.80 Mandrake St.

Council Chambers, Town Hall65 Harwood Ave. S.

Ajax Community Centre75 Centennial Rd.

Forest Brook Community Church60 Kearney Dr.

McLean Community Centre95 Magill Dr.

J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate/Notre Dame C.S.S.1355 Harwood Ave. N.

Milestone Christian Centre610 Monarch Ave.

Christian Life Centre1030 Ravenscroft Rd.

ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONSLook for our neighbourhoodambassadors at local grocery stores, take the survey and receive a special giveaway!

SPECIALTY SURVEY

Tell us about your neighbourhood, visit www.ajax.ca/connectingneighbours

GET INVOLVED

Food Basics475 Westney Rd. N.

February 2310 a.m.

Sobeys955 Westney Rd. S.

February 2410 a.m.

Real Canadian Supercentre

30 Kingston Rd. W.January 19

10 a.m.

Food Basics280 Harwood Ave. S.

January 2610 a.m.

* Special accommodations, and child care services available. Please call to make arrangements.

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Documents

AGENDA ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE