ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA Wednesday, January 29, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Town of East Gwillimbury, Council Board Room 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon, Ontario
Page . A. CALL TO ORDER . B. DECLARATION OF INTEREST . C. COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS . 1. Introduction of two new members: Lindsey Gold and David Wang . D. PRESENTATION(S) & DEPUTATION(S) None at this time . E. ADOPTION OF MINUTES . 1. To adopt the minutes of the Accessibility Advisory 3 - 7 Committee meeting held on October 30, 2019.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on October 30, 2019, be approved. . F. SITE PLAN(S) None at this time . G. CORRESPONDENCE . 1. Blurred lines: The AODA vs. The OBC 8 . 2. Overview of the near term future of Centre Street in 9 - 11 Downtown Mount Albert . 3. 2019 York Region Accessibility Status Report 12 - 23 . H. BUSINESS OF THE COMMITTEE . 1. Innovative Accessibility Projects Showcase Webinar -
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Verbal Updates . 2. Accessibility Compliance 101 Webinar 3-Part Series - Verbal Updates . I. OTHER BUSINESS . 1. Next AAC meeting tentatively scheduled for Wednesday February 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. . J. ADJOURNMENT
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the meeting of Accessibility Advisory Committee adjourn at ______p.m.
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ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
Wednesday, October 30, 2019a7:00 PM
A meeting of the Town of East Gwillimbury Accessibility Advisory Committee was held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the Council Board Room, 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon, Ontario.
PRESENT Acting Chair Wendy Lyttle Vice Chair Nadia Buchanan Committee Members Catherine Mahut
Councillor Liaison(s) Cathy Morton Joe Persechini
Staff Liaison(s) Tara Lajevardi Hailey Authier
General Manager, Development Services Marco Ramunno
ABSENT WITH Committee Member Nancy Hatch NOTICE
OTHERS (4) members of the public
A. CALL TO ORDER
W. Lyttle, Acting Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. A quorum was present.
B. DECLARATION OF INTEREST
None
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Town of East Gwillimbury Accessibility Advisory Committee Wednesday, October 30, 2019 Page 2 of 5
Committee considered item E.1 at this time.
E.1. To adopt the minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on June 19, 2019
Moved by: N. Buchanan
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on June 19, 2019, be approved.
Carried AAC2019-018
C. PRESENTATION(S) & DEPUTATION(S)
1. Regional Municipality of York Presentation: DRAFT 2015-2021 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Lois Davies, Manager, Social Policy and Accessibility, Strategies and Partnerships Branch, York Region Community and Health Services and Kim Adeney, Program Manager, Accessibility, Strategies and Partnerships Branch, York Region Community and Health Services provided an overview of the Draft 2015-2021 Multi- Year Accessibility Plan.
Moved by: C. Mahut
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Regional Municipality of York presentation entitled DRAFT 2015-2021 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, be received with thanks.
Carried AAC2019-019
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Town of East Gwillimbury Accessibility Advisory Committee Wednesday, October 30, 2019 Page 3 of 5
Committee considered item F.1 in conjunction with item C.2
2. Town of East Gwillimbury, Development Services Department Presentation
M. Ramunno, General Manager, Development Services and H. Authier, Part 9 Plans Examiner/Staff Liaison provided an overview of site plan approval process, the Ontario Building Code Act, and the AODA Design of Public Places Standard.
Moved by: N. Buchanan
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of East Gwillimbury, Development Services Department Presentation and the Vince’s Site Plans, be received.
Carried AAC2019-020
D. APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIR & VICE CHAIR
1. Appointment of the Chair
T. Lajevardi, Deputy Clerk, opened the election of the Chair by accepting nominations from the floor.
C. Mahut, Committee Member, was nominated to be the Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
C. Mahut accepted the Chair nomination.
Moved by: N. Buchanan
BE IT RESOLVED THAT C. Mahut be the Chair of Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Carried AAC2019-021
2. Appointment of the Vice Chair
W. Lyttle to remain as the Vice Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
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Town of East Gwillimbury Accessibility Advisory Committee Wednesday, October 30, 2019 Page 4 of 5
E. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
1. To adopt the minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on June 19, 2019.
Committee considered item E.1 after item B.
F. SITE PLAN(S)
1. Vince’s Site Plans
Committee considered item F.1 as part of item C.2.
2. Site Plan Application – 2nd Submission; Applicant: Wycliffe Thornridge – Sharon Corners; Location: 1420, 1432, 1442, 1452, 1460, 1472, 1484 Mount Albert Road and 19180 Leslie Street Part of Lot 12 Concession 2 [File Number: SPA.19.04]
Moved by: C. Mahut
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Site Plan Application – 2nd Submission; Applicant: Wycliffe Thornridge – Sharon Corners; Location: 1420, 1432, 1442, 1452, 1460, 1472, 1484 Mount Albert Road and 19180 Leslie Street Part of Lot 12 Concession 2 [File Number: SPA.19.04], be received.
Carried AAC2019-022 Moved by: C. Mahut
BE IT RESOLVED THAT items G.1, G.2, H.1, and H.2 be referred to a future Accessibility Committee meeting.
Carried AAC2019-023 G. CORRESPONDENCE
1. Blurred lines: The AODA vs. The OBC
To be considered at a future AAC meeting.
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Town of East Gwillimbury Accessibility Advisory Committee Wednesday, October 30, 2019 Page 5 of 5
2. Overview of the near term future of Centre Street in Downtown Mount Albert
To be considered at a future AAC meeting.
H. BUSINESS OF THE COMMITTEE
1. Innovative Accessibility Projects Showcase - Webinar Updates
To be considered at a future AAC meeting.
2. Accessibility Compliance 101 Webinar 3-Part Series Updates
To be considered at a future AAC meeting.
I. OTHER BUSINESS
None
J. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by: W. Lyttle
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the meeting of Accessibility Advisory Committee adjourn at 8:56 p.m.
Carried AAC2019-024
Wendy Lyttle, Acting Chair Tara Lajevardi, Staff Liaison/Secretary
Meeting Minutes adopted on
Page 7 of 23 BLURRED LINES AGENDA ITEM # G. 1.
supersede the barrier-free design requirements within Section 3.8 of the OBC. However, neither of these are true.
The most important point to make is that both the OBC and the AODA are not retroactive. This means that they only apply to new Will Zver, construction and renovations. So, simply put, non-compliant B. Arch (Tech), LRI Engineering Inc. existing conditions are not subject to mandatory upgrading until renovations are proposed.
The built environment requirements of the AODA DOPS do not supersede the requirements of the OBC. In fact — with the BLURRED LINES: exception of customer service-related elements (like service THE AODA VS. THE OBC counters, reception desks, kiosks, bars, etc.), fixed queuing guides and waiting areas — the requirements have very little application within the interior of a building. For the most part, they apply to exterior public spaces for which the OBC does not regulate. he Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Tbecame law in Ontario on July 13, 2005, with the goal of: In addition, the application of the OBC is reviewed and inspected by municipalities through the permit process, while the AODA “…developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards is enforced in a different way. The requirements of the AODA in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with are not reviewed or permitted prior to being implemented into respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, a project or an organization’s policies. The AODA relies on a buildings, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025” complaint-based system to hold organizations accountable for (AODA Part I. 1.(a)). understanding and complying with its requirements. Designers To achieve this goal, accessibility standards were created to and building owners need to understand that building officials help remove barriers within five key areas: customer service, are not reviewing permit drawings for AODA compliance. information and communication, transportation, employment When our firm, LRI, is engaged for projects (especially those with and the design of public spaces. The focus of this article is on multiple codes and standards), we work with the design team to the application of the DOPS as it relates to the Ontario Building establish the minimum requirements for the project as well as to Code (OBC). set goals. This can include using best practices and the principles The scope of the DOPS covers the built environment of universal design to help project teams develop an approach to requirements of: accessibility that not only meets the OBC but achieves a higher level of equitable access for building occupants. It is important •• Recreational trails; to establish the baseline requirements for a project as the •• Beach access routes; intersection of multiple codes and standards can contribute to confusion and/or conflicts as to what is required by the •• Outdoor public use eating areas; standards. •• Outdoor play spaces; As the OBC and various best practice standards are amended •• Exterior paths of travel; and updated at different times, there will most likely never be •• Accessible parking; and an alignment between them. As a result, project teams are often under the impression that if they follow the “best practice” they •• Obtaining services (service counters, fixed queuing guides will be complying with the OBC, but they may find out during the and waiting areas). permit process that they in fact are not. Project teams will need The Design of Public Spaces Standard (DOPS) is the only to constantly be aware of the specific requirements that pertain standard that has built environment requirements. However, to their project so that they can meet their accessibility goals the requirements have limited prescriptive dimensions, which while also complying with the OBC. would require a designer or building owner to defer to other design recommendations and best practice standards. Will Zver is an Associate – Accessibility with Toronto-based LRI Engineering Inc. He is trained as an architectural technologist Since the introduction of the AODA, there have been two with a background in healthcare clinical planning. He is common misconceptions: the first is that the AODA would passionate about accessibility and enjoys helping clients achieve require all existing buildings and public spaces to be renovated their accessibility goals in new construction and renovation to be accessible by the year 2025, and the second is that it would projects.
Page 8 of 23 SEPTEMBER 2019 I ISSUE 123 47 AGENDA ITEM # G. 2.
Lajevardi, Tara
Subject: FW: Requests from AAC
From: Boskovski, Denny Sent: October 8, 2019 9:36 AM To: Authier, Hailey
Good morning Hailey,
I hope the following provides for an overview of the near term future of Centre St in downtown Mount Albert:
Project Name: Centre Street Revitalization
Project Lead: CIES, Project Owner and management (civil works)
Project Subordinate/Advisor: CPRC, Public Realm Improvements (active transportation, decorative streetlighting, streetscaping, furniture, etc.)
Strategic Alignment: The Mount Albert Downtown Revitalization Strategy and Community Improvement Plan Strategic Plan 2015-2019 o Providing quality, affordable programs and services for a safe, accessible and livable community o Building a complete community that provides healthy places to live, work, play and learn o A high performance municipal organization committed to service and excellence
Scope of Work: Mix of road resurfacing and full road reconstruction Bridge rehabilitation (minor) Storm sewer/road drainage improvements Upgrade sidewalks to current standards and AODA requirements, infill missing links and improve connectivity Replace/upgrade/relocate overhead hydro poles and eliminate conflicts with sidewalks Public realm improvements including decorative streetlighting, street scape, amenities, etc. Formal lay-by parking Make sidewalk connections to adjacent trail network (where applicable) Provide on-road cycling lanes (if technically feasible) Stakeholder engagement and consultation throughout scoping and design project stages
Major Project Implementation Activities and Timetable: 2019-2020 - Pre-design preparation
1 Page 9 of 23 AGENDA ITEM # G. 2. 2020 - Tender Design Contract 2020-2021 - Preliminary Design, Public consultation and reporting as necessary, Detailed design 2022 - Advanced utility relocations 2023-2024 - Main Construction
Map of Planned Work Areas (actual scope and extents to be confirmed with Preliminary Design):
Hope this will be helpful.
2 Page 10 of 23 AGENDA ITEM # G. 2. Regards,
Denny S. Boskovski, C.E.T. Asset Management and Capital Project Manager Town of East Gwillimbury 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon, Ontario L0G 1V0 905-478-4283 Ext. 3818 | Fax: 905-478-8545 [email protected] www.eastgwillimbury.ca
This electronic transmission is directed in confidence solely to the person(s) named above and may not be otherwise distributed, copied or disclosed. If you have received this transmission in error, please reply to this transmission advising us of the error and delete the message without making a copy.
3 Page 11 of 23 AGENDA ITEM # G. 3.
YORK REGION ACCESSIBILITY STATUS REPORT 2019
CREATING AN ACCESSIBLE YORK REGION An update on actions by York Region and York Regional Police to prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities and implement the York Region 2015 – 2021 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 12 of 23 AGENDA ITEM # G. 3.
Table of Contents
The York Region Accessibility Status Report 2019...... 1 Accessibility Planning Includes Both Legislated and Non-Legislated Actions...... 3 The York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee...... 5 Let Us Know What You Think...... 8
Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request. Please email [email protected] or call 1-877-464-9675 ext. 72149 or TTY: 1-866-512-6228 (for deaf or hard of hearing) Page 13 of 23 York Region Accessibility AGENDAStatus Report ITEM 2019 # 1G. 3.
The York Region Accessibility Status Report 2019
York Region and York Regional Police are accomplished since the Accessibility for committed to creating programs, services Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and facilities that people of all abilities can became law and the actions to prevent and enjoy. Accessibility not only helps people with remove barriers for people with disabilities. It disabilities, it benefits everyone. Creating also provides an update on actions taken to welcoming and inclusive communities where implement the Region’s 2015 to 2021 Multi- every person who lives, works or visits can Year Accessibility Plan. participate makes good sense for all of us. An Accessibility Status Report is prepared Accessibility planning supports the Region’s and posted every year. To review the Plan and vision of strong, caring, safe communities. previous Status Reports visit york.ca/accessibility This report highlights what we have
Doing More to Create Accessible Communities in 2019 York Region and York Regional Police continue to implement “beyond compliance” actions to ensure services, programs and facilities are accessible for everyone. This report highlights some of them.
Statement of Organizational Commitment “The Regional Municipality of York is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of people with disabilities in a timely and proactive manner and will use reasonable efforts to provide equitable access to Regional programs, goods, services and facilities in a way that respects a person’s dignity and independence.” Source: York Region Accessibility Policy 2017
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DOING MORE TO CREATE ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES IN 2019
INCLUSION CHARTER FOR YORK REGION As of 2019, all 20 community partners of York Region’s Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group have endorsed the Inclusion Charter, including York Region and York Regional Police. This group includes municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities, community agencies and the United Way Greater Toronto and was formed to develop an inclusion charter for York Region. By endorsing the Charter, organizations affirm a commitment to welcoming and inclusive communities, including access for people of all abilities. For more information, visit york.ca/inclusiveYR
CELEBRATING THE DIVERSITY OF OUR REGION York Region recognizes significant accessibility, faith and cultural dates throughout the year on our corporate social media channels. This allows us to celebrate the diversity of our Region while helping to raise awareness around the unique needs and traditions of our residents.
NATIONAL ACCESSABILITY WEEK For 2019 National AccessAbility Week, York Region placed a spotlight on the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee. A video was created to raise staff awareness about the important role the Committee plays in advising York Region and York Regional Police on accessibility actions.
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Accessibility Planning Includes Both Legislated and Non-Legislated Actions
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires organizations to meet standards of accessibility in the areas of information and communications, employment, transportation, design of public spaces and customer service. The AODA is ongoing legislation. This at-a-glance summary shows AODA requirements that are completed and continue to be part of York Region and York Regional Police day-to-day operations:
✓ Accessible customer service ✓ New websites to World Wide Consortium Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) Level A ✓ Accessibility policies Employment standards ✓ Accessible purchases ✓ Accessible formats and communication ✓ Emergency response plans for employees ✓ supports ✓ Transportation standards ✓ Design of public spaces standards ✓ Training ✓ Compliance monitoring and reporting ✓ Accessible feedback
Actions in Progress Websites and web content: Under the AODA, all obligated organization websites must meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA* by January 1, 2021. York Region and York Regional Police have implemented a strategy to ensure all websites − both new and existing sites − owned and maintained by York Region meet this important requirement by the 2021 deadline. Results will be posted in the 2020 Accessibility Status Report. *Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 defines how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Accessibility involves a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning and neurological disabilities.
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DOING MORE TO CREATE ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES IN 2019
ACCESSIBLE TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION York Region maintains three accessible trails in the York Regional Forest. In 2019, the Hollidge Tract was reconstructed to incorporate all design features of the Accessibility Design Guidelines for York Regional Forest Trails. The newly reconstructed trail ensures the natural beauty and health benefits of the York Regional Forest will continue to be accessible to all visitors for years to come.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES START WITH KIDS York Region is responsible for planning, overseeing and managing the system of services for children 12 years of age and under. The 2020 to 2023 Child Care and Early Years Service System Plan is the community blueprint to offer high-quality services that are accessible, affordable, responsive and welcoming to all York Region children and families, including children with special needs.
ACCESSIBILITY TRAINING REFRESH A refresh of York Region’s accessibility training module is in progress. The module explains the principles of accessibility and describes actions the Region is taking to meet the requirements of the AODA. It also highlights the role of Ontario’s Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities and is mandatory for employees, volunteers and contractors who serve the public on our behalf.
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The York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee
The York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee (YRAAC) advises York Regional Council and York Regional Police on what can be done to make it easier for people with disabilities to use the Region’s programs and services. Members come from different backgrounds and most are people with disabilities. Meetings are open to the public and are held at the York Region Administrative Centre. Visit york.ca to see upcoming meeting dates and times. In 2019, York Regional Council appointed twelve citizen members to the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee for the 2019-2022 committee term.
Members of the 2019-2022 York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee
Front row (left to right): Scott Wollin, David Hingsburger, Astley Dennis Middle row (left to right): Vito Spatafora, Laurie Fortnum, Town of Newmarket Regional Councillor Tom Vegh, Lindsey Gold, Barry Martin, Joann Simmons (Vice-Chair), City of Markham Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor Don Hamilton (Chair) Back row (left to right): Angelo Tocco, Cheryl Davies, Kirsten Hill Not pictured: York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson (Ex-Officio), Sandy Palombo
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DOING MORE TO CREATE ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES IN 2019
QUIET ROOMS York Region established quiet rooms in thirteen Regional buildings in 2019. A Quiet Room is a designated space in the workplace reserved for prayer, reflection and meditation and is available to all employees during work hours. These rooms support York Region’s corporate commitment to supporting good mental health and an inclusive work environment for everyone.
YORK REGIONAL POLICE INCLUSION STRATEGY York Regional Police is in the process of developing an ongoing strategy to promote equity, inclusion and diversity across the organization and at all levels of leadership. This strategy is aimed at protecting human rights in York Regional Police’s delivery of services to the public and the workplace.
YORK REGION TRANSIT WEBSITE The York Region Transit (YRT) refreshed website provides an accessible and enhanced user experience to customers. The YRT website is on track to meet the WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards well before the legislated compliance date of January 1, 2021. It has been rated as 98% compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AAA, the next level of website accessibility. Visit yrt.ca
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HOUSING YORK INC. RESIDENT INCLUSION PLAN Housing York Inc., York Region’s housing company, provides affordable townhouses and apartments in 35 properties across the Region. In 2019, Housing York Inc. developed a Resident Inclusion Plan to enhance existing operational practices to help achieve inclusive social housing communities. As a commitment to its residents, the plan highlights four key action areas: enhancing the accessibility of its buildings, providing inclusive communications, ensuring business processes respect diversity and providing programs and services of value to residents.
PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE Throughout 2019 York Region continued to implement the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Efforts included training front line employees and managers about mental health in the workplace, anti- stigma efforts such as Bell Let’s Talk, Mental Health Awareness Week and Mental Illness Awareness Week, and completing the 13 Factors for Psychological Health and Safety awareness campaign. SENIORS STRATEGY The York Region Seniors Strategy looks at the changing senior population, defines our role in serving seniors and sets the course for action to best support the aging population over the next 10 to 20 years, including supporting age-friendly complete communities. The York Region: Getting Better with Age education document was developed in 2019 to build awareness of senior friendly housing. Seniors need housing options and communities that help them remain independent.
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Let Us Know What You Think
We welcome your feedback. Let us know if you have any questions or feedback about the programs highlighted in this 2019 Status Report, the York Region 2015 – 2021 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and accessibility matters in general.
To view previous Status Reports visit york.ca/accessibility To request a copy in another format or to send us your comments or questions, please contact us at:
The Regional Municipality of York Email: [email protected] Mail: Accessibility Unit The Regional Municipality of York 17250 Yonge Street Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 6Z1 Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 72149 TT Y: 1-866-512-6228 Fax: 905-895-6616
York Regional Police Email: [email protected] Mail: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau York Regional Police 47 Don Hillock Drive Aurora, Ontario L4G 0S7 Phone: 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7643 TTY:1-800-668-0398
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The Regional Municipality of York 17250 Yonge Street Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 6Z1 1-877-464-9675 TTY: 1-866-512-6228
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