June 17, 2008 Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
Page Content:
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Communication Items
5. Presentations
6. Reports
7. Report from the Accessibility Planning Coordinators
8. Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair and Members
9. Other Business
10. Next Meeting
11. Adjournment

 

JOINT PEEL-CALEDON

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AAC)


MINUTES


AAC-2008-6

 

The Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee met on June 17, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton.

Members Present: H. Bajwa*; W. Goursky; J. Hardman; E. Kolb*¨; R. Paterak; J. Spry; M. Tymkow
Members Absent: G. Barnes; S. Hames, due to other municipal business; N. Husain, due to vacation; S. McFadden, due to other municipal business
Also Present:

C. Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon; C. Gravlev, Regional Clerk and Director of Clerk’s; J. Payne, Manager, Regulatory Compliance, Corporate Services; S. Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Corporate Services; V. Montesdeoca, Committee Clerk

_____________________________________
*See text for arrivals
¨See text for departures

William Goursky, Chair, presided.


1. CALL TO ORDER

A quorum of voting members was not present, and in accordance with section III-4(g) of the Region of Peel Procedural By-law 57-2006, as amended, the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) received information.

William Goursky, Committee Chair, noted that upon the arrival of one additional member, quorum would be achieved and at that time the Committee would formally approve the agenda and minutes of the previous meeting.

Presentations – Item 5a was dealt with.

 

5. PRESENTATIONS

a. Olga Tusun-Kalac, Capital Renewal Program Manager, Employee and Business Services, Region of Peel, Providing a Review of a New Entrance Vestibule at Brampton West Child Care Centre, Brampton

Olga Tusun-Kalac, Capital Renewal Program Manager, Employee and Business Services presented the site plan and accessibility features for a new entrance vestibule to be installed at the Brampton West Child Care Centre. She noted that the current open corridor that leads to the main entrance will be enclosed and two sets of automatic opening sliding doors will be installed, replacing the swinging doors . It is anticipated that most of the child care centres in the Region will be equipped with a similar entrance way for easier access and improved security.

William Goursky stated the need to protect the children within the centre and inquired about the security features. Olga Tusun-Kalac responded that both sliding doors will be closed at all times. Individuals wishing to enter the premises must identify themselves through the use of a buzzer and intercom system before the doors are triggered to open by a member of staff. Only parents and staff will be provided with an access pass or code for entry into the building.

William Goursky inquired into the cost implications for this project. Olga Tusun-Kalac indicated that the project will cost approximately $30,000, which includes the cost of added shelving and a display cabinet within the vestibule. She noted that most of the work will be carried out after hours and during weekends, which creates additional costs to the project.

Jan Spry inquired about the location of the buzzer and intercom in the entranceways. Olga Tusun-Kalac advised that they will be installed at a level accessible to a person using a wheelchair, approximately 3 feet from the ground.

 

H. Bajwa, Citizen Member, arrived at 1:10 p.m.

A quorum of voting members was achieved.

 

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

RECOMMENDATION AAC-15-2008:

That the minutes of the May 20, 2008 Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.


3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION AAC-16-2008:

That the agenda for the June 17, 2008 Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.


Presentations – Items 5a to 5d were dealt with.

5. PRESENTATIONS

a. Olga Tusun-Kalac, Capital Renewal Program Manager, Employee and Business Services, Region of Peel, Providing a Review of a New Entrance Vestibule at Brampton West Child Care Centre, Brampton

Received

RECOMMENDATION AAC-17-2008:

That the site plan overview provided to the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on June 17, 2008 regarding a new entrance vestibule at Brampton West Child Care Centre, Brampton, Ward 1, be received;

And further, that the site plan for the afore-mentioned project , as presented, be approved.

 

b. Ted Chlebowski, Independent Planning Consultant, Providing a Review of the Site Plan for a Proposed Industrial Building at 80-82 Simpson Road, Caledon

Received

Ted Chlebowski, Independent Planning Consultant , provided an overview of the site plan for a proposed industrial building to be located at 80-82 Simpson Road in the Town of Caledon. He indicated that this building will be used for the storage of roofing materials and will be used by three on-site employees. Ted Chlebowski noted there would be four wheelchair accessible parking spaces and four washrooms that will also be wheelchair accessible. Entrance to the building is accessed through two glass doors that can be upgraded to include an automatic push button system in the future.

Members of the Committee requested clarification as to why this site plan was brought before the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee, since it is the first time the Committee has been requested to review a private industrial site plan. Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, for the Town of Caledon indicated that legislation mandates the review of private buildings as well as public buildings. Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, stated that through consultation with the Town of Caledon Legal and Planning and Development department staff, she was advised that this site plan must be presented to the Committee.

Jim Hardman pointed out that it is a good idea that such site plans be brought before the AAC since there may be disabled employees working at the sites.

 

E. Kolb, Regional Chair, arrived at 1:20 p.m.

 

Maureen Tymkow inquired into the number of floors the warehouse will contain. Ted Chlebowski responded that it will be a two-storey warehouse with a small mezzanine area.

Committee members commended Ted Chlebowski for bringing the industrial site plan forward. The following recommendation was considered and supported by the Committee:

RECOMMENDATION AAC-18-2008:

That the site plan overview provided to the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on June 17, 2008 regarding the Proposed Industrial Building at 80-82 Simpson Road, Town of Caledon, Ward 5, be received;

And further, that notification of the support of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee for the afore-mentioned project , as presented, be provided to the Town of Caledon, Planning and Development department.

c. Steven Belanger, Project Manager, Development and Construction, Region of Peel, Providing a Review of the Site Plan for Peel Manor Apartments, Brampton

Received

Steven Belanger, Project Manager, Development and Construction provided a review of the site plan and key accessibility features for the proposed Peel Manor apartments, to be located at 525 Main Street in the City of Brampton. The proposed 30 unit, 3 storey apartment building will be located adjacent to the current Peel Manor Long Term Care facility, and will include barrier-free features such as two wheelchair accessible parking spaces, grab bars in the showers, and an accessible laundry and spa centre. Steven Belanger further noted that the construction start date is anticipated for August or September, 2008, contingent on site plan approval by the Committee, with a projected completion date of March 2010.

William Goursky requested clarification as to what the term “barrier-free” entailed. He also inquired about the height of the folding table in the laundry room and asked if the laundry room would be accessible for individuals with vision impairments. Steven Belanger responded that in this situation “barrier-free” means wheelchair accessibility. In the case of the laundry room, Steven Belanger noted that individuals in wheelchairs would have access to the machines and folding table, however, vision impairment was not considered for this area of the facility. He undertook to provide further information on the height of the folding table.

Maureen Tymkow inquired about the general age of the population that would occupy the facility and what organization was responsible for the operation of the facility. Steven Belanger replied that the building is owned by Peel Living, and will be operated by Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP), an agency that provides safe, affordable housing for people with mental illness . He noted that most of the residents would be older adults, living independently, but due to their condition, would benefit from on-site support provided by staff.

Richard Paterak, Regional Councillor inquired if Safe-T-Elements would be installed on stovetops on this project, as is done in other Peel Living buildings. Steven Belanger confirmed that the Safe-T-Elements are a standard feature for Peel Living facilities and would also be used in the Peel Manor building.

Jan Spry questioned why there were two disabled parking spaces in only one of the two parking lots that will be available for the Peel Manor apartment building. Steven Belanger noted that space limitations did not allow additional disabled parking spots in the second lot. He commented that the proposed number of disabled parking spaces exceeds the City of Brampton accessible parking requirements, which is based on the number of occupants within the building.

William Goursky inquired if the disabled parking spaces located at the Peel Manor Long Term Care facility could be used when required. Steven Belanger noted that this was not the intent for the proposed building as these spaces are located far from the proposed new building and may pose a safety issue when crossing the driveway.

A discussion was held by members of the Committee regarding the “barrier-free” features for this project, particularly in the case of visual impairment. The Committee agreed that clarification was required with respect to the barrier free considerations before the Committee could approve the site plan. Steven Belanger agreed to provide the Committee with the additional information, however, he pointed out the time constraints for the project and the cost implications of further delaying the project. He stressed the need to commence construction and suggested that if further changes were required, they could be reviewed accordingly. Regional Chair Kolb recommended that the site plan approval be subject to further information being provided to the satisfaction of the Committee in order to alleviate the need for a change order to be issued at a later date, resulting in further monetary implications. Councillor Paterak suggested that this matter be delegated to a smaller group for further review. The following members volunteered to be on the working group: William Goursky, Jim Hardman, and Jan Spry.

The following recommendation was considered and supported by the Committee:

RECOMMENDATION AAC-19-2008:

That the site plan overview provided to the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on June 17, 2008 regarding Peel Manor Apartments, City of Brampton, Ward 5, be received. 

And further, that the site plan for the afore-mentioned project, as presented, be approved;

And further, that additional information be provided to the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair with respect to barrier free considerations regarding the interior of the building for further consideration.

E. Kolb, Regional Chair, departed at 2:00 p.m.

d. Jeff Payne, Manager, Regulatory Compliance, Clerk’s Division, Corporate Services, Region of Peel, Providing an Update on the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Project

Received

Jeff Payne, Manager, Regulatory Compliance, Clerk’s Division, Corporate Services provided an update on the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. He provided the members with a final version of the Terms of Reference including feedback received from the Committee and requested their endorsement prior to presenting to Regional Council on July 3, 2008 for approval.

Maureen Tymkow expressed concern with moving the Committee meetings days from Tuesday to Thursday. Jeff Payne indicated this change addressed concerns raised by the Committee regarding the attendance of elected officials, where Tuesday meetings conflict with the schedules of the area municipalities. Charlotte Gravlev, Regional Clerk clarified that the 2009 Council and Committee meeting schedule is currently being drafted and may not provide the option for AAC meetings on Thursdays, but should it become viable, it can be explored at a later date, should the Committee wish to do so.

Jim Hardman requested clarification regarding non-elected representatives and asked if Committee membership is restricted to the residents of Peel. Charlotte Gravlev responded that a resident or an individual affiliated with an organization within the Region of Peel could be considered for membership.

Councillor Paterak inquired if the legislation made any reference to the selection criteria for non-elected members, since this was a statutory committee mandated by the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA). Jeff Payne advised that the ODA requires 50 per cent membership of an AAC be persons with a disability, but does not stipulate the residency or jurisdiction of the members.

William Goursky inquired if there was any way to obtain more participation from staff. Jeff Payne pointed out that the Terms of Reference is specific to the operation of the Committee and suggested that this matter may be addressed by the Steering Committee.

The following recommendation was considered and supported by the Committee:

RECOMMENDATION AAC-20-2008:

That the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee be reconstituted as the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee upon receipt of formal notice from the Town of Caledon establishing its own Accessibility Advisory Committee;

And further, that the Terms of Reference for the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee, as presented at the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting on June 17, 2008, be endorsed.

 

4. COMMUNICATION ITEMS

a. Ministry of Community and Social Services, Congratulating Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees on their Achievements in Reducing Barriers to Accessibility and Outlining Current Initiatives Underway

Received

b. Press Release, Ministry of Transportation, Province of Ontario, dated June 3, 2008, titled “Ontario Introduces Passport Alternative – McGuinty Government Proposes Enhanced Driver's Licence and Photo ID Cards”

Received



5. PRESENTATIONS

a. Olga Tusun-Kalac, Capital Renewal Program Manager, Employee and Business Services, Region of Peel, Providing a Review of a New Entrance Vestibule at Brampton West Child Care Centre, Brampton

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting


b. Ted Chlebowski, Independent Planning Consultant, Providing a Review of the Site Plan for a Proposed Industrial Building at 80-82 Simpson Road, Caledon

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting


c. Steven Belanger, Project Manager, Development and Construction, Region of Peel, Providing a Review of the Site Plan for Peel Manor Apartments, Brampton

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting


d. Jeff Payne, Manager, Regulatory Compliance, Clerk’s Division, Corporate Services, Region of Peel, Providing an Update on the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Project

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

6. REPORTS - Nil


7. REPORT FROM THE ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING COORDINATORS

a. Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon (March 2008 to May 2008) (Oral)

Received

 

b. Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon (June 2008) (Oral)

Received

Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon advised that a report will be presented before the Town of Caledon Council at its meeting on June 23, 2008, recommending six names for consideration as members of the Town of Caledon AAC. Of the six individuals, four are persons with disabilities, one is citizen member, and one is a Town Councillor. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Colleen Grant thanked the Committee members for their support to the Town of Caledon and offered her continued assistance as a staff contact in the Town of Caledon. William Goursky thanked Colleen Grant for her participation in the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee and extended the assistance of the Peel Committee to the new Caledon AAC.

 

c. Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, Monthly Activity Report

Received

Maureen Tymkow made mention of the Access Conferences that were held in the City of Sault Ste. Marie and in the City of Burlington. She found the conference beneficial in raising awareness in the area of accessibility and suggested that the Region of Peel consider hosting a similar event. William Goursky noted this to be a large undertaking due to the scale of the event which would possibly involve all of Ontario and the monetary implications it would entail. Maureen Tymkow proposed that the four Peel area AAC committees could coordinate the event. William Goursky recommended that this item be placed on the agenda for the next AAC meeting for further consideration.

d. Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, Providing an Update on the Joint Municipal AAC Meeting (Oral)

Received

Susan Fisher provided an update on the Joint Municipal AAC Meeting. The next combined meeting this year will be hosted by the City of Brampton at the Rose Theatre. A specific date is yet to be determined but the meeting is anticipated for October 2008. Susan Fisher indicated that concerns were brought to her attention regarding the accessibility of the Rose Theatre. Some Committee members commented that they found the wheelchair ramp narrow.

Susan Fisher outlined the meeting topics proposed by the Brampton and Mississauga AAC’s and requested input from the Committee. She informed that the topic will most likely be “ municipal accessibility plans”. Committee members requested clarification as to what this topic included since the role of the Committee is to endorse the accessibility plan, not to compile the plan. Some Committee members indicated preference for hearing a public speaker from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, while others expressed interest on the Customer Service Standards. Susan Fisher offered to communicate the Committee’s feedback to the City of Brampton and seek clarification regarding the topic of “municipal accessibility plans”.

 

8. REPORT OF THE ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR AND MEMBERS

a. William Goursky, Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Regarding a Resolution from the Town of Newmarket on Disabled Parking Spaces (Oral)

A thorough discussion occurred as to what portions of the resolution submitted by the Town of Newmarket could be endorsed by the Committee, since some clauses fell within the jurisdiction of the local area municipality. Councillor Paterak suggested that this matter be referred to Region of Peel staff for further review and that a revised recommendation be brought forward before the Committee for endorsement.

STAFF DIRECTION AAC-06-2008-1:

That Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, seek advice on the preparation of a revised draft recommendation regarding disabled parking spaces for consideration at the next Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting.

 

b. Naz Husain , Vice-Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Employment Accessibility Standards Development Committee (Oral)

Deferred to the August 19, 2008 AAC meeting

 

c. Glenn Barnes, Member, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Accessible Transportation Standards Development Committee (Oral)

Deferred to the August 19, 2008 AAC meeting

 

d. William Goursky, Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Universal Design Standards Working Group (Oral)

Received

William Goursky noted that the Universal Design Standards Working Group met on June 9, 2008. It was decided that the Working Group would concentrate on the following two areas:

    a) Develop standards to be included with Region of Peel build guidelines;

    b) Review Universal Design specifications for the Chapelview building to examine costing implications.

William Goursky indicated that cost implications in implementing the design standards need to be reviewed and advised that three corporate sponsors have offered to provide materials which include: alarm systems, pre-designed kitchens and water efficient toilets. William Goursky noted that the Region of Peel Chief Financial Officer will be consulted on the monetary requirements to support a universal design concept. The Working Group is scheduled to meet again on July 7, 2008.

e. Harvinder Bajwa, Member, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event, June 8, 2008 (Oral)

Received

Harvinder Bajwa, Member, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) provided an update on the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event held on June 8, 2008 in the City of Brampton and the City of Mississauga. She noted some highlights of the Brampton event, stating that $12,000 was raised, making it the most successful year yet. She pointed out that more dignitaries and MP’s participated this year, with Regional Chair Kolb as the Honorary Chair. Harvinder Bajwa was pleased to see that further awareness was created through this event.

William Goursky thanked Harvinder Bajwa on behalf of the Committee for a job well done in coordinating and taking part in the event.

9. OTHER BUSINESS

 

10. NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
5th Floor Boardroom
Regional Administrative Headquarters
10 Peel Centre Drive
Brampton, Ontario


11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:58 p.m.