JOINT PEEL-CALEDON

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AAC)

William Goursky, Chair, presided.

1. CALL TO ORDER

William Goursky, Chair of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. and welcomed everyone present.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

RECOMMENDATION AAC-5-2008:

That the minutes of the January 29, 2008 Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.

Naz Husain, Vice-Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) inquired if there was any feedback with regards to members of the AAC being involved in reviewing activity scripts for the 2008 Peel Children’s Water Festival. William Goursky indicated that the Activities Sub-committee had already met, and that at this time no further meeting was required as all the planning has been completed.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION AAC-6-2008:

That the agenda for the February 26, 2008 Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.

4. COMMUNICATION ITEMS

a. Toronto Star, Article dated February 9, 2008, titled “Right to Use Service Dogs Often Violated”

Received

5. PRESENTATIONS

a. Dave Ball, Project Manager, Employee and Business Services, Lease and Space Planning, Facilities Management, Region of Peel; Janice LeBlanc, Director of Design, DePM Inc. and Alcina Sung, Designer-Consultant, DePM Inc., 10 Peel Centre Drive Expansion Project (10 PEP) Signage Presentation

Received

Janice LeBlanc, Director of Design, DePM Inc. explained that DePM Inc. was hired in August of 2007 to evaluate the signage and “way-finding” for the new 10 Peel office building. Janice noted that as consultants for the project, they are working with Dave Ball, Project Lead and his team to address the needs of staff and public as they relate to signage and way-finding. She indicated that various criteria had to be kept in mind when determining the most appropriate signage. Such criteria includes, but is not limited to: the Ontario Building Code, accessibility standards and requirements, architectural design elements and the approved numbering strategy of the new building. Janice stated that two different design materials have been selected, acrylic and metal signs. They provide two different looks while maintaining the requested aesthetics and functionality. Alcina Sung, Designer-Consultant, DePM Inc. circulated samples of these different materials and signage to the AAC Committee members.

William Goursky inquired if Braille would be included on the signs. Janice LeBlanc responded that the proposed signage does allow for Braille writing.

Naz Husain inquired as to the colours that would be used for the signs. Janice LeBlanc indicated that contrasting colours would be used, such as a light grey background with very dark grey text. Maureen Tymkow inquired as to the size of the print on the signs and how far from the floor the signs would be posted. Janice LeBlanc indicated that the size of the print would depend on where the sign will be located and from what distance the viewer would be able to see the sign. In reference to the distance from the floor, Janice LeBlanc advised that it will be 5 feet (1.52 metres) on centre from the finished floor line, and the hanging signs will be posted no lower than 7 feet (2.13 metres) from the floor.

William Goursky inquired whether or not local companies will be considered for the provision of the signs. Janice LeBlanc indicated that the next phase of the project will be the tendering stage. Dave Ball added that a list of companies to be considered is being compiled, with local service agencies being included. He further indicated that the consultants met with Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, in the Fall of 2007 to gather information for accessibility input. Dave Ball indicated that a package is being prepared which incorporates the input from the various stakeholders and includes accessibility considerations.

Maureen Tymkow questioned if there were would be signage placed at a lower level on the walls for the visually impaired. Alcina Sung responded that there would be signs for the visually impaired in key access points such as elevators, corridors, and the lobby; additional lower signs could be considered for other areas.

Glenn Barnes noted the importance of way-finding and signage for the new 10 Peel building, not only from an accessibility stand point, but also due to the security features that the facility will require as a result of Peel Regional Police also occupying space on the first floor. A group discussion occurred resulting in the following direction to staff:

STAFF DIRECTION AAC-02-2008-1:

That a follow-up presentation be provided to the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) members regarding the signage at the 10 Peel Centre Drive Expansion Project (10 PEP) containing more specific information on the selection and placement of signs as well as the awarding of the contract.

b. Tom McLenaghan, Technical Analyst Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Waste Management Division, Region of Peel, and Erwin Pascual, Supervisor, Operational Planning, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Waste Management Division, Region of Peel, Providing an Update on the Heart Lake Community Recycling Centre, City of Brampton and Clarkson Community Recycling Centre, City of Mississauga Projects (Site Plan Approval requested)

Received

Erwin Pascual, Supervisor, Operational Planning, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Waste Management Division, Region of Peel, provided a brief overview of the network of the community recycling centres within the Region of Peel. He advised that Council has adopted a plan to build seven community recycling centres, four of which have been completed. He is seeking site plan approval for the Heart Lake Community Recycling Centre in Brampton and the Clarkson Community Recycling Centre in Mississauga, scheduled for completion in early 2010. A detailed presentation of the site plans was made by Tom McLenaghan, Technical Analyst Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Waste Management Division, Region of Peel. He noted that many of the accessibility features that were recommended by the AAC in their audit of the Battleford Community Recycling Centre on June 30, 2004 have been incorporated in the Heart Lake and Clarkson centres. In addition, City of London standards have been utilized and incorporated into the Heart Lake and Clarkson designs.

Jim Hardman inquired as to the signage for fees at these two new recycling centres. Tom McLenaghan stated that all fees, site rules and scale rules are posted at the entry point of all sites. Regional Chair Kolb verified that fees per weight were posted near the scale houses at all sites.

Glenn Barnes commented on the amount of traffic leading up to the Battleford Recycling Centre facility and that the impediment caused to accessibility was a concern. He suggested other site design options to help ease the traffic flow. Erwin Pascual responded that a traffic design study is part of the facility design phase. He noted that traffic issues experienced at other recycling centres were taken into consideration by the design consultant.

The following recommendations were considered:

RECOMMENDATION AAC-7-2008:

That the site plan overview provided to the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on February 26, 2008 by Region of Peel Environment, Transportation and Planning Services staff regarding the Heart Lake Community Recycling Centre, City of Brampton, Ward 2, be received;

And further, that notification of the support of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Heart Lake Community Recycling Centre site plan, as presented, be provided to the City of Brampton, Planning, Design and Development department.

RECOMMENDATION AAC-8-2008:

That the site plan overview provided to the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on February 26, 2008 by Region of Peel Environment, Transportation and Planning Services staff regarding the Clarkson Community Recycling Centre, City of Mississauga, Ward 2, be received;

And further, that notification of the support of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Clarkson Community Recycling Centre site plan, as presented, be provided to the City of Mississauga, Planning, Development and Design department.

c. R. Kent Gillespie, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Regional Solicitor, Region of Peel, Providing an Overview on the Corporate Re-organization

Received

R. Kent Gillespie, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Regional Solicitor, Region of Peel, provided an overview of the new Region of Peel Corporate reporting structure that was implemented on June 1, 2007. He explained that the changes were required to achieve enhanced employee engagement, a high level of client satisfaction as well as trust and confidence in the Region of Peel. He noted that the Executive Management Team, in consultation with the entire management group, completed a comprehensive analysis of all Regional services. During the review 13 service groupings which shared natural service affinities were identified. Directors, Managers and Supervisors were consulted to develop the final service groupings, which formed the basis for the new corporate structure. The objective was to promote a more streamlined delivery of programs and services, support the ability of the Region to meet future growth demands, and to promote employee engagement and increased customer satisfaction.

William Goursky asked if there had been any feedback on the success of the changes implemented. R. Kent Gillespie responded that although it is still early in the process to evaluate the effectiveness of the changes, he has received positive feedback. He pointed out that the new corporate structure would create opportunities for further realignment within sections or departments to enhance efficiencies and productivity. William Goursky commented that taxpayers are interested in receiving the best services for the least amount of tax, and is, therefore, interested in what is happening within the Corporation. He suggested that a copy of the presentation be provided to the members of the AAC so they can include the information in their Resource Manuals.

Regional Chair Kolb noted that this is the first time that the Corporation has performed a thorough review of its internal reporting structure, and although this was a significant undertaking, it was necessary. He indicated that the Region is growing by 35,000 residents per year and there needs to be a cost effective way to accommodate this growth. The organizational changes will ensure efficiencies and reduce duplication.

William Goursky inquired as to where Peel Regional Police fit in the new corporate structure. R. Kent Gillespie clarified that police services are governed by the Peel Police Services Board and although Regional Council provides the financing and supplies the facilities, it is run as a separate entity from the Regional Corporation.

Naz Husain inquired as to the number of employees that will be trained as a result of the new Accessibility Standards for customer service recently passed by the Province. R. Kent Gillespie advised that a proposal will be brought forward to the Executive Management Team. He identified a number of factors that will need to be addressed, such as who will require training and the level of training required. William Goursky offered the assistance of the AAC Committee during the implementation of this project.

6. REPORTS - Nil

7. REPORT FROM THE ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING COORDINATORS

a. Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon (December 2007) (Oral)

Received

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

Received

c. Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon (February 2008) (Oral)

Received

Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon provided a brief update on the status of the proposed Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee. She indicated that in January 2008 Town of Caledon Council approved the creation of an Accessibility Advisory Committee. A call for membership was posted in the local newspapers of the Town of Caledon. The deadline was posted as February 29, 2008 but it will be extended to March 7, 2008. She anticipates that by April 2008 approval would be granted by the Town of Caledon Council for the appointment of the new committee. Colleen Grant further noted that the Town of Caledon has also started planning for the Customer Service Standard.

William Goursky offered the assistance of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee to the new Town of Caledon AAC. Glenn Barnes inquired as to the size of the proposed Town of Caledon AAC. Colleen Grant responded that they are looking for a membership of at least five people, depending on the number of applications received. Glenn Barnes said that he hopes that a member of the Caledon AAC will continue to be on the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee.

d. Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel

Received

Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, provided an update to the members of the Committee as to the status of the Region of Peel Accessibility Program.

Charlotte Gravlev, Regional Clerk and Director of Clerk’s, stated that a project, headed by Jeff Payne, Legislative Specialist, Region of Peel, is underway to review the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. She noted that the project will take into consideration the formation of the Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee. Charlotte Gravlev also advised that due to the formation of the Caledon AAC, membership of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee will need to be reviewed and brought forward for Council approval, in time to coincide with the formation of the Caledon AAC.

William Goursky requested clarification on the different roles and duties being carried out by Legislative Services staff. Charlotte Gravlev provided an update and explanation of the various changes.

8. REPORT OF THE ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR AND MEMBERS

a. William Goursky, Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on City of Brampton Provincial Offences Court Data Regarding Disabled Parking Infractions

Deferred to a future AAC meeting

b. William Goursky, Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update Regarding Recent Activities of the Universal Design Sub-Committee (Oral)

Received

William Goursky provided an update on the Universal Design Sub-committee meeting held on February 5, 2008. He informed that the project is in conjunction with the Chapel View Apartments (John Street), Region of Peel public housing initiative. The developer for the project is Martinway Contracting. The City of Brampton will be working with the developer as it pertains to the underground parking facility. He indicated that the next step was to review, fine tune and prioritize the universal design guidelines. They can then be used as a template for future projects. He indicated that a resource person with technical background would be required to review all of the material and information gathered to compile into a report. William Goursky noted that the next meeting of the Sub-committee will be March 4, 2008. Maureen Tymkow advised that there may be additional funding available through the Ontario government and offered to provide this information via fax.

9. OTHER BUSINESS

Additional Item - Item 9a:

a. Naz Husain, Member, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update Regarding the Employment Standards Committee (Oral)

Received

Naz Husain, advised that she was appointed to the Employment Standards Committee. She indicated that she will be representing herself as a person with a disability, not in her role as Vice-Chair of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee. William Goursky, on behalf of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee congratulated Naz Husain on her recent appointment.

10. NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, 5th floor
Regional Administrative Headquarters
10 Peel Centre Drive
Brampton, Ontario

11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.