The Corporation of the City of Kawartha Lakes

Minutes

Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting

KLAAC2023-03

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Meeting to Commence at 4:00 p.m. Electronic Public Participation.

Electronic Participation Meeting

Members:

• Councillor Charlie McDonald
• Frederico (Arbee) Buenafe
• Diane Engelstad
• Matthew Kuiken
• Katelyn Lowes
• Crystal Morrissey
• Elizabeth Peeters
• Mary Jean Porteous
• Joli Scheidler-Benns

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. The City of Kawartha Lakes is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Please contact [email protected] if you have an accessible accommodation request.

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1.

Call to Order

Diane Engelstad called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. Councillor C. McDonald, Diane Engelstad, Elizabeth Peeters, Crystal Morrissey, Mary Jean Porteous, Joli Scheidler-Benns were in attendance.

Absent:

Matthew Kuiken joined the meeting at 4:04 p.m.

 

2.

Administrative Business

2.1

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved By D. Engelstad
  Seconded By M. Porteous

  That the agenda be adopted as circulated.

  Carried

2.2

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest disclosed.

2.3

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meeting

3.

Deputations/Presentations

4.

Correspondence

5.

News/Updates from Working Groups, Staff and Council

5.1

Accessibility Officer Update

C.Briggs- Two additional parking spaces added in Library and Police Lot: one for staff and one for public. Plan to move accessible spot in front of LCBO on Francis Street in Fenelon Falls and increase hashing behind spot to deter illegal parking in front of private driveway and increase proximity to the accessible entrance. Plan to move accessible spots on Colborne Street in Fenelon Falls to ensure they receive proper clearance during winter. Inquired about an additional space outside of Red Apple with a dropped curb. These spots have been converted on paper, Public Works to follow up dependent on budget.

Moving forward the process for a review of accessible spaces will require residents and Councillors to log a concern via Report It. The concern will be assigned to Engineering or Public Works depending on the nature of the concern. Accessibility will then be looped in as a consult.

Working with Engineering to create an accessible solution or loading zone for Sturgeon Street parking in Omemee.

Consultation for two chest fund recipients: Legion of Fenelon Falls received chest fund from Council. Provided feedback on funding and also legislated parameters that needed to be met in order to obtain provincial and federal grants. Fenelon Falls Curling Club connected with Planning to discuss minor variance that would be required to renovate their washroom and change room facilities.

Presentation to transit on IDEA – from our accessibility conversation it was noted that there aren’t loading zones on Kent St. – Safest place to unload riders with mobility devices is in the crosswalk. Looking into a solution with Transit and Engineering.

5.1.1

2024-2029 Accessibility Master Plan

C.Briggs- Will focus on reaching out to different departments to talk about their wins under Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. Departments will lead, and the Accessibility Advisory Committee will collaborate. C. Briggs will lead Management Directives and corporate documents.

Met with Customer Service to discuss their wins: Dashboard, in the process of service center modernization in Lindsay and Coboconk to bring design up to AODA standards. Simplifying and consolidating call centers. Hoping to introduce self service kiosks and self service portals online.

Economic Development has received Million Dollar Makeover funding. Businesses can apply to receive this funding for accessibility improvements.

Arts and Heritage Trails now has an accessible PDF with simple language and an audible guide.

Communications recently completed a city survey. Working with staff to understand where to turn focus to. Also looking into how to improve access to communications. 

Transit implemented LIMO Booking Portal to book specialized transit in a more streamline way.

Building and Property will complete building condition assessments over five to 10 year cycle through Capital Assets to determine what needs to be updated or replaced. Asset Management has put provisions in place for access upgrades. Cyclical starting 2024 with ongoing conditional assessments.

Each department has outlined goals for the next few years. The Accessibility Advisory Committee will be looped in on any priority items to establish gaps or items that need to be added.

5.2

Public Awareness (Public Education/Employment/Information&Communication)

E.Peeters- Informed committee that the Invisible Disabilities video was released at Accessibility Awards in June.

C.Briggs- Invisible Disability video needed to be updated to meet web design access standards. A news release and the video will be posted on Kawartha Lakes website on October 2. The video will also be used in an corporate employment context.

5.3

Public Spaces (Parks, Built Environment and Transportation (Transit))

M.Porteous- Hopes to finalize brochure for Million Dollar Makeover referencing standards and to create public awareness. Public Spaces group will be responsible for outreach and distributing brochures.

5.4

Councillor's Update

Councillor McDonald- Expressed concern about the struggle to find affordable housing with new developments coming to town. Hope to encourage public to participate in Million Dollar Makeover program with public education. Public Spaces will investigate how money was spent on accessibility last year.

• Moved By Councillor McDonald
  Seconded By E. Peeters

  That the reports provided under agenda items 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 be received by Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee for information purposes.

  Carried

6.

New or Other Business

7.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held in November. Via Zoom.

8.

Adjournment

• Moved By E. Peeters
  Seconded By J. Scheidler-Benns

  That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting adjourn at 5:06 p.m.

  Carried