A meeting of the Stratford Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) was held on the above date at 11:30 a.m., 82 Erie Street Avon Room, Stratford ON

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1 Page 1 of 7 A meeting of the Stratford (AAC) was held on the above date at 11:30 a.m., 82 Erie Street Avon Room, Stratford ON Committee Present: Roger Koert Chair Presiding, Councillor Bonnie Henderson, Diane Beckner, Peter Zein, Peg Huettlin, Paul Schoonderwoerd, Judy Hopf, Julie Patterson Staff Present: *Dan Sykes Infrastructure & Development Services, Julia Opie Accessibility Coordinator, *Michael Mousley Transit Manager, *Tatiana Dafoe Deputy Clerk, Casey Riehl Recording Secretary Regrets: Jessica Jantzi MINUTES 1.0 CALL TO ORDER Roger Koert called the AAC meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. 2.0 DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None declared. 3.0 DELEGATE: Michael Mousley Support Worker Passes/Transit Update Michael Mousley did some research on other municipalities and what they do for support worker passes. They seem to range from photo ID s to just having to declare to the bus driver that you are supporting someone. In his research, he found it is very common that support workers are not charged to ride the bus. He discussed with the committee the current system that Stratford transit uses for support worker passes. Stratford uses a pass (light grey in colour) that is free of charge and is valid for one year. It is not a photo ID and is issued in the name of the person requiring support, allowing the pass to be transferrable. This process has been in place in Stratford for quite some time now. He reported that currently there are approximately 30 support worker passes in circulation and cards can be kept by the support worker or the person requiring support. He did state that most of the support worker passes are used for riding the mobility bus and not regular transit. Transit is currently in the process of purchasing a new transit pass system. Currently, non-paying support workers are not tracked in the system. The new system will be able to have them swipe their card and be tracked as a support worker using transit. Councillor Henderson had previously been

2 Page 2 of 7 contacted by a citizen who expressed that they were uncomfortable that the support worker pass was different from other passes. The AAC suggested that until the new system is in place, the support worker passes could be the same colour as an adult pass (pink/red). Updating the routes is largely based on the new community hub design. Once the new terminal design at the hub is finalized, Mr. Mousley can also finalize the updated routes. He also reported that they have included in their budget eight new bus stop shelters in There will be a public open house held once proposed routes have been determined to gather feedback from riders. Councillor Henderson inquired if once the new transit payment system is installed, would staff be able to track exactly where riders are catching the bus to give a better indication of where routes should run? Mr. Mousley is hoping this can be achieved, as well as using the planning rule that citizens catching the bus have a bus stop within 400m of their residence. Julia Opie has suggested to Mr. Mousley that he present the terminal design to the AAC prior to it being finalized, as this would allow feedback to be taken into consideration before plans are completed. If plans are ready, Mr. Mousley may try to return to the October 3, 2017 AAC meeting. The committee will also review routes and bus stops at a later date. Judy Hopf inquired if the bus stop and shelter beside the Zehrs parking lot will be looked at. Mr. Mousley and Dan Sykes reported that there is an application for a site plan change and at that time, the stop will be relocated and improved. Julia Opie reported a question was raised at ONAP regarding a rider s right to refuse being strapped in. Mr. Mousley stated that in the City of Stratford mobility buses, the patrons must be strapped in. If the rider is using the regular transit buses, it is not mandatory. The spots are rear-facing with a lap belt and it is the discretion of the rider to use the strap or not. Some riders prefer not to strap in. *Michael Mousley no longer present (12:18 p.m.) 4.0 DELEGATE: Tatiana Dafoe Accessible Parking Permit Policy Review Tatiana Dafoe attended the meeting to discuss the new accessible parking permit policy that has now been in place for three months. The policy is to be reviewed at six months and a report generated for moving forward. All decals on the accessible meters have been replaced and state that payment is not mandatory at these spots. Signs have been posted at the pay-by-plate lots also stating that payment is not mandatory at the accessible spots. The policy has been shared on the city s website, social media, town crier and the STA and City Centre for their awareness. Initially, there was some confusion if drivers could park in non-designated spots with their permit and not pay. Staff posted additional information on the city s website and on social media to help with the confusion. Staff continue to received complaints from visitors, mainly from

3 Page 3 of 7 Toronto, that it is confusing having different rules in different cities. Staff is doing their best to educate visitors on this policy and encourage them to research the cities they are visiting, as each municipality sets their own policies. Throughout the first three months the policy has been in place, staff has received mostly positive feedback regarding the change. Most people like the option to pay or not to pay. Some people find it easy to pay in the summer, however are not able to easily reach the meter once winter arrives. One comment has been that it does seem confusing to have a meter there if you are not required to pay it, sending a mixed message. Ms. Dafoe would like to gather some feedback from the AAC to include in her report. Peter Zein stated that he still feels that parking should be free with a valid accessibility permit in any legal parking spot, not limited to just designated spots. He stated that it is sometimes difficult to find an accessible spot available and either spends time driving around looking for one or leave. Julie Patterson received a positive comment back regarding not having to pay by a theatre patron. Councillor Henderson has received both positive and negative feedback on social media. Roger Koert has also received positive feedback. Members did suggest to Ms. Dafoe that increasing the parking limit by one hour would be beneficial for people using the accessible spots. Turn-over remains an issue if parking limits are too long. Ms. Dafoe will return to the November AAC meeting to review the final report prior to submitting it to ITS Sub-committee. She also noted that she is working on a management report regarding the time limits on the accessible parking spots on Downie Street. *Tatiana Dafoe no longer present (12:33 p.m.) 5.0 ADOPTION OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES June 6, 2017 Motion by Peg Huettlin, seconded by Julie Patterson that the minutes dated June 6, 2017 be adopted as printed. Carried. 6.0 INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE Dan Sykes Curb Replacements & Budget Update Mr. Sykes reported that to date the committee has spent $3, of the curb replacement budget. There is approximately $1, worth of upgrades scheduled to be done in September. The City s inspector has been reviewing the current curb cuts and updated the map. One they have identified is on Morenz Drive. Mr. Sykes reported that the replacement at Devon/Romeo is complete, as well as the one on Lakeside Drive at Cobourg. One at Brunswick/Waterloo will be repaired this month. Members suggested some curb cuts could be looked at on Patricia, Lighbourne, Devon and Cawston near pathway to Murray Hill.

4 Page 4 of 7 Audible Crossing Signals at Erie/Ontario Streets (Julia Opie) Mr. Sykes reported that he has spoken to the City s traffic technician and he is going to try and earmark some funds for 2018 to possibly look at this project. Update on 2017 Accessibility Projects Roger Koert inquired if the multi-use path will continue along Mornington from Vivian to Graff now that they are continuing with the construction on Mornington. Mr. Sykes will confirm the trail connection with staff and if anything has been changed from the original 2015 design. Julia Opie noted that all changes to exterior paths of travel must be reviewed under the AODA. 7.0 PARKING Julia Opie distributed an updated parking map to committee members showing all the accessible spots. The issue of the accessible spots on Wellington (at Downie) was discussed. There is no longer a curb at these spots and a vehicle has driven into the pharmacy. Staff has placed garbage cans at the drop curb to block vehicles from driving up onto the sidewalk. Staff is researching a possible long-term solution, such as bollards. Peter Zein noted that all the parking signs in the downtown area are placed too low. They should be closer to eye level. Councillor Henderson reported that she raised this concern at the last ITS sub-committee meeting. Dan Sykes will inquire with staff. Mr. Sykes reported that the motorcycle parking spot on Wellington (at St. Patrick) is scheduled to be changed over to an accessible spot by the end of the month. The George Street accessible parking spot has been completed. *Dan Sykes no longer present (12:54 p.m.) 8.0 TRANSIT Yearly public transit meeting Tuesday, October 3, p.m. at the Kiwanis Community Centre. Roger Koert suggested advertising these types of events on the mobility bus somehow. 9.0 SITE PLAN REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE Julia Opie The site plan review sub-committee has had a busy summer with many plans to review. Julia Opie will be meeting with the City s Chief Building Official to discuss the legislation regarding the AODA vs. the Ontario Building Code (OBC) when it comes to items such as ramp slopes, etc. and what regulations prevail when it comes to accessibility.

5 Page 5 of 7 Another site did not comply with the number of accessible entrances/exits. The builders will confirm this with Ms. Opie. The committee discussed the option of safe spots of refuge during a fire and they are not comfortable with this ever being an option. In a planning stage, accessible entrances/exits should be option #1. The north shore washroom project was another site the committee gave feedback on. One issue was the width and slope of the pathways around the washrooms. This is to be adjusted and will be shown on the next updated plans. The committee discussed the location of the washrooms and the proximity to the playground and existing pathway along the river. Staff has set up a regular site plan review schedule, which they forwarded to Ms. Opie. The schedule has been set to the end of Ms. Opie has scheduled meeting rooms for one week after the application deadlines for the AAC to review any plans and return the report back to staff before the hearing date. Ms. Opie noted that she is doing a presentation at one of the City s upcoming Corporate Leadership meetings regarding AODA legislation and consultation requirements. Councillor Henderson inquired what the requirements are following the AAC submitting a report. Is there any follow up on the final project once it s completed? Ms. Opie explained that the report the AAC submits is strictly a recommendation. Ms. Opie does hear back from some designers/builders following a project AAC PROJECTS UPDATE (a) (b) Update on Rotary Complex Parking Lot Review P. Zein/R. Koert Deferred to next meeting. Promoting Accessibility with STA Peter Zein/Julie Patterson Deferred to next meeting BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES (a) (b) Update on Accessible Taxi Fees in Stratford Julia Opie Julia Opie reported she has a meeting with the Police Services Board on September 12, 2017 to discuss fees. Accessibility Review at City Sporting Facilities B. Henderson Deferred to next meeting.

6 Page 6 of NEW BUSINESS (a) 2018 Budget Request & Annual Report The committee discussed some possible projects and expenses to the end of 2017 and whether or not they would need to carry over any funds if they did not get completed. Motion by Peg Huettlin, seconded by Diane Beckner that the Stratford (AAC) requests a 2018 budgetary figure of $2, from the City of Stratford. The AAC projects budgetary figures of $2, for 2019, $2, for 2020 and $2, for Carried. Meeting Expenses (lunch, parallel transit service, publicity, $1, resource materials, workshops and awards) Participation in: Home Show, National Accessibility Week, Garden Show, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as well as any supplies needed for these events. $1, $2, (b) Membership Terms Ending November 30, 2017 Staff reported that Julie Patterson, Peter Zein and Diane Beckner s terms will end on November 30, Staff will forward an to them and attach an application form should they choose to re-apply. They will also be informed of the deadline to re-apply. (c) (d) Bench for Stratford-Perth Archives Interpretive Trail Julia Opie Julia Opie suggested the AAC could contribute to a bench at the Stratford-Perth Archives. Further discussion at the October meeting. Accessibility Directorate Round Table Discussion Julia Opie This document was previously circulated to members for their information. Ms. Opie was contacted by the Directorate to discuss the Information and Communication Standards and the problems that municipalities are having making their websites accessible as well as other agenda package items that are posted to the website. She is also speaking at the ONAP meeting in Ottawa on October 19-20, 2017 regarding what improvements the City of Stratford and the County of Perth have made in the built environment.

7 Page 7 of 7 (e) (f) Inclusive Play Space Presentation (October AAC Mtg.) Julia Opie Julia Opie has arranged a speaker to attend the October meeting to discuss inclusive play spaces. She has also invited staff from the Community Services Department to attend the presentation. StopGap Program Councillor Henderson reported that she was contacted by a citizen who was upset and in her opinion felt that 80% of the downtown stores in Stratford are not accessible. Roger Koert would like to re-visit the parameters of the StopGap program and see if there is a possibility that the businesses can leave the ramps out during business hours and not have to deploy them upon request NEXT MEETING Tuesday, October 3, :30 am Avon Mtg. Room 14.0 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Julie Patterson, seconded by Diane Beckner that the meeting adjourn. Carried. Time: 1:32 p.m.