Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings 2024

Committee reviews winter trail clearing, washroom upgrades, and transit accessibility feedback.

Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting, February 8, 2024

Attendance

Councillor Grace Whitlock (Ward 4) attended as the council representative. The chair, a resident member, led the meeting. Six resident members attended, representing different community groups and neighbourhood associations. The City's Accessibility Coordinator attended as staff.

Delegations

A representative from the Wrenford Public Library Board spoke about ongoing upgrades to make library branches fully accessible under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). A resident from the Benchlands neighbourhood shared feedback on sidewalk snow clearing and ice management in their area.

Reports and decisions

  • Winter trail clearing priorities: The committee reviewed how snow and ice are cleared from paved paths during the colder months. Members recommended prioritizing the Tamsin River Trail System and Centennial Gardens for early-season clearing to keep routes safe for pedestrians and wheelchairs. Carried.
  • Washroom accessibility upgrades: The committee discussed the need to bring washrooms at Riverside Flats Park and Centennial Gardens up to modern accessibility standards. Members approved a phased plan to start the work in the spring. Carried.
  • Transit booking improvements: Members reviewed feedback on the Wrenford Access specialized transit booking process. The committee recommended adding a simpler phone booking option to help residents who find the online system difficult to use. Carried.
  • Accessibility strategy consultation: The committee reviewed the draft accessibility strategy for city buildings. Members endorsed the draft and recommended opening a public consultation period in March to gather resident feedback. Carried.
  • 2025 capital budget curb ramps: The committee reviewed proposals for new curb ramps. Members recommended focusing installations on high-traffic corridors near schools and the Downtown Transit Terminal. Carried.

By-laws

No by-laws were passed. Committees in Wrenford make recommendations and do not pass by-laws directly.

Adjournment

This meeting was not livestreamed. The meeting ended at 4:30 p.m. If you have feedback on these decisions, you can submit it through the public notice process or contact the City's Accessibility Coordinator directly. You can also follow the progress of these recommendations on the accessibility strategy page.