Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting, September 12, 2024
Attendance
The Chair (a resident member) called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present were Councillor Grace Whitlock (Ward 4) as the City's council representative, six resident members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and the City's Accessibility Coordinator, Katrina Doucet.
Delegations
A representative from the Southview Neighbourhood Association spoke about improving crosswalk signals near the community hub. They asked for longer crossing times and audible alerts for pedestrians. The committee noted the request and agreed it aligns with the city-wide traffic safety review. A resident from the Benchlands ward requested more tactile paving along the main commercial strip. Members agreed to include this in the upcoming streetscape redesign.
Reports and decisions
The Accessibility Coordinator presented the annual AODA compliance update for City facilities. She highlighted the progress on the City Hall elevator repairs and directed staff to prioritise ramp installation at the new Wildrye Community Centre. The committee approved the facility accessibility targets and noted that all new City-funded projects will now require an accessibility impact statement. Carried.
The committee reviewed the draft accessibility strategy for the Tamsin River Trail System. Members suggested adding more rest benches and accessible picnic tables at Riverside Flats Park and Ambrel Lake Park. The draft was approved for public consultation. Carried.
A proposal to install audible pedestrian signals at all downtown intersections was discussed. The committee recommended phasing the installation over two years, starting with the Centennial Gardens corridor. Staff will present a detailed cost estimate at the next meeting. Carried.
The committee approved the budget for the upcoming accessibility survey of the Westbrook Community Arena. Staff will begin vendor selection in October. Carried.
The committee also discussed the upcoming summer events at Centennial Gardens and Benchlands Lookout Park. Members recommended that all future festival permits require a designated quiet zone and accessible washroom trailers. The recommendation was forwarded to the Events Coordinator. Carried.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed. The committee recommended that Council adopt the new accessibility impact statement policy.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.