Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting, February 12, 2026
Attendance
The Chair, Councillor Grace Whitlock, and six resident members were present. No regrets were received. Accessibility Coordinator staff attended.
Delegations
No delegations attended.
Reports and decisions
Northgate Aquatic Centre accessibility upgrades. Staff reported that adaptive swim lessons are being added for spring 2027. Registration opens March 1, 2027. The Committee recommended the City publicize these services widely and coordinate with local disability organizations to ensure community awareness. Staff confirmed that equipment and trained instructors will be secured to support the program. Carried.
Accessibility Strategy implementation. The Committee reviewed progress on barrier removal in City facilities and highlighted the need for ongoing updates to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Members requested a quarterly update on the status of accessible washrooms and entrances at all major recreation centres. The Committee also noted the importance of maintaining a public register of accessibility improvements and asked staff to review the current list for accuracy. Carried.
Winter maintenance and accessibility. Members discussed snow clearing priorities and transit stop accessibility during storms. The Committee asked staff to ensure that plowing operations prioritize accessible routes and that service delays are communicated promptly to residents. Members suggested exploring the use of salt and sand mixtures on high-traffic accessible paths to improve safety during freeze-thaw cycles. Carried.
Upcoming budget review. The Committee noted the importance of maintaining funding for accessibility projects and suggested reviewing the fees and charges for accessibility-related services to ensure they remain affordable. Members recommended a review of the fee structure for accessible transit services and asked staff to report back on potential adjustments. Carried.
Public feedback on park accessibility. The Committee shared comments received from residents regarding the need for more accessible park facilities. Staff indicated that accessibility audits are underway for several parks and that findings will be included in the next report. The Committee encouraged staff to engage with community groups representing persons with disabilities during the audit process to ensure diverse perspectives are captured. Carried.
Committee business. The Chair called for nominations for the upcoming year and discussed the recruitment of new resident members. Members agreed that outreach should target a broader range of community organizations. Staff was directed to prepare a recruitment plan and present it at the next meeting. Carried.
Review of meeting procedures. The Committee reviewed its own terms of reference and discussed the need for more structured reporting from staff. Members agreed to adopt a standard template for accessibility reports to ensure consistency and ease of review. Carried.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.