Accessibility Advisory Committee

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Online Video Conference
Members
  • Councillor Matt Mahoney , Ward 8
  • Councillor Pat Saito, Ward 9
  • Naz Husain, Citizen Member (Chair)
  • Carol-Ann Chafe, Citizen Member (Vice-Chair)
  • Asim Zaidi, Citizen Member (Vice-Chair)
  • Emily Daigle, Citizen Member
  • Rabia Khedr, Citizen Member
  • Clement Lowe, Citizen Member
  • Alfie Smith, Stakeholder Member
  • Sally Wall, Stakeholder Member
Members Absent
  • Steven Viera, Citizen Member
  • Anita Binder, Stakeholder Member
Staff Present
  • Reanne Kassar

1.
CALL TO ORDER
 

Naz Husain called the meeting to order at 2:05PM.  Dayna Obaseki, Legislative Coordinator provided a preamble. 

2.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 

Approved (C. Chafe)

3.
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
 

Nil.

4.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
 

5.
DEPUTATIONS
 

5.1
Lisa Kelly, Program Manager, Louie DiPalma, Vice President, SME (small to mid-size enterprise) Programs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce to present on the Discover Ability Network
 

Ms. Kelly and Mr. Palma provided an overview the Discover Ability Network and the benefits of being an inclusive employer.  Discover Ability Network is a job matching platform that connects business with persons with disabilities (PwD) seeking employment, offers free training on inclusive recruiting and accessible accommodations as well as a networking platform. They spoke to the talent shortage in a number of businesses experience and the untapped talent pool.  Ms. Kelly and Mr. DiPalma noted that 77% of small business stated that hiring persons with disabilities (PwD) have met and/or exceeded expectations as well as produced a positive overall effect that had minimal accommodation costs. They spoke to the partnership between the Ontario Chamber Commerce and the Mississauga Board of Trade.

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and comments:

  • Inquired if there are any monitoring procedures;
  • Expressed concerned regarding ensuring the employees are being treated fair and equitable;
  • Inquired about job retention;
  • Noted the challenges of individuals with multiple disabilities finding employment; and
  • The Committee expressed their support of the program.

Ms. Kelly, Mr. DiPalma and Brad Butt, Vice President, Government and Stakeholder Relations responded to questions from the Members of the Committee;  

  • Monitoring is outside of the scoop of the program, however the Discover Ability Network works with numerous agencies that may monitor equity and long term job retention.
  • The program focuses on the hiring processes, policies and practices that encompass equity and treatment of employees.
  • Noted that all the positions post have been fact checked and verified for authentication purposes.
  • Noted that a number of the employers within the Discover Ability Network are typically looking for long-term employment and strive to avoid high turnover positions.
  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0009-2020
    Moved ByCouncillor P. Saito
    1. That the deputation and associated presentation by Lisa Kelly, Program Manager, Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Louie DiPalma, Vice President, SME (small to mid-size enterprise) Programs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce regarding the Discover Ability Network be received.
    2. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee are in support of the Discover Ability Network Program and recommend endorsement from General Committee.
    3. That Accessibility staff investigate a potential partnership with the Mississauga Board of Trade and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce regarding joining the Discover Ability Network program and to report back to General Committee.
    Carried

5.2
Alex Legrain, Project Leader, Transportation Planning and Mojan Jianfar, Project Lead, Planner, City Planning Strategies to present on the Downtown Movement Plan
 

Mr. Legrain presented on the Downtown Movement Plan by providing a project overview and an update.  The Downtown Movement Plan consists a technical study of the Downtown Strategy and Action Plan and delivering Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan. Mr. Legrain spoke to the Downtown 21 Master Plan and the six guiding principles. He outlined the phases of the Downtown Strategy and the Downtown Movement Plan.  The received feedback from Phase 1 consisted of four themes; walking, cycling, transit and driving. The Downtown Movement Plan's next steps are to conduct a Public Meeting in Winter/Spring 2021 that will consist of reviewed public feedback and alternative solutions prior to reporting to Council.  

 

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following comments regarding creating a more accessible project website and having a map that outlines the locations of audible accessible crosswalks, elevator outrages, damaged sidewalks, construction zones and accessible bus stops.

 

Mr. Legrain and Ms. Jianfar responded to comments from the Members of the Committee. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0010-2020
    Moved ByC. Chafe

    That the deputation and associated presentation by Alex Legrain, Project Leader, Transportation Planning and Mojan Jianfar, Project Lead, Planner, City Planning Strategies regarding  the Downtown Movement Plan be received. 

    Received

6.
PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD - 15 Minute Limit 
 

Public Comments: Any member of the public interested in speaking to an item listed on the agenda may register at dayna.obaseki@mississauga.ca or call 905-615-3200 ext. 5425 by November 5, 2020 before 4:00 P.M.

Pursuant to Section 42 of the Council Procedure By-law 0139-2013, as amended:

Accessibility Advisory Committee may grant permission to a member of the public to ask a question of Accessibility Advisory Committee, with the following provisions:

  1. The question must pertain to a specific item on the current agenda and the speaker will state which item the question is related to.
  2. A person asking a question shall limit any background explanation to two (2) statements, followed by the question.
  3. The total speaking time shall be five (5) minutes maximum, per speaker.

David Lepofsky, Chair, AODA Alliance registered to speak on the matter of E-Scooters previously presented at the October 19, 2020 Accessible Transportation Subcommittee.  Mr. Lepofsky urged the Committee to make a strong recommendation to ban electric scooters in the Municipality based on lack of safety standard and dangers associated with E-scooters. He further noted lack of accessibility associated with the current virtual platform. Members of Committee echoed Mr. Lepfosky’s sentiment regarding the safety concerns surrounding E-scooters and the lack of accessibility with the virtual platform.  Matthew Sweet, Manager, Active Transportation spoke to the City of Mississauga’s Mircomobility study and provided further clarification on electric kick style scooters.

7.
MATTERS CONSIDERED
 

7.1
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Update
 

Accessibility Staff will provide a brief verbal update with respect to the Accessibility For Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

No update was provided.

7.2
Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee Update
 

Councillor Mahoney, Naz Husain and/or Carol-Ann Chafe, Citizen Members and Members of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee will provide a brief verbal update.

No update was provided.

7.3
Treat Accessibly Update Memo
 

No discussion took place. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0011-2020
    Moved ByC. Chafe

    That the memo prepared by Dan Sadler, Supervisor, Accessibility Planning and Compliance regarding Treat Accessibly be received for information.

    Received

7.4
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) Work Plan
 

No discussion took place. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0012-2020
    Moved ByS. Wall

    That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Work Plan be approved as discussed at the November 9, 2020 Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting.

    Approved

8.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
 

8.1
Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee Report – September 28, 2020
 

No discussion took place.

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0013-2020
    Moved ByC. Chafe
    1. That the presentation regarding Burnhamthorpe Community Centre Accessibility Review to the Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee on September 28, 2020, be received;
    2. That subject to the comments on the presentation, the Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee is satisfied with the initiatives the City is undertaking with respect to the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre Accessibility Review.
    Carried
  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0014-2020
    Moved ByC. Chafe
    1. That the presentation regarding Central Library Renovations to the Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee on September 28, 2020, be received;
    2. That subject to the comments on the presentation, the Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee is satisfied with the initiatives the City is undertaking with respect to the Central Library Renovations.
    Carried
  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0015-2020
    Moved ByC. Chafe
    1. That the presentation regarding the COVID-19 Corporate Pillar Recover Plan to the Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee on September 28, 2020, be received;
    2. That subject to the comments on the presentation, the Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee is satisfied with the initiatives the City is undertaking with respect to the COVID-19 Corporate Pillar Recover Plan.
    Carried

8.2
Accessible Transportation Subcommittee Report - October 19, 2020 (Related to Item 9.1)
 

Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee expressed their concerns surrounding E-Scooters and the City’s approach to Mircomobility noting the lack of enforcement and safety. Matthew Sweet, Manager, Active Transportation spoke to Provincial Pilot Program and that staff are bringing forth a corporate report outlining an interim by-law. The Committee vocalized and strongly advocated for a ban on all electric scooters.

Councillor Saito stated that she would abstain from the vote on this matter as she could not support a full ban due to being the Chair of the Road Safety Committee that supports E-Scooters.

That the Recommendations contained in the Accessible Transportation Subcommittee Report dated October 19, 2020 be approved, with the exception of the matter on E-Scooters and Mississauga’s Approach to Micromobility.

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0016-2020
    Moved ByS. Wall

    That Emily Daigle be appointed Chair of the Accessible Transportation Subcommittee for the term ending November 14, 2022 or until a successor is appointed.

    Carried
  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0017-2020
    Moved ByR. Khedr
    1. That the deputation by David Lepofsky, Chair, AODA Alliance regarding E-Scooters to the Accessible Transportation Subcommittee on October 19, 2020, be received;
    2. That the Recommendations contained in the Accessible Transportation Subcommittee Report dated October 19, 2020 be approved, with the exception of the matter on E-Scooters, which is replaced with the following: That the Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends that The City of Mississauga maintains the current ban on all electric kick-style scooters.

    Approved as Amended (R. Khedr)

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0018-2020
    Moved ByR. Khedr
    1. That the presentation regarding Mississauga’s Approach to Micromobility and E-Scooters to the Accessible Transportation Subcommittee on October 19, 2020, be received;
    2. That Recommendations contained in the Accessible Transportation Subcommittee Report dated October 19, 2020 be approved, with the exception of the matter on E-Scooters, which is replaced with the following: That subject to the comments on the Mississauga’s Approach to Micromobility and E-Scooters presentation, the Accessible Transportation Subcommittee recommends a ban on all electric kick-style scooters in the City of Mississauga.

    Approved as amended (R. Khedr)

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0019-2020
    Moved ByS. Wall
    1. That the presentation regarding Pedestrian Master Plan to the Accessible Transportation Subcommittee on October 19, 2020, be received;
    2. That subject to the comments on the presentation, the Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee is satisfied with the initiatives the City is undertaking with respect to Pedestrian Master Plan.
    Carried

9.
INFORMATION ITEMS
 

9.1
Mississauga’s Approach to Micromobility and E-scooters (Related to Item 8.2)
 

Previously discussed under Item 8.2.

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0020-2020
    Moved ByC. Chafe

    That the information item on Mississauga's Approach to Micromobility and E-scooters be received for information. 

    Received

9.2
Accessibility Advisory Committee and Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee 2021 Meeting Dates
 

No discussion took place.

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0021-2020
    Moved ByA. Smith

    That the memo regarding the 2021 Accessibility Advisory Committee and Facility Accessibility Design Subcommittee Meeting Dates be received for information.

    Received

10.
OTHER BUSINESS
 

Jennifer Cowan, Accessibility Specialist announced she has accepted a position with Scotiabank and will be leaving the City of Mississauga. Members of the Committee spoke to her hard work and dedication over the years at the City of Mississauga in Accessibility. The Members of Committee also vocalized and strongly recommended that the Committee switch virtual meeting platforms to Zoom, as they identify Zoom has a far more accessible virtual platform before the next Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting in 2021.

  • RECOMMENDATIONAAC-0022-2020
    Moved ByR. Khedr

    That the Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee request a meeting with IT (Information Technology) including IT leadership to discuss the accessibility barriers pertaining to the City of Mississauga’s current virtual platform and highly recommends utilizing and implementing a more accessible virtual platform by the next Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting on January 18, 2021.

    Carried

11.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
 

  • Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
    • Monday, January 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM
    • RESCHEDULED to Monday February 8, 2021 at 2:00PM via Online Video Conference
  • Facility Advisory Design Subcommittee (FADS)
    • CANCELLED - Monday, January 25, 2021 at 1:30 PM
    • Monday, February 22, 2021 at 1:30PM via Online Video Conference

12.
ADJOURNMENT
 

4:18 P.M. (R. Khedr)

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