Town of
Whitchurch-Stouffville
Council in Committee Agenda February 19, 2008
REPORT #3
TOWN OF WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE - 2008 ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
(C10-LS & C11)
Report Prepared By: Director of Leisure Services
RECOMMENDATION:
1) THAT Council approve the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville 2008 Accessibility Plan.
2) AND FURTHER THAT the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville 2008 Accessibility Plan be circulated to the Region of York Accessibility Advisory Committee; the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Accessibility Advisory Committee; the Accessibility Working Group; and posted on the Town Website for public information.
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to describe barrier removal initiatives accomplished in 2007, and to outline measures to be taken in 2008 to identify, remove and prevent barriers to all citizens in accessing Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville facilities and services. The 2008 Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Accessibility Plan is attached as Attachment # 1 to this report.
2. BACKGROUND
The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) was proclaimed on September 30, 2002. Its intent was to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province. The ODA mandated that all municipalities prepare Annual Accessibility Plans. The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has completed Accessibility Plans since 2003.
In May 2005, the Province of Ontario passed Bill 118, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. The purpose of the new Act was to provide clearer and more enforceable accessibility standards concerning goods, services, accommodation, facilities, buildings and employment. Improvements will be implemented in stages of five years or less, moving towards an accessible Ontario in 20 years.
In 2007, three Accessibility standards were developed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services in the areas of communications and information, the built environment and employment. In addition, an accessibility standard in transportation was posted for public review in June, 2007.
3. ANALYSIS & OPTIONS
In 2007, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville implemented a number of initiatives to make Town facilities, programs and services more accessible including:
· Co-ordinated with subdivision developers and site plan applicants to complete sidewalk networks
· Incorporated accessibility requirements into architectural design of New Fire Station and Arena Complex
· Conducted corporate sensitivity training sessions to develop a staff understanding and sensitivity to persons with disabilities
· Equipped Council Chambers with hearing and visual aids
· Continued the expansion of program delivery involving individuals with special needs
· Continued to introduce and enhance existing trails throughout Town-owned parks and open spaces to facilitate those with accessibility requirements
· Completed the repair of several sidewalk sections throughout downtown Stouffville
The 2008 Accessibility Plan contains a number of initiatives to improve accessibility including the hosting of a workshop on Emergency Preparedness for people with disabilities; incorporating the Ministry of Community and Social Services regulatory standards on customer service and employment; incorporating barrier-free access standards into facility construction including the new Fire Station and Arena Complex and Nineteen on the Park project; and enhancing Rupert Neighbourhood Park’s accessibility through pathways to active facilities and the installation of accessible picnic tables.
A draft copy of the 2008 Accessibility Plan has been reviewed by the Accessibility
Advisory Committee and their comments have been considered in preparing the final document. The draft copy of the Accessibility Plan has also been posted on the Town Website and advertised on the Town Page for public comment and consideration.
It is the role of the Accessibility Working Group to meet on an ongoing basis to monitor the progress of the Accessibility Plan and ensure continuity on an annual basis in the preparation of future Accessibility Plans.
4. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The 2008 Accessibility Plan has been prepared within the context of funding included in the 2008 Capital and Operating Budgets.
5. RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The 2008 Accessibility Plan supports the following strategies in the Town’s Corporate Strategic Plan:
- Fiscal Stewardship & Asset Management – reduction of physical barriers and
improving access to municipal facilities
- Customer Service and Communication – improving and expanding customer service and communication levels to enhance service delivery to all residents.
6. CONCLUSION
The 2008 Corporate Accessibility Plan ensures compliance by the municipality with Provincial Legislation and builds upon previous annual plans designed to reduce and eliminate a variety of barriers for individuals with disabilities.
For your information, please contact Tom Graham, Director of Leisure Services at (905)640-1910 Ext. 289.