Debbie Kirwin, chair of Huntsville’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, was before council at its November 28 meeting with an overview of the annual review of the Town’s 2012-2017 Accessibility Plan.
The plan is also mandated by Provincial legislation, which aims to make Ontario accessible for people with disabilities by 2025 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA).
Kirwin told council that in 2010 the Canada Summit Centre was indeed built to code but things like signage and the height of brochure holders still needed to be addressed. “At this moment the list has not been completed but I have been assured by staff that it’ll be done by the end of the year.”
She also noted that the south check-out stations at the Huntsville Public Library have been installed and accessibility renovations at the Aspdin Community Hall are near completion. She did bring to council’s attention that currently access from the Town docks to River Mill Park requires someone in a wheelchair to travel up the road in traffic to the pergola entrance. “The AAC (Accessibility Advisory Committee) has made a motion… to provide direct accessible and safe access from the dock to the park.”
Muskoka Heritage Place still struggles with accessibility as heritage must be maintained and funds are not always available, Kirwin told council. “They have made great headway despite these obstacles.” Kirwin also noted that plans for the removal of accessibility issues in the Town’s council chambers have been put on hold “as a search for a larger and more accessible location is underway.”
Kirwin said the washrooms at Conroy Park escaped scrutiny. “I wasn’t even aware that there were some. It was local residents who brought it to our attention. A number of modifications need to be made. I often hear that it was built to code in 2010, but the fire door that opens out is far too heavy to open, especially in a manual wheelchair. Signage would be nice, grab bars corrected, etc.”
Accessible transit remains at the top of the list for the committee in 2017, said Kirwin. “The transit study/review process has begun. Before we can assess which bus stops are inaccessible, we must review the route that has been in place since 2007. Has new development been accommodated? Are there stops that are underused or not used at all? And should the route be extended?”
Kirwin said in terms of bus stop accessibility, the problem may be solved by simply moving the sign to a corner sidewalk with a curb cut. She said all transit systems in the province are heavily subsidized by the taxpayer.
“The fee for our bus here in Huntsville has been $2 since 2007. Currently we do not have rider eligibility as all riders are welcome on either bus.” She said Bracebridge has a different door-to-door service, as does Toronto. “They use an accessible taxi service, which is subsidized by the Town. It is exclusive to people with disabilities. An application is available to determine eligibility.” Kirwin said AODA will require accessibility criteria be put in place in Huntsville by January 1, 2017, which will enable users to travel on accessible door-to-door services in other communities throughout the province.
“Under transit, our contractor continues to update his fleet as per the requirements under the transportation standard of AODA, as they come into effect.” Kirwin said those requirements are being phased-in so as not to create undue financial hardship. She said the Town has ordered the necessary equipment for the regular bus to enable drivers to announce stops – also an AODA requirement. In terms of accessible taxi service, Kirwin said AODA stipulates that discussions must take place between people with disabilities, the Town and the taxi companies to plan for accessible services. Kirwin noted that Huntsville does now have an accessible cab in town.
She also said Town staff has been directed to review all corporate documents for accessibility. “Staff are updating all documents on the Town website. Policies, procedures for new content are being developed.”
Looking to 2017 and beyond, Kriwin said the Town has an opportunity to adopt a set of municipal accessible design guidelines, based on the requirements of AODA, from a number of similar sized Ontario municipalities.
She said the guidelines will provide guidance to the planning and public works department as well as addressing areas such as parks and recreational venues such as playground and docking areas, as well as parking, sidewalks and transit. “It would become the Holy Grail for all staff rather than create a policy for each accessible instance,” said Kirwin, referring to an all-encompassing approach.
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