Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

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Online Attendance Only
Committee Members:
  • Debbie Alexander
  • Christine Easterbrook, Chair
  • Brad Frenette
  • Rachel Jewell
  • Diana Kirkbride
  • Gord Queen, Vice Chair
  • Stephanie Olewski
Administration:
  • Mary Birch, Director, Legislative and Community Services/Clerk
  • Katherine Hebert, Deputy Clerk

1.
Call to Order
 

The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

2.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
 

We begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibway, Odawa and Potawatomie Peoples.


To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial.


We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations and all the Original Peoples of Turtle Island.

3.
Recording of Attendance
 

The Chair noted that all members of the ECAAC were in attendance. 

4.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest
 

There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared.

5.
Adoption of the Minutes
This item has attachments. 

1.Post-Meeting Minutes - ECAAC Meeting_Mar10_2022 - English.pdf

Minutes from the March 10, 2022 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting.

  • Moved ByGord Queen
    Seconded ByStephanie Olewski

    That the minutes of the March 10, 2022 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adopted as presented.

    Carried

6.
Delegations and Presentations
 

  • Moved ByDebbie Alexander
    Seconded ByDiana Kirkbride

    That Jerry Behl and Cathy Paduch be permitted to join the discussion and provide a presentation regarding the proposed Phase 2 sections of trail for the WECTC project. 

    Carried

6.1
County of Essex
 

Jerry Behl, Manager, Transportation Planning and Development and Cathy Paduch, GIS Technologist, to discuss Phase 2 of the WE Check The Trails program, and next steps in including CWATS trails onto the feedback forms. 

Jerry Behl, the Manager, Transportation Planning and Development and Cathy Paduch, the GIS Technologist provided information regarding some of the more appropriate CWATS Network trails that could be added to the WE Check The Trails program. It was noted that the trails in the Leamington and Kingsville area, along the County Road 20 route are paved shoulders that have a separation of a curb. These are well traveled multi-use trails. 

Considerable discussion took place with regard to the types of trails that exist in the CWATS Network, and the location of these trails. It was decided that the proposed multi-use trails as outlined would be added as Phase 2 of the WECTT program. County Administration will work to get the forms updated to reflect the changes for Phase 2.

  • Moved ByGord Queen
    Seconded ByBrad Frenette

    That Phase 2 of the WE Check The Trails program include trails along County Road 20 and the vicinity, as well as paths connecting with the Phase 1 trails.  

    Carried

7.
Communications
 

  • Moved ByBrad Frenette
    Seconded ByDiana Kirkbride

    That items listed as Communications, on the ECAAC agenda for April 14, 2022 be received and any noted action taken. 

    Carried

7.1
AODA Alliance
 

What's New in Our Campaign - Latest News and Updates Online

7.2
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
 

7.3
Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
 

7.4
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
 

7.5
Accessibility Standards Canada
 

7.6
Town of Essex
 

7.7
Canada Post
 

7.8
Community Living Essex County
 

7.9
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
 

7.10
CBC News
 

7.11
Rick Hansen Foundation
 

7.12
Rick Hansen Foundation
 

7.13
Inclusion Canada
 

7.14
Easter Seals
 

List of Upcoming Events Online Easter Seals events offer participants a wide range of exciting experiences as well as the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of kids with physical disabilities. 

7.15
AccessibilityTalks
 

Accessibility Talks host monthly sessions on matters relating to accessibility. Available on

7.16
G3ict
 

7.17
Smart Cities for All - Chicago
 

7.18
Municipal Elections
 

Municipal elections are coming this fall! Are you thinking of representing your area? The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has some guidance for you. 

7.19
Disability Scoop
 

7.20
Hidden Disabilities
 

April 2022 - The invisible issue

7.21
Webinars
 

8.
Unfinished Business
 

8.1
Regional Accessibility Flag
 

Discuss the final designs and selection, as well as the raising of the flag at the Essex County Civic Centre. 

The Committee discussed the flag designs and the feedback received. It was noted that a flag-raising event be planned, coordinating with the Warden and Committee members. Direction from members was to seek participation from staff at the Civic Centre as well.

  • Moved ByGord Queen
    Seconded ByStephanie Olewski

    That the flag design having the white background and the green/blue foreground, with 7 right-facing chevrons leading up to a seated figure in motion, that received the most votes be selected as the winning flag design for the region. 

    Carried

8.2
Accessibility Forum
 

Update regarding the booking of Michael Jacques and Julie Sawchuk for an Virtual Accessibility Forum to take place this year. 

  • June 27, 2022 with a 2:00 PM start time is being proposed. 
  • Naming of the event. 
  • Registrations
  • Invitations

Discussion took place with regard to the proposed date and time for the speakers. It was agreed upon that the  proposed date of June 27, 2022 would work for the event. The Committee provided direction to administration regarding coordinating the registration process, to include as many people as possible (Council, staff, local AACs, community groups, BIAs, Chambers of Commerce and the public at large) and sending invitations to the groups, as well as marketing the event with County Communications.

It was proposed that the event unfold for example as follows:

  • Greetings from the ECAAC 
  • Greetings from County Council
  • Introduction to Julie Sawchuk
  • Julie Sawchuk Presentation 
  • Q and A 
  • Intermission Activity - raffle for books - stretching or other break
  • Introduction to Michael Jacques
  • Michael Jacques Presentation
  • Q and A
  • Closing Remarks

It was decided that the committee would communicate via email to come up with a name for the event.

  • Moved ByBrad Frenette
    Seconded ByDebbie Alexander

    That June 27, 2022 at 2PM be confirmed for the speakers forum. 

    Carried

8.3
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP)
This item has attachments. 

1.Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2023-2027_RevA_2022-04-11.pdf

Review of the Public Consultation Feedback Form and Draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2023-2027. 

The Committee discussed the draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan as well as the survey/feedback form. It was noted that the timeline to open the consultation period was the end of the month, per the ECAAC workplan. If any members have comments regard the feedback form, please submit them to administration by the end of next week.  

8.4
ECAAC Delegation at County Council
 

May 18, 2022 at 7:00PM the ECAAC is scheduled to appear as a delegation for County Council. Items raised as possible items for presentation: 

  • ECAAC status update from 2020 to today
  • Regional Accessibility Flag - Unveiling of design and flag raising promotion
  • Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on people with disabilities
  • WE Check The Trails Phase 2
  • Upcoming Accessibility Forum - Guest Speakers Michael Jacques and Julie Sawchuk
  • Multi-Year Accessibility Plan review process
  • National AccessAbility Week
  • May is Community Living Month

The Chair asked for feedback on the content, as well as volunteers to attend and deliver the delegation at County Council on May 18, 2022. 

Items to be highlighted at the delegation:

  • National AccessAbility Week (May 29-June 4) and the Regional Accessibility Flag raising event on May 30, 2022 10am
  • WE Check The Trails - Phase 2 Launch
  • Accessibility Speakers Forum (June 27 at 2PM)
  • NaviLens Video - Recognition for the Town of Essex
  • MYAP 

Volunteers to present, Brad, Gord, Christine and there is a need for 2 others to present the five items.

The order of the delegation will be:

  • Introduction - Gord
  • National AccessAbility Week, Accessibility Flag - WE Check The Trails - Christine
  • NaviLens Video - Brad
  • Recognition for Town of Essex - Gord
  • Speakers Forum - ?
  • MYAP - ? 
  • Thank you to County Council  - Christine

 

 

 

9.
Reports from Administration
 

9.1
John R. Park Homestead
 

The date for the John R. Park Homestead facilities tour is proposed for June 9, 2022. Members are asked to meet at the John R. Park. 

Discussion took place with regard to the John R. Park Homestead tour. It was noted that afternoon times are better for the group generally. It was proposed that the Committee delay the tour of the JRP Homestead until a date in early September. Administration will coordinate a date for the tour with ERCA.

9.2
ECAAC Activities 2022
This item has attachments. 

1.2022_ECAAC Activities_Rev20220414.pdf

Timeline and Planning Document - Workplan Update 2022-04-14

Discussion took place regarding the 2022 ECAAC Workplan. Items were adjusted as needed and will be updated for the next meeting. The Chair requested that members send her photos of themselves wearing red shirts, to be posted on the Facebook page for June 1st 'Red Shirt Day'. 

10.
New Business
 

11.
Next Meeting Date
 

The next meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee is scheduled for May 12, 2022 at 5:00 PM. 


The ECAAC delegation at County Council is scheduled for May 18, 2022 at 7:00 PM.

12.
Adjournment
 

  • Moved ByBrad Frenette
    Seconded ByGord Queen

    That the April 14, 2022 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adjourned at 7:00PM.

    Carried
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