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CS 21-09 Accessibility Status Update 2020Page 1 of 4 Subject: Accessibility Status Update 2020 Report Number: CS 21-09 Department: Corporate Services Submitted by: Amelia Jaggard, Deputy Clerk Meeting Type: Council Meeting Meeting Date: Monday, February 22, 2021 RECOMMENDATION THAT Council receives the accessibility status update 2020, as information. BACKGROUND The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2019-2023 indicates that an annual status report will be completed to document the progress and measures taken to implement the Town of Tillsonburg’s strategy and meet the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. DISCUSSION 2020 Accessibility Achievements Accessibility achievements in 2020 included:  Playground Equipment Replacement Program – Glendale Park Playground – Barrier Free Play Structure – Installation April 2021.  Generational Swings – One generational swing was installed at Optimist Park, Trottier playground and Coronation Park in August 2020.  Sidewalk Connectivity Program Implementation – completed third quarter.  Change in the transit service provider for the in-town service – completed third quarter.  Launched a fully accessible Inter Community Transit service– completed third quarter. Accessibility Advisory Committee The Accessibility Advisory Committee met twice in 2020. CS 21-09 Page 2 of 4 At their meeting on December 1, 2020, the Committee passed a resolution recommending that Council take additional measures to improve the safety of the Kinsmen Pedestrian Bridge surface in inclement weather. At the December 14, 2020 meeting of Tillsonburg Town Council, the following resolution was passed: Resolution # 2020-575 Moved By: Councillor Gilvesy Seconded By: Councillor Rosehart THAT Council receives the recommendation from the Accessibility Advisory Committee, as information; AND THAT Council direct staff to take additional measures to improve the safety of the Kinsmen Pedestrian Bridge surface in inclement weather by ensuring all boards are screwed down, adding anti-slip adhesives and enhancing winter maintenance. Staff implemented these additional measures in the first quarter of 2021. The next Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for March 9, 2021. Oxford County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee The annual Oxford County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. 2021 Projects The following list of projects were included in the approved 2021 final budget and departmental business plans. These projects will improve the accessibility of Town facilities and services.  Customer Service Centre Façade update including the installation of barrier free sliding doors - second quarter.  Playground Equipment Replacement Program – Optimist Park Playground – Barrier Free Play Structure – installation May 2021.  Expand Electronic Receivables Acceptance – second quarter.  Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Website Upgrades – second quarter.  Additional measures to improve the safety of the Kinsmen Pedestrian Bridge surface in inclement weather – completed in first quarter.  Airport Website redesign – second quarter.  Sidewalk Connectivity Program Implementation – third quarter.  Transit: o New fully accessible low floor bus in service – first quarter. o Bus stop improvements – second quarter. CS 21-09 Page 3 of 4 o Relocate Stop 6 at Lisgar and VanNorman to improve access to this bus stop – second quarter. o Add bus stops along the current route to reduce travel distance to a bus stop – second quarter.  Parks and Trails Signage Replacement – second quarter.  Facility Booking Software Replacement – first quarter.  Pathway Upgrades – third quarter and subject to grant funding.  Implement Permit Web Portal and Digital Service Delivery – first quarter.  Branding – Wayfinding Signage – third quarter. Recreation, Culture and Parks Department Comments: Inclusive Play Inclusive play means creating a play environment that allows for a memorable interaction for children with their peers or caregivers. People integrate different play experiences together and place them on similar play routes so that children with limited mobility or developmental delays have the option to play alongside their peers leaving no child with a feeling of isolation. A playground is a social place where a child should feel safe, welcomed and accepted for who they are. In all the parks we purchase, it is imperative that we create an accessible and inclusive environment for all users. We ensure that we pay attention to the details so the park is welcoming for all. For our users with Sensory Processing Disorder each of the climbers use a dif ferent texture so that the user can find a climber that is comfortable for them. For our non- verbal users we ensured there were plenty of social play opportunities that don’t require verbal communication. For our users with Down Syndrome who love the spinning motion, spinner units provide the opportunity for users to spin together with peers creating an inclusive environment. Lastly, for users with visual impairment, we ensure that a colour contrast on the structure to establish entries and exits. We believe that by taking into account the wide range of abilities we see in the community we have created a playground that can provide an inclusive environment for all users. Feedback The Town of Tillsonburg welcomes public input as feedback helps to identify areas where changes need to be considered and ways in which we can improve facilities, goods and services. Should a member of the public wish to provide general feedback, comments or suggestion on how to improve accessibility in our facilities, goods or services please contact clerks@tillsonburg.ca or 519-688-3009 ext. 4041 or complete an Accessibility Comment or Complaint Form as found on the Town of Tillsonburg website at the following link: https://www.tillsonburg.ca/en/town-hall/Accessibility.aspx CONSULTATION Senior Leadership Team. CS 21-09 Page 4 of 4 FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE Not applicable. COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE 1. Excellence in Local Government ☒ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives ☒ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government ☒ Demonstrate accountability 2. Economic Sustainability ☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment opportunities ☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core ☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s economy 3. Demographic Balance ☒ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals ☒ Provide opportunities for families to thrive ☒ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship 4. Culture and Community ☒ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community ☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests ☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living ATTACHMENTS None.