Body: Council Type: Agenda Meeting: Regular Date: May 29, 2017 Collection: Council Agendas Municipality: Frontenac County
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Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Monday, May 29, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. Township of South Frontenac Council Chamber 4432 George St, Sydenham, ON
AGENDA Page 1.
Public Meeting – Accessibility on the K&P Trail Tichborne to Sharbot Lake The Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee will host a public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on May 29, 2017 to consider accessibility on the K&P Trail from Tichborne to Sharbot Lake in accordance with Ontario Regulation 191/11, Integrated Accessibility Standards, Section 80.08 - Consultation, recreational trails. a) 2017-077 Planning and Economic Development Public Meeting Report K&P Trail Design - Tichborne to Sharbot Lake
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Call to Order
Adoption of the Agenda a) That the agenda for the May 29, 2017 meeting of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Adoption of Minutes a) Minutes of Meeting held February 13, 2017
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That the minutes of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held February 13, 2017 be adopted. 6.
Deputations and/or Presentations
Briefings a) Councillor McDougall will speak to the Committee regarding a citizens request regarding Accessible Transportation.
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Representatives of the Frontenac Transportation Services will be on hand for this discussion. [See Communications a)] 25 - 63
b)
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Neil Allen, Chair, will provide the Committee with an update on his meeting with Township of South Frontenac Public Works regarding accessible upgrades to Point Park upgrades.
Reports to the Accessibility Advisory Committee a) 2017-078 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee 2018-2022 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Review of First Draft This report is for information purposes only; however feedback and input is being sought from the Committee.
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Communications Correspondence from the Southern Frontenac Community Services a) providing correspondence from a resident outlining possible solutions for accessible transportation.
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b)
From Kurt Halliday providing article on Access is for Everybody
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c)
From Kurt Halliday providing article on Community Developments Seeing ‘age-friendly’
Other Business
Next Meeting
Adjournment
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Report 2016-077 Council Recommend Information Report To:
Accessibility Advisory Committee
From:
Kelly Pender, Chief Administrative Officer
Prepared by:
Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development
Date of meeting:
29 May 2017
Re:
Planning and Economic Development – Public Meeting Report K&P Trail Design (Tichborne to Sharbot Lake
Recommendation This report is for information purposes only. Background Frontenac County is scheduled to begin construction on the portion of the K&P Trail that runs from Tichborne to Sharbot Lake, completing ten years of work to build this connection. The basic trail route, approved by Council, is attached as Exhibit A, with all road crossings highlighted with a red marking. The detailed design and route specifics are subject detailed design and survey on some portions that divert from the rail bed. This work will further evaluate existing conditions of the trail, road crossings, and grades. Comment Section 80.8 of the Design of Public Spaces Standard specifies that obligated organizations shall consult with the public, persons with disabilities and their Accessibility Advisory committees on the following before they construct new or redevelop existing recreational trails:
- The slope of the trail.
- The need for, and location of, ramps on the trail.
- The need for, location and design of,
2017-077 Planning and Economic Development Public Meeting Re…
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a. rest areas, b. passing areas, c. viewing areas, d. amenities on the trail, and e. any other pertinent feature. O. Reg. 413/12, s. 6. In addition, the Design of Public Spaces Standard has several minimum technical requirements for recreational trails. Details of these requirements can be found in Exhibit B, “Recreational Trails and Beach Access Routes,” an excerpt from the Design of Public Spaces Standard. Design Requirements
Have a minimum clear width of 1,000mm
Have a clear height that provides a minimum clearance of 2,100mm above the trail.
The entrance to a trail must provide a clear opening of between 850mm and 1,000mm whether the entrance includes a gate, bollard or other entrance design.
The surface of the trail must be firm and stable.
Edge protection
When a recreational trail is located directly beside water or a drop-off, edge protection is required.
The top of the edge protection must be at least 50mm above the trail surface.
Edge protection must be designed so as not to impede in the drainage of the trail surface.
Report to Frontenac County Accessibility Advisory Committee Public Meeting Report – K&P Trail Design (Tichborne to Sharbot Lake) 29 May 2017
2017-077 Planning and Economic Development Public Meeting Re…
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Edge protection does not need to be provided if the trail is not adjacent to water or a drop off.
Trail Signage Trail signs must include the following:
The length of the trail.
The type of surface which the trail is constructed.
The average and minimum trail width.
The average and maximum running slope and cross slope.
The location of amenities where provided.
See Exhibit C for examples of accessibility signage used in the City of Kingston for the urban portion of the K&P Trail. Staff will address the above regulations over the course of project construction. As per the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, County Staff seek input from the public and from the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee on trail considerations such as slopes of the trail, rest areas, passing areas, viewing areas and other amenities. Sustainability Implications Multi-Use trails provide options for transportation and recreation to residents and vistors to Frontenac County alike. Completion of the K&P Trail project will support active transportation, healthy lifestyles and improve access to nature in Frontenac.
Report to Frontenac County Accessibility Advisory Committee Public Meeting Report – K&P Trail Design (Tichborne to Sharbot Lake) 29 May 2017
2017-077 Planning and Economic Development Public Meeting Re…
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Financial Implications None applicable. Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected City of Kingston, Parks Department Township of Central Frontenac Tri-County Trails Group
Report to Frontenac County Accessibility Advisory Committee Public Meeting Report – K&P Trail Design (Tichborne to Sharbot Lake) 29 May 2017
2017-077 Planning and Economic Development Public Meeting Re…
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
FRONTENAC K&P TRAIL
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Kilometres
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Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
Data Source: OGDE, MPAC & The County of Frontenac. Created: May 1st, 2017 Reference: Produced by the County of Frontenac with data supplied under license by members of the Ontario Geospatial Data Exchange. The County of Frontenac disclaims all responsibility for errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this publication.
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Exhibit C: Example of K&P Accessible Signage from City of Kingston
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes February 13, 2017 A meeting of the Frontenac Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee was held at the Township of South Frontenac’s Council Chambers, 4432 George Street, Sydenham on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 10:00 AM Present:
Kurt Halliday, Community Representative, Central Frontenac Margaret Knott, Community Representative, Frontenac Islands Councillor Tom Dewey, Council Liaison Councillor John McDougall
Regrets
Neil Allen, Community Representative, South Frontenac, Chair Ed Schlievert, Community Representative, North Frontenac
Staff
Jannette Amini, County of Frontenac Sherry Corneil, Township of South Frontenac Donna Longmire, Township of Central Frontenac Eric Korhonen, Township of North Frontenac
Call to Order
Ms. Amini called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m. and proceeded to the Election of Officers Election of Chair Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Dewey Ms. Knott
That Neil Allen be elected Chair of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee for 2017. Carried Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Councillor Dewey
That nominations for Chair be closed. Carried There being no further nominations, Mr. Allen was elected Chair for 2017.
Minutes of Meeting held February 13, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Election of Vice Chair Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Mr. Halliday
That Margaret Knott be nominated Vice-Chair of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee for 2017. Carried Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Dewey Mr. Halliday
That nominations for Vice-Chair be closed. Carried There being no further nominations, Ms. Knott was elected Vice-Chair for 2017. 2.
Adoption of the Agenda
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Councillor Dewey
That the agenda for the February 13, 2017 meeting of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 3.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were none. 4.
Adoption of Minutes Minutes of Meeting held November 22, 2016
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Dewey Councillor McDougall
That the minutes of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held November 22, 2016 be adopted. Carried
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee February 13, 2017
Minutes of Meeting held February 13, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Deputations and/or Presentations
Accessibility Advisory Committee Work Plan a)
2017-025 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee 4th Quarter Update Report
Ms. Amini provided some key high level highlights of the report, including the Age Friendly Community Action Plan of which this Committee would be involved and the advertising of the Committee vacancy. It was suggested that a two page Executive Summary of the Age Friendly Community Action Plan be created as the current document is very long. It was also suggested that this Committee provide input on that Executive Summary. b)
2017-026 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Review of Duties of the Accessibility Advisory Committee
Be It Resolved That the agenda template for the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee be amended to include the heading “Reports from Committee Members”. Deferred (pending Ms. Amini’s meeting with the CAO’s group) Ms. Amini provided an overview of the report, specifically noting that at present, given that the County does not provide services or programs, this Committee only considers policy and is not providing input into the built or physical environment of the townships nor are the townships making use of this Committee which is mandated under the AODA. Ms. Amini will be meeting later in the coming months with the CAO’s group to discuss this issue; however questioned if Committee members might find it useful to bring specific township issues to the committee themselves so that recommendations may be made back to the townships. It was noted that accessibility is only one piece of the picture and that accommodations also needs to be considered, specifically around transportation for persons with disabilities. The Committee was updated on the Big Data for Small Places sessions that are currently being carried out at the County, with one working group focusing on rural transportation and how we ensure that the needs of residents in the County who require transportation for Doctors appointments are being met. One solution being considered is ride shares in which the Northern Frontenac Community Services is in the process of applying for a Trillium grant to study this further. Discussions with the City of Kingston around the potential of Kingston Transit coming out to the rural car parks along highway 38 is also being investigated. County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee February 13, 2017
Minutes of Meeting held February 13, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
The Committee questioned if townships were able to apply for trillium grants and then disperses these grants to private organizations to carry out accessible retrofits. Ms. Amini indicated that funding could be provided through Community Improvement Plans which can either be done locally or the County now has the ability to do a County wide Community Improvement Plan; however there is a cap on this type of funding and the business would need to come up with 50% of the cost. Mr. Halliday suggested that he do regular articles in the Frontenac News around why accessibility makes sense for your business. These would be approximately 500 word articles that could be done once a month. Ms. Knott noted that many things are happening around accessibility, pointing out the meals program currently happening on Wolfe Island where meals are delivered to those who are unable to get out. Prepared meals are brought to the medial centre and a group of volunteers then deliver those meals to seniors. Ms. Amini was also discuss with the CAO’s the potential to also meet with the public works managers. It was noted that Central Frontenac has long term projects that they go through every month and maybe this committee should be updated on the progress of those projects. Ms. Amini will speak to the CAO’s to have Project Update Reports from the Townships that includes what projects are coming up and what projects are currently in progress and their status. 2017-027 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Review of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Access Award Moved By: Mr. Halliday Seconded By: Councillor Dewey That the presentation of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Access Award be presented at the annual Warden’s Reception which takes place during the fall; And Further That the award be changed to a Celebration of Accessibility #inFrontenec with the names of all those being nominated to be placed on the plaque And Further That the County of Frontenac International Day of Persons with Disabilities Access Award Selection criteria and nominations form be amended to reflect these changes. Carried as Amended (See motion to amend below which was Carried)
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee February 13, 2017
Minutes of Meeting held February 13, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Motion to Amend Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Dewey Mr. Halliday
That the motion be amended to include: And Further That the award be changed to a Celebration of Accessibility #inFrontenec with the names of all those being nominated to be placed on the plaque Carried 7.
Communications
Other Business
Mr. Halliday noted that he will pitch the idea to Jeff Green to have occasional articles in the Frontenac News. He suggested it could include things happening at the committee level. Ms. Amini could provide Mr. Halliday with bullet points of what is happening. 9.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee is scheduled for May 15, 2017. 10.
Adjournment
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Mr. Halliday
That the meeting hereby adjourn at 11:36 p.m. Carried
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee February 13, 2017
Minutes of Meeting held February 13, 2017
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
SYDENHAM POINT –Park Improvement Project In order to continue to provide information to questions about the work that is planned at the Sydenham Point, we have prepared the following FAQ’s. What is being done at the Point this year? This spring the Township will undertake the following work to further enhance the Point Park: • upgrading Point washrooms/change room, as well as the summer camp facility/bunker to increase their functionality and meet accessibility requirements • converting the old tennis courts to a multi-use sport pad • installing new play structure equipment • paving the accessible pathway down through the Point. • Installation of a water bottle filling station In 2016 the Township undertook work to restore the shoreline of the Point while enhancing the area for public use. This included the replacement of the old railway ties with rock, creating a more gradual sloped entrance into the water using pea stone and placing large flat rocks at the water’s edge to protect the beach from wave action and provide a natural sitting area. Other enhancements included creating a meandering path down to the beach area and forming dedicated sand play areas. Why is this work occurring? The requirement for this work has been driven by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act/ Built Environment Standards guiding us to make changes to meet accessibility requirements and by the Canadian Safety Council standards for Playground Equipment to meet safety guidelines. The work being proposed will provide an opportunity to improve and enhance the Community’s ability to lead a more active lifestyle. It will help overcome the challenge of access in creating a space that is more accessibility for all to participate in and enjoy the Point Park. The need for the work has been demonstrated and supported through the results of the recreation and leisure survey. The Point Park is one of the most used assets in the Township.
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What is the cost of this work? The estimated cost of the project $155,000 How is this work being funded? This year, the Township of South Frontenac learned that it was one of 203 recipients of an Ontario150 Community Capital Program grant. The two-month grant of $77,500, along with matching Parkland reserve funds approved by Council, will cover the estimated $155,000 cost for upgrades at Sydenham Point. Additionally, the Township received $4,000 in funding from the KFL&A Public Health, Healthy Kids Community Challenge to support the installation of a water bottle filling station at the Point. When will the work occur? The work scheduled to run from early April to mid-June Will the Public be able to use the Park during the improvements? The park will remain open during most of the period, with only specific areas/ buildings closed off for the safety of residents during the construction process. Any update on the grass at the Point? Due to the lack of precipitation and hot weather in 2016 the hydro seed did not germinate. Additional top soil and re-seeded occurred in the fall of 2016 and the Township continues to monitor and maintain as required. Who should I call if I have any further questions or concerns? Residents are encouraged to contact us at 613-376-3027 or through the contacts section on our website. www.southfrontenac.net
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
CITY
OF
K INGSTO N
FA CI LI T Y A C C E SSI BILI TY
DE S IG N S TANDA RD S
4.3.15 BENCHES
4.3 OTHER AMENITIES RATI ONALE
RELATED SECTIONS
Benches provide convenient resting places for all individuals and are especially imp ortant for those who may have difficulty wit h standing or walking for extended periods . Benches should be placed adjacent to pedestrian walkways to prov ide convenient rest places without becoming pot enti al obst ru ct ions. Appropriate seat heights can facili tate sitting and rising for individuals such as senior citizens. Armrests may also prov ide assista nce in sit tin g and risi ng. A person with a visual impairment may find it easier to locate benches if they are located adjacent to a landmark, such as a large tree, a bend in a pathwa y, or a sound source .
4 .1. 1
Space and Reach Requirements 4.1.2 Ground and Floor Surfaces 4.1. 3 Protruding and Overhead Objects 4 .1.4 Accessible Routes, Paths and Corridors 4.4.8 Detectable Warning Surfaces 4.4 .14 Materia ls and Finishes 4.4.15 Texture and Colour
75 min (3) high curb
APPLICATI O N
~ Ben,h
All benches, except t hose located in unpaved areas of parks, wilderness, beach or unpaved picnic areas, shall be accessible to persons using wheelchairs or ot her mobility devices.
~ Cont rasting walking
surface
D ES I GN REQUIREM ENTS Benches shall • be adjace nt t o an accessible route complying with 4.1.4; • be stab le; • have a seat height between 450 mm ( 17-3/ 4 in. ) and 500 mm (19-5/8 in.) fr om the ground; • have arm and back rests; • be of contrasting colour to the ir background; and • have an adja cent level, firm grou nd surface at least 920 mm (36 in.) x 1370 mm (54 in.).
Accessible pathway
Figure 4.3.15.1 Rest Area
Figure 4.3.15.2 Bench Seating
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S T A N D A RD S
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
C I T Y O F K I NGST ON
FACI LIT Y ACC ESSIBILI T Y DE SIG N STAN DA R DS
4 .3 .1 6 PICNIC TABLES RATIONALE Picnic tables with an extens ion of the ta ble surface make them accessible to a person using a wheelchair. A firm, level surface around the table, with an accessible path leading to the table, is required for whee lchair accessibility. A change in textu re fr om a pathway to the picnic table area is an im port ant cue for a person with a visual impairment.
4 .3 OTHER AMENITI ES
In a retrofit situation where it is technically infeasible to provide the required level surface , the dimensions may be reduced to min. 1220 mm (48 in.) on all sides.
RELATED SECTIONS Space and Reach Requirements 4. 1.2 Ground and Floor Surfaces 4 .1.3 Protruding and Overhead Objects 4.1.4 Accessible Routes, Paths and Corridors 4.4 .8 Detectable Warning Surfaces 4 .4.14 Materials and Finishes 4.4 .15 Texture and Colour
4.1.1
AP PLIC ATI ON If picnic tables are prov ided in an accessible public or common use area, at least 10%, but not less than one, for each cluster of picnic tab les shall compl y with this section. It is preferable to have all picnic tables compl y with th is secti on.
DESI GN REQUIREMENTS Picnic tables shall • be adjacent to an accessible route complying with 4.1.4; • have knee space under the table at least 760 mm (30 in.) wide by 48 0 mm (19 in.) deep and 68 5 mm (27 in.) high; • have its top surface located between 710 mm (28 in.) to 865 mm (34 in.) above the finished floor or ground surface; • be of contrasting colour to their backgro und; and • have a level, firm ground surface extending min . 2000 mm (78-3/4 in .) where accessible space is provided at a picnic ta ble for persons who use wheelchairs or scooters and min. 12 20 mm (48 in.) on all the other sides.
1480 min• iii
I
(19)
Fig ure 4.3 .16 .1 Picnic Table
Firm level ground
Ei’===== I
2000 min (78-314)
I
min
- 1220 (48)
c
“E ~ 000
Fig ure 4.3.16.2 Space around Picnic Table
N
N
4 .0
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11
1
8 2 7
9
3
6
11 5
10 11
4
11
1
Accessible picnic tables
2 3
Wildlife int erpret at ion- Àrst nat ion animal images on fencing, animal print s on court surface Preschool play area wit h accessible equipment and out door classroom
4
Junior play st ruct ure, spinning element , ground access feat ured
5
“ Fort ” Nat ural play area- cedar st umps, boulders and mineral samples
6
Nat ural play area- st umps, t rees, plant ing, boulders and play binoculars
7
Saucer swings
8
Regular swings wit h accessible moulded bucket swing
9 10
Toboggan hill cleared of hazards Pat h t o parking area wit h 2 accessible parking spaces
11
Path connections to adjacent trails
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1 3
2
2
Pre-school zone wit h equipment and out door classroom Junior zone wit h climbing and spinning equipment
3
Nat ural play- st umps, boulders, plant ing, minerals
4
Swings wit h accessible seat s
1
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This quesƟonnaire is modiĮ ed from the Ontario Parks AssociaƟon’s “Playability Toolkit.” the entrance is important because it helps create a welcoming space for all users, and also aids in way-Į nding for people with visual impairments. Accessibility of the primary entrance make an important statement to users with disabiliƟes.
are crucial in providing a universally accessible play space. People and especially those with mobility impairments can more easily circulate on wide, smooth and level pathways.
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
can provide excellent accessible play opportuniƟes if well maintained and well conĮ gured with universal access in mind. Structures may contain a number of play components which should be evaluated for universal access. (For more informaƟon see Annex H of the CSA Playground Standards at hƩp:/ / www. allabiliƟeswelcome.ca/ Playspaces/ Į les/Annex_H_Guidebook.pdf)
(ie. 3 - if there is a play panel, climbing ladder and slide). A play feature could be a panel, steering wheel, talk tube, overhead climbing bars, slide, etc. Ramps, stairs, roofs, steps and decks are not considered to be play features.
Annex H recommends that at least one of each type of ground level play component (e.g. swing, springer, play panel) be accessible. Table H.1 in the guidelines outlines the minimum number of ground level play components required to be on an accessible route based on the number of elevated play features provided. A play structure with less than 20 elevated play components may use a transfer system to connect to 50 percent of elevated components. A play structure with more than 20 elevated components must provide access to a minimum of 25 percent of those components. For more informaƟon consult www.allabiliƟeswelcome.ca/ Playspaces/ Į les/Annex_H_Guidebook.pdf.
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(enough space for adult to access upper area of structure) or no (space too small or awkward for adult to assist from upper area of structure
(Is there a backrest? Are they about the same height as a wheelchair seat?)
(Examples include low chin up bars, rope climbers, etc.) (Examples include big and small slides or high and low decks, play houses for smaller children and challenging climbing equipment for older children) (objects children can move themselves are an important feature for children to experiment, discover and control their own environment)
(Examples include things to touch or smell. Consider whether there are colour contrasts, sounds, shade, water.)
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(If there is a raised border, or a barrier more than 1 cm high, the equipment is not accessible).
(It is preferable to have a separate play area for younger children who have diī erent needs) (Examples include a small play house or quiet seaƟng area).
(SeaƟng would include a space wide enough for a wheelchair located adjacent to a bench. Benches with armrests and backs are preferable)
(Accessible picnic tables allow for knee clearance for wheelchair users under the table)
(Examples include trees, boulders, logs, plants.)
(Examples include an outdoor classroom, vegetable garden, performance space, stormwater feature).
Neil Allen , Chair, will provide the Committee with an updat…
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Report 2017-078 Committee Report To:
Chair and Members of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee
From:
Jannette Amini, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk
Date of meeting: May 29, 2017 Re:
Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee – 2018-2022 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Review of First Draft
Recommendation This report is for information purposes only; however feedback and input is being sought from the Committee. Background The Accessibility Advisory Committee is mandated to assist County and Township Councils of the County of Frontenac in enabling persons with disabilities to have equal access to all opportunities within the County as well as work with Council and the community at large to identify and address the needs of persons with disabilities within the community. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), Ontario Regulation 191/11 Section 4, directs designated public sector organizations to establish, implement, maintain and document a multi-year accessibility plan which will outline the organization’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility and meet the requirements of the Regulation. The plan must be made publicly available and updated at least once every five years. The County of Frontenac, which is considered a large public sector organization under the AODA, adopted its first multi-year accessibility plan on December 18, 2012 for the years 2013 to 2017, the content of which addressed AODA regulations related to training, employment, and information and communications. During the preparation of this document, the Townships were invited to include their own multi-year plans with the County’s, with the intention of producing a joint plan. The Township of North Frontenac was the only Township that provided its multi-year plan. The invitation to the remaining Townships remained open; however the remaining Townships did not provide individual plans. Comment The purpose of a Multi-Year plan, as noted under Section 4(1) (a) of Ontario Regulation 191/11 is to establish, implement, maintain and document a multi-year accessibility plan
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which outlines the organization’s strategies to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under this Regulation. The following is a list of recommended changes to the current plan, most notably, the inclusion of Appendix A – which outlines improvements made since 2013, and Appendix B – Accessibility Strategic Action Plan for each of the member municipalities. The inclusion of these Appendices will help create a Multi-year plan that is a living document, which will moving forward, be reported on and updated annually to track the status of projects as well as add new projects as they are identified. A second key change is that this Plan will now cover all of the Frontenacs as opposed to each individual Township creating its own plan and incorporating it into the Joint Plan. As such, wording has been changed throughout the document to from “County of Frontenac” to “the Frontenacs”. This draft document incorporates the new branding for the County and will be reviewed by the County’s Communications Officer to ensure the document adheres to the branding guidelines. Below is an overview of the recommended amendments and updates to the current Multi-Year Plan: Table of Contents The table of contents has been updated to reflect the changes in the Plan. Introduction The previous Plan provided an introduction to the County of Frontenac and the Township of North Frontenac. The Plan has been amended to add introductions to the Townships of Central Frontenac, South Frontenac and Frontenac Islands. The Statement of Commitment has been amended to add: The Frontenacs are committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting the accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This was an additional Statement of Commitment that was located under Accessibility Policies and Plan for the County of Frontenac and can be considered general in nature that would reflect all 4 Townships. Background It is suggested to change the heading of “Background” to “Guiding Legislation” to bring a better understanding that the Frontenacs are not alone in moving accessibility forward and that this is a Provincial move across the province to become barrier free by 2025. The language has also been updated to reflect that now all 4 Standards, those being Information and Communication, Employment, Transportation, Design of Public Spaces and Customer Service are in effect and all forming part of Ontario Regulation 191/11, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.
Frontenac County Advisory Committees – 2018-2022 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Review of First Draft May 29, 2017
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The Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee This section has seen some slight language change to reflect that the Committee assists all Frontenac Councils and not just County Council. It has also been updated to include the composition of the Committee which reflects representation from all 4 Townships. Overview: What we have accomplished so far. The accomplishments prior to 2013 which were listed in the previous plan have been removed. A key accomplishment that being the mandatory training under the IASR is noted under this section. Physical accomplishments over the last 5 years, which have been provided by the Townships, are now included in an attached Appendix A. Accessibility Policies and Plan for the Frontenacs This section has received some minor word changes to reflect the Customer Service Standard now being incorporated into the IASR. Specific policies and actions related to the IASR such as website conformity and updates to the website are now located in Appendix B which identifies the Strategic Goals of the Townships and the County. Reference to HR policies that were to be developed and their content has been removed and added to Appendix A Improvements. Word changes have also occurred to incorporate the Frontenacs as opposed to just the County of Frontenac. For More Information This section has been amended to provide contact information for all the Frontenac municipalities. Once the first draft has been reviewed by the Committee with comment and feedback, the Plan will be forwarded to the Townships for review of their respective internal accessibility committees as well as the County accessibility committee, with a final plan for review and adoption by the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee at its September meeting followed by final approval by County and Township Councils. Sustainability Implications Creating barrier-free communities through accessibility planning will enhance the County’s goal of sustainability in both the social and economic pillars of the County’s sustainability plan. As stated in Directions for Our Future, social sustainability is based on equity, diversity, connectivity, democracy and a good quality of life. It further states that economic development takes health, community, education, and environmental and social objectives into account. Financial Implications There are no direct financial implications associated with this report. Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected Eric Korhonen, Township of North Frontenac Donna Longmire, Township of Central Frontenac Sherry Corneil, Township of South Frontenac Darlene Plumley, Township of Frontenac Islands Frontenac County Advisory Committees – 2018-2022 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Review of First Draft May 29, 2017
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Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2013 - 2017
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Table of Contents
- Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
- Statement of Commitment …………………………………………………………………………….. 6
- Guiding Legislation ………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
- The Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee………………………………………. 9
- Overview: What have we accomplished so far ………………………………………………. 10
- Accessibility Policies and Plan for the Frontenacs …………………………………………… 11
- Improvements Made: ……………………………………………………………………………… 17-21 a. County of Frontenac Improvements …………………………………………………………. 17 b. Township of North Frontenac Improvements ……………………………………………… 19 c. Township of Central Frontenac Improvements …………………………………………… 20 d. Township of South Frontenac Improvements …………………………………………….. 20 e. Township of Frontenac Islands Improvements …………………………………………… 21
- Accessibility Strategic Action Plans: …………………………………………………………. 22-27 a. County of Frontenac ………………………………………………………………………………. 22 b. Township of North Frontenac ………………………………………………………………….. 23 c. Township of Central Frontenac………………………………………………………………… 24 d. Township of South Frontenac ………………………………………………………………….. 25 e. Township of Frontenac Islands ………………………………………………………………… 27
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Introduction This multi-year plan is one piece of the ongoing commitment of the County of Frontenac and all four Townships within the County to making our services and the County more accessible for all. The plan establishes clear directions for how the County and Townships will implement accessibility improvements, as well as the timelines by which we will do so. The plan has been developed in tandem with community members who have provided input and advice into its form and content. The County of Frontenac The County of Frontenac is a rural county with several small hamlets and four townships. As of the 2011 census, the County had a population of 26,375. The County provides services to its residents directly and also shares services with the City of Kingston. These responsibilities include:
Administration; Land Use Planning - including approval authority for plans of subdivision and condominium and Township Official Plans; Economic Development; Fairmont Home, a municipal long-term care facility operated by the County of Frontenac and funded by the City of Kingston and the County of Frontenac; Emergency and Transportation Services including the provisions of land ambulance service for the Frontenac-Kingston region; Frontenac-Howe Islander Ferry, a 24-hour on demand service; Emergency Management; Weed Inspection.
The mission of the County of Frontenac is to efficiently and measurably deliver excellent services, recognized as an employer of choice with dedicated and capable staff, adding value in all areas of service delivery, while simultaneously working to strengthen the capacity of the local municipalities we represent. The Township of North Frontenac The Township of North Frontenac is 1,164.73 square kilometers in size and is a lowertier municipality, being part of Frontenac County and home to over 1,842 permanent residents. In addition, there are an estimated 5,000 seasonal residents, total private dwellings of 2,823, private dwellings occupied by usual residents of 904 and a population density per square kilometer of 1.6. North Frontenac Township provides the following services to its residents:
Administration;
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Economic Development; Emergency Management; Fire; Police (O.P.P. paid by Township); Building Department; By-law Enforcement and Animal Control; Streetlights in Hamlet Areas; Road Systems; Waste Disposal and Recycling Depots; Cemeteries; Community Halls; Recreation Programs and provide Library Facilities; Crown Land Stewardship Program; Planning.
The Township of Central Frontenac The Township of Central Frontenac is 1,025 square kilometers in size and is a lower-tier municipality, being part of Frontenac County and home to over 2,058 permanent residents. In addition, there are an estimated 2,048 seasonal residents, and total private dwellings of 4,106. Central Frontenac Township provides the following services to its residents:
Administration; Economic Development; Emergency Management; Fire; Police (O.P.P. paid by Township); Building Department; By-law Enforcement and Animal Control; Streetlights in Hamlet Areas; Road Systems; Waste Disposal and Recycling Depots; Cemeteries; Community Halls; Recreation Programs and provide Library Facilities; Crown Land Stewardship Program; Planning.
The Township of South Frontenac The Township of South Frontenac is a growing rural lower-tier municipality located just north of Kingston within the County of Frontenac. South Frontenac offers a combination Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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of agricultural, small-town and cottage-country environments. The municipality has 18,646 residents who occupy 10,336 private dwellings of which about 3,033 are seasonal. The population is spread across 971 square kilometers leading to a population density of 19.2 residents per square Kilometer. South Frontenac provides the following services to its residents:
Administration and Financial Management; Economic Development; Emergency Management; Fire; Police (O.P.P. paid by Township); Building Department; By-law Enforcement and Animal Control; Streetlights in Hamlet Areas; Sydenham Water Service; Road Systems; Park Maintenance; Waste Disposal and Recycling Depots; Cemeteries; Community Halls; South Frontenac Museum; Recreation Programs, Frontenac Community Arena and provide Library Facilities; Crown Land Stewardship Program; Planning.
The Township of Frontenac Islands The Township of Frontenac Islands Frontenac Islands was formed in 1998 by the amalgamation of two of Ontario’s oldest rural municipalities: Howe Island and Wolfe Island. Both islands can trace their European roots back to New France, but it was only in the years after the War of 1812 that settlement took place in any numbers. The islands are named after two of Britain’s generals from the time period of the Seven Year’s War: James Wolfe and William Howe. Frontenac Islands have a mixture of agricultural and rural lifestyles with a growing proportion of residents working off the islands in Kingston or elsewhere in Frontenac County. The islands, situated as they are at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River, provide a unique location to live and work. Access to the mainland is by boat: both islands are serviced by ferries year-round with the addition of a seasonal ferry to the USA from Wolfe Island from May to November. Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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Frontenac Islands Township provides the following services to its residents:
Administration; Economic Development; Emergency Management; Fire; Police (O.P.P. paid by Township); Building Department; By-law Enforcement and Animal Control; Streetlights in Hamlet Areas; Road Systems; Waste Disposal and Recycling Depots; Cemeteries; Community Halls; Recreation Programs and provide Library Facilities; Crown Land Stewardship Program; Planning.
Statement of Commitment Through accessibility planning and with the advice of the Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Frontenacs (County of Frontenac and the Townships within the County) will strategically identify, remove and prevent as many barriers to persons with disabilities as possible. The Frontenacs are committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting the accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
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Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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Guiding Legislation The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “Act”) is part of the province’s goal of making all of Ontario accessible by 2025. This law sets out firm standards and deadlines for removing barriers to accessibility and accommodating the needs of those with disabilities. A “Disability”, as defined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, includes: (a)
any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
(b)
a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
(c)
a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
(d)
a mental disorder, or
(e)
an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; (“handicap”).
Ontario Regulation 191/11, the Integrated Accessibility Standards establishes the accessibility standards for each of information and communications, employment, transportation, the design of public spaces and customer service. Customer Service Addresses the removal of barriers to customer service at private and public sector organizations. Information and communication Addresses the removal of barriers in access to information. Includes information provided in person, in print, on a website, or through other means. Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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Employment Addresses the supports given to employees and those who are being assessed for employment. Transportation Addresses the barriers and supports for transit customers. Design of Public Spaces Addresses the barriers and supports for the construction and redevelopment of public spaces including recreational trails and beach access routes; outdoor public use eating areas; outdoor play spaces; exterior paths of travel; accessible parking; obtaining services; and maintenance of accessible elements. This multi-year plan is also part of what is required by legislation. The Act requires organizations to establish, implement, maintain and document a multi-year accessibility plan which outlines the organization’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under the Regulation. The Frontenacs are required to post the accessibility plan on the following web sites: County of Frontenac – www.frontenaccounty.ca Township of North Frontenac – www.northfrontenac.ca Township of Central Frontenac – www.centralfrontenac.com Township of South Frontenac – www.township.southfrontenac.on.ca Township of Frontenac Islands – www.municipality.frontenacislands.on.ca and to provide the plan in an accessible format upon request. The plan must also be updated every five years.
The Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee In 2002, the County and the four Townships established a Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee. The mandate of the Committee is to assist the Frontenac Councils in enabling persons with disabilities to have equal access to all opportunities within the County. The Committee holds up to six meetings per year, which are held during the day and last for one or two hours. Committee members currently sit from their date of appointment for the term of Council (November 30th of an election year), and are paid a per diem of $75 for each meeting, along with reimbursement for mileage to and from the meeting. The composition of the Committee includes one
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representative from each township, one representative from the community at large and two members of County Council. The duties of the Committee include: (a)
advise County Council about the legislative requirements and implementation of the accessibility standards and the preparation of accessibility reports and such other matters for which the Council may seek its advice;
(b)
review in a timely manner the site plans and drawings described in section 41 of the Planning Act that the committee selects in terms of how they address the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities;
(c)
perform all other functions as specified by legislation;
(d)
in consultation with Council and Municipal Staff, review new and existing municipal by-laws and policies as applicable;
(e)
work with Council and the community at large to identify and address the needs of persons with disabilities within the community; and
(f)
provide recommendations to Council on the promotion of public awareness and understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities.
The Committee played an important role in the development of this multi-year plan.
Overview: What we have accomplished so far? In 2009, Frontenac Councils adopted the Accessible Customer Service Policy, making the Frontenacs compliant with Ontario Regulation 429/07. This regulation established accessibility standards for customer service across the province, ensuring that Ontarians receive services based on the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity. The County’s Accessible Customer Service Policy commits us to communicating with persons with disabilities using multiple alternative formats, welcoming persons who are accompanied by service animals or support persons, and training our staff in the provision of goods and/or services to persons with disabilities. Along with the Accessible Customer Service Policy, County Council also adopted “How May I Help you?” Accessible Customer Service Best Practices and Procedures. This document provides clear and detailed instructions on how to best serve persons with disabilities. In 2013 Frontenac Councils adopted the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, making the Frontenacs compliant with Ontario Regulation 191/11. The Integrated Accessibility Policy encompasses all requirements of the new IASR, including the Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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Information and Communications Standard, the Employment Standard, the Transportation Standard and the Design of Public Spaces Standard, and IASR training for all employees, volunteers and members of Council. A full list of individual accomplishments of each of the Frontenacs are noted in Appendix A. The Frontenacs continue to review existing and develop new policies, practices and procedures in relation to AODA accessibility requirements
Accessibility Policies and Plan for the Frontenacs This 2018-2022 accessibility policies and plan outlines the policies and actions that the Frontenacs will put in place to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. Statement of Commitment The Frontenacs are committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Through accessibility planning and with the advice of the Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Frontenacs will strategically identify, remove and prevent as many barriers to persons with disabilities as possible. Accessible Emergency Information The Frontenacs are committed to providing our customers and clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We will also provide employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary. Training The Frontenacs will provide training to all employees, volunteers and other staff members on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees, volunteers and other staff members. The Frontenacs will take the following steps to ensure employees are provided with the training needed to meet Ontario’s accessible laws: Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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The Frontenacs have implemented training procedures to meet the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standard. These procedures ensure that the following persons are trained to meet Ontario’s accessibility laws, the Integrated Accessibility Standard, and the Human Rights Code. (a)
all employees, and volunteers;
(b)
all persons who participate in developing the organization’s policies; and
(c)
all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the organization.
The training will include a review of the purposes of the Act and the requirements of Customer Service Standard and instruction about the following matters: 1.
How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disability.
How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of a support person.
How to use equipment or devices available on the provider’s premises or otherwise provided by the provider that may help with the provision of goods, services or facilities to a person with a disability.
What to do if a person with a particular type of disability is having difficulty accessing the provider’s goods, services or facilities. O. Reg. 165/16, s. 16.
The method and amount of training shall be dependent on the trainee’s role in terms of accessibility. Consistent with current practices, training records shall be kept, including the dates when the training is provided and the names of the individuals to whom the training was provided. For new employees, training shall be provided to each person as soon as practical after he/she is assigned the applicable duties, but no later than 6 months after a person commences employment with any of the Frontenacs. Training shall also be provided on an ongoing basis in connection with changes to the policies, practices and procedures concerning the Frontenacs accessibility policies and procedures. The Frontenacs will ensure that expanded training procedures are developed and maintained according to legislative requirements and amendments and that the Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be consulted throughout this process.
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Information and Communications The Frontenacs are committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs. The County of Frontenac, the Township of Frontenac Islands and the Township of South Frontenac websites and content on those sites conform with WCAG 2.0, Level A. A comprehensive redevelopment of the Township of Central Frontenac and the Township of North Frontenacs websites will be undertaken before the end of 2017. The new website will conform to the standards of WCAG 2.0, Level A. Current processes allow for the creation of accessible documents upon request, provided they remain in digital format. The Frontenacs shall review and update their content creation policies and practices to ensure that any new content made available on the website conforms to WCAG 2.0, Level A, and is available in an accessible format. Staff members responsible for creating content for the website shall be trained in these policies and practices. The Frontenacs will take the following steps to ensure existing feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities upon request: In response to the Customer Service Standard, the Frontenacs have established a process for receiving and responding to feedback regarding the manner in which goods and services are provided to persons with disabilities, and has made information about the process readily available to the public. The feedback process permits persons to provide their feedback using the following methods: (i)
in person;
(ii)
by telephone;
(iii)
in writing;
(iv)
by electronic mail; or
(iv)
on diskette or otherwise.
All feedback, including questions regarding this policy, is directed to the respective municipalities Accessibility Coordinator. A response can be expected within ten (10) working days. These practices shall be continued and expanded to encompass all Frontenac operations. The Frontenacs shall ensure that the public is notified about the Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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availability of accessible formats and communication supports. The notice shall be given by posting the information: (i) at a conspicuous place on Frontenac premises; (ii) on the Frontenac official web sites; or by such other method as is reasonable in the circumstances. A County-wide Communications Plan will encompass communications strategies for Staff, Councils and Advisory Committees of Council. Strategies will ensure that all publicly available information is made accessible. Accessibility strategies shall require the Frontenacs to: 1)
Provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities upon request;
Provide the accessible format in a timely manner that takes into account the person’s accessibility needs due to disability and at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons, and;
Consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.
Further, the Communications Plan ensures that the public is notified about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports. The notice shall be given by posting the information: (i) at a conspicuous place on Frontenacs premises; (ii) on the all Frontenacs official web site – or by such other method as is reasonable in the circumstances. The Frontenacs will take the following steps to make all websites and content conform with WCAG 2.0, Level AA by January 1, 2021: A comprehensive redevelopment of the County websites was undertaken. Conformity with WCAG 2.0, Level AA has been integrated into the website project proposal. At a minimum, this will allow the website to transition to WCAG 2.0, Level AA well before the 2021 deadline. Ahead of the 2021 deadline, the Frontenacs shall review and update their content creation policies and practices to ensure that any new content made available on the website conforms to WCAG 2.0, Level AA, and is available in an accessible format. Staff members responsible for creating content for the website shall be trained in these policies and practices. Frontenac Municipal Information Services will undertake quarterly website validations to ensure ongoing conformity with WCAG 2.0 standards. Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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Employment The Frontenacs are committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We will take the following steps to notify the public and staff that, when requested, the Frontenacs will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired: Recruitment procedures have been amended to ensure that all job postings include a notice informing prospective applicants and employees that accommodations are available upon request. The notice shall also be provided by posting the information: (i) at a conspicuous place on the premises; (ii) on the respective Frontenacs web site; or by such other method as is reasonable in the circumstances. The Frontenacs currently informs candidates selected for assessment that accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials to be used in the assessment. The Frontenacs ensure that this notice is provided in writing to the applicant when the assessment is scheduled. Should a candidate request accommodation, the appropriate staff shall consult with the candidate and provide or arrange for the accommodation that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to a disability. At the time of offer, the appropriate staff will notify the candidate in writing of the Frontenacs policies for accommodating employees with disabilities. The Frontenacs have in place a process for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for employees that have been absent due to a disability: We will take the following steps to ensure the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities needs are taken into account if when the Frontenacs are using performance management, career development and redeployment processes: The Frontenacs will take the following steps to prevent and remove other accessibility barriers identified: The mandate of Accessibility Staff Committees is to serve as the primary internal resource for identifying potential and actual barriers to accessibility. The Staff Committees are comprised of staff members who represent various departments, and meet regularly to develop recommendations for maintaining and improving accessibility.
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For more information Members of the public are encouraged to make comments on the Frontenacs Accessibility Plan and on accessibility matters in general. To provide your comments or for more information on this accessibility plan there are a number of ways that you can contact the Frontenacs: County of Frontenac 2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie ON K0H 1S0 Phone: 613-548-9400 ext. 302 Fax: 613-548-8460 Email: jamini@frontenaccounty.ca FrontenacCounty.ca Township of North Frontenac 6648 Road 506, Plevna, ON, K0H 2M0 Phone: 1-800-234-3953 or 613-479-2231 Ext. 232 firechief@northfrontenac.ca Township of Central Frontenac 1084 Elizabeth Street P.O. Box 89, Sharbot Lake, ON K0H 2P0 Phone: 613-279-2935 ext. 243 Fax: 613-279-2422 Email: dlongmire@centralfrontenac.com www.centralfrontenac.com Township of South Frontenac Box 100, Sydenham ON, K0H 2T0 Phone: 613-376-3027 Ext 2244 Fax: 613-376-6657 Email: scorneil@southfrontenac.net Township of Frontenac Islands Box 130 Wolfe Island ON K0H 2Y0 Phone: 613-385-2216 Email: dplumley@frontenacislands.ca Accessible formats of this document are available free upon request from:
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Appendix A
Improvements Made Municipality
Improvement
County of Frontenac
A comprehensive redevelopment of the County’s website was undertaken in 2013. Conformity with WCAG 2.0, Level AA was integrated into the website project proposal. This has allowed the website to transition to WCAG 2.0, Level AA well before the 2021 deadline. The County shall review and update its content creation policies and practices to ensure that any new content made available on the website conforms to WCAG 2.0, Level AA, and is available in an accessible format. County staff received Accessible Document training in May of 2015 and updated its content creation policies and practices to ensure that any new content made available on the website conforms to WCAG 2.0, Level A, and is available in an accessible format. Staff members responsible for creating content for the website have been trained in these policies and practices. Information Services perform quarterly website validations to ensure ongoing conformity with WCAG 2.0 standards.
The feedback process permits persons to provide their feedback using the following methods: (i)
in person;
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In response to the Customer Service Standard, the County of Frontenac established a process for receiving and responding to feedback regarding the manner in which goods and services are provided to persons with disabilities, and made information about the process readily available to the public.
2017-078 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee 2018-202…
(ii)
by telephone;
(iii)
in writing;
(iv)
by electronic mail at info@frontenaccounty.ca; or
(iv)
on diskette or otherwise.
All feedback, including questions regarding this policy, is directed to the Clerk’s Department. A response can be expected within ten (10) working days. These practices are continued and expanded to encompass all County operations. The County ensures that the public is notified about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports. The notice is given by posting the information at County reception areas and on the County’s official web site – www.frontenaccounty.ca; or by such other method as is reasonable in the circumstances. In 2013, Human Resources will review and update the County’s orientation and training material to ensure that it adequately addresses the County’s policies used to support its employees with disabilities, including the provision of job accommodations. This training shall be provided to each person as soon as practical after he/she is assigned the applicable duties, but no later than 6 months after a person commences employment with the County of Frontenac. Human Resources shall provide updated information to employees whenever there is a change to County policies on the provision of job accommodations.
Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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In 2013, Human Resources shall develop procedures to address accessible formats and communication supports for employees. These procedures shall provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for information that is needed for an employee to perform his/her job, and information that is generally available to employees in the workplace. The procedures will also ensure that the County consults with an employee who requests such an accommodation.
2017-078 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee 2018-202…
Fairmount Home’s Kingston Frontenac Rotary Auditorium Fairmount Home’s Kingston Frontenac Rotary Auditorium Accessible automatic door openings in the County Administrative Building Reconfiguration of the Fairmount Home reception desk that includes a lower section for residents and others to be better served and meets the requirements of the Design of Public Spaces Standard North Frontenac
Administration Office – designated accessible parking spaces available; Ramp installed and power door at front entrance; Walkway around Main Office building leading to meeting room from the office; Open hours posted on front door and outside entrance visible to the designated accessibility parking spaces; Front counter placards reads: ‘Services Also Available in Writing Upon Request’; and Installed a lower counter in Municipal Office Clarendon-Miller Community Hall – automatic door opener and lighting; Front door has a push bar; and Installed signage for two (2) designated accessible parking spaces. Clarendon-Miller Fire Hall – Chair lift available to upstairs meeting room; and Washrooms are accessible for wheelchairs.
Snow Road Community Hall – Women’s washroom – toilet and sink are correct height; Wheelchair ramp installed; and Two (2) designated accessible parking spaces available.
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
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Ompah Community Hall – Front entrance accessible; and Two (2) designated accessible parking spaces available
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Harlowe Community Hall – Wheelchair ramp at front of building; Washrooms – both accessible by wheelchairs, bars installed, etc.; Two (2) designated accessible parking spaces available; Power door installed at entrance door; and Railings at back steps. Barrie Community Hall – New wheelchair ramp built in 2012; Accessible door installed – 34” door; Front door has a push bar; Rear entrance accessible; Washrooms – accessible for wheelchairs with bars installed; and Kitchen – countertops, sink, etc. are at correct height, etc. and are accessible Plevna Library – Wheelchair ramp outside and Accessible washroom. Central Frontenac
District 4 Firehall/Library Parking area accessible upgrades Parham Play Area at the Parham Ballfield Accessible reception area at the Municipal Office
South Frontenac
Completed work on Sydenham Point Beach, the playing field and cenotaph Renovated the Public Works office building on Keeley Road with accessible standards
Provided Guide to Accessible Festivals & Outdoor Events Book to Recreation Department for distribution when events are booked Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
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Provided the Planning Accessible Events Book to our facility booking volunteers and on our website
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Built five (5) new accessible picnic tables for parks and beaches Accessibility upgrades to Centennial Park South Frontenac Township Museum Frontenac Islands
Accessible Ramp to Community Hall allowing for access to Township Office through the use of a fully automated accessible entrance and door Fully accessible washroom for Community Hall/Town Hall/Municipal Office (shared use) Internal access ramp with handrails connecting Community and Town Hall Street cuts for accessible curb along Main Street
For completion in 2017
Five Unit Seniors Apartment Building built to accessibility standards of Building Code Accessible Parking spot added for Community Hall Accessible Washroom for Community Centre Grounds (public use)
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New Transfer Station Building for Staff with an accessible washroom
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Appendix B1
Accessibility Strategic Action Plan – County of Frontenac The County of Frontenac continues to incorporate accessibility planning into all renovation and building projects and continues budget money into its Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Reserve in order to remove barriers and promote accessibility to its facilities and services. The County will also continue to consult regularly with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (ACC) concerning any projects. Through accessibility planning and with the advice of the Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, the County of Frontenac will strategically identify, remove and prevent as many barriers to persons with disabilities as possible. Initiative
New Actions
Responsibility
Administrative Building
Consult with ACC once the plans have been received; washrooms will be made accessible
CAO and Clerk
K & P Trail
Consult with ACC regarding accessibility of the trail including requirements under the Design of Public Spaces Standard
Economic Development
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2018
Status
Budgeted
AGENDA ITEM #a)
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Completion Date
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Appendix B2
Accessibility Strategic Action Plan – Township of North Frontenac The Township of North Frontenac Initiative
New Actions
Responsibility
Page 23 of 27
Status
AGENDA ITEM #a)
Page 89 of 105 Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
Completion Date
2017-078 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee 2018-202…
Appendix B3
Accessibility Strategic Action Plan – Township of Central Frontenac The Township of Central Frontenac. Initiative
New Actions
Responsibility
Page 24 of 27
Status
AGENDA ITEM #a)
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Completion Date
2017-078 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee 2018-202…
Appendix B4
Accessibility Strategic Action Plan – Township of South Frontenac The Township of South Frontenac has taken a very aggressive approach to accessibility and continues to look for ways and means of incorporating accessibility into all renovation and building projects. The Township will continue to look for opportunities and plan budget money in order to remove barriers and promote accessibility to facilities and services. The Township will also continue to consult regularly with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (ACC) concerning any projects. Initiative
New Actions
Storrington Centre, Battersea Road, Sunbury
Consult with ACC once the plans have been received; doors, hall and washrooms will be made accessible
Keeley Garage & office, Keeley Road, Sydenham
Portland Garage, Hinchinbrook Road, Hartington Glendower Hall, Westport Road
Completion Date
Status
Public Works
Plans in 2017 & completion in 2018
Budget approved
Consult with ACC once the plans have been received; garage lower level washroom will be made accessible Consult with ACC once the plans have been received; washroom will be made accessible Accessible ramp and entrance door with push button to be installed
Public Works
By 2022
Needs to be budgeted
Public Works
By 2022
Needs to be budgeted
Public Works
By 2017
Already has accessible washroom
Accessible entrance to washroom
Public Works
By 2022
Accessible door completed
Frontenac Joint Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018 – 2022
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
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Harris Park Hall, Perth Road Crescent, Perth Road
Responsibility
2017-078 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee 2018-202…
Centennial Park, Centennial Park Road, Harrowsmith
Washrooms to be made accessible
Public Works
By 2018
To be budgeted in 2018
The Point Beach & Park, Point Road, Sydenham
Accessible path & washrooms
Public Works
By 2017
Underway
Gilmour Beach, Wellington Street, Battersea
New building is planned with full accessibility
Public Works
2017 for plans & 2018 for work
Needs to be budgeted in 2018
Existing South Frontenac Playground Structures & Platforms
Any upgrades or replacements will include accessible features; will look at usage to determine priorities; as budget allows will look at accessible surfaces Community is actively fundraising successfully
Public Works
By 2022
As budget and usage allowed
Public Works
Likely by 2018 depending on fundraising
Funds have been allocated
Battersea Playground
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
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Appendix B5
Accessibility Strategic Action Plan – Township of Frontenac Islands The Township of Frontenac Islands continues to incorporate accessibility planning into all renovation and building projects Initiative
New Actions
Responsibility
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Status
AGENDA ITEM #a)
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Completion Date
AGENDA ITEM #a)
WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSABLE TRANSPORTATION for
SOUTH FRONTENAC RESIDENTS
Rural Routes provides transportation for South Frontenac residents (seniors and other people with transportation needs) to medical appointments. The client must be able to walk, and or, be able to transfer, if they are in a wheel chair. There is no transportation available for people who are confined to a wheelchair and can not transfer. Kingston has the Kingston Access Bus which can pick people up in their wheel chair.
A flyer just came out this past week in the Frontenac News newspaper looking for more volunteer drivers. It stated that the greatest demand was for clients in the Glenburnie, Inverary and Battersea areas.
SOME IDEAS for wheel chair access transportation
IDEA # 1
Due to the geographic nature of the city of Kingston boundaries, it wraps around the south end of South Frontenac Township in a “U”
shape.
The Kingston Access bus comes all the way out north to nearly Seeleys Bay, on the east. The Kingston Acess bus comes all the way out north to Orser Rd. on the west. Between these two areas are Battersea, Inverary and the northern Glenburnie residents. Is it possible that the Township and City could work together to formulate a plan where this Access Bus could take residents (who can only be in their wheel chairs) from these areas in to their medical appointments?
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
IDEA # 2
It is well known that the baby boomer population is aging!
( although I know we would all like to deny it ! )
Could South Frontenac look into the possibility of having their own Wheel chair Access Bus for our township? ( Inverary, Battersea, Sydenham, Harrowsmith, Verona ….. ) The need for this kind of transportation is only going to increase over future years.
IDEA # 3
I phoned Tri Board Transportation for the Limestone District School Board and they said they have 22 wheel chair access buses. Is it possible that the Township and Tri Board could work together to formulate a plan where some of their buses , during the middle of the day when they are not transporting students, could be used by South Frontenac residents in wheel chairs. Wheel chair residents would need to be made aware that the number one priority for these buses is student transportation. Therefore any medical appointments would have to be booked through the middle of the day, so as not to interfere with the hours of operation of school bus hours. Probably, some of these access buses are sitting all day in the driveway of South Frontenac residents who drive them as bus drivers. They might like making some extra money and doing some more bus runs through the day.
___.•.
—————————————_.
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.
AGENDA ITEM #a)
South Frontenac Community Services
The volunteer drivers we have now are amazing! It is a service which is greatly used in our township and very much appreciated.
Wheel chair transportation could become an add on to this service.
Thank You
(current client of the Frontenac Transportation Service)
Correspondence from the Southern Frontenac Community Service…
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AGENDA ITEM #a)
Government Funding for Access Bus
On the weekend I was just reading an article on line from Quinte News. " Quinte Access gets funding boost for new location, storage and buses.” They just announced that they received $169,000 in Federal Government funding and will be purchasing two new access buses.
They said ridership demands for access buses has been increasing by 15% year after year.
Their region covers Quinte West, Brighton and Prince Edward County. Their challenge was similar to what South Frontenac Township would face. Servicing a very large and spread out geographic area.
I have no idea how Politics and Government processes work. Just wondering if obtaining an Access Bus might be something South Frontenac Township might want to look into in the future.
Thanks Anne
Correspondence from the Southern Frontenac Community Service…
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
Access is for Everybody “Ensuring accessibility for employees, job applicants, customers or clients, and the general public helps organizations to better meet the needs of everyone, and to improve the organization’s image, both internally and externally.”
- HRdownloads
Access is a world-wide phenomenon today. Accessibility, the practice of making access work, is world-wide, too. Increasingly, both are understood to be in everyone’s interest. Accessibility, in some regions, is still understood as a form of disability-related accommodation. Although many seniors and families with small children are often put in the “accessibility” picture as well, persons with disabilities and their needs are the common framework for discussion. Sometimes this leads to talk of rights and the stress or enforcement issues that may result – often putting people with disabilities in a silo and convincing some private organizations that they don’t need that customer base or hiring someone with a disability could just be very complicated. Since people with disabilities can represent 15% of the population, however, and friends or family another large sector, this is not healthy for business or the rest of us. It just makes more sense to do the work – to build access for everybody. There are many ways to see this move in thinking. Multiculturalism, inclusiveness and participation in society are often mentioned in the public sector. Legislation and protection of rights are usually cited by advocates or activists. In the human resources
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
field, both of these levels are flagged, but also discussed is the good sense it makes to consider the sector that requires accessibility and the resources it can bring – without pre-judging who is the customer or candidate for a job. Thinking, then, has become universal.
In that spirit, Universal Design was developed at the end of the last century. It’s defined as “The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design” by the Center for Universal
Design,
North
Carolina
State
University.
Communities,
buildings,
transportation, rooms, furniture, devices, documents, items online and more are considered in this framework. So is everyday living and working. In Universal Design, it’s recognized that the usefulness, clarity or handy location of a thing just makes good sense, and doing things the first time so that they work for everyone, and especially so that they don’t have to be changed later, is a core principle. One application of Universal Design is facility, site or building design. Facility Accessibility Design Standards or FADS, currently applied in many municipalities, sets out a well-developed guideline for ensuring accessibility and usability. Created with participation from people with disabilities as well as engineers and designers, FADS is available in Ontario through the City of London. An important source of design standards like this is legislation beginning with the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and happening now in Canada. Ontario’s AODA or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is currently being applied and will reach its final stage of impact in 2025.
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
Universality is applied in looking at much of our public life today and much of our economic life. While individuals with disabilities, mobility-restricted seniors or families with children in strollers are often central to a business’s or community’s accessibility vision, organizations are also urged to see how much of society needs and seeks access … and how well things work when open access is provided. The tourist industry around the world is undergoing an accessibility revolution. While it changes continually to fit with interests like nature tourism or seniors’ tourism, recent evolution has added a significant inclusiveness. Tourism is becoming aware that places that welcome all are now valued even by those who experience no mobility problems. At the level of local business we might consider a family traveling to an area for a holiday, products being delivered or picked up, businesses and services seeing things as customers do, online accessibility as efficiency, insurance companies and regulators concerned about safety.
It’s true that there are limits. Realities such as cost, risk, missing or dated policy, staffing and training, know-how and change from outside impact businesses and other organizations every day. This includes the world of access, accessibility and accommodation. It’s also true, however, that the times are changing, that governments are moving ahead
with
access, that
rules and funding are evolving
to
“accommodate
accommodation.”
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
About “accommodation” By 2017, governments, communities and many organizations across the world have adopted accessibility and universality practices. They’ve also embraced what is often called “accommodation” – actively thinking about, providing for or assisting others who face barriers. If accessibility is putting into place physical capability related to use by anyone, accommodation might be considered adjustment to assist specific people here and now, as well as broader accepting of and support for people who experience non-physical barriers. Sometimes accommodation is carried out by persons who see needs, gaps, challenges. Often, accessibility and accommodation are both necessary.
For example, a senior who could not bring her wheelchair arrives at the hospital by taxi and requires assistance from the driver to get out of the vehicle, then to move to the building where a porter makes a wheelchair available - or the driver may enter the building to bring a porter out. This accommodation of the patient is today considered a courtesy by the taxi company, is not paid, is uninsured and unregulated, could help prevent an injury or an insurance claim, might seem like an “extra” but is often very important, and may be getting the taxi company a lot of business.
Many service-related organizations experience similar “extra need” situations in the course of their normal business as they accommodate different languages, ways of understanding, experience, physical abilities, non-standard product uses and more.
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AGENDA ITEM #b)
An interesting aspect here: a sometimes-hidden customer base or side to many customers. We’ve all heard the one about the long-time successful business or nonprofit everybody loves because of the “service” they provide. What that service amounts to is a willingness to accommodate, to meet people half-way about how they really see it and what they really need.
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AGENDA ITEM #c)
Community Developments by Kurt Halliday
Seeing “Age-friendly” If you’re a senior and you live in Frontenac County, you might be challenged sometimes to pay the bills, get a ride, be fit or visit with folks like yourself. But there’s a reason to be encouraged. The County, along with other municipalities in Ontario, is working up an AgeFriendly Community Action Plan.
In 2017, community change with seniors in mind is happening in Canada. Governments and community services are focusing on quality of life areas like needs, resources and opportunities. The goal is each of us living at home longer and better: aging actively. The “age-friendly” framework concerns life and how it’s lived – health and mental health, accessibility and mobility, useful information and connection with others, fitness and recreation, social and economic difficulties. Most concretely, it changes the built environment, taking on barriers in sidewalks, entrances, pathways, spaces inside buildings, often applying a model called universal design. Most generally, it reduces isolation and stress by connecting us with our peers and friends, and helping us take an active role in the life of the community.
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AGENDA ITEM #c)
In Ontario, following the lead of the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat and ultimately the United Nations, Action Plans include public consultations to make sure Plans fit local vision, needs and experience. Several areas for possible improvement are under consideration: Outdoor spaces and buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment, Communication and Information, Community Support and Health Services. Rural communities, with lower populations and sometimes dispersed services, also face resource challenges, finding it more difficult to get building blocks like staff and money.
Frontenac County’s work so far includes delivery of the Plan itself along with Ottawabased consulting firm WSP/MMM Group. The Plan is a blueprint for local action that extends work in the County’s Official Plan with advice from residents in the County. The Official Plan, for instance, supports “aging in place,” which means not being moved to a care facility unless necessary. Opportunities for improvement are, of course, part of the Plan. Building accessibility, through things like curb cuts, accessible entrances or public seating are highlighted in the document. In the northern part of the County, money and transportation are the chronic barriers, and so resources are part of the discussion.
Community development and economic development often go together. Things have to
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be paid for, after all, and things have to work. The “age-friendly” approach is a common sense part of development now. It makes sense not just for seniors and people with disabilities, but for families with small children, visitors to our area, people using public sites and businesses. For example, tourism is often strengthened when services and businesses are accessible, useful and friendly. And the world is going this way. Accessible tourism, sometimes paired with green tourism, is booming around the planet. To consider this further: American tourists and those from our larger cities may expect accessible services and facilities. Re-locating to our area or travelling here for a nature weekend may come down to the fact that a family member who has mobility barriers can work, shop, dine or get to entertainment. For most of us in remote areas, the same reasoning may apply. A family might well travel to a larger centre to buy groceries or clothes, even if local selection and prices are good, because the doors are automatic, the aisles are wide, the staff is aware of the issues … the thinking, like the place, is more welcoming.
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