Inclusion Advisory Committee Minutes

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Virtual
Present:
  • Councillor Deanne Stapleton, Council Representative
  • Dr. Sulaimon Giwa, Co-Chair - Anti-racism
  • Joby Fleming, Co-Chair - Empower NL
  • Debbie Ryan, CNIB
  • Donna Power, Metrobus/GoBus, Accessible Transit
  • Kim Pratt Baker, Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
  • Megan McGie, NL Association for the Deaf
  • Trevor Freeborn, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities
  • Grant Genova, NL Association of Architects, Universal Design
  • Hope Colbourne, NL Association for Community Living
  • Renata Lang, Association for New Canadians
  • Heidi Edgar, Mental Health
  • Jane Simmons, Physical and Neurological Disabilities
  • TJ Jones, LGBTQ2S
  • Natalie Godden, Manager of Family & Leisure Services
  • Trisha Rose, Fieldworker III, Inclusion Services
  • Jennifer Squires, Legislative Assistant
Regrets:
  • Ashley Gosse, Autism Society
  • Alyse Stuart, Women’s Issues
  • Nancy Reid, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities
  • Brittany Hiscock, CHHA NL

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  • Moved ByDebbie Ryan
    Seconded ByHeidi Edgar

    That the agenda be adopted as presented.

    MOTION CARRIED
  • Moved ByDebbie Ryan
    Seconded ByTrevor Freeborn

    That the minutes be adopted as presented.

    MOTION CARRIED

Donna Power, Manager, Accessible Transit Services, provided an update to the Committee. A synopsis is included in the agenda for reference. It was asked if the new transit scheduling software would improve privacy around the release of personal information when accessing cabs, such as names and addresses of individuals. Ms. Power responded that as radio call outs would no longer be required there would be a greater level of protection for personal information. They also noted that the new software has a great reputation for scheduling efficiently, it would remove the current 24-hour advanced booking notice requirement and should improve the quality of life for many users. GoBus users will also be able to contact dispatch if they cannot avail of the app.

The Manager of Family Services, spoke on the progress made regarding accessibility from the 2020 Pedestrian Mall to date. While some issues have been addressed accessibility within the downtown core is complex and will need to be reviewed on an on-going basis. Staff acknowledged that barriers still exist, as not all items could be resolved for this year's Pedestrian Mall. They spoke of the importance of advice from the Inclusion Advisory Committee to provide recommendations to Council for increased accessibility in subsequent years. It was, also noted that accessibility will be augmented as the Province moves forward with amendments to building accessibility regulations that will bring NL into compliance with the National Building Code of Canada and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B651 code for barrier free design. Updated accessibility legislation will provide all stakeholders, including the City with a more systematic approach to improving accessibility and will reduce the need for ad hoc solutions.

City staff facilitated a workshop on May 10th for the Committee to review accessibility within the Pedestrian Mall. Areas of concern were addressed and discussed as listed below. An additional issue identified was that of safety. In previous years active transportation devices (such as bicycles, skateboards and scooters) were allowed on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. While no accidents or near missed were reported to the City, some IAC members identified active transportation vehicles as posing a possible safety concern and potential source of anxiety for some attendees.


The committee suggested that messaging around this issue needs to change. The Committee recommends that access to the Pedestrian Mall be limited to pedestrians and wheelchairs. The IAC Council representative indicated that she would bring these concerns forward to Council for consideration on behalf of the IAC.


Lighting in restaurants was also noted as an area of concern. Often restaurants are not well-illuminated which can make dining difficult for those that are hard of hearing or have impaired vision. The Committee has recommended that Quick Reference Checklists and staff training include lighting information and note the importance of clear aisles and pathways to increase awareness of this issue.


The Committee discussed how the Pedestrian Mall will require accessibility workshops for years to come to make things fully accessible. Many buildings downtown are currently exempt from some accessibility requirements and the City is not responsible for the regulation of building codes, this falls under Provincial jurisdiction. As noted above , Provincial accessibility legislation is being updated and will provide all stakeholders, including the City with regulations that can be followed and enforced. Members suggested the City hold a press conference acknowledging that problems exist with the Pedestrian Mall as well as the steps being taken to correct these problems and increase accessibility in the future.

The Committee discussed the use of additional ramps in this year's Pedestrian Mall. COD-NL recommend a 1/20 slope but indicated a 1/16 slope falling in line with CSA Group Standards B651-18 was acceptable. It was questioned whether the use of additional ramps would be necessary taking into account the time restraints and space requirements for the new ramps. As ramps are required to be between 1/16 and 1/20 there are issues with space as the ramps would have to be turned parallel with the sidewalk and have 47" landings added to the top and bottom, making the distance comparable to that of using existing ramps and curb cuts. The following recommendation was put forward:
The Inclusion Advisory Committee, while understanding that consideration needs to be given to accessibility, are not recommending the use of additional ramps for sidewalk access for the 2021 Pedestrian Mall. They are instead recommending the use of existing curb cuts with the understanding that the required 2 m clear pathway be maintained between curb cuts at all times The Inclusion Advisory Committee will continue to work to increase accessibility in future years.

City Staff presented a document detailing accessible parking spaces for the 2021 Pedestrian Mall. Service NL Guidelines for parking lots require that 6% of parking be accessible. The city endeavors to use this benchmark as a guide for on-street parking. Committee members have previously stated that for safety reasons parking should not be permitted within the Pedestrian Mall.


GoBus Parking was then discussed, with a focus on finding parking on either end, as well as the centre of the Pedestrian Mall. Church Hill was determined to be a central location for Duckworth Street, but finding a location on Water Street would be more difficult due to the incline of many of the streets. Donna Power, Manager, Accessible Transit Services, suggested that using a ramp, Baird's Cove could be a possible drop-off location. This would require testing to ensure there was enough space for the GoBus to make a U-turn. City Staff also suggested that George Street West was another possible location for the GoBus as it had been successfully used for the Christmas Parade in previous years. Staff will work with Ms. Power and Pedestrian Mall staff to find drop off locations at either end of the Pedestrian Mall, test the feasibility of Baird's Cove, and see if the Accessible Parking earmarked for George Street can be used for a GoBus drop off while maintaining the 6% accessible parking benchmark.

Accessible washrooms continue to be a problem for the 2021 Pedestrian Mall. The Committee stated that washrooms are a dignity issue for more than just those with accessibility issues. Washroom accessibility is a necessity for everybody. Staff are investigating to determine what businesses and buildings will be suitable for the 2021 Pedestrian Mall. Staff noted that they had not been able to find many viable solutions to the problem and asked the Committee for suggestions.


The Committee suggested that although the City does not regulate the requirements for accessible washrooms, perhaps it would be possible to offer financial incentives for making buildings accessible, similar to the tax exemption for vacant buildings. Committee members asked about the possibility of temporary washrooms. Staff advised that they were not recommended for use due to health concerns presented by having portable washrooms in proximity to areas where food was being served and consumed. For this reason it would be a challenge to find a suitable space for temporary washrooms that would not be on the outskirts of the Pedestrian Mall.


Committee members suggested some businesses located outside of the Pedestrian Mall footprint that may be suitable, such as the Convention Centre. It was also recommended that washrooms be designated as gender neutral, and that staff and security training include gender diversity training so that staff have the attitude to support the use of gender-neutral washrooms.

Staff and Debbie Ryan, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, are working on a proposal to seek funding for BlindSquare, a GPS based navigational tool. The BlindSquare app can be used to recognize street obstacles, open, close and recognize entrances to buildings, and provide menus for restaurants. Committee members are hoping to secure funding for this year's Pedestrian Mall and will update the Committee accordingly.

City Staff will work with Canadian Institute for the Blind, Autism Society, Empower NL, Trans Support NL and let the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL take the lead on training for downtown businesses, security guards and Downtown St. John's. City Staff have added Inclusion Tips & Resources in the 2021 Parklet applications which provides a checklist for inclusive spaces, clear print guidelines, information on wayfinding, communication and point of sale, and links for additional information and support. Committee members noted that training must also include invisible disabilities and gender diversity, so that staff can act as a mechanism of support and guidance for those in need of assistance.

Staff gave a quick review of Ramps Up Working Group members, which includes representatives from Service NL, Downtown St. John's, City Staff, and members of the Inclusion Advisory Committee. The name of the working group was questioned as the group addresses more than mobility challenges. The initial purpose of the group was building access, but the group’s focus goes beyond physical mobility. It was noted the name can be changed to make sure everyone at the table is well represented.

Through the discussion surrounding the 2021 Pedestrian Mall the following recommendations were made:

Washrooms:

  • Further investigation and action needs to be taken to address the lack of Accessible washrooms within the Pedestrian Mall foot print. Creative solutions and incentives for business that increase accessibility (including washrooms) need to be explored for future years.
  • The Committee would like the City to look into the use of the Convention Centre for accessible washrooms.
  • That washrooms be designated as gender neutral, and that staff and security training include gender diversity training so that staff have the attitude to support the use of gender-neutral washrooms.

Safety:

  • The use of bikes, scooters, skateboards, and any other vehicle that can travel at high speeds can pose safety concerns within the Pedestrian Mall. The Committee feels that access should be limited to pedestrians, wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Any form of wheeled mobility outside of wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices should be required to be walked through the mall.

Training for Businesses and Security Staff

  • City Staff will work with COD-NL, Canadian Institute for the Blind, the Autism Society, Empower NL, and Trans Support NL to develop training and quick reference checklists for businesses, and security staff. It was agreed the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL take the lead on training for downtown businesses, security guards and Downtown St. John's with input and support from the other organizations noted. Training for business owners, security, and staff is necessary to begin a change management process so that it is understood that accessibility is not only the right thing to do but it also makes good business sense
  • That Quick Reference Checklists and staff training include lighting information and note the importance of clear aisles and pathways to increase awareness of this issue. 

Ramps:

  • The Inclusion Advisory Committee, while understanding that consideration needs to be given to accessibility, are not recommending the use of additional ramps for sidewalk access for the 2021 Pedestrian Mall. They are instead recommending the use of existing curb cuts with the understanding that the required 2 m clear pathway be maintained between curb cuts at all times The Inclusion Advisory Committee will continue to work to increase accessibility in future years.

Go Bus:

  • Staff will work with the Para-Transit Coordinator to find suitable drop off locations at either end of the Pedestrian Mall, test the feasibility of Baird's Cove as a central drop-off location, and recommend the use of Church Hill as a centralized location on Duckworth Street.
  • Staff will investigate and determine if accessible parking earmarked for George Street can be used as a GoBus drop off while still maintaining the 6% accessible parking benchmark.

Other:

  • Members recommended the City hold a press conference acknowledging the problems that had been identified concerning the Pedestrian Mall as well as the steps being taken to correct these problems and increase accessibility in the future.

The next meeting of the Inclusion Advisory Committee is scheduled for July 20, 2021.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:35.

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