Part 2: Accessibility, Public Spaces, and Inclusive Planning Decisions — 11/20/2023

This part of the meeting looks at who spoke, what was discussed, and how decisions started to take shape. The focus stayed on accessibility, but most of the conversation connected back to everyday places like parks, sidewalks, community projects, and public spaces that residents use all the time.

Some items were simple updates or approvals, while others came from concerns raised during the meeting about how accessible local spaces really are in practice. Overall, the discussion shows how accessibility planning in the County is being shaped through both community input and committee decisions that will have a direct impact on how people get around and use public spaces.

© PEC Council (YouTube)

View the entire PEC Council Meeting; or view our recap.

Wellington Public Bench Initiative

Members of the Wellington Community Association presented the bench project and explained how community feedback drove the idea. They confirmed the benches are 100 percent AODA compliant, artist-designed, and privately funded.

Councillor Roy Pennell praised the design and suggested memorial sponsorships, which the presenters confirmed are planned.

Ivan asked whether sidewalks and access routes would connect properly to the benches. The presenters confirmed that concrete pads and accessible connections are included.

Irene and Sarah thanked the presenters for considering accessibility from the beginning rather than retrofitting later.

Social inclusion, poverty, and wellness discussion

Sarah Moffitt explained that she sees the clause as a lens rather than a task list. She pointed out that the committee already considers affordability and equity, even when reviewing planning files and parks plans.

Irene emphasized the lack of local data on people with disabilities and the importance of supporting public services and nonprofits to ensure equal access.

Ivan raised real-world examples where accessibility needs can conflict, such as ramps that work for wheelchair users but create risks for people who are blind. He stressed the need for better data and user feedback.

Scott Wallace cautioned against using broad definitions across equity-deserving groups and asked how far the committee’s mandate should extend beyond disability access. He raised concerns about overlap with other working groups.

Councillor Roy Pennell supported keeping the focus simple and centered on accessibility, warning against trying to solve everything at once.

The committee agreed to keep the clause unchanged, continue learning, and avoid rigid definitions for now.

Community Safety and Well-Being Working Group

Councillor Roy Pennell nominated Sarah Moffitt, who accepted the role.

Scott Wallace asked how he could also contribute due to his equity and inclusion work. Catalina confirmed he could join through a separate channel.

Delhi Park Community Connections

Councillor Roy Pennell raised timing and budget concerns. Councillor Kate McNaughton explained that grant funding is expected and that the goal is to improve connectivity through the park.

Kate agreed to represent accessibility on the task team.

Site plan and planning applications working group

Councillor Kate McNaughton nominated Irene, who accepted. Scott Wallace and McNaughton agreed to support the group without overloading capacity.

The committee formally appointed Irene, Scott, and Kate to the working group.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Scott Wallace moved the motion to recognize the day and explained his goal of shifting the committee toward proactive awareness, not just reactive reviews.

Councillor Roy Pennell suggested future celebrations could highlight accomplishments.

The motion passed.

Accessible parking at parks

Councillor Roy Pennell raised strong concerns about seniors and people with disabilities being unable to access waterfront parks due to poor parking layouts and lack of bus-sized accessible spaces.

Irene supported the need for an audit, citing improvements at Northport Park as proof that change works.

Catalina explained that staff could conduct an audit, coordinate with parking staff, and include results in the multi-year accessibility plan. She noted that funds for accessibility improvements are already in the budget.

The committee passed a motion directing staff to audit accessible parking at public parks, with the goal of improvements before spring.

What it means for residents

The way the meeting was chaired mattered because it kept discussions focused on real, practical outcomes rather than abstract debate. The Wellington Public Bench Initiative will be beneficial for residents, as it means more places to rest, walk, socialize, and shop independently, especially for seniors and people with mobility challenges. The committee’s discussion on social inclusion ensures accessibility decisions remain practical while still acknowledging broader social realities.

Representation on the Community Safety and Well-Being Working Group creates a clearer link between accessibility, safety, health, and social services, reducing gaps and duplicated work. The Delhi Park task team will support Picton residents by improving safer, more connected walking routes through a park that currently acts as a barrier. The site plan working group strengthens accessibility review during development planning, before designs are finalized.

Recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities helps normalize accessibility and celebrate progress rather than focusing only on barriers. The accessible parking audit will directly affect residents and visitors by determining whether parks and shorelines are usable or effectively off-limits.

---

Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 1:30:45. Due to the length of the meeting, our team was not able to independently review the full recording in its entirety. As a result, we relied on software-generated transcription, automated summarization, and automated recognition of speakers and participants, which may not be entirely accurate. All transcriptions, summaries, and related content are prepared by our team in good faith and on a reasonable best-efforts basis. The content is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended to support public understanding of the topics discussed. While reasonable efforts have been made to present the information accurately, automated processes may result in errors, omissions, or unintended misinterpretations. This article does not constitute an official, certified, or verbatim record of the meeting, and it should not be relied upon as such. Readers are encouraged to consult original source materials, official minutes, or recordings where available for confirmation or clarification. Questions, requests for clarification, or suggested corrections may be submitted to hello@pecconnect.ca for review and consideration.