Part 1: Accessibility Committee Pushes for Earlier, Stronger Inclusion in County Projects - 08/11/2025

The meeting was chaired by Stuart Houlihan and opened after a delayed start caused by connectivity issues and the need to reach quorum. Several members joined remotely, with accessibility supports in place including captioning and interpretation.

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Before confirming the agenda, Irene moved to add two time-sensitive discussion items ahead of the work plan. The first focused on accessible parking at beaches and open spaces, and the second on building accessibility audits as part of the County’s asset management plan. Despite initial hesitation from the Chair, the committee approved the amendment, reflecting concern that these issues were at risk of being delayed further.

The agenda was confirmed as amended, and minutes from May 5, 2025 were adopted. Minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting, which did not proceed due to lack of quorum, were also formally received.

Announcements and Community Updates

Announcements included a reminder to complete the Vital Signs Focus Report survey, notice of a public meeting on improvements at Roblin Lake Park scheduled for August 25, and an introduction to AccessNow, a province-wide platform allowing businesses to publicly share their accessibility features.

Committee members also flagged a federal youth accessibility leadership initiative, aimed at supporting nonprofit accessibility projects through youth-led partnerships.

Deputation on York Street Laneway Accessibility

The central item of the meeting was a deputation by Victoria Taylor, Picton-based landscape architect and principal of VTLA. Taylor presented on accessibility concerns related to the York Street Laneway reconstruction project, emphasizing its importance as a key pedestrian connection between Main Street, Mary Street residences, the Armoury parking area, and Delhi Park.

Taylor explained that despite a full reconstruction involving underground pipe replacement, resurfacing, and sidewalk replacement, the most recent drawings showed no meaningful accessibility upgrades. The laneway has a 16 percent slope, significantly exceeding AODA standards, and presents challenges related to winter icing, roof drainage from the Regent Theatre, emergency exits opening into the laneway, and vehicle conflicts in a narrow space.

She noted that after raising concerns with project manager Jeff Short, a handrail along the public sidewalk has now been added to the design. This was welcomed as a positive step. Taylor also proposed adding textured surfaces or rumble-style grip treatments to the asphalt and concrete pours to improve pedestrian safety, particularly during icy conditions.

Beyond immediate fixes, Taylor shared broader community feedback gathered during the York Street Laneway Reimagined public art event in September 2023, which attracted more than 300 participants. Residents consistently expressed a desire for a safer, more pedestrian-focused space, with longer-term ideas including partial closures, seating, and art activations.

Committee members asked detailed questions about mounting the handrail, impacts on wheelchair users, slope constraints, runoff management, and the feasibility of adding benches or resting points. Several members emphasized that the laneway affects not only wheelchair users, but also people using walkers, canes, strollers, and those with balance or sensory challenges.

Staff clarified that the project may already be out to tender, limiting what can still be changed, and that vehicular access must be maintained for residents and parking areas. However, there was broad agreement that the timing of accessibility input came far too late in the process.

Motion on York Street Accessibility and Future Consultation

Following discussion, the committee passed a motion recommending that Council direct staff to explore the incorporation of accessibility upgrades discussed during the deputation into the York Street Laneway reconstruction project. The motion was expanded to reflect concerns raised by committee members, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety for all road users, including those with mobility aids or visual impairments.

The deputation itself was formally received, and the discussion highlighted a systemic issue: accessibility review is still happening reactively, rather than as an embedded requirement before projects reach tender stage.

Update from the DEI Working Group

Tabitha Keist from Human Resources provided an update on the County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group, which is developing a three-year corporate DEI strategy. The draft plan includes a proposed third-party equity audit as the first step, intended to assess policies, processes, staff experience, and interactions with residents before rolling out training.

While members welcomed the thorough approach, frustration surfaced quickly. Committee members noted they had first requested DEI and inclusive language training as far back as January 2024, specifically for committees dealing with accessibility and sensitive issues.

Several members stressed that while long-term planning is important, basic training on respectful language, evolving terminology, and bias awareness should not require a multi-year rollout. The discussion highlighted a gap between strategic planning timelines and immediate, practical needs.

Rather than formalizing a new subcommittee, members agreed on a more informal approach. Sarah offered to follow up directly with Tabitha to provide context on the committee’s long-standing request and explore near-term training options that could complement the broader DEI strategy.

The DEI update was formally received.

Access the County Training and Tourism Funding

The committee revisited a previously deferred motion related to Access the County, an accessibility training program for small businesses, particularly in tourism and hospitality.

Staff clarified that $7,500 allocated through the Tourism Management Plan could be used to continue the program, and that other funding sources could support accessible parking projects separately. With that clarification, the committee approved allocating the full $7,500 to continue Access the County educational presentations.

Nonprofit Sector Forward Together Networking Event

Members received an update on planning for the Forward Together nonprofit networking event, tentatively scheduled for October 8, 2025. The event aims to move beyond networking toward solution-focused discussions, building on themes identified at last year’s session, including transportation barriers, volunteer shortages, and accessibility challenges.

Committee members emphasized the need to include youth voices, address rural transportation gaps, and consider how residents with disabilities can access and enjoy tourism-related amenities. The discussion was received, with planning to continue collaboratively between staff, the committee, and community partners.

National Accessibility Week Debrief and Planning File Reviews

A brief debrief was provided on the 2025 National Accessibility Week event, with appreciation expressed for Community Living staff and recognition that future events could build on this foundation.

The committee also reviewed multiple planning and site plan applications. Common themes included the need for accessible entrances, washrooms, and parking. A separate discussion emerged around noise impacts at event venues, with concerns raised about high decibel levels, hearing safety, and enforcement gaps. While noise bylaws fall outside the committee’s direct mandate, members agreed these considerations should be flagged more consistently in planning comments where accessibility and health are affected. Planning file comments were formally endorsed.

Additional Motions on Parking and Building Accessibility

The committee passed two further motions of significance. The first recommended that Council implement remaining accessible parking spaces identified in a staff audit for parks and recreation facilities, noting that 19 spaces approved in 2024 had already been installed, but approximately 28 additional spaces remain outstanding.

The second motion requested that Council direct staff to report on updated building accessibility audits and explain how accessibility findings are being integrated into the County’s long-term asset management plan, which is currently under development.

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