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01 31 2013 Accessibility Advisory Committee AgendaProud Heritage, Exciting Future TOWNSHIP OF ORO- MEDONTE ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA ROBINSON ROOM Thursday, January 31, 2013 9:30 a.m. 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA a) Motion to Adopt the Agenda. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: a) Minutes of Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on Thursday, September 27, 2012. 4. PRESENTATIONS: None. 5. COMMUNICATIONS: a) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Accessible Trail Access [from the September 27, 2012 meeting]. b) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator, re: Facilities Audit Checklist. c) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator, re: Accessible Documents. d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Multi -year Accessibility Plan and 2012 Accomplishment Report. e) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator, re: Draft Purchasing By -Law - Excerpt related to Accessibility. f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario CodeNews Issue 211, re: Public Consultation on Building Code Accessibility Requirements. g) Correspondence dated January 10, 2013 from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, re: Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund. 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS None. 7. NEXT MEETING DATE To be determined. 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 66 Page 8. ADJOURNMENT a) Motion to Adjourn. Page 2 of 66 3a) Minutes of Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting ... T Proerrrl Nrri! rte, lia' ilirr.� l-nlrerr THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO- MEDONTE ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Neufeld Room Thursday, September 27, 2012 TIME: 1:01 p.m. Present: Staff Present: Also Present: 2010 - 2014 COUNCIL Mayor H.S. Hughes Andrew Brierley Glen Taber Cr _ _or Lancaster, Chair r 'aazlett Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator None. 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA a) Motion to Adopt the Agenda Motion No. AAC120927 -1 Moved by Brierley, Seconded by Hazlett It is recommended that the agenda for the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting of Thursday, September 27, 2012 be received and adopted. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: a) Minutes of Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on Thursday, March 29, 2012. Motion No. AAC120927 -2 Moved by Taber, Seconded by Brierley It is recommended that the draft minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting of Thursday, March 29, 2012 be adopted as printed and circulated. Carried. Carried. Page 1 of 4 Page 3 of 66 3a) Minutes of Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting ... Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes — Thursday, September 27, 2012. 4. PRESENTATIONS: None. 5. COMMUNICATIONS: a) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: City of Greater Sudbury, Resolution #CC2012 -293, Creating An Accessible Ontario. Motion No. AAC120927 -3 Moved by Hazlett, Seconded by Taber It is recommended 1. That the information presented by Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: City of Greater Sudbury, Resolution #CC2012 -293, Creating An Accessible Ontario be received. 2. And That the Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends to Council that Council supports the City of Greater Sudbury, Resolution #CC2012 -293, Creating An Accessible Ontario. r Carried. b) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Ministry Released Standards - Design of Public Spaces in the Built Environment. Motion No. AAC120927 -4 Moved by Brierley, Seconded by Hazlett It is recommended 1. That the information presented by Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Ministry Released Standards - Design of Public Spaces in the Built Environment be received. Carried. c) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Accessible Trail Access. Motion No. AAC120927 -5 Moved by Taber, Seconded by Brierley It is recommended 1. That the verbal information presented by Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Accessible Trail Access be received. Carried. Page 2 of 4 Page 4 of 66 3a) Minutes of Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting ... Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes — Thursday, September 27, 2012. d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Facilities Survey. Motion No. AAC120927 -6 Moved by Hazlett, Seconded by Taber It is recommended 1. That the verbal information presented by Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Facilities Survey be received. Carried. e) Report No. RC2012 -22, Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: RFP #RC2012 -03 Supply and Install of Playground Equipment. Motion No. AAC120927 -7 Moved by Brierley, Seconded by Hazlett It is recommended 1. That the information presented by Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Report No. RC2012 -22, Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, RFP #RC2012 -03 Supply and Install of Playground Equipment be received. Carried. f) Correspondence dated September 24, 2012 from Unity United Church, Vasey, re: Request for Support for the Enabling Accessibility Fund - Human Resources and Skills Development Canad Motion No. AAC120927 -8 Moved by Taber, Seconded by Brierley It is recommended 1. That the correspondence dated September 24, 2012 from Unity United Church, Vasey, re: Request for Support for the Enabling Accessibility Fund - Human Resources and Skills Development Canada be received. 2. And That the Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends to Council that Council supports, in principle, the Unity United Church, Vasey's Request for Support for the Enabling Accessibility Fund - Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Carried. Page 3 of 4 Page 5 of 66 3a) Minutes of Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting ... Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes — Thursday, September 27, 2012. 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS None. 7. NEXT MEETING DATE Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. 8. ADJOURNMENT a) Motion to Adjourn. Motion No. AAC120927 -9 Moved by Hazlett, Seconded by Taber It is recommended that we do now adjourn at 1:49 p.m. Carried. Councillor Lancaster, Chair Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator Page 4 of 4 Page 6 of 66 5a) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Township o� te Proud Heritage, Exciting Future Name: Item Number /Name: Meeting Date: Type of Meeting: Verbal Matters (Section 12.3 of Township's Procedural By -Law No. 2011 -011) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives 5a) Accessible Trail Access January 31, 2013 Council Committee of Adjustment X Special Council Accessibility Advisory Committee Recreational Technical Support Group Speaking Notes: • The Director indicated that potential funding through the Rick Hanson Foundation was for non - profit organizations, therefore the Township did not qualify. • The Director would forward the information to local groups to see if they had any interest in applying for funding for specialized equipment. 3/8/1 3 Page 7 of 66 5b) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator, re: Faciliti... ( T%s of -ecto7 t Proud Heritage, Exciting Future Name: Item Number /Name: Meeting Date: Type of Meeting: Verbal Matters (Section 12.3 of Township's Procedural By -Law No. 2011 -011) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator 5b) Facilities Audit Checklist 01 31 2013 Council Special Council Committee of Adjustment X Accessibility Advisory Committee Recreational Technical Support Group Speaking Notes: • The Committee Coordinator noted that the Township was in the process of developing a Facilities Audit Checklist. • The Committee Members provided items to be added to the checklist. • The draft checklist is to be reviewed at the Accessibility Advisory Committee's next meeting. 2/25/13 Page 8 of 66 5c) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator, re: Accessib... ( T%s of -ecto7 t Proud Heritage, Exciting Future Name: Item Number /Name: Meeting Date: Type of Meeting: Verbal Matters (Section 12.3 of Township's Procedural By -Law No. 2011 -011) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator 5c) Accessible Documents 01 31 2013 Council Special Council Committee of Adjustment X Accessibility Advisory Committee Recreational Technical Support Group Speaking Notes: • The Committee Coordinator noted that staff had attended a workshop of how to make documents accessible. • The Committee Coordinator advised she would be working with a group comprised of various municipalities within the County of Simcoe to create an accessible documents policy and procedures and which would be brought to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for review and comment. 2/25/13 Page 9 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... REPORT Proud Heritage, Exciting Future Report No. CSI 2012 -08 To: Council Prepared By: Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate & Strategic Initiatives Meeting Date: December 19, 2012 Subject: Multi -Year Accessibility Plan & Progress Report Motion # Q s Zt q l Z, C� Roll #: R.M.S. File #: RECOMMENDATION(S): Requires Action X For Information Only It is recommended: 1. THAT Report CSI2012 -08 be received and adopted; 2. And THAT The Township of Oro - Medonte's Multi -Year Accessibility Plan and Progress Report be approved for submission and implementation as required by the Province's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). BACKGROUND: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is provincial legislation that mandates the public, private and voluntary sectors comply with a number of Accessibility Standards including: Customer Service; Information and Communication; Employment and Transportation (the Built Standard has not yet been finalized). The legislation requires that municipalities shall: in consultation with their Accessibility Advisory Committee, prepare, and make public, multi- year accessibility plans which document how barriers will be identified and removed from the delivery of/access to Township services; review and update their Accessibility Plans at least once every five years; prepare an annual status report with respect to the implementation of initiatives identified within their Accessibility Plan; make their multi -year Accessibility Plan and Progress Reports publicly available, and provide them in an accessible format upon request and post both their Accessibility Plans and Progress Reports to their municipal websites. The multi -year plan and progress report, which is attached to this report as Appendix A satisfies the provincial requirements, however more importantly, it reaffirms Council's commitment to removing CSI Meeting Date December 19, 2012 Report No CSI 2012 -08 Page 1 of 3 Page 10 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Special Council Meeting Minutes — Wednesday, December 19, 2012. IDENTIFICATION FRO THE PUBLIC OF AN ENDA ITEM OF INTEREST: 7. RE ORTS OF MUNICIPAL 0 ICERS: a) Report o. CS12012 -07, Donna H- itt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Gover ent Relations Program •date Report. Motion No. SC12 '12-7 Moved by Meyer, Seco ded by Coutanche Be it resolved that Report . Strategic Initiatives, re: Gover information. CS12012 -07, Donna H itt, Director of Corporate nd ent Relations Program pdate Report be receive • or Carrie b) Report No. CS12012 -08, Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Multi Year Accessibility Plan and Progress Report. Motion No. SC121912 -8 Moved by Evans, Seconded by Crawford Be it resolved 1. That Report No. CS12012 -08, Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, re: Multi Year Accessibility Plan and Progress Report be received and adopted. 2. And That The Township of Oro- Medonte's Multi -Year Accessibility Plan and Progress Report be approved for submission and implementation as required by the Province's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) under the Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives' signature. Carried. Page 4 of 9 Page 11 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... barriers that limit the participation of residents and visitors in the services and programs provided by the Township. The Township is compliant with respect to meeting the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service having developed the appropriate policies and having trained our staff and volunteers accordingly. During 2012, with the financial support of the Provincial Government's "Enabling Accessibility Fund ", the Township was able install fully accessible playground equipment at the Bayview Memorial Park; our first accessible playground in the municipality. In addition, during upgrades at the Hawkestone Park, accessible components were incorporated into the community playground and designated accessible parking have been installed at three community halls. The continued efforts of Council, staff and our Accessibility Advisory Committee to monitor the implementation of our Plan will ensure the Township meets the relevant standards' compliance dates. Should new standards be legislated, modifications will be made to our Accessibility Plan and brought back to Council for consideration. FINANCIAL / LEGAL IMPLICATIONS / RISK MANAGEMENT: There are no financial implications associated with the adoption of this report. Any specific financial impacts with respect to the implementation of items identified within the plan will be brought forward for consideration by Council during annual capital and operating budget deliberations. Should the budget decisions of Council warrant it, amendments to the 5 -Year Accessibility Plan will be made accordingly. POLICIES /LEGISLATION: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005: Integrated Accessibility Standards; Ontario Regulation 429/07: Accessibility Standards for Customer Service CORPORATE STRATEGIC GOALS: Quality of Life Service Excellence Employer of Choice CONSULTATIONS: CAO Director Recreation and Community Services Accessibility Advisory Committee ATTACHMENTS: Appendix A — Township of Oro - Medonte 5 -Year Accessibility Plan and Progress Report CSI Report No CSI 2012 -08 Meeting Date December 19, 2012 Page 2 of 3 Page 12 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... CONCLUSION: The 5 -year Accessibility Plan builds on previous accessibility plans adopted by Council and proposes that efforts continue to be made to identify and remove barriers for our residents and visitors. The Township, through the efforts of its Accessibility Advisory Committee, will continue to monitor accessibility standards and the implementation of our Plan to ensure we remain compliant. Respectfully submitted: Donna Hewitt Director Corporate & Strategic Initiatives C.A.O. Approval / Comments: CSI Meeting Date December 19, 2012 Report No CSI 2012 -08 Page 3 of 3 Page 13 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Tbwnsh 0 i d . e tae, Ixc in u 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Page 14 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Municipal Profile 3.0 Accessibility Advisory Committee 3.1 Accessibility Advisory Committee Members 3 4 5 5 4.0 Accessibility Planning 6 4.1 Council's Commitment to Accessibility Planning 6 4.2 Objectives of the Multi -Year Accessibility Plan 6 4.3 Barriers 7 4.4 Barrier Identification Methodology 7 4.5 Consultation Activities 8 4.6 Review and Monitoring Process 8 4.7 Communication of the Plan 8 Appendix 1: Accessibility Standards 9 Appendix 2a: Township of Oro - Medonte Achievements 2009, 2010 17 Appendix 2b: Township of Oro - Medonte Achievements 2011 19 Appendix 2c: Township of Oro - Medonte Achievements 2012 20 Appendix 3: Township of Oro - Medonte Multi -Year Accessibility Plan 21 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 2 of 22 Page 15 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... 1.0 Introduction: The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), as enacted by the Provincial Government, is to achieve accessibility with respect to goods, services, facilities, employment, buildings, structures and premises by January 1, 2025. The AODA consists of the following accessibility standards: Customer Service, Information and Communication, Employment, Built Environment, and Transportation. All standards, with the exception of Transportation, apply to the Corporation of the Township of Oro - Medonte (the Township). The Transportation standard will only apply to organizations that are in the business of providing or licensing passenger transportation services in the public and private sector. A summary of these standards is included in Appendix 1 of this report. The AODA was developed to assist organizations in both the public and private sector in identifying barriers to accessibility. Even though the AODA received Royal Assent on June 13, 2005 and is now the law, the Planning requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) remain in force until the Act is repealed. Under the ODA, all municipalities have a legal obligation to prepare a multi -year accessibility plan which is to be reviewed no Tess than once every five years. The ODA specifies that municipalities must consult with people with disabilities in preparing their accessibility plan. Municipalities of 10,000 or more residents are required to establish a local accessibility advisory committee, and a majority of their members must be people with disabilities. This document represents the 2013 — 2017 multi -year accessibility plan as prepared by Township staff in consultation with the Township's Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). The Accessibility Plan describes the measures the Township has taken in the past, and the measures that the Township will take in the future to identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities who use the facilities and services of the Township. The Corporation of the Township is committed to the identification and removal of barriers, as well as the prevention of new barriers, for person with a disability in the years ahead. Through continued association with the AAC and staff, the Township can provide equal access to the Township's goods and services for people with disabilities. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 3 of 22 Page 16 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... 2.0 Municipal Profile: The Township of Oro - Medonte 148 Line 7 South P.O. Box 100 Oro, ON LOL 2X0 (705) 487 -2171 The Township is a diverse and beautiful community with a central location in Ontario. With a population of 20,078, the Township covers a land area of 61,000 hectares, stretching from the westerly border with Barrie, the southerly border with Lake Simcoe, the easterly border with Orillia and Severn Township and the northerly border shared with Tay and Severn Townships. The Township's prime location provides residents and visitors alike with the riches of rural life and the convenience of a short drive to Barrie, Orillia and the Greater Toronto Area. The Township is accessible by: Provincial Highways 11, 12 and 400 and the County of Simcoe road systems; - The Lake Simcoe Regional Airport operated by the municipalities of Oro - Medonte and Barrie which is located in the Township; - The Canadian Pacific Rail line, which passes through the Township as it travels from Toronto to Vancouver; - The Lake Country Oro - Medonte Rail Trail which links the Cities of Barrie and Orillia; and - Lake Simcoe, which borders the Township to the South. The Township's natural beauty, strategic location, excellent quality of life and progressive municipal government have made us one of the fastest growing rural, family- oriented municipalities in Ontario. The Township has a very large land base and contains within it many small settlement areas. The following is a list of the settlement areas in Oro - Medonte: Craighurst Moonstone East Oro Oro Station Edgar Prices Corners Forest Home Rugby Guthrie Shanty Bay Hawkestone Sugar Bush Horseshoe Valley Warminster Jarratt For further information on the Township's Multi -Year Accessibility Plan, please contact: Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives (705) 487 -2171 ext. 2537 or dhewitt @oro- medonte.ca 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 4 of 22 Page 17 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... 3.0 Accessibility Advisory Committee: The AODA requires that municipalities with populations greater than 10,000, which includes the Township, form an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). The AAC must be made up of at least 51 % of person with a disability. The committee's role is to develop, prepare and review the municipality's Accessibility Plan (the Plan). This Plan must be made available to the public. The Multi -year Accessibility Plan identifies which actions the Township used in previous years as well as future plans to identify, remove and prevent barriers confronting people with disabilities. Additionally, the AAC must: a) Advises Council about the requirements and implementation of accessibility standards and the preparation of accessibility reports and such other matters for which Council of the Township (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; and c) Perform all other functions that are specified in the regulations. 2005, c. 11, s. 29(4). (Source: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, 3.0.2005, c.11,s.28). The AODA defines the role of the AAC as to advise Council on the requirements and the implementation of the AODA standards and the preparation of the AODA standards reports. 3.1 Accessibility Advisory Committee Members: Councillor Marty Lancaster Chairperson Randy Hazlett Resident Glen Taber Resident Andrew Brierley Resident Donna Hewitt Director, Corporate and Strategic Initiatives Marie Brissette Committee Coordinator 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 5 of 22 Page 18 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... 4.0 Accessibility Planning: 4.1 Council's Commitment to Accessibility Planning: People with disabilities represent a significant and growing part of our population. According to Statistics Canada, 1.85 million people in Ontario have disabilities which represent 15.5% of Ontario's population. Disability tends to increase with age. In two decades it is estimated that 20% of the population with have disabilities. Enhancing the ability of people with disabilities to live independently and contribute to the community will have positive effects on the future prosperity in Ontario. Improving accessibility is a shared responsibility. The ODA and the AODA require that the provincial and municipal governments and key public sector organizations review their policies, programs and services through the development of a multi -year annual accessibility plan. Municipal governments play a crucial role in the Planning and development of our communities: in their streets, parks, public transit, libraries, social housing, ambulance services, public buildings and elections. Responsibilities, which include enforcing the barrier -free access requirements of the Ontario Building Code and implementing key accessibility considerations under the ODA and AODA, are crucial to realizing a vision of local communities that improve accessibility and mobility for their residents. The ODA and AODA builds on relationships and practices which currently exist among councilors, planners, builders and community groups to make municipalities more accessible to people with disabilities. The new legislative requirements provides standards that all organizations in the private and public sector, including the Township, must follow to ensure that existing barriers for people with disabilities are removed over time and that no new barriers are created. The Township wishes to demonstrate leadership in working with people with disabilities to create innovative approaches and solutions for an accessible community. Council appointed an Accessibility Advisory Committee to update our Accessibility Plan, report on accomplishments and act in an advisory capacity as required. 4.2 Objectives of the Accessibility Plan: The objectives of the Plan are to: 1) Review previous efforts to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities (Recent Initiatives). 2) Describe the process that the Township will use to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities in the future. 3) Identify the measures that the Township will take in the coming years to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to people with disabilities (listed in priority). 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 6 of 22 Page 19 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... 4) Identify the means in which the Township will make the accessibility plan and report of accomplishments available to the public. 4.3 Barriers: A "barrier" is anything that may prevent a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, architectural barrier, informational or communication barrier, attitudinal barrier, technological barrier, or a policy or a practice. A summary of the standards which reference these barriers is included in Appendix 1 of this report. An example of each type of barrier is shown below: Barrier Type Example Physical A door knob that cannot be operated by a person with limited upper - body mobility and strength. Architectural A hallway or door that is too narrow for a wheelchair or scooter. Informational Typefaces (fonts) that are too small to be read by a person with low vision. Communicational A website that is not accessible to people who are blind. A person who talks loudly when addressing a person who is deaf. Attitudinal A receptionist who ignores a customer in a wheelchair. Technological A paper tray on a laser printer that requires two strong hands to open. Policy /Practice A practice of announcing important messages over an intercom that people with hearing impairments cannot hear clearly. 4.4 Barrier Identification Methodology: In 2009 AECOM Canada Architects Ltd. conducted building condition audits on the Oro - Medonte Community Arena and the eight municipally owned community halls. The audits which formed part of the Strategic Facility Plan reviewed the facilities and provided recommendations, cost estimates and phasing for enhanced accessibility to these facilities. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 7 of 22 Page 20 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... These recommendations, coupled with the facility assessments conducted by the AAC in 2008 and 2011, form the basis for our Accessibility Plan as they pertain to physical and architectural barriers and are outlined in Appendix 3. In addition to physical and architectural barriers, recommendations to remove other barriers identified in the Communication and Information Standard and the Employment Standard are also included in Appendix 3. 4.5 Consultation Activities: Input on this plan has been received from municipal staff and the members of the AAC. 4.6 Review and Monitoring Process: Following the approval of the Accessibility Plan, staff will monitor the progress on the actions required in the Plan, and will be reviewed as a reoccurring agenda item for the AAC. Minutes from the AAC are forwarded to Council for receipt. The Plan will be updated no less than once every 5 years, in consultation with the AAC, and presented to Council for consideration. A report outlining the progress and accomplishments with respect to implementation of the Plan will be prepared annually, reviewed by the AAC and presented to Council. 4.7 Communication of the Plan: Copies of the Plan and the report of accomplishments will be made available upon request from the Township Office and on the Township's website at www.oro- medonte.ca in a format suitable to the requester. Notice will also be placed in the Recreation and Community Brochure and in our biweekly community newspage which is distributed to all Township residents. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 8 of 22 Page 21 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Appendix 1 Accessibility Standards Customer Service Standard The Accessible Customer Service Standard regulation was approved by the Lieutenant - Governor and came into force on January 1, 2008. The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 requires that the Township establish policies, procedures and practices on the provision of goods and services to people with disabilities. Additionally, all staff, including volunteers and other third parties who work on behalf of the Township, must have mandatory customer service training regarding the provision of the Township's goods and /or services to person with a disability. Every person who participates in the development of the Township's policies, practices and procedures governing the provision of goods or services to members of the public or other third parties, must also receive the customer service training. The following is a summary of the fourteen (14) requirements of the Accessible Customer Service Standard (Source: Accessible Customer Service Standard, Ontario Regulation 429/07, p. 12 — 13): The following requirements of the customer service standard apply to all providers that are covered by the standard. If you are a provider, you must: 1. Establish policies, practices and procedures on providing goods or services to people with disabilities. 2. Set a policy on allowing people to use their own personal assistive devices to access goods and services and about any other measures the Township offers (assistive devices, services, or methods) to enable them to access your goods and use your services. 3. Use reasonable efforts to ensure that policies, practices and procedures are consistent with the core principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity. 4. Communicate with a person with a disability in a manner that takes into account his or her disability. 5. Train staff, volunteers, contractors and any other people who interact with the public or other third parties on your behalf on a number of topics as outlined in the customer service standard. 6. Train staff, volunteers, contractors and any other people who are involved in developing your policies, practices and procedures on the provision of goods or services on a number of topics as outlined in the customer service standard. 7. Allow people with disabilities to be accompanied by their guide dog or service animal in those areas of the premises you own or operate that are open to the public, unless the animal is excluded by another law. If a service animal is excluded by law, use other measures to provide services to the person with a disability. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 9 of 22 Page 22 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... 8. Permit people with disabilities who use a support person to bring that person with them while accessing goods or services in premises open to the public or third parties. 9. Where admission fees are charged, provide notice ahead of time on what admission, if any, would be charged for a support person of a person with a disability. 10. Provide notice when facilities or services that people with disabilities rely on to access or use goods or services are temporarily disrupted. 11. Establish a process for people to provide feedback on how you provide goods or services to people with disabilities and how you will respond to any feedback and take action on any complaints. Make the information about your feedback process readily available to the public. Public Sector organizations must also: 1. Document in writing all policies, practices and procedures for providing accessible customer service and meet other document requirements set out in the standard. 2. Notify customers that documents required under the customer service standard are available upon request. 3. When giving documents required under the customer service standard to a person with a disability, provide the information in a format that takes into account the person's disability. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2010. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 10 of 22 Page 23 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Integrated Accessibility Standards This regulation establishes the accessibility standards for: Information and Communications; Employment and Transportation. This regulation applies to every designated public sector organization, which includes the Township and to every other person or organization that provides goods, services or facilities to the public and that has at least one employee in Ontario. As a large designated public sector organization having more than 50 employees, the Township shall comply with the dates specific to this classification. 1. General: Accessibility Policies: Every obligated organization shall develop, implement and maintain policies governing how the organization achieves accessibility through meeting its requirements under the standards of the regulation. There is a requirement to include a statement of organizational commitment to meeting the accessibility needs of person with a disability in a timely manner and further that these policies will be made available publicly and in an accessible format upon request. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2013. Accessibility Plans: Every obligated organization shall: 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. - Post the Plan on the organization's website and make it available in an accessible format upon request. Review and update the Plan at least every five years in consultation with their AAC and person with a disability. - Prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the Plan and post this status report on their website and make it available in an accessible format upon request. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2013. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 11 of 22 Page 24 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Procuring /Acquiring Goods, Services or Facilities: Every obligated organization shall incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring /acquiring goods, services or facilities, except where it is not practical to do so and if determined not practical, shall provide an explanation upon request. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2013. Self- Service Kiosks: Obligated organizations shall incorporate accessibility features when designed, procuring or acquiring self - service kiosks (an interactive electronic terminal intended for public use that allows users to access 1 or more services /products) Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2013. Training: Every obligated organization shall provide training on the requirements of accessibility standards referred to in this regulation to all employees, volunteers, individuals who participate in developing organizational policies or who provide goods and services on behalf of the organization. Training will be appropriate to the duties of the individual and will be delivered as soon as practical and whenever changes to policies are made. Further the organization will maintain printed records of training provided including dates and names of trainees. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2014. 2. Standards: Information and Communication Standard The Information and Communication Standard includes communications between two or more individuals where information (data, facts or knowledge) is sent or received in text audio, digital or image formats. Feedback: Every obligated organization that receives or sends feedback shall ensure that processes are accessible to person with a disability by providing /arranging for the provision of accessible formats /supports upon request. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2014. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 12 of 22 Page 25 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Accessible Formats /Supports: Every obligated organization, upon request, shall provide /arrange for the provision of accessible formats /supports in a timely manner and at no additional cost beyond what is regulated under the Fees and Charges By -Law. The person making the request will be consulted with to determine the suitability of format or support, however, the final decision rests with the organization. The public shall be notified of the availability of accessible formats /supports. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2015. Emergency Plans /Public Safety Information: If an obligated organization prepares emergency procedures, plans or public safety information and that information is made available to the public then that information must be available in an accessible format as soon as possible upon request. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2012. Websites and Web Content: The Municipality shall make its internet website and content conform to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 initially at Level A, and subsequently Level AA as follows: January 1, 2014 — new websites and content — Level A January 1, 2021 — all websites and content — Level AA If the municipality controls directly or through a contractual relationship that allows for modification, then web content published after January 1, 2012 must comply with Level A. Note: Other requirements pertaining to education materials, educators and libraries are included, but do not apply to the municipality and have not been included in the Plan. Employment Standard The Employment Standard applies to those organizations that have paid employees — it does not apply to volunteers or non -paid individuals. Recruitment: During the recruitment process, the Township shall notify its employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities, 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro- Medonte Page 13 of 22 Page 26 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Selection Process: Notify job applicants, who are selected to participate in the selection process for a job, that accommodations are available upon request pertaining to the materials /processes to be used. And if the applicant requests an accommodation that the employer shall consult with the applicant and provide for a suitable accommodation with the ultimate decision resting with the employer. Offers of Employment: Notify the successful applicant of its policies for accommodating employees with disabilities. Informing Employees: Notify its employees of its policies used to support employees with disabilities including job accommodations; and Notify new employees, as soon as possible, as to their policies /practices with respect to accessibility and provide information to all employees when changes are made to their existing accessibility policies. Communication Supports for Employees: When an employee with disability requests, the Township will consult with the employee and provide the information needed to perform their job and any additional information that is available to other employees in accessible formats /communication support that is suitable, with the ultimate decision resting with the Township. Accommodation Plans for Employees: Shall develop and have in place a written process for the development of documented individuals accommodation plans for employees with disabilities; o The development process shall include: • The manner that the individual requesting the accommodation can participate in the development of the Plan; ■ The means by which the employee is assessed; • The manner in which the employer can request an evaluation by an outside expert (at the owner's expense) to determine if, how accommodation can be achieved; • The manner in which the employee can request participation by the bargaining agent or another representative; • The steps taken to protect privacy; • The frequency that plans will be reviewed and updated; • If an individual accommodation plan is denied, the manner that the employee will be notified of the denial; ■ The means of providing the individual accommodation plan in a format that takes into account the disability; Plans shall document the accessible formats /communications supports, include individualized workplace emergency response information and any other accommodations provided. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 14 of 22 Page 27 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Return to Work: Not overriding any other return to work process created under any other statute, the Township shall develop a return to work process that includes a documentation process for those who have been absent due to a disability and require a disability related accommodation to return to work; The process shall outline the steps the employer will take to facilitate the return to work and will use individual documented accommodation plans. Performance Management: When using performance management, the Township shall take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities and individual accommodation plans. Career Development/Advancement: An employer that provides career development and advancement to its employees shall take into account the accessibility needs of its employees with disabilities and individual accommodation plans. Redeployment: An employer that uses redeployment shall take into account the accessibility needs of its employees with disabilities and individual accommodation plans. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2014. Workplace Emergency Response Information: Shall provide individualized workplace emergency response information to employees who have a disability, if the disability is such that it is necessary and the Township is aware; With the employee's consent, the Township shall provide the emergency response information to the individual designated to assist the employee; Shall provide this information as such as practical after the Township becomes aware of the need for accommodation; Shall review individual workplace emergency response information when the employees changes location within the organization; when the employee's accommodation needs are reviewed and when the Township updates its general emergency response policies. Deadline for compliance: January 1, 2012. Transportation Standard: The Transportation Standard is a sector - specific standard. This standard will apply only to organizations that are in the business of providing or licensing passenger transportation services in the public and private sector, e.g. fixed route and public transit services, taxi services and school transportation. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 15 of 22 Page 28 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Built Environment Standard: The Built Environment Standard will address all elements of the built environment in both indoor and outdoor spaces including access, egress, circulation, parking, signage, and security. This standard is in development. It is expected that it will apply to all new construction or major renovations. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 16 of 22 Page 29 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Appendix 2a Township of Oro - Medonte Achievements 2009, 2010 Areas Addressed Customer Service Standard 5 staff trained as Accessibility Standards for Customer Service training facilitators Accessible Customer Service policies developed and reviewed by AAC Accessible Customer Service Training provided to all staff and Volunteers Facilities Established Accessibility reserve fund to assist in funding facility accessibility upgrades Completed building condition audits which provided accessibility recommendations on Township Community Halls and Oro - Medonte Community Arena and development of the Draft Strategic Facility Plan Oro - Medonte Community Arena Enhanced signage for designated parking spaces and access to elevator Hawkestone Hall Designated parking area and provided signage Installed exterior lighting Installed barrier free power operator on front door Jarratt Hall Improved transitions to ramp Washrooms — Lowered counters and changed hardware Old Town Hall Provided signage indicating ramp at rear of facility Oro - Medonte Administration Office Lowered counters for accessible service Increased widths of washroom entrances Added power door operator on bathrooms Other Accessibility Advisory Committee participation in a number of workshops and training including: Simcoe County Accessibility Network Symposium; A.M.C. T.O — Accessibility Workshop — Accessibility Standards for Customer Service; S.C.A.P.D — Workshop Introduction of revised policies and procedures for inclusion in Recreation programs and Summer Camps, associated staff training. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 17 of 22 Page 30 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Customer Service Survey conducted throughout the Township to determine levels of service and identify and service barriers. Development of fully accessible playground concept and recreation area for Buffalo Springs Development in partnership with developer. 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 18 of 22 Page 31 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Appendix 2b Township of Oro - Medonte Achievements 2011 Areas Addressed Customer Service Standard Accessible Customer Service Training provided to all new staff, volunteers and members Council Accessible Customer Service policies reviewed by AAC Facilities AAC conducted a site tour of all municipal facilities Oro - Medonte Administration Office Re- painted designated stalls and provide signage. Provided accessible curbing at rear of Facility. Removed all interlocking walkway stones and replaced with poured concrete walkways. 4TH Line OPP /Nurse Practitioner -Led Clinic Installed barrier free power door openers on front door Installed barrier free power door opener on public washroom Lowered counters in reception area Other Developed and submitted application for Enabling Accessibility Fund to install a fully accessible playground at Bayview Memorial Park. Accessibility Advisory Committee participated in A.M. C. T.0 — Update on Upcoming Requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 19 of 22 Page 32 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... . Appendix 2c Township of Oro-Medonte Achievements 2012 Areas Addressed Customer Service Standard Accessible Customer Service Training provided to all new staff, and volunteers Employment Standard Developed Employment Standards Policies for: Recruitment; Informing Employees of Supports Available; Provision of Information and Communications in Accessible Formats; Workplace Emergency Response Information; Individual Accommodation Plans; Return to Work; Performance Management; Career Development and Advancement, and Redeptoyment Facilities /AC conducted a site tour of all municipal facilities Developed a draft facility accessibility audit checklist Eady Community Hall Designated parking area and provided signage Jarratt Hall Designated parking area and provided signage Edgar Community Hall Designated parking area and provided signage Outdoor Spaces Successful with Enabling Accessibility Fund Application —|nmto||ed fully accessible playground at Bayview Memorial Park. lnstalled accessible playground features at the Hawkestone Park Other Updated Municipal Procurement Policy to ensure the Township incorporates Accessibility criteria when procuring/acquiring goods, services or facilities. Created a Township Accessibility Policy which outlines our commitment to the AODA and ensuring access to municipal services. Staff attended a one-day workshop hosted by Accessibility Experts Ltd on Information and Communications Standard — Accessible Document One Day Workshop 2013-2017 Multi-Year Accessibility PIan Township of Oro-Medonte Page 20 of 22 Page 33 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Appendix 3 Township of Oro - Medonte Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Priority A — within 12 months Priority B —1 - 2 Years Priority C - 3 - 5 Years Recommendation Priority Notes Customer Service Standard Accessible Customer Service Training provided to all new staff and Volunteers A Annually Accessible Customer Service policies reviewed by AAC C Following 2014 election Information and Communications Standard Development of a feedback/communication policy and tools to ensure processes are accessible to person with a disability - providing /arranging for the provision of accessible formats /supports upon request. B Identification of providers of alternative accessible formats /supports (braille, audio etc.) such that the Township will be able to respond to requests in a timely manner. C Notification of the availability of accessible formats /supports to be made on the municipal website and through corporate communications with the public. C Facilities Finalize facility accessibility audit checklist A Oro - Medonte Community Arena Barrier Free Dressing Room A New Concept Plan includes 2 barrier free change rooms Review "New" Facility conceptual plan for appropriate layout A Complete as part of Strategic Facility Plan Incorporate Built Env. Standards in further detailed design of a new facility if this direction is taken A Review and revise standards in conjunction with built environment Hawkestone Hall Lower Mirrors in bathrooms A Outstanding Provide lift to basement C Review based on degree of facility use 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 21 of 22 Page 34 of 66 5d) Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate and Strategic In... Jarratt Hall Eliminate drop between kitchen area and concrete floor B Review based on degree of facility use Include Modifications to ramp to meet current OBC and provide a power door operator B Review based on degree of facility use Eady Community Hall Modify Ramp to meet current OBC A Under Review Include Ramp to stage C Review based on degree of facility use Modify counters and cabinetry In basement C Review based on degree of facility use Power operator installed on front Door C Review based on degree of facility use Provide lift to basement C Review based on degree of facility use Old Town Hall Designate parking spaces and provide signage B Outstanding — location of ramp vis a vis parking lot is not appropria for sign installation. Modify Ramp to comply to current OBC and add power Operator C Review based on degree of facility use Edgar Community Hall Provide hard surface from stalls to ramp C Review based on degree of facility use Enhance bathroom to be Accessible C Review based on degree of facility use Include power operator to exterior Door C Review based on degree of facility use Carley Community Hall Exterior ramp and power operator installed C Review based on degree of facility use Replace two bathroom stalls with accessible bathroom C Review based on degree of facility use Oro - Medonte Administration Office Lower counters and hardware in bathrooms A Outdoor Spaces AAC to review regional and township Classification of park B Pave Trail/Walking Access to Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park A Included in 2013 Budget Pave Trail/Walking Access to Bayview Memorial Park A Included in 2013 Budget 2013 -2017 Multi -Year Accessibility Plan Township of Oro - Medonte Page 22 of 22 Page 35 of 66 5e) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator, re: Draft Pu... Toavnship qf tilleCtos te/ Proud Heritage, Exciting Future Name: Item Number /Name: Meeting Date: Type of Meeting: Verbal Matters (Section 12.3 of Township's Procedural By -Law No. 2011 -011) Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator 5e) Draft Purchasing By -Law - Excerpt related to Accessibility 01 31 2013 Council Committee of Adjustment X Special Council Accessibility Advisory Committee Recreational Technical Support Group Speaking Notes: • The Committee Coordinator noted that staff was drafting an updated Purchasing By- Law and requested comments from the Accessibility Advisory Committee. 2/25/13 Page 36 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Building Code Consultation Paper Accessible Built Environment December 2012 - March 2013 �r'j r Ontario Page 37 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Contents Introduction 1 About the consultation 1 How to use this consultation paper 2 About the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 3 The Final Proposed Standard 3 The built environment 4 About Ontario's Building Code 5 Code development in Ontario 6 Analysis and Development of Potential Changes 8 Costing Information 8 General approach 9 Consultation Process 11 Accessible Formats 11 Key Areas of the Consultation 12 1. Renovation 12 2. Barrier -Free Path of Travel (Common Access and Circulation) 14 3. Vertical Access (Elevators) 15 4. Visitable Suites in Multi -Unit Residential Buildings 16 5. Adaptable Design and Construction 18 6. Visual Fire Alarms 19 7. Washrooms 20 8. Use of Educational and Resource Materials 21 9. Other Technical and Administrative Changes 22 Other Technical Matters 24 Emissions Standards for Wood- Burning Appliances 24 Industry Standards for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems 24 Updated Standards for Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation Design 24 Comment Submission 25 Steps to submission 25 Online Information Sessions 26 Page 38 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Introduction Ontario's Building Code establishes the minimum standards for the construction of the buildings in which we all live, work and play every day. By providing clear and consistent standards, Ontario's Building Code facilitates the work of builders and developers and helps keep Ontarians safe while allowing for the advancement of the government's key priorities. One of those key priorities is an accessible Ontario. Barrier -free design requirements have been part of Ontario's Building Code since 1975. As part of achieving Ontario's goal of an accessible Ontario by 2025, Ontario is working to create a Building Code that demonstrates leadership in barrier -free design and is responsive to the needs and concerns of all its stakeholders. Ensuring the Building Code works for all Ontarians requires the close collaboration of many stakeholders. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is responsible for administering the Building Code. Municipalities, health units and conservation authorities are responsible for enforcement of the provisions of the Code in their communities. Meanwhile, builders, designers and manufacturers all have a role in assuring that buildings are constructed in compliance with the Code's requirements. That is why Ontario is looking for your views on potential changes to the barrier - free design requirements in the Building Code. Your participation in this public consultation is important. About the consultation A new edition of the Building Code is generally made every five years following the publication of the model National Building Code. The Ontario government has recently released the new 2012 edition of the Building Code, which will begin to come into force on January 1, 2014. It is expected that any potential changes to barrier -free requirements will be made through an interim amendment to the 2012 Building Code. This consultation is designed to generate input from a broad range of stakeholders and the public, including the building and design sectors, community organizations and people with disabilities, municipalities, and the broader public sector. Your feedback on these potential changes will help shape new requirements for barrier - free design in the Building Code. The consultation focuses on potential updates and changes to current Code requirements in a number of key areas, including: • Renovations • Barrier -free path of travel (common access and circulation) • Vertical access (elevators) • Visitable suites in multi -unit residential buildings 1 Page 39 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... • Adaptable design and construction • Visual fire alarms • Washrooms • Use of educational materials and resources These topics are outlined in detail in the Key Areas of the Consultation section of this document. How to use this consultation paper This consultation paper describes Ontario's Building Code and the Code development process, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Final Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard. It provides a plain language description of potential changes to the requirements currently included in the Code. It also provides information on how to participate in the public consultations. Technical details of the potential changes to the Building Code are provided online in a PDF format. This technical documentation is provided for Code practitioners and technical experts interested in reviewing the potential changes to the Building Code in detail. 2 Page 40 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... About the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. The purpose of the AODA is to benefit all Ontarians by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards. The goal is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises by January 1, 2025. The legislation prescribes mechanisms for the development of accessibility standards. Upon introducing the legislation, the government committed to establishing accessibility standards in five key areas of daily living. Regulated standards for accessible customer service, information and communication, employment and transportation are now in place. The built environment, including buildings and public spaces, is the fifth standard remaining to fulfil the government's 2005 commitment. The Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) is responsible for development and enforcement of accessibility standards under the AODA through the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO). The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), through the Building and Development Branch (BDB) is the primary partner ministry for the built environment. The Accessible Built Environment Final Proposed Standard The Minister of Community and Social Services appointed an Accessible Built Environment Standards Development Committee in 2007 to develop a final proposed standard. The committee was made up of individuals with disabilities or representatives of organizations for persons with disabilities (50 per cent) and representatives of obligated organizations (such as architects, designers, builders, municipalities, and public sector organizations). The committee's task was to: • Develop an initial proposed standard for public review and comment; • Consider comments received during a public review and make any changes the committee considered advisable; and, • Submit a final proposed standard to the Minister of Community and Social Services for consideration. The committee submitted its Final Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard to the Minister of Community and Social Services in July 2010. The Government may accept in full, in part, or with modifications, the recommendations of the Final Proposed Standard. 3 Page 41 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... The built environment The scope of the Final Proposed Standard included public and private sector buildings, and public spaces such as parks, recreational trails and play spaces. MCSS is responsible for considering the public spaces recommendations for regulation under the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation, while MMAH is responsible for considering the building recommendations as potential amendments to the Building Code. This dual approach ensures that construction requirements remain consolidated in the Building Code, in keeping with the government's commitment to streamline regulatory requirements where possible. Continuing to regulate barrier -free requirements through the Building Code also ensures that requirements are enforced locally through the building permit process. Requirements for public spaces are currently under development. A draft regulation was posted for public review last summer 2012. For more information on potential standards for public spaces, please contact www.ontario.ca /AccessOn or the ServiceOntario AODA Contact Centre at 1- 866 - 515 -2025. 4 Page 42 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... About Ontario's Building Code Ontario's Building Code is authorized by the Building Code Act, 1992. The Act is the legislative framework governing the construction, renovation, change of use and demolition of buildings in Ontario. The Building Code is a regulation authorized by the Act, and sets out detailed administrative and technical requirements. Ontario's Building Code has been in effect since 1975. Prior to the enactment of the first provincial Building Code Act in 1974, individual municipalities were responsible for developing their own building codes, resulting in a fragmented and potential confusing regulatory environment. The introduction of the provincial Building Code addressed this problem by providing for uniform construction standards across Ontario. The 2006 edition of the Building Code represented a departure from past editions in that it was written in an "objective- based" format that sets out the rationale underlying the technical provisions of the Code. These provisions relate to: health and safety (including fire protection, structural sufficiency and sanitation), barrier - free accessibility, energy and water conservation and environmental integrity, and conservation of buildings. The objective -based format is intended to encourage innovation in building materials, systems, and designs, and to provide greater flexibility to the industry in meeting the objectives and requirements of the Building Code. This format has continued in the newly released 2012 Building Code. The Building Code has included basic accessibility requirements since its development in 1975. Since that time, buildings intended for public access have been built with accessibility features such as ramps and wider doors. Accessibility requirements have been enhanced with each new edition of the Building Code. Accessibility requirements related to renovations were introduced in 1997. The 2006 Building Code included numerous changes to the Code's barrier -free accessibility requirements including: • Enhanced requirements for power door operator controls; • Increased widths for barrier -free paths of travel and ramps in a barrier -free path of travel; and, • Requirements that at least 10 per cent of suites (to a maximum of 20) in a hotel or motel meet minimum barrier -free requirements including the requirement for visual fire alarms. In November 2012, Ontario released the new 2012 edition of the Building Code. The new Building Code ensures that Ontario's construction regulations remain consistent with other provinces and territories, substantially improves energy- 5 Page 43 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... efficiency requirements, and makes Ontario one of the leading jurisdictions in North America for water conservation. The new Code regulations largely take effect in January of 2014, providing time until then for industry to understand the new requirements and for technical training materials to be developed. It is proposed that any enhancements to accessibility requirements will be made as an amendment to the 2012 Building Code, following the public consultation and technical review process outlined here. Ontario's new 2012 Building Code, as well as the 2006 Building Code edition, is available at www.ontario.ca /e -laws. ServiceOntario publishes the Building Code Compendium, which contains the Code, MMAH supplementary standards referenced in the Code, appendix notes, and other documentation. The new 2012 Building Code Compendium will be available in summer of 2013. The compendium and other Code products can be ordered through the ServiceOntario at www.ontario.ca /publications. Code development in Ontario Changes to Ontario's Building Code are in response to: • Government priorities; • Changes in other jurisdictions; • Proposals from the public and stakeholders; and, • Changing technology and industry standards. New editions of the Building Code and significant interim amendments are considered changes to the current Building Code. Most changes undergo a review that consists of a public consultation on potential Code changes followed by evaluation by one or more Building Code Technical Advisory Committees. The Building Code development process is designed to specifically examine potential Building Code changes. Public consultation and review by Technical Advisory Committees ensure that the building industry and building officials have an opportunity to contribute their extensive knowledge and practical experience. A key part of ensuring that potential Code changes deliver on the intent of the Standard Development Committee recommendations is making sure that they are technically feasible and enforceable by building officials. As Code changes are developed and reviewed by Technical Advisory Committee members and government, a number of factors are considered. These include: • Technical feasibility of the potential changes; • Alignment with Building Code objectives (including barrier -free accessibility) and broader government priorities; • Cost implications; • Impact on design flexibility; 6 Page 44 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... • Capacity of industry to implement the changes; and, • The ability of municipalities and other local authorities to enforce any new requirements. With all new editions or amendments to the Code, the government seeks to develop a balanced package of changes that will enhance existing requirements, support the economy and Ontario's building industry, and maintain Ontario's position as a leader within Canada. Recommendations submitted by Technical Advisory Committees are considered by the Ministry to develop potential Code changes for review by Cabinet; the Building Code is a regulation made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Code changes take effect on a date specified in the regulation. A transition period is generally provided for changes which have significant stakeholder impacts. 7 Page 45 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Analysis and Development of Potential Changes Since the submission of the Accessible Built Environment Final Proposed Standard, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has undertaken considerable policy and technical analysis of the recommendations as they pertain to the Building Code. Based on this analysis, the package of potential changes described in this consultation paper would enhance accessibility requirements within the scope of the Building Code, while meeting the intent of the Final Proposed Standard. Costing information A number of recommendations were analyzed in order to understand their potential impact on construction costs in Ontario. Recommendations included in cost analysis were those that added to the building area, or increased the size, types and number of fixtures in the buildings. The costing analysis compared four generic building prototypes including 11 different occupancies against the same buildings with enhanced accessibility features. It also looked at cost differences between locating the buildings in Southern Ontario (Greater Toronto Area) versus Northern Ontario (Sudbury). This exercise identified the incremental costs of individual elements and any cost increases associated with the potential changes, the application of those elements to the building design and then adjusted the cost increase over the entire building. In general, the cost variance between the generic buildings and modified buildings for each prototype were relatively small. The cost increases for each building prototype were: • Office building 0.59 per cent • Apartment building 0.88 per cent • College residence 1.99 per cent • Community school /recreation centre 1.05 per cent Providing a transition period before Code changes come into effect would help ensure that industry will be able to anticipate and budget for any additional costs. Greater opportunities for people with disabilities and Ontario's aging population to access retail, employment, and residential spaces may also create economic benefits. 8 Page 46 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... General approach Ministry analysis has outlined a general approach to potential changes to the Building Code. The general approach has been informed by the following principles and information: 1. Building Code scope, application and non - building elements The Building Code would continue to be the key regulatory vehicle for the implementation of accessibility requirements related to the construction, renovation, and change of use of buildings. Recommendations related to non - building design elements (e.g., millwork, finish materials, fixtures and non - building equipment, colours and furniture) and the maintenance and operations of buildings would not be incorporated into the Building Code. Barrier -free retrofits of existing buildings, where no renovations are planned, would not be required. 2. Timelines Changes to the Building Code would be phased in to allow the building and design industry to plan for and adjust to new requirements. This approach is consistent with past practice and Ontario's goal of building a streamlined and focused regulatory environment. 3. Interjurisdictional and academic research Accessibility requirements set out in Ontario's Building Code are generally consistent with or exceed requirements in other jurisdictions, including the rest of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Potential changes included in this consultation would maintain Ontario's position as a leader in Canada and be generally consistent with or other leading jurisdictions worldwide. A recent research project commissioned by the United States Access Board has identified measures that may result in new changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards ( "Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility Project," 2010). This research has informed the development of the potential changes described in this paper. 4. Wheeled mobility devices The Building Code would continue to contain provisions to accommodate a person using a manual wheelchair. The current requirement is consistent with recommendations for the design of public spaces as well as the current Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Based on research, it has been determined that the width required to accommodate manual wheelchairs (which have a wider wheel base than other wheeled mobility devices) is generally sufficient to accommodate individuals using electric wheelchairs and scooters, although the smaller turning space provided may not allow a 90- degree turn by users of electric wheelchairs and scooters (for example, the user may have to make a T- turn). 9 Page 47 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... The Ministry of Health and Long -Term Care indicates that funding for manual wheelchairs is significantly more in demand than funding for power wheelchairs and scooters, based on aggregate statistics from 2004 -2010. Statistics Canada data from the 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey similarly indicates much higher use of manual wheelchairs among Canadians with mobility limitations, as compared to use of electric wheelchairs and scooters. 10 Page 48 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Consultation Process Public consultation is open until March 1, 2013. Your participation is important and encouraged, given that consultations and subsequent feedback will help guide the development of updated barrier -free requirements in Ontario's Building Code. Following the consultation, the technical changes and all comments received from the public will be reviewed by Building Code Technical Advisory Committees. The Technical Advisory Committees are comprised of broad, balanced and independent representatives of stakeholder organizations. Members of the committees are selected based on their leadership and technical expertise in building design and construction. The Technical Advisory Committee for barrier -free design includes members of organizations that represent people with disabilities. Based on their technical analysis, the Technical Advisory Committees will then provide recommendations to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The committees' recommendations will carefully consider factors such as the technical feasibility of potential Code changes, alignment with Code objectives, cost implications, public safety, impact on design flexibility, capacity of industry to implement and the ability to enforce. Recommendations submitted by the Technical Advisory Committees will be considered by the Government in developing proposed changes to the Building Code. Accessible formats All consultation materials are available online in accessible formats. The consultation paper is also available in Braille or large print formats. For a hard copy of the consultation paper in Braille or large print, please contact: • Elisheva Bouskila Fox, Policy Advisor Tel: 416 - 585 -6515 Email: elisheva.bouskila - fox ©ontario.ca 11 Page 49 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Key Areas of the Consultation 1. Renovation Final Proposed Standard Recommendation The Final Proposed Standard recommended that barrier -free requirements apply to a broader range of renovations with limited exemptions (such as for certain areas not normally occupied on a daily basis, or where renovation is technically infeasible, structurally impractical, or would create "hardship "). The Final Proposed Standard also recommended an exemption where barrier -free requirements adversely affect the natural, cultural, or heritage value of a protected facility or environment. The Final Proposed Standard also recommended that parts of buildings that provide access to renovated suites should be made accessible (via a barrier -free path of travel) or by developing a plan for accessibility. Current Building Code Requirements Barrier -free design requirements apply to existing buildings only when "extensive renovations" are undertaken based on a number of criteria. Moreover, requirements apply only to the area (i.e. "suite ") undergoing renovation, not to the entire building. Barrier -free design requirements do not apply to "basic renovations" (e.g., removing a non -load- bearing wall). Extensive renovations must meet barrier -free design requirements if: 1. The interior walls or floors within the suite are substantially removed; 2. New interior walls or floors are installed; 3. The suite is larger than 300 m2; and 4. The suite is located on a floor area where the existing difference in elevation between the adjacent ground level and the floor level is not more than 200 mm or, on a floor accessible by an elevator. The approach in Ontario's Building Code is consistent with requirements in other jurisdictions (Canadian model National Building Code, United States, Australia, and United Kingdom). 12 Page 50 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Potential Changes to the Building Code • Extensive renovations in suites larger than 300 m2 and located on an accessible floor level would continue to be subject to full barrier -free design requirements set out in the Building Code. • For all extensive renovations in smaller suites or that are not located on a fully accessible floor level (for example, located on the ground floor but with several steps at the entrance way, or located on a higher storey in a building without barrier -free access to all storeys), a number of barrier -free upgrades to the building would be required, such as: - Wider clear door widths (minimum 860 mm clear space); - Lever door handles; - Visual cues for glass doors; and - Provision of an "ambulatory accessible stall" to be provided in cases where a barrier -free stall or washroom is not provided. These stalls can accommodate certain kinds of assistive devices used by people with disabilities (e.g. individuals with limited balance or who walk with a cane or walker). These stalls are slightly larger than standard washroom stalls and are equipped with parallel grab bars, a barrier -free water closet, widened clear door widths, and door latches. However, they do not include turning space required for individuals using wheelchairs. Rationale and Considerations • Barriers in existing buildings are a significant and ongoing concern for Ontarians with disabilities. Where feasible, using renovation work undertaken by the building owner as an opportunity to eliminate these barriers would be a significant improvement to accessibility across Ontario. • The potential changes meet the intent of the Standard Development Committee, in proposing that all extensive renovations include certain accessibility upgrades. • The potential changes would enhance accessibility requirements for all extensive renovations, taking a staged approach to increasing accessibility in existing building stock. The maintenance and renovation of existing building stock supports protection of the environment, conservation of resources, the preservation of architectural heritage, and municipal planning and density requirements. • Many small businesses are located in older or infill buildings along mainstreets with a small number of entrance steps. Where providing a ramp for full barrier - free access into the building is not technically feasible (due to potentially significant structural work), enhanced barrier -free features within the building could still be provided, affording greater opportunities for all Ontarians to access small retail and employment spaces. 13 Page 51 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... 2. Barrier -Free Path of Travel (Common Access and Circulation) Final Proposed Standard Recommendation The Final Proposed Standard included a number of recommendations intended to enhance barrier -free access and circulation. A number of these recommendations are already included in or exceeded by the current Building Code, or addressed in the proposed regulation on exterior public spaces. Other recommendations proposed enhanced measures to facilitate barrier -free access and circulation throughout buildings. These addressed building entrances, ramps, stairs, doors and doorways, and floor surfaces, among others. Current Building Code Requirements The Building Code requires a barrier -free path of travel throughout most occupancies and building types. In addition, the Building Code sets a number of requirements related to common access and circulation, including minimum provisions to accommodate a person using a typical manual wheelchair or other manual mobility assistance devices (such as walkers or canes). These include requirements related to building entrances, minimum doorway and corridor widths, ramp dimensions, passing and rest spaces, and turning spaces. Exterior walks connected to a building are addressed by the Code. The Code sets minimum requirements for exterior barrier -free paths of travel as well as setting requirements for curb ramps. Requirements in Ontario are consistent with or exceed standards in other jurisdictions, including requirements set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Potential Changes to the Building Code • Update and enhance Building Code requirements, such as: - Requiring a minimum clear width of 860 mm for doorways; - Reducing ramp slopes to a maximum slope of 1 in 15; and - Requiring power door operator rough -ins for all doors throughout the barrier - free path of travel. • Allow T- shaped turning spaces as an additional design option. • Update curb ramp requirements (where the curb ramp is directly related to a building) and set prescriptive requirements for Tactile Walking Surface Indicators, based on new guidelines and best practices in use by other jurisdictions. (Proposed Building Code requirements would not apply to requirements addressed by the proposed Design of Public Spaces regulation developed by the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.) • Require a barrier -free path of travel to roof spaces where public amenities are provided (such as a rooftop garden or pool area). 14 Page 52 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Rationale and Considerations • The potential changes are consistent with the intent of the Standard Development Committee, by enhancing requirements for barrier -free circulation within buildings, and broadening their application. • US Access Board research conducted in 2010 recommended minimum dimensions necessary to accommodate 95 per cent of manual wheelchair users. Based on this research, updated dimensions are proposed in this consultation. The potential changes would accommodate a higher proportion of power wheelchair users as well. • Roof areas are increasingly being used to provide amenities such as rooftop gardens, bars, and barbeques. Making these roof areas accessible would allow persons with disabilities to enjoy these amenities. • Providing rough -ins for power door operators would reduce the potential costs of installation if they are needed at a later date, and would support the needs of Ontario's aging population. 3. Vertical Access (Elevators) Final Proposed Standard Recommendation The Final Proposed Standard recommended an accessible route to all floors, and indicated that elevators are a preferred means of travel. The Final Proposed Standard recommended that escalators not be included as an acceptable option for accessible routes. The recommendations also included design requirements for elevators, other platform lifts, moving walks, ramps and elevator lobbies. Current Building Code Requirements The Building Code requires at least one firefighter elevator in buildings that are 18 metres (approximately six storeys) or higher. Elevators are also required in certain care and treatment occupancies with sleeping rooms for residents and patients (e.g., nursing homes and hospitals). A barrier -free path of travel is required throughout the entrance storey of a building and within all normally occupied floor areas where that floor is served by an elevating device or ramp with the exception of certain service areas (e.g., elevator machine rooms). Elevators that are part of a barrier -free path of travel must meet the requirements of the Canadian Standards Association Standard B44 Appendix E, "Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators ". 15 Page 53 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Elevator design is regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, administered by the Ministry of Consumer Services. Specific requirements for elevator design are not addressed in the Building Code. Potential Changes to the Building Code Require a barrier -free path of travel between storeys in a broader range of buildings and occupancies: • Group A, Division 1 (assembly - performing arts) - all buildings • Group A, Division 2 (miscellaneous assembly) - all buildings, with specified exemptions for restaurants, bowling alleys, licensed beverage establishments, and childcare facilities • Group A, Division 3 (assembly - arena) - all buildings • Group A, Division 4 (assembly - open air) - not required • Group B, all divisions (detention, care and treatment, care) - all buildings • Group C (residential) - buildings 3 storeys and above or 600 meters squared and above • Group D (business, personal services) - buildings 3 storeys and above or 600 meters squared and above • Group E (mercantile) - all buildings • Group F, all divisions (industrial) - not required In addition, escalators are proposed to be removed from the list of barrier -free design options for access between storeys. Rationale and Considerations • The potential change is consistent with the intent of the Standard Development Committee to require elevators in a greater number of buildings. • The potential approach will ensure that Ontario is consistent with or leads requirements in other jurisdictions (the United States and Australia, for example, require an accessible route through buildings 3 storeys or more). • The potential approach enhances accessibility in buildings, while mitigating the cost, space impact, and design complexity of installing elevators in small buildings. • Exemptions would generally address occupancies where equivalent amenities are provided on both storeys. Requirements for childcare facilities are set by the Day Nurseries Act. 4. Visitable Suites in Multi -Unit Residential Buildings Final Proposed Standard Recommendation The Final Proposed Standard recommended that, for Group C (residential) major occupancy apartment buildings, 100 per cent of suites shall be visitable (i.e., designed to limit barriers to visitors with disabilities), and higher standards set for visitability. 16 Page 54 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Current Building Code Requirements The Building Code requires that no fewer than 10 per cent of residential apartment building suites (for both rental and condo ownership buildings) have a barrier -free path of travel through the suite entrance door to the doorway of at least one bathroom. Although minimum room areas are specified, the Building Code does not require rooms to be barrier -free, i.e., it does not specify turning space requirements within apartments. The Building Code requires a barrier -free entrance and path of travel throughout common areas of an apartment building. It does not require power -door operators at the main entrance of an apartment building. Requirements in Ontario are consistent with, and in some cases exceed, requirements in other jurisdictions. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires five per cent of units, and not less than one, to be accessible. Potential Changes to the Building Code Increase the current Building Code requirement for suites with barrier -free features in residential apartment buildings to 15 per cent of suites, as well as enhancing the barrier -free features within those suites and increasing the choice of those suites within a building. Potential changes to barrier -free requirements include: • Not less than 15 per cent of residential suites must include the following barrier - free features: - A barrier -free path of travel from the suite entrance door through: (a) a barrier -free doorway through at least one bedroom at the same level, and (b) a barrier -free doorway through at least one bathroom, having a clear floor space with 1.5 m2 turning diameter or a T- shaped turning space. - Clear door opening and minimum width of 860 mm through to kitchen. - Suite must be level throughout the main floor. - A shower or bathtub must be provided in the bathroom on the barrier -free path of travel. • Suites with barrier -free features must be dispersed throughout the building to provide choice. • Suites with barrier -free features must proportionately reflect the variety of suite sizes and types provided in the building (e.g., one - bedroom, two - bedroom, and three - bedroom units). • Suite entrance doors in all residential apartment buildings must include rough - ins for power door operators, to facilitate installation if needed at a later date. • Building entrance and entry vestibule doors must be equipped with power -door operators in all Group C (residential) occupancies (such as apartment buildings, hotels, and dormitories). 17 Page 55 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Rationale and Considerations • The potential change is consistent with the intent of the Standard Development Committee to enhance the accessibility of Ontario's apartments for a broad range of disabilities. - According to 2006 Statistics Canada data, 2.93 million of Canadian adults (11.5 per cent) reported some limitations due to a mobility disability. This includes all reported mobility disabilities, classified as mild, moderate, severe, or very severe. - In addition, 2006 data indicated that, 277,550 (or roughly 9.5 per cent of those reporting disabilities) Canadians used manual or electric wheelchairs or scooters as a mobility aid. - A requirement for 15 per cent of suites to be visitable reflects statistical information on Canadian population characteristics. • The Final Proposed Standard recommendation refers to the accessibility of apartment suites for visitors with disabilities. Enhancing the barrier -free features within these suites would allow persons with disabilities to use the major amenities of the suite without undertaking substantial renovation. • Requiring a higher number of accessible suites would likely increase the overall cost of buildings (see anticipated cost impacts on page 8) and reduce the number of suites permitted on a property. • Providing rough -ins for power door operators would reduce the potential costs of installation if they are needed at a later date, and supports the needs of Ontario's aging population. 5. Adaptable Design and Construction Final Proposed Standard Recommendation The Final Proposed Standard recommended that, for Group C (residential) major occupancy apartment buildings, 50 per cent of suites shall be adaptable (i.e., designed in a way to facilitate future barrier -free renovations as needed). Current Building Code Requirements The Code does not currently address general requirements for adaptable construction. In all dwelling units, main bathrooms are required to be reinforced so as to allow for the future installation of grab bars adjacent to the water closet and shower or bathtub. Potential Changes to the Building Code • Promote adaptable construction in Ontario homes, by requiring that kitchen walls have sufficient loading capacity to support cupboards and counters at a range of heights, including in single - family houses. • Current industry practices support broader adaptability through open- concept design. 18 Page 56 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... • Design guidelines and educational materials addressing adaptable construction may be appropriate to include in educational and resource material addressing barrier -free housing design. Rationale and Considerations • Ensuring that dwellings include more easily adaptable kitchens and bathrooms would support "aging -in- place" and the needs of an aging population. The Ontario Seniors' Secretariat has indicated that the number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.9 million in 2011 to 4.2 million in 2036 (23.6 per cent of the population). 6. Visual Fire Alarms Final Proposed Standard Recommendation The Final Proposed Standard recommended that all emergency alarms should have an auditory and visual mode in multi -unit residential buildings including student residences. It also recommended visual fire alarms in all universal toilet rooms as well as in all public spaces and guest rooms of hotels and motels. Current Building Code Requirements The Building Code requires that visual fire alarms must be installed (in addition to audible fire alarms) in: • A building or portions of buildings intended for use primarily by persons with hearing impairment; • Public corridors serving buildings with assembly, care, business and personal services, and commercial occupancies (including arenas, theatres, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, office buildings and retail establishments); • Assembly occupancies such as arenas, theatres, and churches must also have visual fire alarms in their auditorium area and anywhere else the public might congregate; and, • At least 10 per cent of hotel and motel suites. Visual fire alarms are not required in private homes, classrooms or small care occupancies (i.e., 10 or fewer people or six or fewer people requiring assistance). Potential Changes to the Building Code • Require that all hardwired smoke alarms include a visual component, including in single - family houses. This would include at least one hardwired smoke alarm on every level, as well as one hardwired smoke alarm in every sleeping room. 19 Page 57 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... • Require that all residential apartment building suites include rough -ins for visual fire alarms. Rationale and Considerations • Health Canada states that approximately 10 per cent of Canadians have a significant hearing problem. This potential change would enhance the safety and security of individuals with auditory impairments. • While smoke alarms with a visual component are relatively low in cost (an approximate additional $10), the cost of equipping a building or dwelling unit with visual fire alarms is more expensive (approximately $500 to $1,000). • This potential change would support "aging -in- place," as buildings outfitted with visual fire safety devices help to address the needs of an aging population, in which the prevalence of hearing impairments is increasing. The Ontario Seniors' Secretariat has indicated that the number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.9 million in 2011 to 4.2 million in 2036 (23.6 per cent of the population). • The potential change would bring Ontario standards higher than those in other jurisdictions. Currently, requirements in Ontario are generally consistent with those set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act. 7. Washrooms Final Proposed Standard Recommendation The Final Proposed Standard included a number of recommendations intended to enhance the accessibility of barrier -free washrooms, showers, and bathtubs in publicly accessible buildings. These addressed the recommended number of barrier -free washrooms per building, as well as proposed changes to clear floor space within washrooms, stall sizes and door widths, grab bars, washroom accessories, and emergency call switches. The Final Proposed Standard also recommended increasing the minimum required number of universal toilet rooms per building and requiring an adult change table in each universal toilet room. Current Building Code Requirements The Building Code requires barrier -free washrooms to be provided in public areas of buildings where barrier -free requirements apply (i.e., exempting houses, high hazard industrial buildings, and buildings not intended for daily or full -time occupancy such as pumphouses and substations). These washrooms must be situated on a barrier -free path of travel and are subject to a number of requirements addressing turning space, doorway widths, grab bars, counter heights, and signage, among others. The Building Code also sets requirements related to showers and bathtubs. One universal toilet room per building is required, with a clear turning space with a minimum diameter. Requirements in Ontario's Code are consistent with those in other jurisdictions 20 Page 58 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Potential Changes to the Building Code • Update and enhance current Building Code requirements, such as: - Amending mounting height and location requirements for washroom accessories such as towel dispensers and hand dryers; - Adding fold -down grab bar design options to allow for transfer space on both sides of the water closet; - Removing the option to provide a diagonal rather than L- shaped grab bar; - Specifications for accessible urinals; and, - Requiring a minimum clear floor area of 1.5 m2 within washroom stalls for turning space. • Require power door operators to be installed at entrances to all barrier -free washrooms, including washrooms where a barrier -free stall is provided. • Allow T- shaped turning spaces as an additional design option for washroom clear turning space dimensions. • Require at least one universal toilet room in all buildings, and, for multi- storey buildings, at least one for every three floors. • Require space to be provided for an adult change table in all universal toilet rooms. Rationale and Considerations • The potential approach is consistent with the intent of the Standard Development Committee, while mitigating space and cost concerns in washroom design. • Adult change tables facilitate privacy for persons with disabilities requiring assisted care. Providing space for adult change tables to be provided in universal toilet rooms would ensure that property owners and managers have the flexibility to provide needed facilities while balancing security, maintenance, and cost concerns. 8. Use of Guidelines and Resource Materials Final Proposed Standard Recommendation The Final Proposed Standard made recommendations for non - building design elements such as tonal contrast (e.g., tonal contrast of at least 70 per cent between doors and the surrounding environment), colour (e.g., colour and texture to distinguish hallways and pathways), glare (e.g., shower floors to have a non - glare surface), noise (e.g., common -use work areas to be free of unnecessary background noise) and furniture placement (e.g., transient lodging guest rooms to have sufficient space around furniture). Current Building Code Requirements 21 Page 59 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Non - building design elements are not part of the Building Code. Certain types of buildings that have additional conditions beyond the Building Code tend to be addressed by requirements outlined by the jurisdiction of interest (e.g., Ministry of the Attorney General guidelines for courtrooms and Ministry of Health and Long Term Care standards for hospitals). Ontario's Building Code Compendium includes explanatory Appendix Notes intended to provide examples and information on technical requirements. These include Appendix Notes on requirements for barrier -free design, which provide information on where requirements may apply and provide illustrated diagrams of design items such as doorway clearances, access aisles in parking areas, and shower and washroom clearances. Potential Changes to the Building Code Alternative mechanisms such as design guidelines should be considered for certain Final Proposed Standard recommendations that fall outside the scope of the Building Code and are not otherwise addressed by existing guidelines. These guidelines would include best practices, be non - regulatory and support industry. New and updated non - regulatory Appendix Notes on barrier -free design requirements are also proposed. For example, the current Appendix Note that provides information on the general accessibility requirements in the Code is proposed to be amended to provide a broadened understanding of accessibility, beyond accommodations intended for the use of wheeled mobility devices. In addition, illustrated diagrams of new design concepts such as T- shaped turning spaces and ambulatory washroom stalls are proposed. Rationale and Considerations • The Building Code comprises the minimum standards for the construction, renovation, and change of use of buildings. Its scope covers basic, day -to -day barrier -free construction requirements (e.g., barrier -free entry into buildings, barrier -free access throughout buildings and barrier -free access into publicly accessible washrooms). • Non - building elements fall outside the scope of the Building Code. They can also be more difficult to enforce since their installation or alteration does not require a building permit. • Appendix Notes and other explanatory material are valuable to building officials and the design industry and are frequently consulted through the building permit process. 9. Other Technical and Administrative Changes 22 Page 60 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... A number of recommendations included in the Final Proposed Standard are also under consideration as part of this public consultation, but do not fit within the categories described above. These recommendations tend to address specific spaces such as pools, theatres, and parking garages. Potential Changes to Barrier -Free Access for Pools, Spas, and Locker Rooms • Requiring barrier -free access into and out of public pools and spas, through a ramp or pool lift. Options for transfer walls and pool stairs, in addition to a ramp or lift, would be provided. • Requiring tactile surface indicators around the pool edge. • Requiring a barrier -free path of travel from the entrance to the pool area and change facilities. • Requiring barrier -free washrooms to be provided in the change area. Potential Changes to Access Aisles and Clearances Within Parking Garages • Currently, the Code requires that entrance for vehicles to and from parking garages, and specifically to accessible parking spaces, have a minimum of 2100 mm vertical clearance. The potential change described here would also require that a minimum of 2500 mm vertical clearance is provided to and from accessible van parking spaces in parking garages. • For passenger loading zones, an access aisle with minimum dimensions of two metres wide and seven metres long would be required. Potential Changes to Amended Requirements for Accessibility Seating Spaces • Expanded dimensions for seating spaces, so that they are a minimum of 900 mm wide, and 2200 mm long when accessed from a side approach or 1370 mm long when accessed from the front or rear. • Requiring accessible spaces to be dispersed throughout the seating area, to provide a choice of viewing location and a clear view of the event taking place. • Requiring the theatre to be provided with storage for mobility devices. • Requiring seats to be provided with at least one adjacent companion seat. Technical and Administrative Clarifications Other Code changes for consultation reflect a review of current requirements and feedback from Building Code users. A number of technical clarifications and new definitions are proposed to provide greater clarity to designers and building officials. Examples include clarifying requirements for guards at landings, clarifying where a sloped floor must be designed as a ramp, and clarifying requirements for barrier -free showers where a group of showers is provided. 23 Page 61 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Other Technical Matters In addition to potential changes to barrier -free design requirements, a small number of other technical items are included in this public consultation. These address new standards proposed to be referenced in Ontario's Building Code. Emissions Standards for Wood- Burning Appliances Residential wood - burning appliances can contribute to air pollution and generate smoke harmful to human health. This consultation includes a potential amendment to the Building Code referencing a standard developed by the Canadian Standards Association limiting particulate matter emissions from wood - burning appliances. This potential change would advance Ontario's commitment to environmental protection and air quality. Industry Standards for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi - layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. They promote energy efficiency and offer design flexibility. This public consultation includes a potential amendment to the Building Code referencing a set of new industry standards for these systems. Referencing these standards, developed by the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), would standardize the requirements for these systems, provide clarity to the existing applicable provisions of the Code, and simplify approvals for the use of these systems in Ontario municipalities. Updated Standards for Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation Design Two of the standards for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems currently referenced in Ontario's Building Code are out -of -date. Referencing new, updated editions of these standards in the Code would help to ensure that heating and cooling equipment for houses is sized based on contemporary calculation methods, saving energy and money, and enable effective ventilation system designs that achieve acceptable indoor air quality in large buildings. 24 Page 62 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Comment Submission We look forward to your feedback regarding the potential changes included in this consultation. Your active involvement helps ensure that potential Code changes are fully informed, are technically and economically feasible, and enforceable. Comments are also appreciated on the timing of the potential changes. As was the case with the 2006 Building Code, it is possible to phase in Code changes over the lifespan of the next Code cycle. Steps to submission Review this consultation paper, or the technical descriptions posted online. • You can provide feedback by completing the downloadable PDF comment form. • If you are commenting on specific areas of potential change, please complete an additional form for each potential change for which you want to provide input. General comments on the potential changes described here may also be submitted through the comment form and will be shared with the Technical Advisory Committee. • Submit by fax, mail, or email. You are encouraged to submit additional material in a manner that best allows you to express your views on the potential Building Code amendments. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing must receive your response to this consultation by March 1, 2013. If you do not support a potential change, or would support the change with modifications, please include an explanation of the rationale for your concerns to help the Ministry and the Technical Advisory Committee understand your views. Please remember to include the following on each form: • your name • your mailing address • whether you are responding on behalf of yourself or an organization 25 Page 63 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Completed Comment Forms and supporting documents may be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing using the online comment form. You may also email, fax or mail completed forms to: Email: elisheva.bouskila - fox ©ontario.ca Tel: 416 - 585 -6515 TTY: 416-585-6991 or 1-866-220-2290 Fax: 416-585-7455 Subject Line: Accessible Built Environment Consultation Mail: Accessible Built Environment Consultation c/o Building and Development Branch Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay Street - 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M5G 2E5 Please use the above contact information if you have any questions on the consultation process. Personal information provided in responses to Building Code consultations is collected under the authority of section 4 of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Act and subsection 38(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for consultative purposes and for contacting you should we need to clarify your response. Responses to consultations (minus addresses, where provided) may be shared with provincial and national building and fire code development committees. Questions about the collection of personal information may be addressed to James Ross, Policy Coordinator, at the address noted above. Online information sessions Ministry staff will be holding online information sessions to explain the potential changes and to answer questions. Information on these sessions will be posted at ontario.ca /buildingcode. 26 Page 64 of 66 5f) Correspondence dated December 21, 2012 from Ontario ... Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing © Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2012 ISBN 978 -1- 4606 - 0518 -9 Print ISBN 978 -1- 4606 - 0519 -6 PDF ISBN 978 -1- 4606 - 0520 -2 HTML 09/12 Disponible en frangais 27 Page 65 of 66 5g) Correspondence dated January 10, 2013 from the Minis... Brissette, Marie Subject: RE: Sport and Recreation Fund Announced! Subject: Sport and Recreation Fund Announced! Le message suivra en francais. Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund (OSRCF) The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is pleased to announce the launch of the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund. The OSRCF is a grant program that supports a vision of getting and keeping Ontarians active in community sport, recreation and physical activity. The fund will: • increase opportunities for participation in sport and recreation by developing new programs or increasing access to existing programs to encourage individuals to become more active and keep those who are, engaged throughout their lives • support implementation of physical literacy as a foundation for lifelong physical activity among individuals enabling them to make healthier activity choices • strengthen the community sport and recreation sector by providing training in areas such as coaching, youth development, and volunteer development to provide enhanced service and quality programming For further information visit «Grants Ontario» Eligibility Guidelines: Who Can Apply? Incorporated not - for - profit organizations that can offer high - quality sport, recreation and physical activity programs and have operated and been incorporated for at least one year in Ontario (this may include First Nations, Local Services Boards and municipalities). Universities or colleges may apply to the Provincial stream, for applied research projects only. Provincial Sport Organizations /Multi -sport Organizations (PSOs /MSOs) may apply to the Provincial stream only. Universities /colleges and PSOs /MSOs may also be partners on local /regional projects. Partnerships are not mandatory but are highly recommended; project applications demonstrating effective partnerships may be given additional consideration. Application and Deadline: • Statement of Interest deadline for Provincial projects is February 6, 2013 by 12:00 noon EST • Application deadline for both Provincial and Local /Regional projects is March 19, 2013 by 12:00 noon EST Late applications will not be accepted. 1 Page 66 of 66