High-Level Summary

The city council meeting, chaired by Karen Svitz, focused extensively on accessibility improvements in building codes and community services. Key participants included Nadim Khan, Richmond Hill's Chief Building Official, and committee members like Sherry Coldwell, who provided updates on multi-year accessibility plans and upcoming community events for caregivers.

Important Topics Discussed

1. Building Code and Accessibility Standards: Nadim Khan delivered a comprehensive presentation on the building code framework, focusing on accessibility requirements in new constructions. He emphasized the importance of barrier-free designs in high-rise residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, noting, "The barrier-free design requirements primarily apply to large buildings such as high-rise residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings."

2. Role of Municipal Government in Enforcing Building Codes: Khan detailed the municipality's role in enforcing building codes, explaining that they must issue permits if compliance is demonstrated. He clarified, "The municipality must issue a permit if a proponent has demonstrated compliance with applicable laws, notwithstanding any objections."

3. Challenges Faced by Lifetime Caregivers: Sherry Coldwell and Monica from the York South Family Network presented the challenges faced by lifetime caregivers. Coldwell stressed the financial and emotional toll on unpaid caregivers: "75% of caregiving is done by unpaid caregivers like myself and Monica," highlighting the need for better systemic support.

4. 2023 Status Report on Multi-Year Accessibility Plan: Natasha Mardi presented the 2023 status report, focusing on the city's commitment to accessible customer service, employment, and public spaces. "This report provides a roadmap for upcoming accessibility initiatives," she stated, underscoring the city's efforts to keep their services inclusive.

5. Youth Disabled Vendor Market and Public Event: A highlight of the upcoming community event is the inclusion of a youth disabled vendor market, aimed at offering job opportunities to young vendors with disabilities. Monica shared, "We are thrilled about that part because...our children...have such a difficult time finding jobs themselves."

Opportunities for Public Input

There were no specific future consultations mentioned, but public input can generally be provided through written submissions to the Clerk's office or during delegation requests for future council meetings.

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred

1. Adoption of Agenda:

   • Motion: Adopt the agenda.
   • Moved by: Sherry Coldwell.
   • Outcome: Passed unanimously.

2. Adoption of Previous Minutes (File Number: AAC1-24):

   • Motion: Adopt the minutes of the February 22, 2024, meeting.
   • Moved by: Simon Waldman.
   • Outcome: Passed unanimously.

3. Motion to Receive Presentation on Multi-Year Accessibility Plan:

   • Motion: Receive the presentation regarding the 2023 status report on the 2023-2027 multi-year accessibility plan with thanks and post the report to the city's website.
   • Moved by: Sherry Coldwell.
   • Outcome: Passed unanimously.

4. Motion to Receive Verbal Update on NAAW Professional Forum:

   • Motion: Receive the verbal update by Sherry Coldwell regarding the York Region National Accessibility Week professional development forum with thanks.
   • Moved by: Ted Moritsugu.
   • Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Follow-Up Actions

• Post the 2023 status report on the multi-year accessibility plan to the city's website.
• Committee Member Sherry Coldwell will provide additional information for joining the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition for council consideration.

Councillors Present

1. Karen Svitz (Chair)
2. Sherry Coldwell
3. Simon Waldman
4. Ted Moritsugu