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02b - October 14, 2025 Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Post-Meeting AgendaElginCounty Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Post -Meeting Agenda Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON Note for Members of the Public: Please click the link below to watch the Committee Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/ElginCounty Accessible formats available upon request. 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Adoption of Minutes 4. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 5. Delegations 5.1 Cheryl Stevenson - Sidewalk on St. George Street 5.2 Sandy Higgs - Belmont Historical Society Signs 6. Reports/Briefings 6.1 Manager of Human Resources - City of St. Thomas and County of Elgin Joint AccessAbility Open House 2025 (verbal) 6.2 Manager of Human Resources - 2025 AODA Compliance Report 7. Other Business 8. Correspondence 9. Closed Meeting Items 10. Motion to Rise and Report 11. Date of Next Meeting 12. Adjournment Pages 2 7 31 32 uoi Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes May 29, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Council Chambers 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON Members Present: Todd Noble, Elgin County Councillor (virtual) Tom Marks, Chair Dave Baughman, Municipality of Central Elgin Councillor (virtual) Jenn Salverda Carleen Green (virtual) Staff Present: Katherine Thompson, Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk, County of Elgin Emily Waldick, Manager of Human Resources, County of Elgin Stefanie Heide, Legislative Services Coordinator, County of Elgin Scarlett Redman, Legislative Services Coordinator, Municipality of Central Elgin 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4.00 p.m. with Tom Marks in the chair. Quorum was not met, so the Chair moved to Item 6.1 while waiting for more Committee Members to join the meeting. 2. Approval of Agenda Resolution Number: JAAC25-1 Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Jenn Salverda RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the May 29, 2025 Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved as presented. Motion Carried. 1 Page 2 of 38 3. Adoption of Minutes Resolution Number: JAAC25-2 Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Dave Baughman RESOLVED THAT the minutes and closed meeting minutes of the October 22, 2024 Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be adopted. Motion Carried. 4. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof I101rem 5. Delegations None. 6. Reports/Briefings 6.1 Manager of Human Resources - AccessAbility Week 2025 (verbal) The Manager of Human Resources provided a verbal update on Elgin County's AccessAbility Week 2025 (Sunday, May 25 - Saturday, May 31, 2025). Internal and external programming held this week included- - Release of AODA and DEI training for Elgin County Staff; this training will also be made available to staff of Elgin County's Long Term Care Homes. - Social Media Posts highlighting AccessAbility Week programming. - Warden's Recognition of AccessAbility Week 2025 at Elgin County Council Meeting. - Email Campaign Launch highlighting accessibility features and programs at Elgin County, including at the Long Term Care Homes and Libraries. - A reading list that includes stories featuring characters of all abilities, as curated by Elgin County Library staff. - Alzheimer's Society SouthWest Partners Education Session on Dementia Friendly Communities for Elgin County Staff presented in hybrid format. - Accessible Documents and Branding Education Session for Elgin County Staff presented in hybrid format. As quorum was not yet met, the Committee moved to Item 6.3 and returned to vote on Item 6.1 at 4.11 p.m. after quorum was met. Resolution Number: JAAC25-3 Moved by: Jenn Salverda Seconded by: Carleen Green 2 Page 3of38 RESOLVED THAT the verbal report titled "AccessAbility Week 2025" from the Manager of Human Resources dated May 29, 2025 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 6.2 Manager of Human Resources - Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report 2023 and 2024 The Manager of Human Resources presented a report on the Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report 2023 and 2024. The Manager of Human Resources stated that the Status Report covers 2023 and 2024 due to a lag time in staffing changes, is legislatively required, and outlines all the steps taken by Elgin County and Local Municipal Partners to implement their Joint Accessibility Plan. Committee Member Todd Noble joined the meeting at 4.08 p.m. Resolution Number: JAAC25-4 Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Jenn Salverda RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report 2023 and 2024" from the Manager of Human Resources dated May 29, 2025 be received and filed; and THAT the report titled "Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report 2023 and 2024" be approved by County Council. Motion Carried. 6.3 Manager of Human Resources - Compliance Reporting and Update on Desk Audits (verbal) The Manager of Human Resources provided a verbal report on Compliance Reporting including the following- - AODA Compliance Reporting is required in 2025 and will be due on December 31, 2025. A draft report will be submitted to this Committee and then Elgin County Council for approval prior to the reporting deadline and this will be a publicly posted document as is required by the Province of Ontario. The reporting form has been updated by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to streamline the reporting process. - A random -selection, standard desk audit was received from the 2023 Compliance Reporting with a submission deadline of June 9, 2025. Committee member Carleen Green joined the meeting at 4.04 p.m. and quorum was met. The Committee then proceeded to Item 6.2. 3 Page 4 of 38 Resolution Number: JAAC25-5 Moved by: Jenn Salverda Seconded by: Carleen Green RESOLVED THAT the verbal report titled "Compliance Reporting and Update on Desk Audits" from the Manager of Human Resources dated May 29, 2025 be received and filed. Motion Carried. 6.4 Manager of Human Resources - Joint Accessibility Open House 2025 with City of St. Thomas (verbal) The Manager of Human Resources provided a verbal report on the Joint Accessibility Open House 2025 with the City of St. Thomas. Committee members indicated an interest in participating. Committee Member Dave Baughman joined the meeting at 4.13 p.m. Resolution Number: JAAC25-6 Moved by: Jenn Salverda Seconded by: Dave Baughman RESOLVED THAT the verbal report titled "Joint Accessibility Open House 2025 with City of St. Thomas" from the Manager of Human Resources be received and filed. Motion Carried. 7. Other Business None. 8. Correspondence None. 9. Closed Meeting Items 9.1 Closed Meeting Minutes - October 22, 2024 10. Motion to Rise and Report None. 11. Date of Next Meeting The Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee will meet again at the call of the Chair. 12. Adjournment 0 Page 5of38 Resolution Number: JAAC25-7 Moved by: Councillor Noble Seconded by: Dave Baughman RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 4.19 p.m. to meet again at the call of the Chair. Motion Carried. Katherine Thompson, Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk. Tom Marks, Chair. 5 Page 6 of 38 C lneruL A Stevev,sov, Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Ladies and Gentlemen, In 2024, the County of Elgin in partnership with the Municipality of Central Elgin reconstructed St. George Street (County Road 26) to an urban road standard from Wellington Road (County Road 25) to the CN railway crossing.' Excerpt (paraphrased) from a 2023 email from Peter Dutchak: `This (2024) project will also relocate the pedestrian sidewalk away from the travelled roads in order to improve pedestrian safety and comfort.' Today I am advocating for a walkway on the west side of St. George Street, from 120 to 132 inclusive, as well as a crossover at thew entrance to Cowan Park for an additional measure of safety. Prior to = the construction in 2024, a generous shoulder on either side of the road provided pedestrians with an area to walk and option to select the best location to cross the road. Post -construction, pedestrians, young or old, able or not, have been forced to unsafely walk on the roadway and even more unsafely cross the road. In addition, the new guard rail at the top of the hill has created a significant visual barrier for vehicles and residents on foot. The installation of straight sided curbs has created new slip and trip hazards and are simply not manageable for some. Rushing to cross the street or jumping out of the path of a vehicle is not feasible, let alone a reasonable expectation of residents. My goal since the completion of construction last year has been to restore a level of safety and accessibility that was lost because of the construction. �1 `Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is a law that helps reduce and remove the barriers that persons with disabilities may face in everyday life by establishing standards for accessibility.' `Design of Public Spaces Standards (DOPS), under the AODA addresses accessibility requirements mostly for external public spaces, including exterior paths of travel (sidewalks).' `These requirements apply to all new or significantly redeveloped outdoor sidewalks and walkways designed for pedestrian travel. The intent of the requirements for sidewalks and walkways is to provide minimum standards of accessibility to make sure they are safe and useable for all pedestrians, including people using mobility devices.' Thank you for your time. Page 7 of 38 ST GEORGE ST SIDEWALK PEDESTRIAN SAFETY (or rather, lack thereof) Page 8 of 38 `In 2024, the County of Elgin in partnership with the Municipality of Central Elgin reconstructed St. George Street (County Road 26) to an urban road standard from Wellington Road (County Road 25) to the CN railway crossing. The reconstruction project included the replacement of aging storm water infrastructure, road base reconstruction complete with sidewalk and curb installation, and asphalt placement' Page 9 of 38 UNFULFILLED PROMISE Excerpt (paraphrased) from a 2023 email from Peter Dutchak: `The roadway serves approximately 3,250 vehicles per day. This (2024) project will also relocate the pedestrian sidewalk away from the travelled roads in order to improve pedestrian safety and comfort! This a well -travelled road for those living in the area as well as commuters to and from London and is classified as a high -volume road. With the increase in population in the area, I think it is only fair to assume an increase in the volume of traffic on our roads with each passing year. Page 10 of 38 Hazardous Section The portion of the road I wish to address is between the curves in front of Cowan Park, with houses numbered from 120 to 132. The posted speed limit was recently reduced to 30 kilometre per hour, but this is still the most hazardous stretch of the road. If you view the pre and post construction photos, you will see there was a sidewalk on the east side and a wide level gravel shoulder on the west side. Page 11 of 38 Consequences With the construction, "pedestrian safety and comfort" has been improved if you live on the east (Cowan Park) side of the street. Those of us living on the west side of the street are now facing drastically decreased safety and comfort with more opportunities to slip or trip trying to get from point A to B on the roadway in the line of traffic. Vehicles must unsafely veer around delivery vehicles (postal trucks), pedestrians, cyclists, parents with children in strollers, and those with disabilities.. In addition, the new, appropriately placed guard rail serves as a significant visual barrier to see vehicles approaching from the south over the tracks. Those of us who have lived here for any length of time did not purchase our properties with these hazards. Page 12 of 38 Pre and Post If you view the following pre and post construction photos, you will see there was a sidewalk on the east side and a wide level gravel shoulder on the west side. Further views are available on Google Map. Page 13 of 38 Travelling North from CN Tracks Prior to Construction Page 14 of 38 Travelling South Past Entrance to Park Prior to Construction Page 15 of 38 Travelling North in Front of Cowan Park Prior to Construction Page 16 of 38 The following are post construction slides illustrating the narrowness of the road, the lack of accommodation of pedestrians, and visibility concerns. Page 17 of 38 Page 18 of 38 Page 19 of 38 Page 20 of 38 Page 21 of 38 Page 22 of 38 Page 23 of 38 Page 24 of 38 Page 25 of 38 Page 26 of 38 Page 27 of 38 My Request My request is for an accessible walkway from 120 St. George extending to 134 St. George, with a marked crossover at the entrance to Cowan Park. Certainly, there are concerns for the portion of St. George extending to Wellington Road and those residents are welcome to advocate for their own safety. cannot stress enough that this is a hazard created by the construction in 2024, removing previous safe access for some residents. Page 28 of 38 Provincial Vision `The County of Elgin and the Municipality of Central Elgin formed the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee to provide advice to County Council and its Local Municipal Partners on the identification, elimination, and prevention of barriers faced by people with disabilities, and liaises with the community to improve accessibility and inclusivity throughout Elgin County. The Committee also provides advice to County Council on the various legislative requirements and implementation of the accessibility standards, to ensure full compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).' Page 29 of 38 My hope is that the committee will encourage Central Elgin and Elgin County to take responsibility to correct this very serious safety issue. Thank you for your time. Page 30 of 38 From: Sandy Higgs Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 9:58 AM To: Katherine Thompson <kthompson@elgin.ca> Subject: Re: Elgin County - Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Hello Katerine, The issue I wish to discuss is very simple. Belmont Historical Society would like to make our signs accessible to the blind and would like to know what Central Elgin Accessibility Committee can do to help us make this happen. I will bring models to help explain what we need. Thank you for any help you can give us with this project. Sandy Higgs Page 31 of 38 ElginCounty Report to Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee From: Emily Waldick, Human Resources Manager Date: October 14, 2025 Subject: 2025 AODA Compliance Report Recommendation(s): THAT the report titled "2025 AODA Compliance Report" dated October 14, 2025 be received and filed; and, THAT the committee endorse the submission of the 2025 AODA Compliance report to the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility by the legislated deadline of December 31, 2025. Introduction: The purpose of this report is to provide the Commitee with an update on Elgin County's compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and to advise that the mandatory bi-annual Accessibility Compliance Report is due at the end of 2025. Background and Discussion: The AODA requires public sector organizations, including municipalities, have to file Accessibility Compliance Reports every two years with the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility. These reports confirm compliance with accessibility standards under the Act, including: • Customer Service Standard • Information and Communications Standard • Employment Standard • Design of Public Spaces Standard • General Requirements (training, policies, multi -year accessibility plan) Elgin County remains committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible community. Over the past reporting cycle, the County has continued to: • Implement and maintain its Multi -Year Accessibility Plan (2022-2026); • Provide AODA training for all new employees, Council members, and volunteers; • Review and update accessibility policies and procedures; Page 32 of 38 • Ensure that public websites and web content conform with WCAG 2.0 Level A& • Incorporate accessibility considerations in employment practices and procurement processes; • Monitor and address accessibility concerns in County facilities and public spaces. Staff have reviewed the reporting requirements and confirm that Elgin County is in compliance with all obligations under the AODA. Financial Implications: No Financial Implications Advancement of Strategic Plan: Local Municipal Partner Impact: All Local Municipal Partners will prepare and submit their own reports. Communication Requirements: Submit the completed Accessibility Compliance Report to the Ministry by December 31, 2025. Continue implementing and monitoring the County's Multi -Year Accessibility Plan (2022-2026) and provide annual accessibility updates to Council. Conclusion: Elgin County continues to meet its responsibilities under the AODA and is well - positioned to submit the required compliance report before the legislated deadline. Filing the report affirms the County's commitment to building an inclusive community where all residents and visitors can access programs, services, and facilities equitably. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Emily Waldick Human Resources Manager Approved for Submission Blaine Parkin Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Page 33 of 38 Ontario Ministry for Seniors and 2025 Accessibility Compliance Report Accessibility Organization category Designated Public Sector Number of employees range 50+ Filing organization legal name Corporation of the County of Elgin Filing organization business number (BN9) 122433808 Fields marked with an asterisk (") are mandatory. B. Understand your accessibility requirements Before you begin your report, you can learn about your accessibility requirements at rain:to_r'i�io.ca/accessji_b.jiltii:ty Additional accessibility requirements apply if you are: .._producer of education material (e,g. textboolks) e in..._education...liin_s:tii:tutiira�n.....(e�g. schooll board,.._craJl.11ege, unliverslity or schooll) MEMEMMMM If you are a municipality submitting this report, and submitting on behalf of local boards, please indicate which boards below. N/A - this irelpoirts its only for the Corporation of the County of Elgin C. Accessibility compliance report certification Section 15 of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 requires that accessibility reports include a statement certifying that all the required information has been provided and is accurate, signed by a person with authority to bind the organization(s). Note: It is an offence under the Act to provide false or misleading information in an accessibility report filed under the AODA. The certifier may designate a primary contact for the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to contact the organization(s); otherwise the certifier will be the main contact. Certifier: Someone who can legally bind the organization(s). Primary Contact: The person who will be the main contact for accessibility issues. Acknowledgement I certify that all the information is accurate and I have the authority to bind the organization Certification date (yyyy-mm-dd) " 2025-09-02 Certifier information Last name Parkin First name Blaine Position title Otheir Position title other C9AO Business phone number 519-631-1460 Extension ❑ Check here if TTY 105 Page 34 of 38 Page 1 of 5 Email " Alternate phone number Extension Fax number cao ellgiin.ca Primary contact for the organization(s) Check if the primary contact is same as the certifier Last name First name Walldiick Emily Position title Business phone number Extension ❑ Check here if TTY Manager, Human Rescuirce: 510®514-0520 Email " Alternate phone number Extension Fax number ewalldiickellgiin.ca D. Accessibility compliance report questions Instructions Please answer each of the following compliance questions. Use the Comments box if you wish to comment on any response. If you need help with a specific question, click the help links which will open in a new browser window. Use the link on the left to view the relevant AODA regulations and the link on the right to view relevant accessibility information resources. General 1. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the General Section? " * Yes O No R.aad.._c�.::.._i e�. 191/11 Part II: Generall II...earn.._tnrr rgabaut.. r recr requiirements fear question 1 . e...:tlnji_.ss..ellf..:..s.e.s..m..e..n:r...:trarall.tra.._jdentlif pe_qulirements applly'to oar orqainlization.._u_indet:..:the Qeneraal...I e_qulirements Comments for ..f.he County of Elgin confirms compliance with allll applicable requirements under Part I: Generall question 1 (G. Reg. 101/11). The County has adopted and maintains Human Resources Policy 2.130 County Accessibility Policy, Policy 2.130.1 Ernergency Workplace Response for Employees with Disabilities, and Policy 2.80.2 Accommodations in the Workplace. These are supported by (procedures and are publicly available in accessible formats, with alternative formats and communication supports provided upon request. In partnership with its seven Locall IVluniiciilpall Partners, the County developed a Joint Multii®Year Accessibility Plan for 2021 2028, reviewed and updated at least every five years. Accessibility training its mandatory for allll employees, volunteers, C oundI and Committee members, and third parties, covering the IASR and the Ontario Human Rights Code with respect tc disability and the duty tc accommodate. Page 35 of 38 Page 2 of 5 Information and communications 2. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Information and Q Yes 0 No Communications Standards? R.aad 0 I.earn morg about ��r rec ients for question 2 ..... .... .... ... ....... ..... ... ....... .... . .... .... ... .... .... . standards U.se thJ5 s..e..11.f"..@..s..s..e..s..s..m..e..n t bo.Q.l bo id e n tify-wh ich Mquhr.eme nt s a pp 1. . . .... y _ to your organization under the InfbrmaHon and ComimunlicaHons Standards ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Comments for Fhe County of Elgin confirms compliance with a11 applicable requirements of the Information and question 2 Communications Standards under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (0. Reg. 191/11). Accessible feedback options are available -through an online feedback form, a request form for accessible formats and communication supports, and an embedded accessibility contact form on the County website. The public is advised that accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request, with a notification statement included in most posted docuirnents."The County ensures accessibility across its communication platforms, including the offidall County website, Economic Development & Fourlsirn, Library, and Museum sites, as weI1 as sodall irnediia channels (Facelboolk, TMtter/X, Instagrairn, You Fulbe). These measures ensure information and communications are accessible -to persons with disabilities and fulfiI1 a11 requirements of the Regulation. Employment 3. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Employment Q Yes 0 No Standards? " R.aad 0 Rkg������� I earn morg about ��r rec ients for question 3 ..... .... .... ... ....... ..... ... ....... .... . .... .... ... .... .... . U.se Uhi.s s..e.11.f"..a..s..s..e..s..s..m..e..n t bo.Q.l bo id e n tifywh ich pequjrements applly r��.anlizahon under, the ..E.MpLoyment Standards Comments for Fhe County of Elgin is in compliance with the Employment Standards under the Integrated question 3 Accessibility Standards Regulation (1ASR). The County has established and maintains policies and practices -to accommodate employees with disabilities -throughout the employment 11fecycle, including recruitment, selection, performance management, career development, and return -to - work processes. Employees are informed of the availability of accommodation during recruitment, and reasonable accommodations are provided as required. lndlvlduall accommodation plans are docurnented where necessary, and workplace eirnergency-response information is adapted for employees with disabilities. A11 eirnployment-related communications and supports are offered in accessible formats when requested, and the County ensures no undue cost is limposed. Ongoing training is provided -to managers and staff -to ensure awareness of obligations under the Employment Standard. Page 36 of 38 Page 3 of 5 Transportation 4. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Transportation 0 Yes No Standards? ..R..e..a..d 0 11 earn mo.re a..b..o..u..t ��r rec ients for question 4 ..... .... .... ... ....... ..... ... ....... .... . .... .... ... .... .... . .."..I."h.a "...r.a.....ns. ortahon Standards Reference GUide proVides infbrmaHon about access �ib ihly .. .................................................................................................................................................................. --mQuiernents .fir.om the Comments for FhIs is not applicable as we are currently not responsible for an transportation services. question 4 Design of public spaces 5. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Design of Public Yes 0 No Spaces Standards? Read 0. R I earn more about yo question 5 .................................................. ............................................................................... . ur re ients for ".F.h e DO P..Q R.e.f.e.re.n.Q.0 G.Ujid.e provides an over.'Vi.e..w of the scope —applicability ecific requiiremenra of .Q..O P.S. Comments for Our organization is in compliance with the Design of Public Spaces Standards under the question 5 Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). AII new construction and redevelopment projects are designed and built -to irneer the general) requirements of the Standards, ensuring accessibility is integrated from the outset. In addition, the Elgin County Joint Multi -Year Accessibility Plan (NAYAP) outlines clear procedures for both preventative and emergency maintenance of accessible elements in public spaces. This ensures 'that features such as walkways, irarnlps, parking areas, and other accessible infrastructure remain functlonaI and safe. Fhe NAYAP allso includes established processes for managing temporary service disruptions, providing t1irnely communication and alternative solutions wherever possible. Together, -these measures demonstrate a proactive and systematic approach -to compliance and accessibility. Customer Service 6. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Customer Service Yes 0 No Standards? ..R..e..a..d 0 11 earn mo.re a..b..o..u..t ��r rec ients for question 6 ..... .... .... ... ....... ..... ... ....... .... . .... .... ... .... .... . U.se t..h..1i.s s..e..11.f"..a..s..s..e..s..s..m..e..n t t.o.Q.1 bo jd e n tifywh ich pequjrema��Ian�izahon under, the ............................................................................. Customer 5 e rvioe Standards Comments for Fhe County is in full)) compliance with the Custorneir Service Standards as set out under the question 6 Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). AII employees receive accessibility orientation training -that includes comprehensive instruction on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Customer Service Standards. The County maintains a formal) Request for Accessible Format or Communication Supports process, accessible online, in person, or by phone. Information is delivered in accessible formats promptly, and at a cost no greater than the standard charge -to others. In accordance with Human Resources Policy 2.130, the County reserves the right -to require an individualI with a disability -to The accompanied by a support person onlly after consultation, and solely where health and safety considerations necessitate. Page 37 of 38 Page 4 of 5 Page 38 of 38 Page 5 of 5