ACAT Meeting - January 29, 2009

Agenda is not available for this meeting.
Please check the meeting minutes for meeting details.

Agenda is not available for this meeting.
Please check the meeting minutes for meeting details.

Agenda is not available for this meeting.
Please check the meeting minutes for meeting details.

Agenda is not available for this meeting.
Please check the meeting minutes for meeting details.

Nil.

The Commission approved two revisions to the ACAT Terms of Reference which addressed the attendance of Committee members at monthly meetings and the reapplying for membership at the end of a term.

It was noted that comments with respect to the Terms of Reference should be forwarded to staff for consideration for any future amendments.

Dean Milton called for nominations for Chair of ACAT.

Howard Wax nominated Susan Davidson.

With no further nominations, Sam Savona Moved that the nominations be closed.

ACAT approved the foregoing motion.

On a unanimous vote, Susan Davidson was declared the chair of ACAT.

Dean Milton then called for nominations for Vice Chairs of ACAT.

Marcia Cummings nominated Sam Savona who accepted the nomination.

Adam Cohoon nominated Heather Green who accepted the nomination.

Marian McDonell nominated Angela Marley who accepted the nomination.

Angela Marley nominated Howard Wax who declined the nomination.

Susan Davidson nominated Garnett Martin who accepted the nomination.

The election of the two positions of Vice Chair will take place at the next regular meeting of ACAT scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2009.

It was noted that the following ACAT meeting dates conflict with that of the regular Commission meetings, May 28, September 24, and October 29.

Staff was requested to look at rescheduling these meetings noting that ACAT’s preference is to hold the meetings on the Thursday before the above dates or the Wednesday of the same week.

Glenn Johnston advised that the foregoing meeting was being held at the Toronto Reference Library close to TTC’s accessible Yonge/Bloor Station.

ACAT members are welcome to attend the annual meeting, as some have done in the past. Although since the annual meeting deals specifically with accessible services, it is anticipated there will be even fewer comments about accessible services raised at the Service Planning meeting.

Glenn Johnston indicated the new members should be aware of the TTC accessibility plans posted on the website and the fact the 2008 Year-End report will be provided to the Commission in the immediate future.

The latest annual update will reflect matters which have been before ACAT and are included in the TTC’s Capital and Operating budgets, including the continuation of the Easier Access initiatives (see Item #17) and the ongoing improvements in accessible bus services (see Item #16) that were approved during the previous year.

The TTC’s 2008 year-end accessibility plan will be released to the public if the Commission approves it. Based on past practice, the plan would also be forwarded to the Ministry of Community and Social Services, OHRC, and others. ACAT will be further updated as appropriate and will receive the approved plan.

Glenn Johnston provided an update on the various standards development processes being administered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, especially with regard to the incomplete draft Transportation Standard, which is on the Provincial website, and the Information and Communications Standard.

It was noted that staff had discussed the draft Information and Communications Standard with the ACAT Communications Subcommittee in 2008 and would take those discussions into consideration in a TTC submission.

It was noted that the public consultation period had been extended which provides time to anyone to submit comments to the Minister of Community and Social Services on the draft standard.

Glenn Johnston will provide further updates to ACAT and/or the Subcommittees as appropriate.

Glenn Johnston mentioned how, in 2008, ACAT had been informed of the various improvements to accessible buses services. The changes had been the subject of various press releases and communications.

The cumulative changes in the bus system have been identified in the map of the TTC’s accessible transit network for 2008, which will be included in the 2008 Year-End report. Information on the most recent additions to the accessible transit network was distributed.

Glenn Johnston distributed information on the Easier Access II Program and the two stations which have yet to be completed under that program.

It was noted that the design work on Easier Access III stations, which is based on ACAT advice on design standards and station priorities, was underway and the more detailed station design work will eventually be going before ACAT. 

Angela Marley inquired as to the status of a previous request to have ACAT as a resource to Metrolinx.

Bill Frost advised that he would discuss the matter with Chair Giambrone.

Sam Savona requested an update on the “gap” issue.

Marcia Cummings suggested that a list of all outstanding items from both ACAT and the Subcommittees be provided to ACAT members.

Some discussion then ensued with respect to the Commission’s representative on ACAT. Staff advised they would look into this matter.

The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Freda Stanois
Secretary