Minutes of Access Orangeville

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Electronic and In-Person Participation - Access Orangeville
The Corporation of the Town of Orangeville
(Chair and Secretary at Town Hall - 87 Broadway)
Orangeville, Ontario
Members Present:
  • Councillor R. Stevens, Chair
  • J. Jackson, Vice-Chair
  • S. Clarke
  • P. Charbonneau
  • K. Van Ryn
  • R. Ugolini
Members Absent:
  • M. Hartley
  • K. Murphy-Fritz
Staff Present:
  • G. Brennan, Legislative Assistant
  • S. Doherty, Manager, Recreation and Events, Community Services
  • T. Dulisse, Manager, Transportation and Development, Infrastructure Services
  • J. Rawn, Executive Assistant, Infrastructure Services
  • M. Mair, Planner, Development and Community Improvement, Infrastructure Services
  • B. Ward, Manager, Planning, Infrastructure Services

1.
Call to Order

 

The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m.

2.
Disclosures of (Direct or Indirect) Pecuniary Interest

 

None.

3.
Land Acknowledgment

 

Councillor R. Stevens, Chair, acknowledged the treaty lands and territory of the Williams Treaty Nations and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. He also recognized that Dufferin County is the traditional territory of the Wendat and the Haudenosaunee, and is home to many Indigenous people today.

4.
Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting

 
  • 2025-004
    Moved ByR. Ugolini

    That the minutes of the following meeting are approved: 

5.
Presentations

 

None.

6.
Items for Discussion and Reports

 

6.1
Orangeville Transit Update

 

6.1.1
Transit Bus Purchasing Update and Current Vehicle Fleet

 

T. Dulisse, Manager, Transportation and Development, Infrastructure Services, advised the Committee on a report going before Council with recommendations on the procurement of new transit buses for the Town of Orangeville. Mr. Dulisse advised the Committee that the Town's previous contract with a transit supplier has been terminated, and that the Town is seeking direction from Council to determine next steps. Mr. Dulisse advised the Committee that in the event the Town's transit buses are unavailable, the Town has secured access to alternative accessible transit options, such as school buses or accessible vans. Additionally, Mr. Dulisse advised the Committee that if a school bus is not accessible, riders who require mobility or accessible alternatives, can contact First Student, or ask the route driver to call for the accessible van. The Committee asked questions and discussed the need to have the applicable contact information readily available for users.

6.1.2
Accuracy of Transit Routes and Scheduling

 

The Committee discussed the Town's transit routes and the applicable schedules. Mr. Dulisse discussed the feedback of the three expanded route concepts and advised the Committee of a future report to Council on the implementation of the updated transit route systems. Mr. Dulisse shared that new routes are tentatively scheduled to be implemented this summer. The Committee discussed the tracking of transit buses and the potential for non-transit buses to have similar technology. Mr. Dulisse advised that funds were included in the 2025 budget to purchase portable trackers for substitute buses, and that the Town is currently researching the various models available.

The Committee also raised awareness to potential issues arising for individuals that utilize a screen reader when receiving updates that include emojis from various Town social media accounts.

6.1.3
Development of Feedback and Compliant Procedure

 

The Committee discussed the need for individuals with accessibility issues to have a proactive feedback and or compliant procedure in place to properly address concerns and issues that may arise on transit. Mr. Dulisse and S. Doherty, Manager, Recreation and Events, Community Services, advised the Committee of the current procedure in place and where to locate the applicable contact information.

6.1.4
Use of Vehicle on Demand Services

 

R. Ugolini asked staff if Vehicle on Demand (VOD) services are open to Town of Orangeville residents. Mr. Dulisse advised that the Town does not offer VOD services and that Council directed staff to pause specialty transportation services until 2027. 

6.1.5
Accessible Parking During Events

 

The Committee discussed the need for additional accessible parking spaces during large scale events in Orangeville. The Committee discussed the various events and strategies that have been utilized to address accessible parking concerns, and highlighted the need for additional support. Ms. Doherty advised the Committee that the Town does work with event organizers, Public Works, and By-law staff to spread awareness and provide temporary accessible parking spots throughout the duration of the events.

6.2
Sledge Hockey Initiative Update

 

Ms. Doherty advised the Committee that ten (10) accessible sledges have been purchased and are currently being constructed. Additionally, Ms. Doherty shared that the Town is hopeful the sledges will be operational this year, with full programming hopefully to occur in 2026. The Committee discussed how to best promote this initiative, the training required to operate a sledge, and the Town facility in which the sledges will be stored and or used.

6.3
Sidewalk Snow Clearing

 

The Committee discussed the need for additional clearing of snow from sidewalks in the Town of Orangeville. Mr. Dulisse advised the Committee of the service level requirement for sidewalks and the various areas of focus after inclement weather. Additionally, Mr. Dulisse shared that he would take back the Committee's feedback and comments to Operations staff.

6.4
2025 Annual Accessibility Champion Award - Draft Application

 

The Committee reviewed the 2025 Accessibility Champion Award application.

  • 2025-005
    Moved ByK. Van Ryn

    That the 2025 Accessibility Champion Award application, be approved.

    Carried

7.
Correspondence

 

7.1
Site Plan Application, 229 Broadway

 

B. Ward, Manager, Planning, and M. Mair, Planner, Development and Community Improvement, advised the Committee of the process in reviewing site plan applications and discussed the application and intake process of 229 Broadway. The Committee asked questions to Mr. Ward and Mr. Mair and discussed accessible parking requirements for new developments and the zoning by-law's minimum thresholds. The Committee highlighted a possibility of including two accessible parking spot in the rear of the building in addition to the one proposed accessible spot in the rear of the building, and the two (2) type a, and two (2) type b parking spaces already listed.

7.2
Committee Meeting Minutes Review Procedure

 

G. Brennan, Legislative Assistant, Corporate Services, advised the Committee of the new meeting minute review procedure.

8.
Announcements

 
  • J. Jackson, Vice Chair, advised the Committee of his upcoming interview with MS Canada.
  • Mr. Dulisse and Ms. Doherty shared that through the approval of the Town's 2025 budget, the Town is approved for an accessibility review and audit, and will bring forward any additional information to the Committee when applicable.
  • K. Van Ryn advised the Committee of her recent completion of the Rick Hanson Foundation Accessibility (RHFAC) Fundamentals Training program, and highly recommends the training to individuals or organizations looking to enhance their knowledge of accessibility.

9.
Date of Next Meeting

 

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20th, 2025, at 10 a.m.

10.
Adjournment

 
  • 2025-006
    Moved ByK. Van Ryn

    That the meeting be adjourned at 11:34 a.m.

    Carried
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