DATE: September 8, 2010 MINUTES OF THE THIRD BARRIER FREE COUNCIL MEETING OF 2010 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Greenwood Inn, Edmonton Braden Hirsch, Chair Michael Francon Cindy Gordon, Vice Chair North Edgar Jackson (arrived at 10:05 p.m.) Rhonda Kajner Bob Macklon Maurice Otto, BTC Liaison Bill Partridge, Vice Chair South Harold Wicke Ron Wickman Linnie Tse, Alberta Municipal Affairs Leith Atkinson, Safety Codes Council Shannon Wiebe, CART Reporter (arrived at 12:00 noon) REGRETS: RECORDER: Sonny Crowley Mark Iantkow Sandi Orr 2010 MEETINGS: 10:00 a.m. - Greenwood Inn, Edmonton on Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. B. Adoption of Agenda The following item was added to the agenda: E.8.02.09 Senior Housing Forum / Measuring Up E.2.03.10 CPA/Rick Hanson Action Plan E.3.03.10 Nomination from CHBA Alberta Bill Partridge / Bob Macklon moved that the agenda be adopted, as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes of May 12, 2010 Meeting Michael Francon / Cindy Gordon moved that the minutes of the May 12, 2010 be adopted, as circulated; CARRIED REVIEW OF ACTION ITEMS Action items were dealt with under each agenda item. D. Business Arising from the Minutes E.4.01.07 Review of Outstanding Issues Proposed Code Changes - update The Barrier Free Administrator reported on the code changes submitted by the City of Calgary. Primarily the proposed changes are issues that the Barrier Free Council has already discussed. It is anticipated that other jurisdictions and advisory committees will also be submitting code change proposals and the Barrier Free Administrator is waiting to receive these submissions before crossreferencing all proposals with what the Barrier Free Administrator has already been working on. Harold Wicke reported on the summer student hired by the City of Calgary to review and develop proposed changes to the barrier free provisions in the Alberta Building Code. These have been submitted to the Barrier Free Administrator for review. Harold Wicke, Michael Francon and possibly Ron Wickman volunteered to meet with the Barrier Free Administrator to complete a MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 2
detailed review of all the Calgary proposed code changes to determine whether the wording is supported by the Barrier Free Council. Mark Iantkow may want to volunteer to work with this group. This working group will correspondence with the City of Calgary upon completion of the review. [Tse/Wicke/Francon/Wickman/Iantkow It was reported that the American Disabilities Act Building Guide was recently published in 2010. It was suggested that this may be a good resource for this review. The Barrier Free Administrator reported on other research being conducted as part of developing proposed code changes (e.g. Visual Alarm Systems). When discussing timelines, it was reported that the National Building Code is expected to be published by the end of 2010. Once this has been published, it is estimated that work will begin on the Alberta Building Code in early to mid 2011. Harold Wicke / Michael Francon moved to support and endorse the concept of Section 3.8 being placed as a completely separate Part of the Alberta Building Code; CARRIED The Chair will correspond with Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister to request his support to have Section 3.8. Barrier-Free Design Requirements in the ABC moved and given its own Part in the ABC in order to create a greater profile to barrier-free. [Hirsch] E.5.07.07 Event Seating Sub-Committee (Advisory Group) update The Barrier Free Administrator reported on the last committee meeting. The following is being reviewed by the committee: Defining scattered seating. Reviewing the ratio of barrier free seating required. Suggest possible design of stadiums. The Chair and Maurice Otto will work with the Barrier Free Administrator with the goal of having a proposal for our next meeting. [Tse / Hirsch / Otto] E.1.03.08 Barrier Free Enforcement - Draft STANDATA re: Clarifying requirements and Accountability for barrier free enforcement It was reported that the Acting Chief Building Administrator is of the opinion that tools and mechanisms are already in place for municipalities to develop bylaws regarding the maintenance of barrier free provisions. MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 3
Concern was expressed that if a municipality does not choose to develop such a bylaw, what is the point of having barrier free provisions in the first place? It was recommended that the Barrier Free Council advocate for a province-wide process to be implemented for ongoing barrier free enforcement. An example was provided of a process used for a particular issue in Edmonton on a new building and it was believed that a process is already in place. It was suggested that newer buildings are not the issue and that the bigger challenge is relative to ensuring barrier free provisions remain in place. It was suggested there is a need to clearly define the issue before determining a solution. It was suggested that wording in the Safety Codes Act could be changed to include the ongoing barrier free provisions requirements and to define accountability. The Barrier Free Administrator will circulate the enforcement section of the Safety Codes Act and any related regulations for review. [Tse] The Chair, Harold Wicke, Edgar Jackson and Maurice Otto will review the information and make recommendations for review at the next meeting. [Hirsch / Wicke / Otto / Jackson] E.8.02.09 Senior Housing Forum / Measuring Up update It was reported that a Measuring Up tool kit is being developed similar to the Vancouver initiative. This will be forwarded to the Barrier Free Council this fall with the objective to present this to the general public in 2011. E.3.03.09 Renovations and BF Code Application update It was reported that the renovations section of the code is very specific, with exception of certain things like barrier washroom requirements when a major renovation is being done but the public washroom is not being renovated. It was reported that the City of Calgary will have a proposal available for the December meeting. [Wicke] The agenda item to be changed from Tse to Wicke. [Paches] E.4.01.10 Strategic Planning Actions Michael Francon drafted an email letter and provided it to the Administrator of Certification for feedback. A draft will be available for the December meeting for approval before sending. [Atkinson] Michael Francon and Rhonda Kajner will review the list and provide other contacts to the Administrator of Certification before the December meeting. [Francon / Kajner] MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 4
Clarification was provided regarding the action item relating to groups undertaking building code establishment. For example, when are the typical deadlines for proposed changes to the American Disabilities Act, the National Building Code, the Alberta Building Code or any other groups that influence code changes relative to barrier free provisions. It was reported that once the National Building Code has been published, recommendations will be provided to the Building Technical Council. At that time, these proposals can be provided to the Barrier Free Council for review and recommendation. It was noted that the Barrier Free Council only has the mandate of recommending to the Building Technical Council and it is the Building Technical Council s responsibility to make recommendations to the Minister. The Barrier Free Administrator will request that Chris Tye attend a future meeting of the council to explain the National Building Code cycle process. [Tse] E.1.02.10 Matrix Alterations The Administrator of Certification reminded the council of a memo that was circulated by the Acting President/CEO regarding each council occasionally reviewing their matrix. It was suggested that more representation from the senior s population may be appropriate. It was noted that only having one representative is appropriate and perhaps mechanisms be put in place to increase communication with like organizations. This is not just relative to the senior population but all other representative groups. It was suggested that this be included in a council member s code of conduct. The Administrator of Certification will circulate policy relative to council member responsibilities for review at the next meeting. [Atkinson] Bill Partridge / Edgar Jackson moved to recommend to the Coordinating Committee the following revisions to Policy 9.50 Governance, Matrices, Barrier Free Sub-Council, as follows: Building Management changed to: Non-residential Building Management Apartment and Condominium Owners/Managers be changed to: Residential Apartment and Condominium Owners/Managers Nominating organization for Residential Apartment and Condominium Owners/Managers (Calgary Apartment Association) to be corrected to read: Calgary Residential Rental Association Code Enforcement be changed to: Code Enforcement (Safety Codes Officer) MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 5
Nominating organization for Code Enforcement to be changed from Safety Codes Officer to ABOA Aphasic Disabilities changed to: Communication Disabilities Communication Disabilities Nominating Organization be changed from Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital to: Alberta Health Services; CARRIED [Clough] It was suggested that the following industry segments be researched for consideration: Educational institutes Temporary disabilities Tourism sector (e.g. hotel accommodations, etc). It was suggested that although a change in the matrix may not be appropriate, industry sectors are welcome to make presentations to the council at any time. E.2.02.10 Definition of Accessible Hotel Room Although it was requested by ACCD that an Accessible Hotel Room be defined, it was suggested that this be the role of Alberta Safety Services, similar to the STANDATA developed to define Adaptable Dwelling Unit. [Tse / Salvian] E.3.02.10 Visual Fire Alarms It was reported that it was never removed from the code, because the code only mentioned that the provision was required where people with hearing disabilities regularly congregate. The Barrier Free Administrator reported that this is being reviewed and will be clarified. E. New Business E.1.03.10 Hotel Accessibility Project ACCD It was reported that the Chair and Michael Francon have a meeting with the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association to present the issues and to initiate industry involvement. E. 2.03.10 CPA/Rick Hanson Action Plan The Chair reported on an alliance formed with CPA and the Rick Hanson Foundation regarding a grant received for people with mobility issues. This group has been invited to the December 2010 meeting. MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 6
E.3.03.10 Nomination from CHBA Alberta The nomination from CHBA Alberta was circulated and reviewed (Handout #2). Rhonda Kajner / Cindy Gordon moved to recommend to the Coordinating Committee the appointment of Danielle Shaw to the Barrier Free Council, for a term until January 31, 2014; CARRIED F. Standing Agenda Items Building Technical Council Meeting update The next meeting will be September 9, 2010. Technical Coordinating Committee Meeting update The next meeting will be September 23, 2010. G. Correspondence The Directory of Senior Services 2010, published by SAGE, was circulated as information. It was reported that a letter has been sent to Alberta Construction Association seeking a replacement nomination but nothing has been received back yet. H. 2010 Meetings A poll was conducted and it was deemed that the cold lunch was suitable and that the 10 a.m. start time worked for everyone. The next meeting was reconfirmed for Wednesday, December 1, 2010 10 a.m. - Greenwood Inn, Edmonton. Bill Partridge / Harold Wicke moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m. MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 7
-- ACTION ITEMS -- E.4.01.07 Review of Outstanding Issues Proposed Code Changes - update Harold Wicke, Michael Francon and possibly Mark Iantkow volunteered to meet with the Barrier Free Administrator to complete a detailed review of all the Calgary proposed code changes to determine whether the wording is supported by the Barrier Free Council. This committee will meet with the City of Calgary to complete the review. [Tse/Wicke/Francon/Wickman/Iantkow] The Chair will correspond with Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister to request support to have Section 3.8. moved and made its own Part in the ABC to increase the profile of barrier-free design requirements. [Hirsch] E.5.07.07 Event Seating Sub-Committee (Advisory Group) update The Chair and Maurice Otto will work with the Barrier Free Administrator with the goal of having a proposal for the next meeting. [Tse / Hirsch / Otto] E.1.03.08 Barrier Free Enforcement - Draft STANDATA re: Clarifying requirements and Accountability for barrier free enforcement The Barrier Free Administrator will circulate the enforcement section of the Safety Codes Act and any related regulations for review. [Tse] The Chair, Harold Wicke, Edgar Jackson and Maurice Otto will review the information and make recommendations for review at the next meeting. [Hirsch / Wicke / Otto / Jackson] E.3.03.09 Renovations and BF Code Application update It was reported that the City of Calgary will have a proposal available for the December meeting. [Wicke] The agenda item to be changed from Tse to Wicke. [Paches] E.4.01.10 Strategic Planning Actions Michael Francon and Rhonda Kajner will review the list and provide other contacts to the Administrator of Certification before the December meeting. [Francon / Kajner] The Barrier Free Administrator will request that Chris Tye attend a future meeting of the council to explain the National Building Code cycle process. [Tse] MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 8
E.1.02.10 Matrix Alterations The Administrator of Certification will circulate policy relative to council member responsibilities for review at the next meeting. [Atkinson] E.2.02.10 Definition of Accessible Hotel Room Although it was requested by ACCD that an Accessible Hotel Room be defined, it was suggested that this be the role of Alberta Safety Services, similar to the STANDATA developed to define Adaptable Dwelling Unit. [Tse / Salvian] MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 9
B. Adoption of Agenda -- MOTIONS -- Bill Partridge / Bob Macklon moved that the agenda be adopted, as amended; CARRIED C. Adoption of Minutes of May 12, 2010 Meeting Michael Francon / Cindy Gordon moved that the minutes of the May 12, 2010 be adopted, as circulated; CARRIED E.4.01.07 Review of Outstanding Issues Harold Wicke / Michael Francon moved to support and endorse the concept of Section 3.8 being placed as a completely separate Part of the Alberta Building Code; CARRIED E.1.02.10 Matrix Alterations Bill Partridge / Edgar Jackson moved to recommend to the Coordinating Committee the following revisions to Policy 9.50 Governance, Matrices, Barrier Free Sub-Council, as follows: Building Management changed to: Non-residential Building Management Apartment and Condominium Owners/Managers be changed to: Residential Apartment and Condominium Owners/Managers Nominating organization for Residential Apartment and Condominium Owners/Managers (Calgary Apartment Association) to be corrected to read: Calgary Residential Rental Association Code Enforcement be changed to: Code Enforcement (Safety Codes Officer) Nominating organization for Code Enforcement to be changed from Safety Codes Officer to ABOA Aphasic Disabilities changed to: Communication Disabilities Communication Disabilities Nominating Organization be changed from Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital to: Alberta Health Services; CARRIED [Clough] E.3.03.10 Nomination from CHBA Alberta Rhonda Kajner / Cindy Gordon moved to recommend to the Coordinating Committee the appointment of Danielle Shaw to the Barrier Free Council, for a term until January 31, 2014; CARRIED H. 2010 Meetings Bill Partridge / Harold Wicke moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 10
-- PARKING LOT -- The following items were added for consideration during the next review of the Barrier Free Design Guide: Correcting wording regarding Grab Bars. Anthropometric Diagrams MINUTES: Barrier Free Council Meeting September 8, 2010 Page 11