Staff Report #5
January 25, 2023
To All Commissioners
Re: Appointments to Accessible Public Transit Service Advisory Committee
Recommendation
That the Commission GIVE CONSIDERATION to the applications for appointment to the Accessible Public Transit Service Advisory Committee, noting such appointments will be for a period of four years, ending November 16, 2026.
Background
Throughout November and December 2022, information was shared seeking applicants for the Accessible Public Transit service Advisory Committee (APTSAC) through the corporate website and socials. In addition, all previous members of APTSAC whose term ended in November were provided with applications and requested to encourage others within the community to apply and letters were also forwarded to a number of local organizations. The terms of reference for the Committee (see Enclosure I) calls for the following in regard to voting members and non-voting members:
Voting Members
A maximum of nine (9) members representing the different types of disabilities as referenced in the Ontarians with Disability Act 2001. This includes persons with visual, speech, hearing, brain injury, cognitive, perceptual, mental health disabilities and those requiring the use of wheelchairs and/or other mobility assisted devices.
Non Voting Members
A maximum of four (4) members consisting of agencies supporting the disabled community and service providers.
The approved composition reflects the diverse makeup of the disabled population and is consistent with the redefinition of the specialized transit services. It should be noted that dependant upon the makeup of the Committee, accommodations may be required to ensure that all members can fully participate in the meetings (i.e. reports in alternate formats, ASL interpreters, etc.). Applications, consistent with the Committee’s terms of reference were received from the following members of the public.
| Applicants | Voting | Non-Voting | |
| 1 | Lisa Boateng | X | |
| 2 | Gary Doerr | X | |
| 3 | Elaine Harrison | X | |
| 4 | Bonnie Quesnel | X | |
| 5 | Avril Rinn | X | |
| 6 | Deana Ruston | X | |
| 7 | Janine Sureus | X | |
| 8 | Jackie Tot | X | |
| 9 | Damon Whatmore | X | |
| 10 | Susan Oster | X |
If issues regarding LTC services arise that are specific to a disabled population that is not represented on the Committee, input can be sought from either the City of London’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (ACCAC) or an agency representing that disabled population (i.e. CNIB, March of Dimes).
An orientation meeting with the approved applicants will be scheduled during the month of February at which time a Chair and Vice-Chair will be selected, and meeting dates will be established. It is intended that meetings will be held on a regular basis as deemed appropriate, with reports and recommendations forwarded to the Commission.
Enclosures
II – APTSAC Applications (for Commissioners only)
Recommended by:
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager