Chorley Park Trail - Accessibility

Presented by City and TRCA Staff

With comments by

Dr. Pat Longmuir, PhD, RKinScientist, Healthier CHEO Kids

Healthy Active Living Research UnitChildren’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

“Must have a firm and stable surface”

Increased slope is more difficult to travel for everyone

Peoples’ Abilities are Not Standardized

Mobility Devices Can Climb Hills

Pirouette 888 WLNS Breeze C3 Interceptor S840GT

Weight Capacity 113kg/250lbs 136kg/300lbs 160kg/350lbs

Speed 7KPH 15KPH 15KPH

Driving Distance 24km 32km 32km

Safe Climb Grade 15% 21% 16%

This Trail Will Connect Accessible Public Parks, Trails and Amenities

“…the lookout was difficult to negotiate and impassable for some of the electric wheel chairs on the previous granular surface, which continually eroded. The new asphalt surface makes access now possible for individuals that have never been able to benefit from the glorious views at the top of the quarry.”

Who Benefits from Improved Accessibility…

Universal Design Keeps Families Together:

The City is Obliged to Minimize Barriers

The City affirms its commitment to meet the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code.”

Toronto City Council, August 2009 [EX33.4]

“The City of Toronto strives at all times to provide equal treatment and equitable benefits of City services, programs and facilities in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

This is a recreational trail

1. The City has previously invested in stairs and asphalt

2. Area has been previously disturbed (e.g. sewer line, governor's house, landslide)

Not a “wilderness trail” under the AODA

The City is Obliged to Minimize Barriers

Other access points are not acceptable alternatives.

More Consultation is Required

1.Continue to engage the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Community Disability Steering Committee

2.Intend to host a meeting specifically for people with disabilities in the new year

Summary of Technical Requirements [s. 80.9(1)]• meet minimum clear width (1 m) and height (2.1 m)

• have a firm and stable surface

• meet restrictions on the size of surface openings (must not allow passage of an object that has a diameter of more than 20 mm), and orient elongated openings perpendicular to the direction of travel

• meet specifications on edge protection (50 mm) when located beside water or a drop-off, except where a protective barrier already exists

• provide minimum clear width at its opening (0.85 m to 1 m), regardless of entrance design (e.g., gate, bollard, etc.)

• meet trail head signage requirements