One-Sentence Summary: The Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee reviewed policy updates, playground designs, sidewalk additions, and grant opportunities while unanimously passing a motion to present The Town of The Blue Mountains’ multi-year accessibility plan for Council approval.

Whole Meeting Summary

The Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee convened to review policy updates, infrastructure projects, and grant opportunities focused on accessibility improvements across the region. The group passed a motion to present The Town of The Blue Mountains’ multi-year plan for approval while also discussing design options for new playgrounds and sidewalk additions in Markdale.

Top Newsworthy Developments

  • CCR-JAAC-07-25: Staff presented an update to the Accessible Customer Service Policy, which includes amendments for new training requirements, live streaming protocols, and provisions for personal assistive devices.
  • CS-25-078: The committee reviewed two playground design options at Comm-er-ette Park and Owen Heights Park that incorporate separated structures, ramps, and gathering areas based on community feedback.
  • 4.c Flesherton Connecting Link: Staff reported that rest areas could not be included due to site constraints such as existing buildings and lane width requirements, though new audible crossing infrastructure was installed at the intersection.
  • 4.d Lorne Street Sidewalk Addition: A proposal for a new 160-metre sidewalk in Markdale was reviewed, noting the street serves primarily for connectivity despite a nearby manufacturing plant.
  • 4.e The Town of The Blue Mountains - Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2025-2029: The Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee unanimously passed a motion to present this town plan for approval by Council after raising no questions or concerns during the review.
  • 5.a EASE Grant Funding Announcement: Staff discussed the EASE Grant, which provides funding for accessibility projects with an application deadline of August 14 for municipalities, non-profits, and Indigenous governing bodies.
  • 6.a Member Resignation: A committee member submitted a letter of resignation effective June 18, 2025, citing a full workload and volunteer schedule as the reason for leaving.
  • Future Parking Signage: The committee noted a suggestion to add signage directing travelers to nearby municipal accessible parking spaces where on-street options are unavailable at the Flesherton intersection.
  • Markdale Rest Area Discussion: The committee discussed whether rest areas are needed given the residential nature of the Markdale area but did not reach a decision on their design or placement.
  • Next Meeting Date: The committee announced that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18 at two p.m.

Why It Matters

  • Updated policy provisions for personal assistive devices and transit under CCR-JAAC-07-25 will change how staff protocols are managed during accessibility engagements.
  • The unanimous decision to forward the Town of The Blue Mountains - Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2025-2029 moves that specific plan toward Council approval for implementation.

Watch Next

  • Await final Council action on the Town of The Blue Mountains - Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2025-2029 following the committee’s motion to present it.
  • Community and applicant preparation required before the EASE Grant application deadline of August 14.

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/grey-county/committee/2025-07-17

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/grey-county/committee/2025-07-17

Official meeting page: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=91f8ff7b-b385-457b-bc99-c97deca221b2 Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLEaj2zycjo