Burlington Seniors' Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:	Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Time:	10:00 A.m. - 12:00 P.m.
Location:	Virtual

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1.

Members Present:

Jim Young (Chair), Deepti Mahajan, Wendy Moraghan, Nancy Gilbert, David Page

2.

Member Regrets:

April Begg Goodis, John Kalbfleisch

3.

Others Present:

Councillor Shawna Stolte, Laura Daly (Planner), Rob Axiak (Manager of Recreation Services), Kristin Sprukulis (Clerk)

4.

Declarations of Interest:

None. 

5.

Approval of Minutes:

5.1

Approve minutes from the meeting held April 26, 2021

On motion, the minutes from the meeting held April 26, 2021 were approved as presented. 

6.

Delegation(s):

6.1

City of Burlington Housing Strategy Presentation

Laura presented on the City of Burlington Housing Strategy and draft engagement plan. Issues within housing come from affordability and attainability especially with young people, seniors and newcomers. The Housing Strategy is looking to build on what the Region, Province and Private entities have already done and to develop an innovative housing strategy to address the ongoing needs of the City of Burlington residents.  

The draft engagement plan covers the process in which the City of Burlington will discuss the plan and receive feedback with the public. There has been a virtual meeting and survey on the Get Involved Burlington page and more can be found in the attached appendix. 

7.

Regular Items:

7.1

Roundtable Updates

a.

Burlington Public Library

Deepti shared that the library still has very limited services. They are still offering hold pick ups and computer services by appointment. Residents can all the library at 905-639-3611 if they have any questions. 

Deepti shared that the city initiative called TelePALS is also up and running and the library makes visits on that program to bring updates. More information and a schedule of calls can be found here: https://www.burlington.ca/en/live-and-play/telepals-free-dial-in-programs-for-adults.asp. 

Also discussed, in joint conversation with Rob, the lending library of sports equipment. This program is run through the recreation department and has been expanded during COVID, and now includes seasonal summer items such as life jackets. The promotion of this is done primarily through social media and word of mouth. More information can be found here: https://www.burlington.ca/en/live-and-play/play-equipment-lending-library.asp. Also looking to put swim and skate passes in libraries to be loaned out later in 2021. The pass program is available for Ontario Parks, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Conservation Halton and the Art Gallery. 

b.

Burlington Ready

No update available at this meeting.

c.

Burlington Inclusivity Advisory Committee

Jim shared that BIAC has finished their 2021 workplan and are waiting for council approval. BIAC also went to the last council meeting to delegate and support the ongoing efforts to promote Pride month and the creation of rainbow crosswalks across the city. 

Also shared that the Recreation department had participated in a discussion with BIAC regarding the seniors membership program and if it should continue after COVID, as well as what the age should be in order to receive a discount for programming. 

d.

Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee

Jim shared that ITAC has approved their workplan and is waiting on council approval. There is a focus on bicycling and walking, and should also be looking at a focus on transit and paratransit for future enhancements to transportation. 

e.

Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee

No update available at this meeting.

7.2

Recognition and Terms of Reference update

Kristin shared that certificates of recognition have been sent out to former BSAC members. As well, as part of the advisory committee review BSAC is able to look through the current terms of reference and make suggestions on future changes. 

In addition, the advisory committee orientation session materials (video, Questions and Answers Guide, etc.) are now available on our advisory committee webpage, under resources, here: https://www.burlington.ca/en/your-city/Committees-and-Boards.asp. 

8.

Other Business:

8.1

Hearing Loops

The committee discussed the improvements to community centres, the seniors' centre and pools by adding hearing loops to these areas. Rob informed that the installation is currently going on. 

8.2

Workplan Approval

The committee discussed the option of having a representative attend the CSSRA committee meeting on June 7th to discuss the workplan and answer any questions committee may have. On motion, the committee approved Jim to be in attendance for questions only if they arose from the Workplan discussion at the CSSRA Committee on June 7th. 

9.

Adjournment: 11:29 a.m.