The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requires the Council of the Municipality of North Grenville to establish a municipal accessibility advisory committee.

The North Grenville Accessibility Advisory Committee shall assist the Municipality in an advisory capacity to:

1. carry out the duties as outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act;
2. consult with community members, stakeholder groups and other persons on matters relating to accessibility;
3. in conjunction with staff, participate in building and facility audits and reports;
4. in conjunction with staff, participate in the preparation of the Municipal accessibility plan and its presentation to Council;
5. in conjunction with staff, participate in the preparation of annual or other accessibility standard reports;
6. in conjunction with Planning & Development staff, review site plans as required.

The Committee shall have regard to the shared priorities of the Community Strategic Plan, Committee Handbook, and Procedural By-Law.

The Committee shall be comprised of a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of nine (9) volunteer members, the Mayor as an ex-officio member, and up to two (2) members of Council, all of whom have voting rights. A staff person(s) from Corporate Services may also attend meetings as a liaison(s) to the Municipality. The majority of members shall be persons with a disability.

In considering the appointment of members to the Committee, Council shall consider the following:

1. influential decision makers (current and retired) from various business/industry sectors;
2. individual members willing to take on specific responsibilities for specific areas of the program;
3. the individual’s qualifications and commitment as they relate to the Council adopted programs/policies; and
4. availability of members to participate in the programs/policies and attend Committee meetings.

The Municipality of North Grenville is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of its work, including appointments to advisory committees. An increase in diversity can assist in promoting equal opportunities and memberships with a diversity of lived experiences. A more diverse membership will contribute to the work of each advisory committee. Each advisory committee shall endeavour to have balanced representation from various equity- and inclusion-seeking groups including, but not limited to, people with disabilities, francophones, Indigenous people, newcomers, older adults, racialized community members, rural residents, 2SLGBTQIA+, those facing socioeconomic disadvantage, women, minority faith-based and spiritual group members, and youth.

The Committee, by a majority vote of its members, may recommend to Council to remove any member of the Committee who does not fulfil their obligations under their appointment.

Committee Chair
The Committee shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its volunteer members. The positions will be elected by a secret ballot by a majority of the voting members of the Committee. A Member of Council will act as a Co-Chair. 

The Co-Chairs will have a concurrent four-year term. In the absence of the Co-Chairs, the Committee shall appoint an Acting Chair.

The Co-Chairs will present the Committee's reports and recommendations to Council, as required with staff support.

Advisory Experts
The Committee may invite additional content experts to attend regular meetings and to present at specific meetings in order to meet its mandate.

Meetings
The Committee shall meet at least quarterly – either in person or via an accessible virtual platform. Additional meetings shall be held at the call of the Co-Chairs.

Agenda packages will be sent out the week prior to the meetings and published on the Municipality’s website. Draft minutes will be distributed by email to each Committee member by the Clerk’s division within one (1) week following the meeting.

Quorum
Quorum of the Committee shall be a majority of the appointed members.

Votes by the Committee will be held at regular or special meetings. Decision making of the group shall be by majority vote.

Department Jurisdiction
Corporate Services - The Municipal Clerk is responsible to ensure that all associated legislative responsibilities to the Committee are fulfilled.

Staff Contact
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Administrative Support
The Clerk shall provide minute taking and agenda preparation and distribution in conjunction with the Co-Chairs. The Clerk’s division will post the agenda on the Municipal website and via the meeting calendar invitation.

Budget
The Committee will prepare an annual work plan including budget requests ahead of the budget cycle. The Director of Corporate Services shall bring forward budget requests of the Committee as part of the Municipal budget process.

Committee Members
Samantha Lavitt
Carole Estey
Jamie Bertrand
Wayne Ritcher

Council Members
Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan
Councillor Kristin Strackerjan