7) The entrance to a recreation trail must provide a clear opening of between 850 mm
and 1,000 mm, whether the entrance includes a gate, bollard or other entrance
design.
8) The recreational trail must have at each trail head signage that provides the
following information:
a) The length of the trail;
b) The type of surface of which the trail is constructed;
c) The average and the minimum trail width;
d) The average and maximum running slope; and
e) The location of amenities, where provided.
9) The signage must have text that has high tonal contrast with its background in
order to assist with visual recognition and includes characters that use a sans serif
font.
10) Where other media, such as the Town website or brochures are used to provide
information about the recreational trail (beyond advertising, notice or promotion),
the media must provide the same information as listed on the trail head signage.
11) Where the recreational trail is equipped with a boardwalk, the boardwalk must
meet the following requirements:
a) The boardwalk must have a minimum clear width of 1,000 mm;
b) The boardwalk must have a clear height that provides a minimum
headroom clearance of 2,100 mm above the boardwalk;
c) The surface of the boardwalk must be firm and stable;
d) The boardwalk must not have any openings in the surface that allow the passage
of an object that has a diameter of more than 20 mm;
e) The boardwalk must have edge protection that is at least 50 mm in height; and
f) If the boardwalk has running slopes that are steeper than 1:20, the running
slopes must meet the requirements for ramps set out in Section 12 below.
12) Where the recreational trail is equipped with a ramp, the ramp must meet
the following requirements:
a) The ramp must have a minimum clear width of 900 mm;
b) The ramp must have a clear height that provides a minimum
headroom clearance of 2,100 mm above the ramp;
c) The surface of the ramp must be firm and stable;
d) The ramp must have a maximum running slope of no more than 1:10;
e) The ramp must be provided with landings that meet the following requirements:
Page 5 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
i) Landings must be provided at the top and bottom of the ramp, where there
is an abrupt change in the direction of the ramp and at horizontal intervals
not greater than 9 m apart;
Page 6 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
ii) Landings must be a minimum of 1,670 mm by 1,670 mm at the top and
bottom of the ramp and where there is an abrupt change in direction of
the ramp;
iii) Landings must be a minimum of 1,670 mm in length and at least the same
width of the ramp for an in-line ramp; and
iv) Landings must have a cross slope that is not steeper than 1:50.
f) The ramp must not have any openings in the surface that allow the passage of
an object that has a diameter of more than 20 mm;
g) The ramp must be equipped with handrails on both sides of the ramp and
the handrails must
i) Be continuously graspable along their entire length and have circular
cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more
than 40 mm, or any non-circular shape with a graspable portion that has a
perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 155 mm and whose
largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 57 mm;
ii) Be not less than 865 mm and not more than 965 mm high, measured
vertically from the surface of the ramp, except that handrails not
meeting these requirements are permitted if they are installed in
addition to the required handrail;
iii) Terminate in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create
a hazard;
iv) Extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of
the ramp; and
v) Be provided with a clearance of not less than 50 mm between the handrail
and any wall to which it is attached.
h) Where the ramp is more than 2,200 mm in width
i) One or more intermediate handrails which are continuous between
landings must be provided and located so that there is no more than 1,650
mm between handrails; and
ii) The handrails must meet the requirements set out in Section 12 g) above.
i) The ramp must have a wall or guard on both sides and where a guard is
provided, it must
i) Be not less than 1,070 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from
the ramp surface; and
ii) Be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between
140 mm and 900 mm above the ramp surface being protection by the guard
will facilitate climbing.
j) The ramp must have edge protection that is provided
i) With a curb at least 50 mm high on any side of the ramp where no solid
enclosure or solid guard is provided; or
ii) With railings or other barriers that extend to within 50 mm of the finished
ramp surface.
Page 7 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
Exceptions to the Requirements
An exception to the requirements for recreational trails is permitted where the Town of
Petrolia can demonstrate one or more of the following:
1) The requirements, or some of them, would likely affect the cultural heritage value or
interest of a property identified, designated or otherwise protected under the Ontario
Heritage Act as being of cultural heritage value or interest;
2) The requirements, or some of them, would affect the preservation of places set apart
as National Historic Sites of Canada by the Minister of the Environment for Canada
under the Canada National Parks Act;
3) The requirements, or some of them, would affect the national historic interest or
significance of historic places marked or commemorated under the Historic Sites
and Monuments Act;
4) The requirements, or some of them, might damage, directly or indirectly, the
cultural heritage or natural heritage on a property included in the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s World Heritage List of site
under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage;
4) There is a significant risk that the requirements, or some of them, would adversely
affect water, fish, wildlife, plants, invertebrates, species at risk, ecological integrity
or natural heritage values, whether the adverse effects are direct or indirect; or
6) It is not practicable to comply with the requirements, or some of them, because
existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements,
spaces or features, such as where surrounding rocks bordering the recreational trail
impede achieving the required clear width.
It is important to note that if an exception is permitted, it applies solely:
1) To the particular requirement for which the exception is allowed and not to any
other requirements that applies to the recreational trail; and
2) To the portion of the recreational trail for which it is claimed and not to
the recreational trail in its entirety.
BEACH ACCESS ROUTES
Beach access routes refer to any newly constructed or redeveloped beach access
routes that the Town of Petrolia intends to maintain, including permanent and
Page 8 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
temporary routes, and temporary routes that are established through the use of
manufactured goods, which can be removed for the winter months.
Consultation Requirements
Consultation on beach access routes is not required.
Technical Requirements
The Town of Petrolia shall ensure that any beach access routes will be constructed
or redeveloped with the following technical specifications:
1) The beach access route must have a minimum clear width of 1,000 mm;
2) The beach access route must have a clear height that provides a minimum head
room clearance of 2,100 mm above the beach access route;
3) The surface of the beach access route must be firm and stable;
4) Where the surface areas of the beach access route is constructed, that is where the
surface area is not natural, the surface area must meeting the following
requirements:
a) The maximum cross slope of the beach access route must be no more than 1:50;
b) The surface area must have a 1:2 bevel at changes in level between 6 mm and
13 mm;
c) The surface area must have a maximum running slope of 1:10 at changes in
level between 14 mm and 200 mm;
d) The surface area must have a ramp that meets the requirements of Section 9
below where there are changes in level greater than 200 mm;
e) Any openings in the surface of the beach access route must not allow passage of
an object with a diameter of more than 20 mm;
f) Any elongated openings in the beach access route must be oriented
approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel.
5) The maximum cross slope of the beach access route where the surface is not
constructed must be the minimum slope required for drainage;
5) The maximum running slope of the beach access route is 1:10;
7) The entrance to the beach access route must have a minimum clear opening of
1,000 mm, whether the entrance includes a gate, bollard or other entrance design.
8) Where the beach access route is equipped with a boardwalk, the boardwalk must
meeting the following requirements:
a) The boardwalk must have a minimum clear width of 1,000 mm;
Page 9 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
b) The boardwalk must have a clear height that provides a minimum
headroom clearance of 2,100 mm above the boardwalk;
c) The surface of the boardwalk must be firm and stable;
d) The boardwalk must not have any openings in the surface that allow the passage
of an object that has a diameter of more than 20 mm;
e) The boardwalk must have edge protection that is at least 50 mm in height; and
f) If the boardwalk has running slopes that are steeper than 1:20, the running
slopes must meet the requirements for ramps set out in Section 9 below.
9) Where the beach access route is equipped with a ramp, the ramp must meet the
following requirements:
a) The ramp must have a minimum clear width of 900 mm;
b) The ramp must have a clear height that provides a minimum
headroom clearance of 2,100 mm above the ramp;
c) The surface of the ramp must be firm and stable;
d) The ramp must have a maximum running slope of no more than 1:10;
e) The ramp must be provided with landings that meet the following requirements:
i) Landings must be provided at the top and bottom of the ramp, where there
is an abrupt change in the direction of the ramp and at horizontal intervals
not greater than 9 m apart;
ii) Landings must be a minimum of 1,670 mm by 1,670 mm at the top and
bottom of the ramp and where there is an abrupt change in direction of
the ramp;
iii) Landings must be a minimum of 1,670 mm in length and at least the same
width of the ramp for an in-line ramp; and
iv) Landings must have a cross slope that is not steeper than 1:50.
f) The ramp must not have any openings in the surface that allow the passage of
an object that has a diameter of more than 20 mm;
g) The ramp must be equipped with handrails on both sides of the ramp and
the handrails must
i) Be continuously graspable along their entire length and have circular
cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more
than 40 mm, or any non-circular shape with a graspable portion that has a
perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 155 mm and whose
largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 57 mm;
ii) Be not less than 865 mm and not more than 965 mm high, measured
vertically from the surface of the ramp, except that handrails not
meeting these requirements are permitted if they are installed in
addition to the required handrail;
Page 10 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
iii) Terminate in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create
a hazard;
iv) Extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of
the ramp; and
v) Be provided with a clearance of not less than 50 mm between the handrail
and any wall to which it is attached.
h) Where the ramp is more than 2,200 mm in width
i) One or more intermediate handrails which are continuous between
landings must be provided and located so that there is no more than 1,650
mm between handrails; and
ii) The handrails must meet the requirements set out in Section 9 g) above.
i) The ramp must have a wall or guard on both sides and where a guard is
provided, it must be not less than 1,070 mm measured vertically to the top of the
guard from the ramp surface; and
ii) Be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between
140 mm and 900 mm above the ramp surface being protection by the guard
will facilitate climbing.
j) The ramp must have edge protection that is provided
i) With a curb at least 50 mm high on any side of the ramp where no solid
enclosure or solid guard is provided; or
ii) With railing or other barriers that extend to within 50 mm of the finished
ramp surface.
Exceptions to the Requirements
An exception to the requirements for beach access routes is permitted where the Town
of Petrolia can demonstrate one or more of the following:
1) The requirements, or some of them, would likely affect the cultural heritage value or
interest of a property identified, designated or otherwise protected under the Ontario
Heritage Act as being of cultural heritage value or interest;
2) The requirements, or some of them, would affect the preservation of places set apart
as National Historic Sites of Canada by the Minister of the Environment for Canada
under the Canada National Parks Act;
3) The requirements, or some of them, would affect the national historic interest or
significance of historic places marked or commemorated under the Historic Sites
and Monuments Act;
Page 11 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
4) The requirements, or some of them, might damage, directly or indirectly, the
cultural heritage or natural heritage on a property included in the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s World Heritage List of site
under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage;
4) There is a significant risk that the requirements, or some of them, would adversely
affect water, fish, wildlife, plants, invertebrates, species at risk, ecological integrity
or natural heritage values, whether the adverse effects are direct or indirect; or
6) It is not practicable to comply with the requirements, or some of them, because
existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements,
spaces or features, such as where surrounding rocks bordering the recreational trail
impede achieving the required clear width.
It is important to note that if an exception is permitted, it applies solely:
1) To the particular requirement for which the exception is allowed and not to any
other requirements that applies to the beach access route; and
2) To the portion of the beach access route for which it is claimed and not to the beach
access route in its entirety.
OUTDOORPUBLIC USE EATING
AREAS
Outdoor public use eating areas refers to any newly constructed or redeveloped areas
that the Town of Petrolia intends to maintain that consist of tables that are found in
public areas, such as in public parks, and are specifically intended for use by the public
as a place to consume food.
Consultation Requirements
Consultation on outdoor public use eating areas is not required.
Technical Requirements
The Town of Petrolia shall ensure that any outdoor public use eating area will be
constructed or redeveloped with the following technical specifications:
1) A minimum of 20% of the tables that are provided must be accessible to persons
using mobility aids by having knee and toe clearance underneath the table and in no
case shall there be fewer than one table in an outdoor public use eating area that
meets this requirement;
Page 12 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
2) The ground surface leading to and under tables that are accessible to persons using
mobility aids must be level, firm and stable; and
Page 13 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
3) Tables that are accessible to persons using mobility aids must have clear ground
space around them that allows for a forward approach to the tables.
Exceptions to the Requirements
There are no exceptions allowed for the requirements related to outdoor public use
eating areas.
OUTDOOR PLAY SPACES
Outdoor play spaces refers to any newly constructed or redeveloped play spaces that
the Town of Petrolia intends to maintain that consist of an area that includes play
equipment, such as swings, or features such as logs, rocks, sand or water, where the
equipment or features are designed and placed to provide play opportunities and
experiences for children and caregivers.
Consultation Requirements
The Town of Petrolia may at its discretion consult on the needs of children and
caregivers with various disabilities before constructing new or redeveloping existing
outdoor play spaces.
Technical Requirements
The Town of Petrolia shall ensure that any outdoor play spaces will be
constructed or redeveloped with the following technical specifications:
1) The outdoor play space must include accessibility features such as sensory and
active play components for children and caregivers with various disabilities;
and
2) The outdoor play space must have a ground surface that is firm, stable and has
impact attenuating properties for injury prevention and sufficient clearance to
provide children and caregivers with various disabilities the ability to move
through, in and around the outdoor play space.
Exceptions to the Requirements
There are no exceptions allowed for the requirements related to outdoor play spaces.
Page 14 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
EXTERIOR PATHS OF
TRAVEL
Exterior paths of travel refer to any newly constructed or redeveloped exterior paths of
travel that are outdoor sidewalks or walkways designed and constructed for pedestrian
travel and are intended to serve a functional purpose and not to provide a recreational
experience. This does not apply to paths of travel regulated under the Ontario Building
Code.
Consultation Requirements
The Town of Petrolia or an appointed representative acting on its behalf (ie:
engineering firm / contractor) is required to consult with the public and persons with
disabilities before undertaking the construction or redevelopment of exterior paths of
travel. More specifically, the Town must consult on the following:
1) The design and placement of rest areas along the exterior path of travel.
Technical Requirements
The Town of Petrolia shall ensure that any exterior path of travel will be
constructed or redeveloped with the following technical specifications:
1) The exterior path must have a minimum clear width of 1,500 mm, however this
clear width can be reduced to 1,200 mm to serve as a turning space where the
exterior path connects with a curb ramp;
2) Where the headroom clearance is less than 2,100 mm over the portion of the
exterior path, a rail or other barrier with a leading edge that is cane detectable must
be provided around the object that is obstructing the headroom clearance;
3) The surface of the exterior path must be firm, stable and slip resistant;
4) Where the exterior path has openings in its surface,
a) The openings must not allow passage of an object that has a diameter of more
than 20 mm; and
b) Any elongated openings must be oriented approximately perpendicular to
the direction of travel.
5) The maximum running slope of the exterior path must be no more than 1:20,
however where the exterior path is a sidewalk, it can have a slope greater than 1:20
but it cannot be steeper than the slope of the adjacent roadway;
6) The maximum cross slope of the exterior path must be no more than 1:20 where the
surface is asphalt, concrete or some other hard surface, or no more than 1:10 in all
other cases;
7) The exterior path must meeting the following requirements:
a) It must have a 1:2 bevel at changes in level between 6 mm and 13 mm;
Page 15 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
b) It must have a maximum running slope of 1:8 or a curb ramp that meets the
requirement of Section 11 below at changes in level of greater than 13 mm and
less than 75 mm;
c) It must have a maximum running slope of 1:10 or a curb ramp that meets the
requirements of Section 11 below at changes in level of 75 mm or greater and
200 mm or less;
d) It must have a ramp that meets the requirements of Section 9 below and
changes in level of greater than 200 mm.
8) The entrance to the exterior path must provide a minimum clear opening of 850 mm,
whether the entrance includes a gate, bollard or other entrance design;
9) Where the exterior path is equipped with a ramp, the ramp must meet the
following requirements:
a) The ramp must have a minimum clear width of 900 mm;
b) The surface of the ramp must be firm, stable and slip-resistant;
c) The ramp must have a maximum running slope of no more than 1:15;
d) The ramp must be provided with landings that meet the following requirements:
i) Landings must be provided at the top and bottom of the ramp, where there
is an abrupt change in the direction of the ramp and at horizontal intervals
not greater than 9 m apart;
ii) Landings must be a minimum of 1,670 mm by 1,670 mm at the top and
bottom of the ramp and where there is an abrupt change in direction of
the ramp;
iii) Landings must be a minimum of 1,670 mm in length and at least the same
width of the ramp for an in-line ramp; and
iv) Landings must have a cross slope that is not steeper than 1:50.
e) Where a ramp has openings in its surface
i) The openings must not allow passage of an object that has a diameter of
more than 20 mm; and
ii) Any elongated openings must be oriented approximately perpendicular to
the direction of travel.
f) The ramp must be equipped with handrails on both sides of the ramp and
the handrails must
i) Be continuously graspable along their entire length and have circular
cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more
than 40 mm, or any non-circular shape with a graspable portion that has a
perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 155 mm and whose
largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 57 mm;
ii) Be not less than 865 mm and not more than 965 mm high, measured
vertically from the surface of the ramp, except that handrails not
meeting these requirements are permitted if they are installed in
addition to the
required handrail;
iii) Terminate in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create
a hazard;
Page 16 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
iv) Extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of
the ramp;
v) Be provided with a clearance of not less than 50 mm between the handrail
and any wall to which it is attached; and
vi) Be designed and constructed such that handrails and their supports will
withstand the loading values obtained from the non-concurrent application
of a concentrated load not less than 0.9 kN applied at any point and in any
direction for all handrails and a uniform load not less than 0.7 kN/m applied
in any direction to the handrail.
g) Where the ramp is more than 2,200 mm in width
i) One or more intermediate handrails which are continuous between
landings must be provided and located so that there is no more than 1,650
mm between handrails; and
ii) The handrails must meet the requirements set out in Section 9 f) above.
h) The ramp must have a wall or guard on both sides and where a guard is
provided, it must
i) Be not less than 1,070 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from
the ramp surface; and
ii) Be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between
140 mm and 900 mm above the ramp surface being protection by the guard
will facilitate climbing.
i) The ramp must have edge protection that is provided
i) With a curb at least 50 mm high on any side of the ramp where no solid
enclosure or solid guard is provided; or
ii) With railing or other barriers that extend to within 50 mm of the finished
ramp surface.
10) Where stairs connect to the exterior path, the stairs must meet the
following requirements:
a) The surface of the treads must have a finish that is slip resistant;
b) Stairs must have uniform risers and runs in any one flight;
c) The rise between successive treads must be between 125 mm and 180 mm; d)
The run between successive steps must be between 280 mm and 355 mm; e)
Stairs must have closed risers;
f) The maximum nosing projection on a tread must be no more than 38 mm,
with no abrupt undersides;
g) Stairs must have high tonal contrast markings that extend the full tread width
of the leading edge of each step;
h) Stairs must be equipped with tactile walking surface indicators that are built in
or applied to the walking surface, and the tactile walking surface indicators
must
i) Have raised tactile profiles;
Page 17 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
ii) Have a high tonal contrast with the adjacent surface;
iii) Be located at the top of all flights of stairs; and
iv) Extend the full tread width to a minimum depth of 610 mm commencing
one tread depth from the edge of the stair.
i) Handrails must be included on both sides of the stairs and must satisfy the
requirements set out in Section 9 f) above.
j) A guard must be provided that is not less than 920 mm, measured vertically to
the top of the guard from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair
nosing’s and 1,070 mm around the landings and is required on each side of a
stairway where the difference in elevation between ground level and the top of
the stair is more than 600 mm but, where there is a wall, a guard is not required
on that side.
k) Where stairs are more than 2,200 mm in width
i) One or more intermediate handrails that are continuous between landings
must be provided and located so there is no more than 1,650 mm between
handrails; and
ii) The handrails must satisfy the requirements set out in Section 9 f) above.
11) Where a curb ramp is provided on the exterior path, the curb must align with
the direction of travel and meet the following requirements:
a) The curb ramp must have a minimum clear width of 1,200 mm, exclusive of any
flared sides;
b) The running slope of the curb ramp must
i) Be a maximum of 1:8 where elevation is less than 75 mm; and
ii) Be a maximum of 1:10 where elevation is 75 mm or greater and 200 mm or less.
c) The maximum cross slope of the curb ramp must be no more than 1:50;
d) The maximum slope on the flared side of the curb ramp must be no more than
1:10;
e) Where the curb ramp is provided at a pedestrian crossing, it must have tactile
walking surface indicators that
i) Have raised tactile profiles;
ii) Have a high tonal contrast with the adjacent surface;
iii) Are located at the bottom of the curb ramp;
iv) Are set back between 150 mm and 200 mm from the curb edge;
v) Extend the full width of the curb ramp;
and vi) Are a minimum of 610 mm in depth.
12) Where a depressed curb is provided on the exterior path, the depressed curb must
meet the following requirements:
a) The depressed curb must have a maximum running slope of 1:20;
b) The depressed curb must be aligned with the direction of travel;
c) Where the depressed curb is provided at a pedestrian crossing, it must have
tactile walking surface indicators that
i) Have raised tactile profiles;
Page 18 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
ii) Have high tonal contrast with the adjacent surface;
iii) Are located at the bottom portion of the depressed curb that is flush with
the roadway;
iv) Are set back between 150 mm and 200 mm from the curb edge; and
v) Are a minimum of 610 mm in depth.
13) Where new pedestrian overhead signals are being installed or existing
pedestrian signs are being replaced at a pedestrian crossover, they must be
accessible pedestrian signals and must meet the following requirements:
a) They must have a locator tone that is distinct from a walk indicator tone;
b) They must be installed within 1,500 mm of the edge of the curb;
c) They must be mounted at a maximum of 1,100 mm above ground level;
d) They must have tactile arrows that align with the direction of crossing;
e) They must include both manual and automatic activation features;
f) They must include both audible and vibro-tactile walk indicators.
14) Where two accessible pedestrian signal assemblies are installed on the same
corner, they must be a minimum of 3,000 mm apart;
15) Where the requirements of the section above cannot be met because of site
constraints or existing infrastructure, two accessible pedestrian signal assemblies
can be installed on a single post, and when this occurs, a verbal announcement
must clearly state which crossing is active.
Exceptions to the Requirements
An exception to the requirements for exterior paths of travel is permitted where the
Town of Petrolia can demonstrate one or more of the following and or provide time for a
public meeting for people with disabilities to review and or provide comments:
1) The requirements, or some of them, would likely affect the cultural heritage value or
interest of a property identified, designated or otherwise protected under the Ontario
Heritage Act as being of cultural heritage value or interest;
2) The requirements, or some of them, would affect the preservation of places set apart
as National Historic Sites of Canada by the Minister of the Environment for Canada
under the Canada National Parks Act;
3) The requirements, or some of them, would affect the national historic interest or
significance of historic places marked or commemorated under the Historic Sites
and Monuments Act;
4) The requirements, or some of them, might damage, directly or indirectly, the
cultural heritage or natural heritage on a property included in the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage List of site
under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage;
Page 19 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
5) There is a significant risk that the requirements, or some of them, would adversely
affect water, fish, wildlife, plants, invertebrates, species at risk, ecological integrity
or natural heritage values, whether the adverse effects are direct or indirect; or
6) It is not practicable to comply with the requirements, or some of them, because
existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of elements,
spaces or features, such as where increasing the width of the exterior path would
narrow the width of the adjacent highway or locating an accessible pedestrian
signal pole within 1,500 mm of the curb edge is not feasible because of existing
underground utilities.
It is important to note that if an exception is permitted, it applies solely:
1) To the particular requirement for which the exception is allowed and not to any
other requirements that applies to the exterior path of travel; and
2) To the portion of the exterior path for which it is claimed and not to the exterior
path in its entirety.
ACCESSIBLE
PARKING
Accessible parking refers to any newly constructed or redeveloped off-street parking
facilities or on-street parking spaces that the Town of Petrolia intends to maintain.
Consultation Requirements
Consultation on accessible parking for off-street parking is not required.
The Town of Petrolia is required to consult with the public and persons with
disabilities before undertaking the construction or redevelopment of on-street parking
spaces. More specifically, the Town must consult on the following:
1) The need for, location and design of accessible on-street parking spaces.
It is also suggested that consultation topics included such items as:
1) The expected accessibility benefits;
2) Any relevant safety concerns; and
3) Local traffic patterns.
Technical Requirements
Please note that this section is divided into technical requirements for off-street
parking facilities as well as on-street parking spaces.
Off-Street Parking Facilities
The Town of Petrolia shall ensure that any off-street parking facilities will be
constructed or redeveloped with the following technical specifications:
Page 20 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
1) Off-street parking facilities must provide the following two types of parking spaces
for the use of persons with disabilities:
a) Type A, a wider parking space which has a minimum width of 3,400 mm and
signage that identifies the space as “van accessible”; and
b) Type B, a standard parking space which has a minimum width of 2,400 mm.
2) Access aisles, that is the space between parking spaces that allows persons with
disabilities to get in and out of their vehicles, must be provided for all parking
spaces for the use of persons with disabilities in off-street parking facilities;
3) Access aisles may be shared by two parking spaces for the use of persons with
disabilities in an off-street parking facility and must meet the following
requirements: a) They must have a minimum width of 1,500 mm;
b) They must extend the full length of the parking space;
c) They must be marked with high tonal contrast diagonal lines, which
discourages parking in them, where the surface is asphalt, concrete or some
other hard surface.
4) Off-street parking facilities must have a minimum number of parking spaces for
the use of persons with disabilities, in accordance with the following
requirements:
a) One parking space for the use of persons with disabilities, which meets the
requirements of a Type A parking spaces, where there are 12 parking spaces or
fewer;
b) 4% of the total number of parking spaces for the use of persons with disabilities
where there are between 13 and 100 parking spaces in accordance with the
following ratio, rounding up to the nearest whole number:
i) Where an even number of parking spaces for the use of persons with
disabilities are provided in accordance with the requirements of this
paragraph, an equal number of parking spaces that meet the requirements of
a Type A parking space and a Type B parking space must be provided.
ii) Where an odd number of parking spaces for the use of persons with
disabilities are provided in accordance with the requirements of this
paragraph, the number of parking spaces must be divided equally between
parking spaces that meet the requirements of a Type A parking space and a
Type B parking space, but the additional parking space, the odd-numbered
space, may be a Type B parking space.
c) One parking space for the use of persons with disabilities and an additional 3%
of parking spaces for the use of persons with disabilities where there are
between 101 and 200 parking spaces, calculated in accordance with
ratios set out in Section 4 b) above rounding up to the nearest whole
number;
d) Two parking spaces for the use of persons with disabilities and an additional
2% of parking spaces for the use of persons with disabilities where there are
between 201 and 1,000 parking spaces must be parking spaces for the use of
Page 21 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
persons with disabilities in accordance with ratios set out in Section 4 b) above,
rounding up to the nearest whole number;
e) Eleven parking spaces for the use of persons with disabilities and an additional
1% of parking spaces for the use of persons with disabilities, where more than
1,000 parking spaces are provided must be parking spaces for the use of
persons with disabilities in accordance with ratios set out in Section 4 b) above,
rounding up to the nearest whole number;
5) If the Town provides more than one off-street parking facility at a site, the Town
shall calculate the number and type of parking spaces for the use of persons with
disabilities according to the number and type of parking spaces required for each
off-street parking facility;
6) In determining the location of parking spaces for the use of persons with disabilities
that must be provided where there is more than one off-street parking facilities at a
site, the Town may distribute them among the off-street parking facilities in a
manner that provides substantially equivalent or greater accessibility in terms of
distance
from an accessible entrance or user convenience;
7) For the purpose of the above-noted paragraph, the following factors may be
considered:
a) Protection from the weather;
b) Security;
c) Lighting;
d) Comparative maintenance.
8) The Town shall ensure that off-street parking spaces for the use of persons with
disabilities are distinctly indicated by erecting an accessible permit parking sign in
accordance with section 11 of Regulation 581 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario,
1990 (Accessible Parking for Persons with Disabilities) made under the Highway
Traffic Act.
On-Street Parking Spaces
Because of the large number of site-specific variables on any given roadway and the
need to maintain safety for road-users and pedestrians, specific requirements for
accessible on-street parking spaces, such as minimum sizes, types and numbers of
accessible parking spaces, have not been included in the Design of Public Spaces
Standard. It is suggested that consultation topics included such items as:
1) The expected accessibility benefits;
2) Any relevant safety concerns; and
3) Local traffic patterns.
Exceptions to the Requirements
Page 22 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
The requirements in respect to off-street parking facilities do not apply to off-
street parking facilities that are used exclusively for one of the following:
Page 23 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
1) Parking for buses;
2) Parking for delivery vehicles;
3) Parking for law enforcement vehicles;
4) Parking for medical transportation vehicles, such as ambulances;
5) Parking used as a parking lot for impounded vehicles.
The requirements in respect of off-street parking facilities do not apply to off-
street parking facilities if:
1) The off-street parking facilities are not located on a barrier-free path of travel,
regulated under Ontario Regulation 350/06 (Building Code) made under the
Building Code Act; and
2) The Town has multiple off-street parking facilities on a single site that serve a
building or facility.
An exception to the required minimum number of off-street parking spaces for the use
of persons with disabilities is permitted where the Town can demonstrate that it is not
practicable to comply with the requirements because existing physical or site constraints
prevent it from meeting the required ratio, such as where the minimum width for
parking spaces for persons with disabilities or access aisles cannot be met because of
existing pay and display parking meters, surrounding curb edges, walkways,
landscaping or the need to maintain a minimum drive aisle width.
Where the Town claims an exception to the minimum number of parking spaces for
the use of persons with disabilities, the Town shall provide as close to as many parking
spaces for the use of persons with disabilities that meet the requirements that can be
accommodated by the existing site and
1) Where that number is an even number, the number of parking spaces must be
divided equally between parking spaces that meet the requirements of a Type A
parking space and a Type B parking space; and
2) Where that number is an odd number, the number of parking spaces must be
divided equally between parking spaces that meet the requirements of a Type A
parking space and a Type B parking space, but the additional parking space, the
odd-numbered space, may be a Type B parking space.
OBTAINING SERVICES
Obtaining services refers to any newly constructed service counters and fixed queuing
guides, as well as any newly constructed or redeveloped waiting areas with fixed
seating that the Town of Petrolia intends to maintain. Any of these features can be
located either indoors or outdoors.
Consultation Requirements
Consultation on obtaining services is not required.
Page 24 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
The Town of Petrolia shall ensure that any feature for obtaining services will be
constructed or redeveloped with the following technical specifications:
1) When constructing new services counters, which includes replacing existing service
counters, the following requirements must be met:
a) There must be at a minimum one service counter that accommodates a mobility
aid for each type of service provided and the accessible service counter must be
clearly identified with signage, where there are multiple queuing lines and
service counters; and
b) Each service counter must accommodate a mobility aid, where a single queuing
line services a single or multiple counters.
2) The service counter that accommodates mobility aids must meet the following
requirements:
a) The countertop height must be such that it is usable by a person seated in a
mobility aid;
b) There must be sufficient knee clearance for a person seated in a mobility aid,
where a forward approach to the counter is required; and
c) The floor space in front of the counter must be sufficiently clear so as to
accommodate a mobility aid.
3) When constructing new fixed queuing guides, the following requirements must
be met:
a) The fixed queuing guides must provide sufficient width to allow for the passage of
mobility aids and mobility assistive devices;
b) The fixed queuing guides must have sufficiently clear floor area to permit
mobility aids to turn where queuing lines change direction;
c) The fixed queuing guides must be cane detectable.
4) When constructing a new waiting area or redeveloping an existing waiting area,
where the seating is fixed to the floor, a minimum of 3% of the new seating must be
accessible, but in no case shall there be fewer than one accessible seating space.
Accessible seating refers to a space in the seating area where an individual using a
mobility aid can wait.
Exceptions to the Requirements
There are no exceptions allowed for the requirements related to obtaining services.
Page 25 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance can involve but is not limited to: undertaking specific activities to keep
existing public spaces in good working order, or restoring spaces or elements within
a space to their original condition.
Consultation Requirements
Consultation on maintenance is not required.
Page 26 of 27 Town of Petrolia Accessible Spaces Policy
The Town of Petrolia shall ensure that the 2016 forward, Multi-Year Accessibility
Plan includes the following:
1) Procedures for preventative and emergency maintenance of the accessible
elements in public spaces; and
2) Procedures for dealing with temporary disruptions when accessible elements are not
in working order.
Exceptions to the Requirements
There are no exceptions allowed for the requirements related to maintenance.
Related Documents
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c 32
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005
Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, O. Reg. 191/11 Part 4.1 – Design
of Public Spaces Standard
Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c H.19
Contact Information
Dave Menzies, Director of Facilities & Community Services
Mandi Pearson, Deputy Clerk
Town of Petrolia
P.O. Box 1270, 411 Greenfield Street
Petrolia, Ontario N0N 1R0
Telephone: (519) 882-2350
Fax: (519) 882-3373
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
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The Governance Zone: The Approaching Sounds of an Election (Part Three)
In the past two chapters in this new series on the challenges facing those stepping
into elected office, I addressed some key aspects of the role of elected officials and
why these challenges are often at the heart of frustration and failure.
These challenges I identified as:
o service to the community
o commitment to transparent government
o respect for opposing views
o clear understanding of my new role
o recognition that the administration is part of your team.
Hearing and Understanding the Public
Each and every Council is expected to reflect the will of its public in its decisions.
While it is not possible to be absolutely certain that every decision made by a Council
is a reflection of the public will it is hoped that if the Council is a reasonable
representation of a broad cross-section of public opinion, its decisions will similarly
reflect those same people.
There are several major issues to be cognizant of in Council’s approach to its public.
These include:
o Public comment may represent those who commented as opposed to the vast
and silent majority of those who did not
o Public organizations may represent more organization than public (i.e. some
have an executive whose membership is drawn from two families)
o Ratepayers groups often fit around one coffee table
o Public evaluation is often more accurate when based on hindsight
On the other hand, public input is essential to good decision-making. When solicited
on a planned basis and when those being solicited are purposely representative of a
broad base of community opinion then a Council would be wise to listen carefully.
In the absence of a carefully designed survey of public opinion a Council ought to
perceive itself as generally in concert with its public when it considers the evidence
before it and listens carefully to the opinions of each other. Each Council member
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represents a cross-section of the voting public and should thus be entitled to believe
that his/her views count for much more than simply personal opinion.
Focusing on the Important
It is amazing to me that communities across Canada can still be “led” by those who
cannot focus: who do not see the need to take the time to consider what they heard
during an election campaign and what might constitute the key issues facing the
community. Without a clear conception of the more significant issues every issue
begins to take on essentially the same import. Unfortunately, this leads a Council into
believing that all issues could be considered co-equal when indeed only a few are
truly critical to the future of the community.
Each Council would be wise to set aside a day or two to focus on the following
questions:
What did each of us hear during the campaign?
What do our citizens think is truly important?
If I decided to run again next term, on what progress would I be comfortable
basing my re-election campaign?
What issues might fit within these key words:
o Leadership
o Governance
o Good neighbourliness
o Community groups/input
o Infrastructure
o Social/family services
o Fiscal health
o Long range planning
o Organizational health
It is my contention that a Council roundtable using the foregoing key words as a guide
would soon produce a very useful list of ideas to be pursued over the next 1-4 years.
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Thinking through the Results
One of the key messages I try to leave with any audience is that of always challenging
oneself with the question: am I truly “value-added?” It seems to me that simply
“warming the chair” as a member of Council should be viewed as unacceptable. If the
biggest and only accomplishment in a term of office is getting elected then we are all
consigned to lukewarm leadership. As the Bible describes it, we are neither hot nor
cold, we simply fill the space.
Communities are well-served by those who truly enjoy their roles and strive to make
their choice of home community a little better. They are passionate about seeing
neighbourhoods work together to spruce up their appearance and add both green
space and services which will keep people in their homes and filling their schools.
They walk the community with “eyes wide open” as they notice the small things that
detract from quality aesthetics.
Such members of Council not only see the value of a comprehensive Council-led plan,
they also understand that if you can see the future result it can be achieved. Thinking
through the results ensures a focus on what is truly important in the long run rather
than always looking for the quick wins. The latter may provoke an initial feel good
result but the more difficult to hit targets albeit taking longer to achieve like most
such efforts in life taste better and produce longer-lasting results.
Next Month: More advice for a new Council or one which wants to improve
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The Governance Zone: The Approaching Sounds of an Election (Part Four)
In the past three chapters in this new series on the challenges facing those stepping into
elected office, I addressed some key aspects of the role of elected officials and why these
challenges are often at the heart of frustration and failure.
These challenges I identified as:
service to the community
commitment to transparent government
respect for opposing views
clear understanding of my new role
recognition that the administration is part of your team
hearing and understanding the Public
focusing on the Important
thinking through the results.
Questioning the Status Quo
There is a difference between being someone who questions what he/she sees to determine
why it is done a particular way and someone who presumes everything their predecessors did
was wrong and needs to change. Much of what constitutes the base for any new Council (i.e.
current bylaws, policies and resolutions) is the result of good decisions on sometimes very
politically-tainted and difficult issues. However, even those decisions which were
controversial at the time are not necessarily wrong.
What is wrong-headed in my view is the notion that circumstances never change and thus all
prior decisions are “just fine”. It is apparent to most of us that those conditions that impact
municipalities are often quite fluid and thus require a new course of action when the current
direction or policy is clearly in opposition to sound logic.
It is incumbent on any new Council to take stock of current, key policies and assess whether
or not they are sustainable. While it may be more exciting to jump in on a current issue or a
promising new discussion, it is still a certainty that not reviewing which direction the ship of
state is heading under the present philosophy or past leadership may place one in the same
boat as Mr. Bruce Ismay (he of Titanic fame as chairman and managing director of the White
Star Line).
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Whenever a Council expresses dismay regarding the response by management to a particular
request by the public only to find out that the management’s conclusions were based on
existing policy a red flag should surface drawing the thoughtful on Council into a question as
to when those “existing” policies get reviewed by the current leaders.
Re-Thinking the Value of ABCs and Why They Are Often a Problem
Every Council has them and many do not understand (or question) why. Appointments are
made at the opening bell to a new term and members of Council are seen running off in
various directions to attend this or that agency, board of committee/commission (ABCs)
meeting.
Councils err when they do not question what ABCs do or how they add value. They err
because the public will see through their lack of attention to these bodies and begin to
question why they should spend their valuable time attending meetings wherein the advice
to Council is seldom sought and less frequently heeded. Why is this so? Because in many
instances Council has never reviewed the value added of such bodies and whether or not
there is a better way to access public advice on significant matters. And why not? Because
no one took the time to ask: why are we doing this; is there a better way?
Understanding the Limitations of Your New Role
There are limits to being the Queen. She has to have her public estimates approved annually
by Parliament which limits the number of afternoon teas and flights to the colonies. The
Prime Minister seeks approval for new laws and has his own office budget approved annually.
The Premier checks with caucus (at the very least) before determining the next round of
appointments to various boards and commissions.
The Council does not approve those who are appointed as administrative assistant to the
department head nor should they approve the department heads. Individual Council
members do not have authority to spend municipal funds or commit the community to any
particular action other than to look into the matter in question. Council members cannot
commit their support for projects which are to come before Council for approval under they
so after the matter has been heard by all of Council in a duly held meeting. In short, and in
far greater measure than these few simple examples attest, Council members by legislation
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have significant limits on their ability to make decisions outside of the Council Chambers
and, to a lesser extent, inside the Chambers.
Practicing the Discipline of Principle-Based Leadership
Every Council will face a multitude of issues. On many the Council as a whole will agree. On
other issues there may well be considerable disagreement, some of which may be heated.
The issue becomes: how will we resolve the differences without becoming embroiled in a
personalized, nasty dispute? How can we agree to disagree and yet do so in an amicable a
fashion as though we all agreed? In the first instance and regardless of political ideologies it
is highly likely that there will be numerous instances wherein disagreement may occur. That
needs to be accepted as a reality. Secondly, any disagreement has the potential for going off
course if Council has not discussed at the outset their rules of engagement (i.e. how
disagreements will be handled). In my view, the best way of handling disputes is to agree
upon a set of good decision-making principles at the outset and then ensure that these are
referred to when disagreement seems likely. As an example, such principles might include:
We will not attack anyone’s personal character in our disputes regardless of how far
apart we are I our positions.
We will not cite administrative sources to back up our arguments unless such
information is publicly available.
We will not bring old issues up under the cloak of “new business” when in fact the old
issues have already been decided upon by a vote of Council.
We will show respect for the office of Mayor even when we disagree with a
position/stance taken by the Mayor.
Summary
The 12 challenges which I have cited are not the only ones to be sure. They are however
issues which have come to my attention over the past 30 plus years consulting to this
challenging field. Anticipating and recognizing these may be a blessing.
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The Governance Zone: The Approaching Sounds of an Election (Part Two)
“Municipal elections are brewing in various regions of the country. Alberta,
Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan are scheduled to hold a
municipal election later this year and others next year. The signs like spring are
everywhere. Mayors and Councillors are announcing that after much thought and the
consideration of family the decision to offer themselves to this community service
known as “elected office” has been made and their services will once more be open
for review and hopefully support. The question remains: are they aware of what they
are getting into?” (Excerpt from last month’s Chapter One)
This article continues my examination of the challenges facing a new member of
Council.
(Part Two)
A Clear Understanding of MY New Role
The thesis behind this rather simplistic heading is so straight-forward one wonders
why it takes so many folks so long to grasp it (and some never do). An election is
about those who run for office. Candidates put themselves at the disposal of their
fellow citizens and they say “considering the alternatives, I think I am your best
choice to represent your interests in the Council Chambers”. They do not say “a vote
for me is logical because I am knowledgeable in civic finance, public works,
recreation, airport management, tourism, engineering, rural-urban relationships, civic
administration”. Unfortunately, while candidates have never been heard to say that,
some believe it. Their entrance into office is accompanied by an intellectual prowess
in all things municipal.
As a result It is not unusual to hear questions being asked of the administration
regarding the length of the rivets in the bridge; the number of cross-cuts in a
transportation system; the strength of one type of steel vis-à-vis another; the width
of the lobby in the new arena; the best method for unplugging the ditches…Such
questions are dutifully answered with neither the questioner nor respondent being
any the more clear as to why that was important or whether the answer helped the
Council member vote in favour of the project. The Councillor believes that his/her
intervention was useful because the administration placed the item on Council’s
business agenda rather than on its “information” list which is where it should have
been (if it had to be shared at all).
Councillors need help in identifying where they add value, because all of them want
to. Administrations need help identifying the same (and the answer lies not in inviting
Councillors into administrivia). Until and unless both administrators and Councillors
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understand that the roles are intentionally distinct significant role clarity problems
will persist. While that makes for ongoing consulting work for this writer and others,
it does not have to be this way. A Council is expected to:
Represent the opinions and wishes of the public
Listen to the advice of their administration and weigh it against what they
believe the public wants/expects
Lead through establishing clear policies on issues which are either significant or
repetitive or both
Provide oversight of the approved policies and the approved business plan and
budget
Provide oversight on how the administration treats the public and responds to
its requests
Provide oversight on the work and relationships of the chief administrative
officer
Provide insight and direction as to the priorities favoured by the community
Represent the community in dealings with politicians of other levels of
government and to other locally-elected leaders
Represent the Council in discussions with other community groups; listen to the
will of the community group and ensure that Council is made aware of their
perspective, without lobbying on behalf of the community group
Question the reports of administration IN A RESPECTFUL MANNER; neither be
intimidated by their experience and professionalism into not asking governance
questions nor be prone to ask the type of questions which are designed to
embarrass someone on the staff when you already know the answer
Ask governance questions (see Cuff’s Guide Volume One); stay elevated in your
questioning; focusing on the length of rivets may sound educated but it does
little to guide the administration into a thoughtful response on the matters
which matter most
Recognition that the Administration is Part of Your Team
While it may sometimes seem that the Council is trying to get past the
administration in terms of resisting a very strong push to take this course of action
over the one favoured by Council, the irony lies in the fact that they are on your
side. The staff of the municipality (or regional district or regional municipality) is
not the enemy. They have been appointed to their positions based on their
academic preparation and experience and are equipped to serve in a professional
manner.
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The wise Council expects its administration to report its best advice through its
chief administrative officer in a coherent and concise fashion. While the Council
should expect to receive the best of the available options, the report should also
clearly underline which option would work best and why. Their report is to be
bereft of “political considerations” and replete with sound administrative
arguments. The fact that you as a member of Council may not agree is neither
here nor there. You actually get to say your piece after reading their report. You
get the last word. Your decision is the one which is acted on by the administration.
Their report should never be slanted however based on what they think you might
want to hear. Otherwise, that would not reflect sound administrative logic: it
would be a persuasive political argument based on what the staff believes that a
majority of Council wanted to hear. Such an administration is not only
dysfunctional; it is morally corrupt. Its professionalism should never allow the CAO
to place before Council advice which he/she knows to be based not on sound
administrative logic but on politics. The politicians, the last time I looked, are
supposed to be on your side of the table.
Next Month: More Advice for a new Council or one which wants to improve
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The Governance Zone: The Approaching Sounds of an Election (Part One)
Municipal elections are brewing in various regions of the country. Both Alberta and
Ontario are due for a municipal election this year and others next year. The signs like
spring are everywhere. Mayors and Councillors are announcing that after much
thought and the consideration of family the decision to offer up themselves to this
community service known as “elected office” has been made and their services will
once more be open for review and hopefully support.
A Service to the Community
Anyone who does not have “service to community” as the principal reason for their
decision should withdraw. While it can be known for many things, being an elected
official needs to be anchored in a selfless desire to serve others. This one “cause”
should over-shadow all others as the predominant reason why anyone runs for office.
When this ceases to be the case, as it does for many, then purely self-serving motives
kick in. When it was never the case, as is the instance of some, the motivation may
be about achieving one cause or repaying a debt or moving the yardsticks on one
issue. These latter circumstances, though fortunately few in number, are sad as they
disrupt entire Councils who thought that all of their colleagues were there for
essentially the same reasons as themselves, that is, to provide a community service.
The legislation does not require a candidate to say why they are interested in being
elected. While this may not serve any useful purpose in the run-up to an election it
may be useful to have such responses in the quiver should future events and
discussions suggest much different motivations.
Service to community is important because only it can fully explain the rationale of
seemingly normal folks offering themselves and their privacy for a mere pittance and
frequently more criticism than praise. This is a difficult calling and not one for the
faint of heart or for the one issue candidate. This service requires attendance at
hundreds of meetings which seem to go on without end; the patience of Job in moving
issues forward; the wisdom of Solomon in determining which course of action makes
the most sense to the most people; and a spine of steel which is able to withstand the
voiced and veiled criticisms which may be hurled from the delegation table or in the
media.
A Commitment to Transparent Government
The public is far more likely to trust those who make the odd mistake, who sound like
they have not fully understood all the facts or who appear nervous in the public eye
far more than those who seem all too polished after meeting in camera and who now
have all their ducks lined up and speeches ready. Politics can be and often is quite
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messy. It does not come with an easy to use rule book which explains in simple terms
how to debate each other using profound statements which seem oh so wise and lucid
nor how to lose a vote without appearing to have missed the point or lost to others
more articulate and obviously wiser. The only folks who seem to have this aspect
“nailed down” are the other two levels of government who are afforded the luxury of
in camera (caucus) meetings on a frequent and seldom challenged basis while denying
same to their namesakes at the municipal office.
It matters not. What does matter is the obligation to play within the rules which are
quite clear and which in all Provinces require most decisions of every Council to be
rendered and indeed discussed in open chambers. These rules are the basis of much of
what is good and decent about local government. Such matters as the forthcoming
budget and resulting mill rate are up for discussion in open chambers. The next five
year business plan or strategic plan which sets out the future aspirations of the
community are out in the public as soon as they are tabled with the Council. While
few might attend the unveiling of the administration’s proposed “transportation plan”
the significance of such a far-reaching document becomes quickly clear to all.
Ensuring that it is communicated in a language that makes it readily understood is a
mandate of the Council. While that may not solicit the attendance of more than the
usual handful of citizens, the act of making the matter public is equally important.
“Transparent government” does not require a herculean effort to make sure that
every voting citizen has their hands on all key documents or is in attendance at all key
meetings. There needs to be a presumption that the reason they voted for you is
because they trusted that your judgment would be akin to theirs. Rather it requires
Council members to trust the judgment of their fellow citizens and to not be afraid of
their reaction to this policy choice or that. It suggests that those who use this mantra
in their campaign literature actually mean it; that they would oppose any suggestion
to go “in camera” unless the facts of the matter required that Council function for
the moment beyond the camera’s lens.
Respect for Opposing Views
If you “just have to be right” (when in doubt, ask your spouse) politics may not be for
you. Politics has been rightfully described as “the art of compromise” because the
very fact of placing strong-willed people at the same table and expecting them to
come up with a decision on every matter would not be possible otherwise. Virtually
all decisions have within themselves kernels of uncertainty. And thus the debate goes
on:
“If we do this, that will happen. If we do that, this may happen. Will the public
agree or will there be outrage in the streets? How will this decision impact my
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preferred choice down the road? I promised this during the election; I’m going
to look foolish if I cannot deliver.”
So what do strong-willed people do? They talk longer and with a more strident tone.
They hope that by sounding more authoritative that the rest of the equally strong
assembled egos will defer to what obviously makes sense (i.e. their point of view). In
defeat they either grow more philosophical or they become bitter. Those who add
philosophy to their major are able to sound eloquent on other topics which may just
remind the populace why they voted for you. Those who cannot, become bitter. The
former become valued colleagues. The latter lie in the weeds and wait their
opportunity, which always appears. Not satisfied with some skin on the first surprise,
they lie in wait for a second—and so the show goes on. Democracy they find is a
difficult business and the logic of their newly elected colleagues hard to fathom. (One
wants to cry out “Get over it!”).
In Summary
The journey into the land of elected officials is a highly interesting and very
challenging one. This series of articles is focused on helping the reader to understand
the journey and how to maximize the “learnings” of others who have gone before.
Next Month: Chapter Two: Helping a Council Get Started after an Election:
Understanding this New Role
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