HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-02-18_COW_Website Agenda Package
Committee of the Whole AGENDA
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Chester Municipal Council Chambers / Facebook Live
151 King Street, Chester, NS
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS
3. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (8:45 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.)
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 Committee of the Whole – February 4, 2021
5. MATTERS ARISING
5.1 Request for Decision prepared February 11, 2021 – Corporate and Strategic Management –
Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan.
6. POLICY DEVELOPMENT/REVIEW
7. CORRESPONDENCE
7.1 Information from NS Protocol Office regarding Order of Nova Scotia 2021.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Information Report prepared February 11, 2021 – Corporate and Strategic Management – 2020
Year End Fire Department Call Report.
8.2 Request for Decision prepared November 23, 2020 – Information Services – Surplus IT Equipment.
9. IN CAMERA
10 ADJOURNMENT
Page 1 of 1 of Agenda Cover Page(s)
45
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Minutes of
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Via Facebook Live from 151 King Street, Chester, NS
On Thursday, February 4, 2021
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Warden Webber called the meeting to order at 8:47 a.m.
Present: District 1 – Councillor Veinotte District 2 – Deputy Warden Shatford
District 3 – Councillor Barkhouse District 4 – Warden Webber
District 5 – Councillor Assaff District 6 – Councillor Connors
District 7 – Councillor Church
Staff: Dan McDougall, CAO Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO
Pamela Myra, Municipal Clerk Jennifer Webber, Communications Officer
Christa Rafuse, Director of Infrastructure and Operations (via Zoom)
Solicitor: Samuel Lamey, Municipal Solicitor (via Zoom)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
Amendments/Additions:
Cancellation of Meetings – Councillor Connors.
NSFM Council Call update – CAO.
2021-061 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff the Agenda and Order
of Business be approved as amended. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC INPUT (15 Minutes)
There was no public input received.
Committee of the Whole (continued) February 4, 2021 46
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
4.1 Committee of the Whole – January 21, 2021.
2021-062 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church the minutes of
the January 21, 2021 meeting of Committee of the Whole be approved as circulated.
CARRIED.
MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising for discussion.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT/REVIEW
There were no policy development matters for review.
CORRESPONDENCE
There were no items of correspondence received for review.
NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Quarterly Report – Infrastructure and Operations Q3 2021-22
a. Public Works and WW
b. Solid Waste
Christa Rafuse, Director of Infrastructure and Operations was present via Zoom to review the
information included in the Quarterly Report for Quarter 3 for Solid Waste and Public Works.
It was requested to do a spring clean-up of Highway 14; it had previously been done annually.
Staff were directed to do a general clean up of litter along Highway 14 to Kaizer Meadow Landfill.
Questions were asked and answered regarding the budget for the Wastewater Strategy which
included $130,000 from the provincial Government and the budget for the Aspotogan Wharf
which came in at 2.5 times the budgeted amount of $150,000.
8.2 Request for Decision - Cleaner Agreement Extension
Committee of the Whole (continued) February 4, 2021 47
Christa Rafuse, Director of Infrastructure and Operations reviewed the Request for Decision
outlining the requirement for additional cleaning due to COVID-19 to meet health and safety
guidelines. It was noted that the situation will be reviewed every three months to determine if
the additional measures are still required. It was noted that the funds received from the
provincial government will be used toward this expense.
2021-063 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse that the Committee of
the Whole recommend to Council that staff continue its commitment to increased
cleaning to protect the health and safety of employees, Council, and the public and extend
the additional cleaning until December 31, 2021, with staffing approving in three (3)
month increments for renewal. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
8.3 Request for Decision – African Heritage Month Flag Raising Request.
2021-064 MOVED by Councillor Church, SECONDED by Councillor Barkhouse that the Committee of
the Whole recommend to Council to approve the request of the South Shore Regional
Centre for Education to fly the Pan African Flag during African Heritage month as per Policy
P-103 Flag Raisings and Protocol Policy. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
8.4 Cancellation of Meetings – Councillor Connors
Councillor Connors asked the protocol on cancelling meetings that do not have many items on
the agenda that are not time sensitive.
Following discussion, it was agreed that when there is an agenda that is “light”, it be considered
to cancel or add other activities such as workshops, strategic planning, training, etc.
8.4 Housing Commission and Safe Start – NSFM – CAO
The CAO reviewed a Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities Zoom (NSFM) meeting held last
evening regarding membership on the Housing Commission as well as the Safe Start Program.
The requested membership on the Housing Commission for NSFM was declined by government;
there was an AMA appointment to the committee that the AMA decided to back out of the
process because felt that NSFM was the voice for municipalities. The concern is that there is not
an NSFM representative on the commission. It was agreed to write a letter outlining the request
for an NSFM representative be appointed to the Housing Commission.
Committee of the Whole (continued) February 4, 2021 48
2021-065 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff that the Committee of
the Whole recommend to Council to write the Provincial Government requesting that an
appointment from the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities be appointed to the
Housing Commission. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
The CAO reviewed the Safe Restart Agreement, outlining the categories identified as eligible. As
Council knows, the not for profit sector is essential for arts, social activity, physical activity, and
other programming that perhaps might otherwise have to be supplied by the Municipality. The
District of Shelburne has asked that not-for-profit expenditures be eligible for funding. He
shared Council’s programming for not for profits enacted earlier during COVID-19 and indicated
in the meeting that this Council would likely support the request as well.
2021-066 MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse, SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the
Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to forward correspondence to the Federal
and Provincial Governments requesting consideration be given to funding not-for-profit
organizations with the Safe Start funding. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
Ten minute recess and then “In Camera”.
IN CAMERA
9.1 Contract Negotiations - Section 22(2)(e) of the Municipal Government Act.
9.2 Personnel – Section 22(2)(c) of the Municipal Government Act.
2021-067 MOVED by Councillor Assaff, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the Committee of the
Whole convene “In Camera” as per Sections 22(2)(e) and (c) of the Municipal Government
Act – Contract Negotiations and Personnel. ALL IN FAVOUR. MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
2021-068 MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Assaff the meeting
adjourn. (9:47 a.m.)
___________________________ ___________________________
Allen Webber Pamela Myra
Warden Municipal Clerk
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By: Tara Maguire, Deputy CAO Date February 11, 2021
Reviewed By: Date
Authorized By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date
CURRENT SITUATION
Under the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, municipalities, universities, and other organizations—
including villages, regional libraries, and government agencies—may be prescribed as public
sector bodies. (Prescribed means identified in the Accessibility Act General Regulations.) Once
prescribed, these organizations—including municipalities and villages—must :
establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee
develop an accessibility plan within one year.
The Act states that accessibility plans must be updated every three years. As accessibility
standards are developed and implemented, those standards will need to be integrated into the
plan. Due to the restrictions in place from COVID, the province has granted an extension to the
deadline. Municipalities are now required to complete a plan (which can be a regional plan) by
April 2022.
The Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan (the Plan) was developed by the Lunenburg County
Accessibility Advisory Committee (LCAAC), a joint committee of the Municipality of the District
of Chester, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Town of Bridgewater, Town of Lunenburg,
and the Town of Mahone Bay. The LCAAC’s role is to assist the five municipal units in
developing an Accessibility Plan in accordance with the Provincial Act. The LCAAC provides
advice to the municipal councils on identifying, preventing, and eliminating barriers to people
with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives, and facilities. The joint committee is
recommending that each of the participating Council’s approve the Lunenburg County
Accessibility Plan is before Council for their approval. The goal is to proceed with the adoption
of the Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan (Attachment A) as the Municipality’s overarching
Accessibility Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that COW recommend that Municipal Council approve the Lunenburg
County Accessibility Plan as presented by the Lunenburg County Accessibility Committee and
authorize the submission of the Plan to the provincial Accessibility Directorate.
REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole
MEETING DATE: February 18, 2021
SUBMITTED BY: Corporate & Strategic Management
SUBJECT: Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan
ORIGIN: Lunenburg County Accessibility Committee
2 Request for Decision
Further it is recommended that COW recommend that Municipal Council write the Nova Scotia
Premier, the Minister of Justice, Mark Furey, Minister responsible for the Accessibility Act, as well
as the Nova Scotia Federations of Municipalities (NSFM) to lobby for municipal funding
programs for the implementation of Municipal Accessibility Plans.
And further it is recommended that COW recommend that Council direct staff to develop the
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg’s Accessibility Action Plan which will become an
appendix to the overarching Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan for consideration of Council at
a future meeting.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with the Act, the Plan includes 5 focus areas:
Goods and Services
Information and Communications
Transportation
Employment
Built Environment
The province is still in the process of developing standards for each of the five focus areas. Draft
standards for the Built Environment were released by the province in January, but they are not
finalized.
Each participating municipality will need to develop a more detailed local plan that is consistent
with this overarching regional plan and address the Provincial Standards. This will involve senior
management team and staff working together to develop a plan. Implementation of the local
and regional plan will take several years to complete, and may require additional resources,
including staff and consultants.
DISCUSSION
The goal of reaching an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030 is an worthy goal but it is aggressive
and will require significant investment by municipalities. The implementation of the Lunenburg
County Accessibility Plan and MOC’s local plan that we will need to develop, will require
additional operating and capital investments. It is not realistic to expect that municipalities can
achieve this goal by 2030 without financial investments and assistance from other levels of
government. It is therefore recommended that Council pass a motion to write the Premier, the
Minister of Justice, Mark Fury who is responsible for the Accessibility Act, as well as the Nova
Scotia Federation of Municipalities to advocate for municipal funding programs to support the
implementation of the mandatory Accessibility plans.
3 Request for Decision
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
None.
Financial/Budgetary
The Plan outlines that the individual operating plans for each municipal unit will bedeveloped at
a later date which will provide more details on action items, associated timelines, and budgets
for implementation. MOC’s compliance with the Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan, our local
plan and the Provincial standards will take staff and financial resources. It should be noted that
the municipality is mandated to undertake the Accessibility Plan pursuant to the Accessibility
Act.
MOC senior management is currently in conversations with the other municipal units regarding
the possibility of a shared position or consultant (two year term) to act as an Accessibility
Coordinator. The position would support the regionally focused work and would divide the rest
of their time between each of the five participating units. This will be brought forward to Council
at a later date for consideration.
Environmental
None.
Strategic Plan
Work Program Implications
There will be implications to develop and implement a local plan for facilities staff,
communications, HR and recreation but the impacts will not be known until a local plan is
developed.
Has Legal review been completed? ___ Yes ___ No _X__ N/A
OPTIONS
1. Recommend that Council approve the plan and the recommendation to write to the
Premier, Minister of Justice and the NSFM to advocate for additional funding, and to
direct staff to develop a local plan for MOC.
2. Recommend that Council refer the Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan back to the
Lunenburg County Accessibility Advisory Committee for revisions or clarifications.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan
Presentation to the Municipal Councils
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
1
Draft Lunenburg County
Accessibility Plan
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2
What We Believe ............................................................................................................................ 3
Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................................................... 4
Community Consultation ................................................................................................................ 6
Areas of Focus ................................................................................................................................. 7
1. Goods and Services ................................................................................................................. 7
2. Information and Communications .......................................................................................... 8
3. Transportation ........................................................................................................................ 8
4. Employment ............................................................................................................................ 9
5. Built Environment ................................................................................................................... 9
Implementing the Plan.................................................................................................................. 10
Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 10
Accessibility Advisory Committee ......................................................................................... 10
Accessibility Coordinator ...................................................................................................... 10
Councils ................................................................................................................................. 11
CAOs/Staff ............................................................................................................................. 11
Timeline..................................................................................................................................... 11
Monitoring and Evaluating ....................................................................................................... 11
Responding to Questions and Complaints ................................................................................ 12
Reference Documents................................................................................................................... 13
Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 14
2
Introduction
This Accessibility Plan was developed by the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, a joint
committee of the Municipality of the District of Chester, Municipality of the District of
Lunenburg, Town of Bridgewater, Town of Lunenburg, and Town of Mahone Bay.
This committee provided advice to the municipal councils in Lunenburg County on identifying,
preventing, and eliminating barriers experienced by people with disabilities in municipal
programs, services, initiatives and facilities, and worked with staff on the development and
oversight of this plan.
This document outlines the overarching goals for improving accessibility in Lunenburg County.
In coordination with this Accessibility Plan, individual municipal units will be releasing local
Accessibility Action Plans which will provide more details on action items, associated timelines,
and budgets. These individual Accessibility Action Plans may not be available until a future date.
3
What We Believe
We commit to fostering a culture of accessibility, encouraging the prevention and removal of
barriers to participation, and building capacity in these areas amongst municipal staff, Council
members, and the public.
Several principles have guided this process and should remain as priorities as we move forward
to implement this plan.
Working towards equitable access for all members of our community means that every
individual has an equal opportunity, and everyone is treated fairly. Equitable access
acknowledges individual circumstances to removing barriers.
It is essential to include first voice perspectives, or lived experience, of people with
disabilities in the creation of this plan, actions, and decision-making processes.
As new standards are introduced and new technologies become available, we will
review and update this plan to ensure its relevance. As such, this plan should be
interpreted as a living document.
It is essential to continue to collaborate with other municipal units, the Accessibility
Advisory Committee, the Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate, and community partners
to advance this plan and work towards improved accessibility in our communities.
4
Glossary of Terms
Accessibility Act (2017)
The provincial law enacted to achieve accessibility by preventing and removing barriers for
people with disabilities. The law defines the role and responsibilities of the Accessibility
Directorate and the Accessibility Advisory Board, and addresses standards, compliance, and
enforcement. (nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/accessibility.pdf)
Accessibility Advisory Committee
A volunteer committee established by a municipality to advise municipal council about
identifying, preventing, and eliminating barriers to people with disabilities in municipal
programs, services, initiatives, and facilities. The committee plays a pivotal role in helping the
municipality become a barrier-free community that complies with Nova Scotia’s Accessibility
Act (2017). At least one half of the members of the advisory committee must have a disability
or represent an organization that represents people with disabilities.
Accessibility Lens
An Accessibility Lens is a tool for identifying and clarifying issues affecting persons with
disabilities used by policy developers and analysts to access and address the impact of all
initiatives (policies, programs or decisions) on persons with disabilities. It is also a resource in
creating policies and programs reflective of the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
Barrier
Something that makes it harder for some people to participate. Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act
defines a barrier as “anything that hinders or challenges the full and effective participation in
society of persons with disabilities, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an
information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy,
or a practice.”
Disability
As defined in Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act: “a physical, mental, intellectual, learning or
sensory impairment, including an episodic disability that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders
an individual’s full and effective participation in society.”
Equitable/equity
A commitment to fairness. Equitable access is different from equal access. Equality means
everybody is treated the same; equity means everybody is treated fairly, based on their needs
and abilities. Equity recognizes and values differences, removing systemic barriers and
accommodating individual differences, as needed.
Government of Nova Scotia Accessibility Plan
A multi-year plan setting specific priorities and commitments for achieving accessibility within
the Government of Nova Scotia. The first plan was published in 2018 and covers the years
2018-2021. (novascotia.ca/accessibility/plan)
5
Meaningful
In the context of our Accessibility work, the term meaningful is used to ensure the efforts being
made are deemed valuable by those affected by the efforts.
Plain language
Clear, conversational communication that makes sense to the intended audience. The goal of
plain language is to communicate so clearly that the intended audience can easily find what
they need, understand what they find, and use the information (plainlanguagenetwork.org/).
Prescribed
Means “prescribed in the Accessibility Act General Regulations.” The Accessibility Act enables
the government to use the regulations to identify which organizations must comply with certain
requirements. These requirements include forming an Accessibility Advisory Committee and
developing an accessibility plan within one year. The use of the word “prescribed” in legislation
is intended to give wide authority for regulations to be made that set down a specific rule or
direction.
6
Community Consultation
The Accessibility Committee undertook public consultation efforts in May and June of 2020.
These efforts were hampered by COVID-19 restrictions that prohibited public gatherings and
restricted resident movement. Despite these challenges, the Committee heard from more than
170 residents and organizations on the issue of accessibility through an online survey, phone
calls, emails, and informational interviews.
Respondent Demographics
46.53% Persons with a disability (visible or invisible)
27.08% Family member, friend, or caregiver of a person with a disability
26.39% Employed or volunteer at an organization that provides services to people with
disabilities
Many of which self-identified as all of the above
67.33% Women
26.67% Men
1.33% Non-binary
Remainder preferred not to say
55.63% aged 55-74
28.48% aged 35-54
10.60% aged 74+
4.64% aged 18-34
0.66% aged Under 18
33.11% Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
25.83% Bridgewater
13.25% Municipality of the District of Chester
12.58% Town of Lunenburg
10.60% Town of Mahone Bay
2.65% Village of Chester
1.99% Do not reside in Lunenburg County
7
Areas of Focus
Consistent with the Government of Nova Scotia Accessibility Plan 2018-2021, we have
identified commitments to improving accessibility within five areas of focus. These priority
areas include (1) Goods and Services, (2) Information and Communications, (3) Transportation,
(4) Employment, and (5) Built Environment. Working towards equitable access in these priority
areas will help to identify, prevent, and eliminate barriers for people with disabilities to
participate fully in our communities. This Accessibility Plan is a united plan based on universal
standards. Each municipality has been provided with a template to develop their individual
Accessibility Action Plans for each commitment.
1. Goods and Services
The Commitment
Residents and visitors with disabilities have equitable access to goods and services provided by
our municipalities.
1.1 Services – Enhance services provided by municipal units by making municipal services and
events more accessible to people with disabilities, including but not limited to accessible
communication, accessible digital content and technologies, and welcoming service animals
and support persons.
1.2 Service Delivery – Improve service delivery by developing and implementing ongoing
awareness and training programs for municipal staff and Council to increase knowledge and
understanding of accessibility, equity, human rights, disability rights, and accessibility
barriers in our community, as well as developing and implementing new awareness and
training opportunities as part of an orientation package for new employees. This will ensure
that all municipal staff and Council are educated in and striving towards building
competency in accessibility matters.
1.3 Physical Space – Upon entering a municipal building, physical spaces should be conducive to
positive accessible customer service experiences. For example, provide chairs to rest in
while waiting and/or sensory sensitive spaces to communicate with staff.
1.4 Programs – Deliver programming to people of all ages and abilities and commit to training
all program delivery staff as per 1.2.
1.5 Events - Improve accessibility of public events planned and delivered by a municipal unit by
planning events with an accessibility lens including location, event delivery, and/or
participation. Planning should consider the needs of persons with disabilities including, but
not limited to, having adequate accessible event parking, accessible portable toilets, and
when possible, places to rest from sensory overwhelming environments.
1.6 Procurement – Apply an accessibility lens to all procurement processes, including creating
common accessibility language, accessibility requirements, and factoring accessibility into
the scoring process for procurement.
1.7 Internal Policy– Apply an accessibility lens to all policy, procedures, and practices.
8
1.8 Emergency Management – Emergency management plans and prioritization of critical
infrastructure need to consider accessibility barriers and vulnerable populations to ensure
safety of people with disabilities in contingency and evacuation plans.
2. Information and Communications
The Commitment
People with disabilities can equitably access information and communications provided by our
municipalities.
2.1 Delivery of Communications – Improve communications about existing municipal programs,
services, and events that are accessible to people with disabilities by delivering
communications in a wide range of accessible formats.
2.2 Public Meetings – Ensure that all public open houses and meetings are as accessible as
possible to all members of the public by offering materials in various formats, providing
support to facilitate participation, and ensuring topics are discussed in plain language when
possible.
2.3 Advertising/Marketing – Develop and implement a standardized symbol system for all
public communications of programs and events to clearly identify what accessibility
accommodations are available on site. For example, accessible entrances, scent free facility,
and accessible washrooms.
2.4 Wayfinding – Improve signage and wayfinding for municipal buildings and public facilities by
implementing signage and wayfinding consistent with accessibility best practice. Prioritize
having signage and wayfinding where necessary, but not in excess.
3. Transportation
The Commitment
Residents and visitors with disabilities have equitable access to transportation provided by our
municipalities.
3.1 Pedestrian Infrastructure – Improve connectivity in communities by improving pedestrian
infrastructure where possible including constructing sidewalks, improving surface quality of
sidewalks, and implementing appropriate curb cuts. Prioritize safety of pedestrian
infrastructure by implementing audible signals, tactile walking surface indicators at
crossings, appropriate lighting, and benches to rest where possible. Municipalities will
comply with the Accessibility Act's Built Environment Standard (when implemented).
3.2 Snow Removal – Prioritize snow clearance at transit stops, public buildings, and in
municipally managed parking areas.
3.3 Parking – Ensure all municipal parking areas and municipally managed parking areas have
accessible parking spaces and appropriate drop-off locations for larger vehicles. Accessible
parking shall meet the Accessibility Act's Built Environment Standard (when implemented).
9
3.4 Transit Connectivity – Where possible, support improving transit connectivity by expanding
public transportation systems.
3.5 Transit Infrastructure – Improve existing transit infrastructure and ensure transit vehicles,
transit stops, and signage are accessible to people with disabilities.
4. Employment
The Commitment
Our municipalities are accessible and equitable employers and support the careers of
employees with disabilities. We will seek to attract and retain a skilled workforce that reflects
the diverse residents of the municipalities.
4.1 Job Opportunities –Improve opportunities for people with disabilities to gain employment
at the municipality by ensuring job postings clearly state they are open to people with
disabilities, accommodations may be available in the workplace, and/or advertise job
postings across different platforms.
4.2 Hiring – Improve processes, policies, and practices to facilitate and encourage the
recruitment, selection, transition, and advancement of people with disabilities in their
employment at the municipalities. Improve job standards to reflect the actual standards of
the job and examine what assumptions are being made in the job standards.
4.3 Flexibility – Improve support and flexibility in the workplace by ensuring municipal staff and
Council with disabilities have access to adaptive technologies, possible accommodations in
the workplace, appropriate and supportive leave practices and return to work plans, and a
flexible work environment such as the ability to work from home.
4.4 Culture of Inclusion – Build capacity among staff and senior leadership to cultivate a culture
of inclusion that supports, retains, and provides opportunities for career growth to people
with disabilities. Municipal units will develop Employment Equity Statements.
4.5 Representation – Actively recruit people with disabilities on all municipal committees and
working groups. Review committee and Council recruitment materials to ensure they are
accessible.
5. Built Environment
The Commitment
Municipal buildings and outdoor spaces within the municipalities provide meaningful and
equitable access for users with disabilities.
5.1 Buildings – Improve and maintain the accessibility of municipal buildings and outdoor
spaces to comply with the Nova Scotia Building Code, and the Accessibility Act's Built
Environment Standard (when implemented), aiming to exceed them when feasible.
5.2 Public Spaces – Improve access to public spaces and opportunities for recreation by
improving access to parks and playgrounds, lakes and beaches, diversifying recreation
10
equipment, and creating accessible parks, playgrounds and trails. Municipalities will comply
with the Accessibility Act's Built Environment Standard (when implemented).
5.3 Washrooms – Look for opportunities to construct and maintain more accessible public
washrooms and retrofit existing washrooms where possible.
5.4 Temporary Disruptions – Establish and implement processes to ensure accessibility is
maintained during temporary disruptions including emergencies, evacuations, and/or
special events.
5.5 Emergencies - Ensure emergency management and building evacuation plans are reviewed
with accessibility in mind.
5.6 Construction Mitigation - Municipalities should ensure accessible detours are available
when a sidewalk is closed for or affected by construction
The Municipality of the District of Chester, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Town of
Bridgewater, Town of Lunenburg, and the Town of Mahone Bay hereby all agree together to
work cooperatively with regards to the administration and implementation of the Joint
Accessibility Plan and hereby agrees to jointly advocate the Provincial and Federal Government
to provide new funding initiatives and programs to support the further development and
implementation of this Plan.
Implementing the Plan
This plan is a united framework and universal standards, agreed upon by all five municipal units.
Each municipal unit is responsible for creating individual operational plans and operationalising
those plans.
Responsibilities
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Review this Accessibility Plan at least every three years as required by the Accessibility
Act and update as required.
Review Municipal Accessibility Report Cards annually and report on progress toward
meeting the commitments outlined in this Plan.
Accessibility Coordinator
Guide the work by the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Book meetings, prepare and distribute agendas and minutes, assist Chair in leading the
meetings, manage recruitment for Committee when necessary.
Act as a liaison with the Accessibility Advisory Committee and municipal units.
11
Councils
Recognize the significant cost of implementing this plan and the municipal operational
plans and seek adequate funding to allow municipalities to meet the requirements
under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act.
CAOs/Staff
Ensure the commitments outlined in the Accessibility Plan are reflected and
operationalized in municipal Accessibility Action Plans required as public sector bodies
under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act.
Accept complaints, questions, and concerns submitted to them by the public.
Provide a summary of complaints, questions, and concerns to the Accessibility Advisory
Committee.
Timeline
In 2017, the Government of Nova Scotia passed the province’s Accessibility Act. A supporting
document, Access by Design 2030, is the implementation strategy for how Nova Scotia will
achieve an accessible province by 2030. It also identifies actions to improve public awareness,
build collaboration and increase compliance with existing regulations. The Accessibility Act set
an ambitious goal to become a fully accessible province by 2030. As such, we strive to have the
commitments of this plan achieved by 2030, to be consistent with the Province of Nova Scotia.
For specific timelines and budgets associated with the commitments and action items of this
plan, please see your municipality’s Accessibility Action Plan. As highlighted above, these
individual Accessibility Action Plans may not be available until a future date.
Monitoring and Evaluating
Each municipal unit will be responsible for submitting an Accessibility Report Card to the
Accessibility Advisory Committee by November 30 each year. This report card will track and
report on the progress made towards the commitments in this plan, and performance of the
policies and actions in their individual Accessibility Action Plans. The Accessibility Advisory
Committee may also make recommendations to improve this plan.
The Accessibility Report Cards of each municipal unit will be public documents, posted on their
individual websites.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee will review new directives, guidelines, and updates from
the province as they are released, and determine if updates to this Accessibility Plan are
required based on those updates. The Accessibility Advisory Committee will make
recommendations to the municipal units on the need for updates to their individual
Accessibility Action Plans.
12
Responding to Questions and Complaints
Anyone can lodge a complaint, pose a question, or express a concern about accessibility
in Lunenburg County. These should be directed to the CAO of the appropriate municipal
unit.
The CAO will respond within a reasonable time. Before responding, the CAO will consult
with the staff person responsible for the area of inquiry. The CAO’s response will contain
the reasons for the decision.
If the complainant still has concerns, they can contact the Accessibility Advisory
Committee Chair.
Anyone can appeal to Council if they are not satisfied with the response from the CAO
or the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Council may refer any appeal to the
Accessibility Advisory Committee for additional review and recommendations before
issuing a final response to the complainant.
The CAOs will keep a record of all complaints, questions, and concerns submitted to
them, and will provide summary updates to the Accessibility Advisory Committee on a
regular basis. These updates will become part of the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s
continual review of the Accessibility Plan and may inform future changes.
13
Reference Documents
The Built Environment Standard, under the Government of Nova Scotia Accessibility Plan 2018-
2021 will be released soon and include accessibility standards for the built environment, to
prevent the design and construction of new barriers and remove existing barriers over time.
The Clearing Our Path resource, produced by the CNIB Foundation (2019), provides
international standards and universal design principles to build accessible environments for
people who are blind or have low vision.
Link: http://www.clearingourpath.ca/8.0.0-design-needs_e.php
The Guidelines For Accessible Recreation prepared for Lunenburg Queens Recreation
Coordinators and Directors Association and Yarmouth Shelburne Municipal Recreation
Association by Fulcrum Accessibility Consulting, 2018, includes a Basic Standards of
Accessibility list developed as a result of accumulated insight and recommendations based on
the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the
Accessibility for Nova Scotian’s Act, and the Human Rights Act of Nova Scotia. Interwoven into
these Guidelines are principles of Universal Design, the suggestions of persons with disabilities
themselves, and learned techniques from practicing accessibility consultants and access audits
on various buildings.
Link:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/southshoreconnect.cioc/CCH/Revised+September+5th+edition+of+
+April+7+Combined+Audit+%26+Accessibility+Report.pdf
The Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide document produced by the World Health Organization
(WHO), 2007, outlines research and recommendations for communities to become more age-
friendly, including but not limited to, recommendations for outdoor spaces and buildings,
transportation, and civic participation.
Link: https://www.who.int/ageing/publications/Global_age_friendly_cities_Guide_English.pdf
The Government of Nova Scotia Accessibility Plan 2018-2021, released by the Department of
Justice in September 2018, is a multi-year plan setting specific priorities and commitments for
achieving accessibility within the Government of Nova Scotia.
Link: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/plan/government-accessibility-plan.pdf
The Interim Accessibility Guidelines for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces, released by the Nova
Scotia Accessibility Directorate in April 2020, provide ways to identify barriers to accessibility in
the built environment and are intended to be replaced by the provincial accessibility standard
for the built environment.
Link: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/docs/Interim-Accessibility-Guidelines-for-Indoor-and-
Outdoor-Spaces.pdf
14
The Wolfville: Access by Design, An Accessibility Plan for 2019-2022, released by the Town of
Wolfville in April 2019, is the first municipal-level accessibility plan. The Town was chosen by
the Government of Nova Scotia to serve as an example for other communities in the province.
Link: https://www.amans.ca/other-resouces/692-wolfville-accessibility-plan/file.html
Appendices
Accessibility Advisory Committee Members
Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan January 26, 2021
Highlights•This Accessibility Plan was developed by the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee.•This Committee provided advice to the municipal councils in Lunenburg County on identifying, preventing, and eliminating barriers experienced by people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives and facilities, and worked with staff on the development and oversight of this plan.•The Accessibility Plan commits to overarching goals for improving accessibility in Lunenburg County.•After the approval of the Plan, each municipal unit must develop and release Accessibility Action Plans which will provide more details on action items, associated timelines, and budgets. The costs of developing and implementing Accessibility Action Plansare the responsibility of each individual municipality.•There will be shared costs for a part-time Accessibility Coordinator oversight role, as defined in the Accessibility Plan.
Accessibility Plan Roadmap2 MonthsCommittee CreationStart: Fall 20191 Month3 MonthsWorkplan Development & ApprovalStart: Jan 2020Public Consultation DesignStart: March 20201 Month2 MonthsPublic Consultation PeriodStart: Summer 2020Hire Consultant/studentStart: Feb 2020Report ResultsStart: August 20201 Month5 MonthsPlan DevelopmentStart: September 2020Individual Municipal Unit Operational PlanningStart: After Plan ApprovalCouncil approvalsStart: January 20211 MonthAccessibility Plan submitted to provinceNo later than April 2021
What We BelieveWe commit to fostering a culture of accessibility, encouraging the prevention and removal of barriers to participation, and building capacity in these areas amongst municipal staff, Council members, and the public. Several principles have guided this process and should remain as priorities as we move forward to implement this plan. Working towards equitable access for all members of our community means that every individual has an equal opportunity, and everyone is treated fairly. Equitable access acknowledges individual circumstances to removing barriers. It is essential to include first voice perspectives, or lived experience, of people with disabilities in the creation of this plan, actions, and decision-making processes. As new standards are introduced and new technologies become available, we will review and update this plan to ensure its relevance. As such, this plan should be interpreted as a living document. It is essential to continue to collaborate with other municipal units, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate, and community partners to advance this plan and work towards improved accessibility in our communities.
The CommitmentThe Municipality of the District of Chester, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, Town of Bridgewater, Town of Lunenburg, and the Town of Mahone Bay hereby all agree together to work cooperatively with regards to the administration and implementation of the Joint Accessibility Plan and hereby agrees to jointly advocate the Provincial and Federal Government to provide new funding initiatives and programs to support the further development and implementation of this Plan.
Areas of FocusConsistent with the Government of Nova Scotia Accessibility Plan 2018-2021, we have identified commitments to improving accessibility within five areas of focus.These priority areas include:(1) Goods and Services(2) Information and Communications(3) Transportation(4) Employment(5) Built EnvironmentWorking towards equitable access in these priority areas will help to identify, prevent, and eliminate barriers for people with disabilities to participate fully in our communities. This Accessibility Plan is a united plan based on universal standards.Each municipality will be provided with a template to develop their individual Accessibility Action Plans.
1. Goods and ServicesThe CommitmentResidents and visitors with disabilities have equitable access to goods and services provided by our municipalities. 1. Services - Enhance services provided by municipal units by making municipal services and events more accessible to people with disabilities, including but not limited to accessible communication, accessible digital content and technologies, and welcoming service animals and support persons.2. Service Delivery - Improve service delivery by developing and implementing ongoing awareness and training programs for municipal staff and Council to increase knowledge and understanding of accessibility, equity, human rights, disability rights, and accessibility barriers in our community, as well as developing and implementing new awareness and training opportunities as part of an orientation package for new employees. This will ensure that all municipal staff and Council are educated in and striving towards building competency in accessibility matters.3. Physical Space - Upon entering a municipal building, physical spaces should be conducive to positive accessible customer service experiences. For example, provide chairs to rest in while waiting and/or sensory sensitive spaces to communicate with staff.
4. Programs - Deliver programming to people of all ages and abilities and commit to training all program delivery staff as per 1.2.5. Events - Improve accessibility of public events planned and delivered by a municipal unit by planning events with an accessibility lens including location, event delivery, and/or participation. Planning should consider the needs of persons with disabilities including, but not limited to, having adequate accessible event parking, accessible portable toilets, and when possible, places to rest from sensory overwhelming environments.6. Procurement - Apply an accessibility lens to all procurement processes, including creating common accessibility language, accessibility requirements, and factoring accessibility into the scoring process for procurement. 7. Internal Policy - Apply an accessibility lens to all policy, procedures, and practices.8. Emergency Management - Emergency management plans and prioritization of critical infrastructure need to consider accessibility barriers and vulnerable populations to ensure safety of people with disabilities in contingency and evacuation plans.
2. Information and CommunicationsThe CommitmentPeople with disabilities can equitably access information and communications provided by our municipalities. 1. Delivery of Communications - Improve communications about existing municipal programs, services, and events that are accessible to people with disabilities by delivering communications in a wide range of accessible formats.2. Public Meetings - Ensure that all public open houses and meetings are as accessible as possible to all members of the public by offering materials in various formats, providing support to facilitate participation, and ensuring topics are discussed in plain language when possible. 3. Advertising/Marketing - Develop and implement a standardized symbol system for all public communications of programs and events to clearly identify what accessibility accommodations are available on site. For example, accessible entrances, scent free facility, and accessible washrooms.4. Wayfinding - Improve signage and wayfinding for municipal buildings and public facilities by implementing signage and wayfinding consistent with accessibility best practice. Prioritize having signage and wayfinding where necessary, but not in excess.
3. TransportationThe CommitmentResidents and visitors with disabilities have equitable access to transportation provided by our municipalities.1. Pedestrian Infrastructure - Improve connectivity in communities by improving pedestrian infrastructure where possible including constructing sidewalks, improving surface quality of sidewalks, and implementing appropriate curb cuts. Prioritize safety of pedestrian infrastructure by implementing audible signals, tactile walking surface indicators at crossings, appropriate lighting, and benches to rest where possible. Municipalities will comply with the Accessibility Act's Built Environment Standard (when implemented).2. Snow Removal - Prioritize snow clearance at transit stops, public buildings, and in municipally managed parking areas.3. Parking - Ensure all municipal parking areas and municipally managed parking areas have accessible parking spaces and appropriate drop-off locations for larger vehicles. Accessible parking shall meet the Accessibility Act's Built Environment Standard (when implemented).4. Transit Connectivity - Where possible, support improving transit connectivity by expanding public transportation systems.5. Transit Infrastructure - Improve existing transit infrastructure and ensure transit vehicles, transit stops, and signage are accessible to people with disabilities.
4. EmploymentThe CommitmentOur municipalities are accessible and equitable employers and support the careers of employees with disabilities. We will seek to attract and retain a skilled workforce that reflects the diverse residents of the municipalities.1. Job Opportunities - Improve opportunities for people with disabilities to gain employment at the municipality by ensuring job postings clearly state they are open to people with disabilities, accommodations may be available in the workplace, and/or advertise job postings across different platforms.2. Hiring - Improve processes, policies, and practices to facilitate and encourage the recruitment, selection, transition, and advancement of people with disabilities in their employment at the municipalities. Improve job standards to reflect the actual standards of the job and examine what assumptions are being made in the job standards. 3. Flexibility - Improve support and flexibility in the workplace by ensuring municipal staff and Council with disabilities have access to adaptive technologies, possible accommodations in the workplace, appropriate and supportive leave practices and return to work plans, and a flexible work environment such as the ability to work from home. 4. Culture of Inclusion - Build capacity among staff and senior leadership to cultivate a culture of inclusion that supports, retains, and provides opportunities for career growth to people with disabilities. Municipal units will develop Employment Equity Statements.5. Representation - Actively recruit people with disabilities on all municipal committees and working groups. Review committee and Council recruitment materials to ensure they are accessible.
5. Built EnvironmentThe CommitmentMunicipal buildings and outdoor spaces within the municipalities provide meaningful and equitable access for users with disabilities. 1. Buildings – Improve and maintain the accessibility of municipal buildings and outdoor spaces to comply with the Nova Scotia Building Code, and the Accessibility Act's Built Environment Standard (when implemented), aiming to exceed them when feasible.2. Public Spaces – Improve access to public spaces and opportunities for recreation by improving access to parks and playgrounds, lakes and beaches, diversifying recreation equipment, and creating accessible parks, playgrounds and trails. Municipalities will comply with the Accessibility Act's Built Environment Standard (when implemented).3. Washrooms – Look for opportunities to construct and maintain more accessible public washrooms and retrofit existing washrooms where possible. 4. Temporary Disruptions – Establish and implement processes to ensure accessibility is maintained during temporary disruptions including emergencies, evacuations, and/or special events.5. Emergencies - Ensure emergency management and building evacuation plans are reviewed with accessibility in mind. 6. Construction Mitigation - Municipalities should ensure accessible detours are available when a sidewalk is closed for or affected by construction
ResponsibilitiesAccessibility Advisory CommitteeReview this Accessibility Plan at least every three years and update as required. Review Municipal Accessibility Report Cards annually and report on progress toward meeting the commitments outlined in this Plan. Accessibility CoordinatorGuide the work by the Accessibility Advisory Committee.Book meetings, prepare and distribute agendas and minutes, assist Chair in leading the meetings, manage recruitment for Committee when necessary.Act as a liaison with the Accessibility Advisory Committee and municipal units.CouncilsRecognize the significant cost of implementing this plan and the municipal operational plans and seek adequate funding to allow municipalities to meet the requirements under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act. CAOs/StaffEnsure the commitments outlined in the Accessibility Plan are reflected and operationalized in municipal Accessibility Action Plans required as public sector bodies under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act.Accept complaints, questions, and concerns submitted to them by the public. Provide a summary of complaints, questions, and concerns to the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Monitoring and Evaluating•Each municipal unit will be responsible for submitting an Accessibility Report Card to the Accessibility Advisory Committee by November 30 each year. This report card will track and report on the progress made towards the commitments in this plan, and performance of the policies and actions in their individual Accessibility Action Plans. The Accessibility Advisory Committee may also make recommendations to improve this plan.•The Accessibility Report Cards of each municipal unit will be public documents, posted on their individual websites.•The Accessibility Advisory Committee will review new directives, guidelines, and updates from the province as they are released, and determine if updates to this Accessibility Plan are required based on those updates. The Accessibility Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the municipal units on the need for updates to their individual Accessibility Action Plans.
Responding to Questions and ComplaintsAnyone can lodge a complaint, pose a question, or express a concern about accessibility in Lunenburg County. These should be directed to the CAO of the appropriate municipal unit.The CAO will respond within a reasonable time. Before responding, the CAO will consult with the staff person responsible for the area of inquiry. The CAO’s response will contain the reasons for the decision.If the complainant still has concerns, they can contact the Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair. Anyone can appeal to Council if they are not satisfied with the response from the CAO or the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Council may refer any appeal to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for additional review and recommendations before issuing a final response to the complainant.The CAOs will keep a record of all complaints, questions, and concerns submitted to them, and will provide summary updates to the Accessibility Advisory Committee on a regular basis. These updates will become part of the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s continual review of the Accessibility Plan and may inform future changes.
Next Steps1. Councils to approve motion to accept.2. Submit to province3. Each municipal unit to begin working on their Accessibility Action PlanMotion will read:“that Municipal Council approve the Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan as presented by the Lunenburg County Accessibility Committee, and authorize the submission of the Plan to the provincial Accessibility Directorate.”
INFORMATION REPORT
Prepared By: Bruce Blackwood Date February 11, 2021
Reviewed By: Tara Maguire Date February 11, 2021
Authorized By: Dan McDougall Date February 11, 2021
CURRENT SITUATION
Fire and Emergency Services continue to be handled through our 7 Fire Departments operating in
Martin’s River, Western Shore, Chester Basin, Chester, Blandford, Hubbards and New Ross. All
Departments are currently meeting their registered service levels. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Emergency Health Services (EHS) restricted the type of medical calls our fire departments could respond
to and consequently the number of medical emergency responses decreased significantly from 380 in
2019 to 86 in 2020. EHS is phasing in additional training and personnel protective gear to enable our fire
departments to resume some service levels, primarily though only for cardiac arrests incidents. The total
number of calls across the Municipality decreased significantly by 343 calls from 809 in 2019 to 466 in 2020.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended to continue monitoring call volume and type for the Fire Departments serving the
Municipality.
B ACKGROUND
All Fire Department emergency dispatches within MODC are logged on a monthly basis. Data is
categorized by Department and Call type. Three (3) Departments retain dispatch services from Scotia
Business and four (4) receive services from Valley Communications. All Department continue with “I am
Responding” software for text dispatch messaging. Most Departments have allowed REMO to access
their dispatches, facilitating the Municipality and REMO to quickly evaluate the urgency and extent of
any incident and the likelihood of our Departments needing additional assistance.
DISCUSSION
Overall District Responses
• The total number of calls across the Municipality decreased significantly by 343 calls from 809 in 2019
to 466 in 2020. (57 % of 2019 calls)
• Structure fires increased significantly in 2020 with 11 incidents, representing 2.4 % of the total calls
across the Municipality.
• Non-structural fires increased as well with 96 incidents e.g. chimney, grass, vehicle fires and
represented approximately 20.6 % of total calls.
REPORT TO: Tara Maguire
SUBMITTED BY: Corporate and Strategic Management
DATE: February 11, 2021
SUBJECT: 2020 Y/E Fire Department Call Report
ORIGIN: Fire Services
2 Information Report
2020 Y/E Fire Department Call Report
• Due to Covid-19 Public Health guidelines and EHS Policy, fire departments were not permitted to
respond to medical calls in their districts. The number of medical calls dropped drastically with only 86
reported prior to the Covid restrictions were put in effect. Prior years averaged over 350 medical
responses annually. Training by EHS and supplies of protective equipment are being supplied to
Fire Departments to position them to again respond to cardiac arrest and other serious medical
incidents in their districts.
• The number of Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) responses decreased from 94 in 2019 which recorded the
highest number of incidents since 2016, to 49 in 2020.
• The number of “other” responses by our departments decreased increased from 104 in 2019 to 73 in
2020. These types of calls (many adverse weather related) fall outside of the typical classifications
and are not fire related. e.g. flooded basement, power lines down, police assist, etc.
• False alarms have decreased slightly from 67 in 2019 to 52 in 2020 representing approximately 8 % of
our total calls. Chester FD continues to record the highest number of false alarms due to a higher level
of buildings equipped with monitored fire alarm systems. Educational articles concerning the False Alarm
By-law continue to be issued.
• The number of multiple alarm incidents as mutual aid calls increased slightly to 94 calls in 2020. The
departments continue to rely on support from their neighboring departments during major incidents.
Mutual aid agreements are in place.
Chart 1 MODC Fire Department Calls by Type 2 0 20
Medical, 86 Rescue, 5
Structural Fires, 11
Non Structural
Fires, 96
Motor
Vehicle, 49
Mutual Aid, 94
Hazmat, 0
False Alarms, 52
Other , 73
2020 Calls by Type
3 Information Report
2020 Y/E Fire Department Call Report
Table 1 MODC Fire Department Calls by Type 2019/20 20 Comparison
Call Type Calls
2016
Calls
2017
Calls
2018
Calls
2019
Calls
2020
Var.
from
2019
Call Type
% 2020
Call Type
% 2019
Var.
from
2019
Medical 307 366 383 380 86 -294 18.4 47.0 - 28.6
Rescue 1 3 1 1 5 +4 1.2 0.1 + 1.1
Structural Fire 12 16 18 6 11 +5 2.4 0.7 + 1.7
Non-Structural Fire 50 63 68 67 96 +29 20.6 8.3 + 12.3
MVA 95 80 85 94 49 -45 10.5 11.6 - 1.1
Mutual Aid 46 59 76 90 94 +4 20.1 11.2 + 8.9
Hazmat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0
False Alarms 60 73 62 67 52 -15 11.2 8.3 +2.9
Other 37 61 51 104 73 -31 15.6 12.8 +2.8
Total 608 721 744 809 466 -343
Chart 2 MODC Fire Department Calls by Department 2020
Blandford, 28
Chester, 109
Chester Basin, 58Hubbards, 111
Martins River, 31
New Ross, 59
Western Shore, 70
Calls By Department
4 Information Report
2020 Y/E Fire Department Call Report
Table 2 MODC Fire Department Calls by Department 2019/2020 Comparison
Department
Calls
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Variance
2019/2020
Variance %
2020
Blandford 54 77 63 67 28 - 39 41.8
Chester 95 126 102 135 109 - 26 80.7
Chester Basin 56 51 51 73 58 -15 79.4
Hubbards 117 146 176 205 111 -94 54.1
Martins River 50 65 73 49 31 -18 63.2
New Ross 112 116 139 131 59 -72 45.0
Western Shore 129 140 140 149 70 -79 46.9
Total 608 721 744 809 466 -343
Table 3 MODC Fire Department Calls by Type 2020
Department Responses
• All departments met their service responsibilities throughout the year under pandemic conditions.
• There were no major injuries to any of our firefighters during the year of response calls.
• Department membership remained steady at approximately 200 volunteer firefighters.
Call Type Blandford Chester Chester
Basin
Hubbards Martins
River
New Ross Western
Shore
Total
# % # % # % # % # % # % # %
Medical 11 39.2 3 2.8 2 3.4 21 18.9 6 19.4 20 33.9 23 61.7 86
Rescue 1 3.6 1 0.9 0 0 2 1.8 0 0 1 1.6 0 0 5
Structural Fire 1 3.6 6 5.5 1 1.7 1 0.9 0 0 0 0 2 0 11
N-Structural
Fire
3 10.8 25 22.9 13 22.4 26 23.4 5 16.1 12 20.3 12 3.3 96
MVA 2 7.2 12 11.0 8 13.8 8 7.2 7 22.6 6 10.2 6 7.4 49
Mutual Aid 5 17.8 12 11.0 22 37.9 26 23.4 1
1
35.5 9 15.3 9 12.1 94
Hazmat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
False Alarms 4 14.2 23 21.1 3 5.2 6 5.5 0 0 7 11.9 9 5.4 52
Other 1 3.6 27 24.8 9 15.6 21 18.9 2 6.4 4 6.8 9 10.1 73
Total 28 109 58 111 31 59 73 466
5 Information Report
2020 Y/E Fire Department Call Report
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
Policy P33 Fire Services Registration.
Financial/Budgetary
Staff work covered in existing Fire Service budget.
Environmental
Not Applicable.
Strategic Plan
Maintain a high level of fiscal responsibility;
Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services;
Work Program Implications
Staff work covered in existing Fire Service Work Plan.
OPTIONS
Not Applicable
ATTACHMENTS
None
COMMUNICATIONS (INTERNAL/EXTERNAL)
Ongoing communication with Fire Commissions and Departments.
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By: Cliff Gall, Director of Information
Services
Date: November 23, 2020
Reviewed By: Malcolm Pitman, Director of
Finance and Information Services
Date: November 23, 2020
Authorized By: Dan McDougall, CAO Date: February 12, 2021
CURRENT SITUATION
The Municipality’s current standard for laptop/desktop replacement is four years. Computer
equipment typically has a useful life of three years before its value has been depreciated.
Replacing computer equipment every four years:
1. Improves productivity as well as providing for a more efficient workforce.
2. Decreases support costs. The average cost of maintaining a PC that was more than
three years old is approximately 28% higher than purchasing a new computer.
3. Allows the Municipal workforce to run modern applications and utilize hardware
warranty.
At the end of each 48-month replacement cycle the Municipality has surplus desktops and
laptops. The purpose of this report is to determine how these assets should be disposed of
during this replacement cycle.
RECOMMENDATION
For Council Discussion and direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
Over the last three computer replacement cycles the Municipality has allowed staff to purchase
surplus computer equipment at the end of its useful life through auction. The proceeds from the
sale of equipment were directed to general revenue. The remaining computers would then be
re-deployed or recycled as necessary.
In preparation for a Council discussion on the development of a Surplus IT disposition policy a
staff survey was conducted to determine if there was still interest in purchasing the surplus
equipment. Figure 1. shows the survey results.
REPORT TO: Municipal Council
SUBMITTED BY: Cliff Gall, Director of Information Services
DATE: 2020-10-02
SUBJECT: Surplus IT Equipment
ORIGIN: 2020/21 Capital Budget
2 Request for Decision-Direction
Figure 1. Staff Survey – Surplus IT Equipment
Although this purchase program has been popular with staff, there are a number of different
approaches used by other municipal organizations including:
Donating or selling surplus assets to community non-profit groups using an
auction/proposal process.
Establishing programs to provide Surplus IT to predetermined organizations such
as School Boards.
Reuse, recycling, or destruction of IT assets.
DISCUSSION
The identification and disposal of surplus assets is a critical part of life-cycle management.
When it is beyond cost-effective repair or is surplus to the requirements of the Municipality,
assets should be declared surplus and disposed of in a manner that obtains best value. In this
context, best value refers to the selection of a disposal method that obtains the best return for
the Municipality, considering the costs of disposing, including handling, maintenance,
transportation, overhead, amortization, staff time as well as any other related costs. Timely and
effective disposal not only yields significant direct and indirect benefits, but it also represents an
additional way for the Municipality to visibly support broader sustainability objectives. The sale
of surplus assets can reclaim what would otherwise be lost revenue thereby helping to offset
expenses.
It is recommended that Council consider and approve a practice or policy for the disposition of
IT Assets; and, for disposition of other municipal owned “personal property” assets in general. In
view of the recent IT refresh the development of a disposition practice/policy for these assets is
timely.
There are a number of approaches that could be considered by Council so in advance of the
development of a draft policy staff would appreciate general direction from Council on
disposition preferences identified below.
1. Develop a formal auction process for Council/Staff to purchase all or a percentage
(example 50%) of surplus IT assets with the proceeds being reinvested in municipal
operations.
3 Request for Decision-Direction
2. Develop a formal process for donation/sale of assets to community organizations (Not
for Profit, Charitable, etc.).
3. Recycle or destroy surplus IT assets.
4. Any other option preferred by Council.
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
Procurement Policy-04
(New) Asset Disposition Policy
Financial/Budgetary
Strategic Plan
3). Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services
4). Ensure sufficient infrastructure is available to best serve our residents and businesses
Work Program
Accommodated within existing work plan.
Attachments:
Region of Queens – Sale of Personal Property policy
County of Kings – Disposal of Surplus Policy