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PUBLIC COMMENTS /
QUESTIONS
The Chair announced the beginning of
the public comment/question period. The audience was encouraged to speak to
the Commission on matters of interest or concern.
Ms. N. Wong advised that she volunteers
for the Access Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of the City’s Social
Planning Committee. Her daughter who has cerebral palsy really enjoys
participating in the Adapted Programs in recreation centres. The Recreation
Credit of $184 per person in 2017 is inadequate to enroll her daughter in the
program sessions which total $419.26 a year. The Adapted Yoga, Stepping Out
on the Town, Creative Connections and Shall We Dance programs are offered by staff
of the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion at a reduced rate. It
does not include her daughter’s once a week swim fee of $6 which comes to
$288 a year. She and her husband are in their 70s and on a fixed pension
income. Last year they spent $53,000 to buy a van and equip it with a lift
for their daughter. After paying for rent, food and transportation, her
daughter’s Person with Disability Benefit does not leave much for recreation.
It was inquired if it is possible to reduce the Adapted Program fees or increase
the Recreation Credit amount. Toonie swims are too few and too crowded for
people with disabilities. Swim is really important for her daughter.
Burnaby has one of the best Adapted Programs available. The instructors are
accommodating and the sensitivity training for staff helps. Ms. Wong commented
that the stairs at the zero entry of the Edmonds Pool are unsuitable for
people with disabilities.
Ms. R. Goddyn advised that her 34 year
old son has multiple disabilities. People with disabilities can only swim
when there are staff to support them. Staff time is limited. Also, the
toonie swim sessions are too noisy and overcrowded for her son who has
sensory issues.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER
LOFTUS
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
MATRICARDI
“THAT staff provide a report regarding
the issues presented by Ms. Wong and Ms. Goddyn about the Recreation Credit Program
for people with disabilities and provide information about the Adapted
Program and fees as compared to other municipalities.”
CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY
Ms.
Wong and Ms. Goddyn will receive a copy of the staff report.
Ms.
I. McCutcheon thanked
the Commission for the good work around the city and invited the
Commissioners to the Scandinavian Centre on February 19 to see a Finnish film
about Tango. Ms. McCutcheon inquired regarding a new art gallery.
The
Chair commented that there has been discussion about a presentation centre
and perhaps within it an art gallery. However, it will not be a project for
next year.
Ms.
McCutcheon commented that the new North Vancouver Presentation House is taking
shape at the foot of Lonsdale. The Vancouver Art Gallery is trying to
expand. Richmond has a nice art gallery and so does Surrey. The hundred year
old Burnaby Art Gallery building is not representative of the city. It would
be nice for Burnaby, with the third largest collection of art in the province,
to have a more representative place for art. The most eastern part of the
Civic Square in Burnaby has space for a new art gallery for exhibition and
international shows. There could also be a film studio or a small theatre. The
city has good community centres and swimming pools but it lacks a good art
gallery with art storage space, workshop, film or theatre lecture area. An
art gallery with a restaurant and a gift shop could be a destination place.
Mr. G. McLaughlin invited
Commissioners and everyone to attend the Western Challenge, a cycling championship
event, at the Harry Jerome Sports Centre on February 24 and 25.
At the conclusion of the meeting,
the Chair thanked the audience for their attendance.
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