Notes:             1.         Underlining indicates a new or amended recommendation approved by Committee.

 

Present:	Chair: Phillip B. Turcotte Vice-Chair: Brian Wade Members: Ana Maria Cruz-Valderrama, Holly Ellingwood, Murray Gallant, Roy Hanes, Vania Karam, Tammy Kelly Joël Dazé, Reserve Member Councillor Matt Luloff (non-voting member)
Absent:	Member Don Patterson
Others:	Vivi Chi, Associate General Manager Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department (PRED) Heidi Cousineau, Program Manager, Neighbourhood Traffic Calming PRED

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There are no declarations of interest.

 

PRESENTATIONS

1.	E-SCOOTERS PILOT PROJECT UPDATE
		CITY WIDE

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION That the Accessibility Advisory Committee receive the presentation and provide feedback as appropriate.

Heidi Cousineau, Program Manager, Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department (PRED) spoke to a PowerPoint Presentation, a copy of which is held on file with the City Clerk. Vivi Chi, Associate General Manager (PRED) was also in attendance to respond to questions.

The following public delegations addressed the Committee and provided the following comments:

David Lepofsky, Chair, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance reiterated his concerns with the pilot project, which he raised at the Special AAC meeting on December 17, 2021. A copy of his comments are held on file with the City Clerk.

Vangelis Nikias noted that the framework is better than the last pilot, however voiced concerns of recurring problems with E-Scooters and how they will be addressed.

John Rae noted his opposition to the pilot project and advised that AAC’s role is to protect citizens.

Alan Conway echoed previous delegation comments and noted the difficulties guide dogs have with e-scooters.

John Redins also noted his opposition to the e-scooter pilot, echoing the issues previously stated.

David Pritchard gave examples of how he was hit by an e-scooter user on a sidewalk and noted the safety risks to seniors and people with disabilities.

Brent Manuel suggested that more education should be provided to e-scooter users.

Committee also received correspondence from Dr. Kae Riccomini, Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) on January 31, 2022.

Staff responded to Committee and councillors’ questions in regard to, but not limited to:

·         Provide the ratio on the number of complaints in Ottawa

·         Comparison and research of other cities

·         Suggest solutions to e-scooter parking and emphasis that e-scooters should park or use sidewalks

·         Insurance should be considered

·         Suggestion to consult with Para Transpo and the Parking Stakeholders Working Groups as they have discussed e-Scooter parking issues

·         Emphasis on insurance that accessible parking is not affected

·         E-scooters are alternative options for persons with disabilities

·         The number of staff required to monitor parking

·         The need for more education for users

 

After discussion, the Committee voted on the following motion as follows:

MOTION AAC 2022 1/20

Moved by Member Murray Gallant

WHEREAS, in Ontario, the use of e-scooters is prohibited, subject to any pilot projects adopted under O.Reg 389/19 – Pilot Project – Electric Kick-Scooters.

WHEREAS the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) has been actively engaged on the question of trialing e-scooters in Ottawa, including during the 2020 and 2021 pilot projects;

WHEREAS the AAC has consistently raised concerns about the serious safety risks that e-scooters pose to disabled pedestrians and seniors in Ottawa;

WHEREAS the AAC has considered the results of the 2020 and 2021 pilot projects;

WHEREAS the results of the 2020 and 2021 pilot projects demonstrate that, despite efforts by City staff and e-scooter providers, the safety risk posed by e-scooters cannot be properly managed or regulated;

WHEREAS e-scooters are inherently dangerous to disabled pedestrians and seniors in Ottawa;

WHEREAS the presence of e-scooters in Ottawa represents a barrier to accessibility and reduces disability inclusion;

WHEREAS the presence of e-scooters in Ottawa will not move the city towards full accessibility by 2025;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The AAC advises City Council not conduct any more pilots that would allow e-scooters to be used in any public places in Ottawa, whether the e-scooter is owned by, borrowed by, or rented by the rider;

THEREFORE BE IT ALSO RESOLVED THAT the AAC advises City Council to decline any further participation in O.Reg 389/19 – Pilot Project – Electric Kick-Scooters;

THEREFORE BE IT ALSO RESOLVED THAT the AAC further advises City Council and city staff to take any measure necessary to restore the prohibition on the use of e-scooters in any public places effective immediately, whether the e-scooter is owned by, borrowed by, or rented by the rider; and

THEREFORE BE IT ALSO RESOLVED THAT the AAC further advises City Council and city staff to dedicate adequate, ongoing resources for the real-time enforcement of the prohibition on the use of e-scooters in any public places in Ottawa.

CARRIED on a division of seven yeas and one nay as follows:

YEAS (7): Members AM Cruz-Valderrama, H. Ellingwood, M. Gallant, R. Hanes, V. Karam, T. Kelly, Chair P. Turcotte

NAYS (1): Vice-Chair B. Wade

 

ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 9:26 pm.

 

Original Signed by                                                     Original Signed by
Carole Legault                                                           Phillip B. Turcotte

_____________________________                    _____________________________

Committee Coordinator                                         Chair