City of Kingston

Mr. Dowser described changes to the Kingston Area Taxi Commission (KATC) website that offer increased accessibility and ease of use. He announced that the KATC had entered into agreements with Loyalist Township and the City of Kingston to provide the Accessible Taxi Program (ATP) at the Kingston Transit rate of $3.25 . He added that the KATC continues to work towards its commitment to have a 25% accessible taxi fleet by 2030. 

Ms. Mockler asked how the $3.25 flat rate would be implemented, and how a passenger with disabilities is identified. Mr. Dowser stated that there would be an application process and that upon approval, a passenger would be given an identification card to show the driver when they are being picked up. 

Ms. Palmer-Nash asked how the Commission would ensure an accessible taxi is available for passengers when needed. Mr. Dowser explained the Commission's commitment to their acquisition program, ensuring fees from Uber and Lyft ridership would go towards purchasing accessible vehicles to operate within the City of Kingston and Loyalist Township. He stated that their current goal is to acquire four accessible taxi cabs per year. 

Ms. Brown asked if the application form for the program would require a doctor's signature. She noted the difficulty this could pose for many residents without access to a family doctor. Mr. Dowser stated that a doctor's signature is not absolutely necessary but would provide some legitimacy in the application process. 

Ms. Cotter noted that the application for Kingston Access bus accepts signatures from other medical professionals such as psychotherapists and occupational therapists. She asked if the KATC would consider implementing a booking system that would ensure vehicles with certain mobility aids, such as wheelchair lifts, are reserved for those who need them. Mr. Dowser acknowledged that an individual of a medical trade or profession such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor or an ODSP worker could provide a signature on the application in place of a family doctor. He added that the ATP will also apply to regular taxi cabs, which will allow vehicles such as those with wheelchair lifts to be reserved for those who need them. 

Ms. Quin asked if taxi chits could be used in conjunction with the ATP. Mr. Dowser stated that these are separate programs for now but that the KATC could look into how they could work together. 

Ms. Palmer-Nash asked about inclusivity for individuals who may only need the assistance of a mobility aid on some days. Mr. Dowser stated that based on the application provided by each individual, the need for their mobility aid would be listed on their client card. He added that at the time of booking they could specify whether they require an accessible vehicle or a regular vehicle. 

Councillor Tozzo asked if this program would extend beyond the Kingston urban boundaries. Mr. Dowser noted that the program will only serve the KATC jurisdiction which would allow Kingston residents to travel to Loyalist Township and vice-versa. He added that there are hopes to expand the program in the future with neighboring municipalities. 

Mr. Kanellos andMr. Rempel conducted a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Facilities Management and Construction Services Update. This presentation is available upon request through the City Clerk's Department. 

Ms. Amesse inquired into the maintenance of the tactile ground around bus stops. Ms. Kanellos stated that these bus stops are a part of ongoing maintenance and that any issues can be brought to the attention of Public Works and Kingston Transit through the customer service protocol. He added that some of the tactile strips are soft and not meant to last very long, especially through Canadian winters. 

Ms. Cotter asked for clarification on how many surface lot programs are ongoing. Mr. Kanellos clarified that there are two surface lots programs ongoing, one at the Kingston General Hospital and one portfolio for several facility lots. He provided the parking lot at Centre 70 as an example of a recent repair. 

Ms. Mockler asked for explanation regarding the enclosure of the Culligan Water Park. Mr. Kanellos clarified that the pool and the area around the pool would be enclosed so that the facility could be used the entire year. 

Ms. Quin inquired about areas around transit stations that are not in any particular department's jurisdiction but require maintenance. Mr. Kanellos stated that this would technically be the responsibility of Public Works. He noted that if there is a hazard a customer service request should be submitted to Public Works so that they can maintain the area. 

There were no additional questions from the Committee. 

There were no questions from the public.