COMMUNITY PASS

LAISSEZ-PASSER COMMUNAUTAIRE

ACS2007-PTE-TRA-0001

 

Chair Cullen began deliberation of this item by thanking the public delegations for their patience in waiting for the Committee to finish with the previous item despite the fact that this item was scheduled to be dealt with at 3:00 p.m.

 

He pointed out that although the staff report indicates that the “Transit Committee and Council” receive this report, the decision for the money to be put in the Budget would occur at the end of February as part of Council Budget Deliberation.  He confirmed that delegations have the right to address the Committee on their views, and also at Council on February 19-21 by calling 311 to register.  He noted that there are two proposed motions to amend the report on the table – one is an addition that Transit Committee endorses the continuation of the Program; and the other deals with CPP Disability Benefits for consideration in the 2008 Budget, which would depend on staff response.

 

In order to simplify discussion on this matter and in order to save time for both the Committee and the public, Councillor Bloess suggested that the report be forwarded to Council Budget deliberation with the Committee’s endorsement.  Also, given that there would be an opportunity for the public to address Council, should they wish to, he suggested that the Committee not hear from the delegations today.

 

Chair Cullen, in response to Councillor Bloess’ suggestions, argued that the Committee could not deny people of their rights to address the Committee.  He reassured the public of the Committee’s support, and asked that they keep their comments brief.

 

Councillor McRae raised a point of order to ask a question to the audience.  Pointing out that she was not looking to ask any of the delegations not speak to the issue, she also supports Councillor Bloess’ point that they should come to address Council at Budget, if they so wish.  She asked the audience whether they would take ‘yes’ for an answer, bearing in mind the Committee’s unanimous support to continue this program.

Chair Cullen reiterated the rules to allow the delegations to speak is because they have their views, and proceeded in asking for staff presentation.

 

Councillor Legendre questioned the rationale for this matter being placed on the agenda with the effect shown by the community present at the meeting, and reminded Committee of Council approval at Budget Directions not cut this program.

In response, Dr. H. Gault, the Acting Director of Transit Services advised that the purpose of this report, and the following report on the 2007 Transit Services Plan, is to provide Committee with an overview for information of items that are included in the Draft 2007 Budget.  It also provides details and information associated with each item, which frequently the Committee would not be privy to due to the lack of time during the Budget process when dealing with the whole City Budget.

 

Councillor Wilkinson, on procedures, suggested dealing with the amending motion first and then hearing from people who would still wish to speak.

Chair Cullen ruled that it offends the principles of natural justice to make a decision without hearing from the people.

 

After a brief discussion, Councillor Wilkinson then put forward the following motion:

 

Moved by Councillor M. Wilkinson:

 

That the rules of procedure be suspended to deal with the motions first and then hear from delegations that still wish to speak.

 

Although in sympathy with the motion, Councillor Legendre feels that it made no sense to approve the report before listening from the public.  He then asked that the motion be amended to only deal with suspending the rules, to which Councillor Wilkinson agreed.

 

Moved by Councillor M. Wilkinson:

 

That the rules of procedure be suspended to deal with the motions first.

 

                                                                                                LOST

 

YEAS (6):        Councillors R. Bloess, J. Legendre, C. Leadman, M. McRae, D. Thompson, M. Wilkinson

NAYS (3):       Councillors G. Bédard, C. Doucet, A. Cullen

 

Motion to suspend the rules failed because it did not achieve three quarters of the vote, i.e. 7 votes.

 

At the request of Chair Cullen, Helen Gault, Acting Director of Transit Services gave a PowerPoint Presentation, copy of which is on file with the City Clerk.

 

Dr. Gault started her presentation by indicating clearly for the benefit of the audience that the staff proposal in the Budget is to move the Community Pass Pilot Project into a program so that it would then be a part of the OC Transpo fare system.  The following are the main points of her presentation:

§         The Community Pass Pilot Project is a project, which provides ODSP residents with the equivalent of a senior’s bus pass (i.e. they pay $28.25 rather than either $71.25 or $87.)

§         It is also available to ParaTranspo customers.

§         It started in March 2006 and is due to end in June 2007.

§         The Program initially proposed by the Persons with Disabilities Community Coalition.

§         It has been evaluated in depth as part of the commitment of the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities and Staff.  The main findings of the surveys done are in the report and show that it has certainly broadened the horizon of a great number of people but it does cost rather more than was projected.

§         The financial impacts of the Community Pass would represent a budget pressure in 2007 of $600,000.

§         The total cost of the Program is $1.1 million per year.

§         A more detailed report on the evaluation is on file with the City Clerk.

§         In summary, the Community Pass Program has been extremely successful in improving both mobility of some of Ottawa’s most disadvantaged residents and the proposal to include the $600,000 is incorporated in the Draft 2007 Budget.

 

In response to questions from Councillor Leadman, Dr. Gault provided the following clarifications:

§         The projected 7.5% increase is incorporated in the $600,000 Budget Pressure.

§         The pressure would be reduced if this project were not approved.

 

Councillor El-Chantiry asked the Chair to clarify the rationale for this item being placed on the agenda.  He felt that it was unnecessary for the Chair to mobilize the whole community on this matter, especially when Council, at Budget Directions, approved his motion not to include this project on the list of items to be deferred.  He expressed concern about his office receiving the numerous e-mails and telephone calls on this issues.

Chair Cullen refuted the comments made by Councillor El-Chantiry that he mobilized the community.  He reiterated staff earlier response that this was a staff generated report in response to a Council motion and that the report is before Committee because it proposes a budget pressure on the budget for the end of February.  This also provides an opportunity for the Committee to send this report on with the pressure to the Budget Deliberations at the end of February.  Therefore, it is legitimately before Committee today and it is also legitimate for people to tell Committee whether or not they like this program, which he suspects they do by looking at the audience.

Councillor El-Chantiry expressed dissatisfaction with the Chair’s response and felt that it was a waste of the committee, staff, and the community’s time.

Chair Cullen endeavoured to clarify by pointing out the two different aspects of the discussion on this matter - what happened at Budget Directions included a list of budget pressures that may or may not had been included in terms of cuts.  He explained that this is completely separate from the evaluation that the previous Council asked for.  This was a pilot project, due to end in June; Council asked for an evaluation report; following receipt of the evaluation report; staff discovered that there would be an additional $600,000, which would end up as a budget pressure.  This is new information that comes out of the report.

 

In response to Councillor Bloess’ questions on the success of the pilot project, Dr. Gault provided the following clarifications:

§         It has attracted more participants than expected and is a successful program.

§         The reason for the difference in the financial picture is that more of the people who took the pass up are people who previously used cash or tickets, and those people used to travel more frequently than staff assumed in its calculations.

§         It is basically the distribution of fares that were previously used that is different and is only a question of the revenues.

 

Again, Councillor Bloess, in an attempt to be helpful and with the delegations being aware of the Committee’s support, asked that they come forward and simply say “yes”, and their names would be on record for having spoken in support so that the Committee could gladly move along with its business.

 

The Committee then heard from the following delegations:

 

Daniel Oickle, President of the Donald Street Tenant Association focused on the proposed 7.5% fare increase.  He spoke on behalf of people living in his building on disability and on social assistance, who cannot afford a regular bus pass.  He expressed environmental concern about promoting cars on the road rather than putting people on buses.  For the convenience of the handicapped people, he asked that the locations where the passes are sold be increased.

 

In response to Councillor Bloess’ question, he stated that he does not take the bus often, but speaking on behalf of the Tenant Association he agrees that the program should be kept.

 

Laura Stewart, LiveWorkPlay spoke on behalf of 51 people with intellectual disabilities and thanked the Committee for supporting this project.  The following are the main points of her presentation, which is on file with the City Clerk:

§         They are supported to live as self-advocates and contributing citizens by a local charitable organization called LiveWorkPlay.

§         They take the bus every day of their lives and it is their lifeline for getting to work, volunteering, attending learning programs, getting to medical appointments, taking part in social activities, and enjoying cultural events.

§         Many of them are working on making the transition out of their family home to their own home in the community.  Their parents are aging and will not be around forever to take care of them.  They are worried about their financial future

§         Although many of them work, their employment income and their job security is often very limited.  For most of their income support from the Ontario Disability Support Program is going to remain critical to their survival.

§         The Community Bus Pass Program makes a huge difference in their lives.  For a person with an intellectual disability the $43 saved each month can make the difference between living independently in the community or ending up in crisis and taking up space in a government institution.

§         Without public transportation they cannot get around, so if they are forced to give up our bus pass because they cannot afford it, their quality of life will be under attack.

§         $43 a month may not sound like very much money but it makes a world of difference to them.

 

Ms. Stewart concluded her presentation by urging the Committee to continue the Community Bus Pass program and thanked the Committee for their time in listening to them.

 

Julie Beaulieu, Présidente du comité adulte, Regroupement des partenaires francophones – The following is Ms. Beaulieu’s written submission, which is on file with the City Clerk (English translation available upon request):

« Alors pour vous mettre en contexte le Regroupement des Partenaires francophones est un réseau d’agences provenant de divers secteurs (déficience intellectuelle/handicap de développement, santé, garderies, éducation, et autres.)  Ces agences là offrent des services aux personnes francophones ayant une déficience intellectuelle ou un handicap de développement ainsi qu’à leur famille.  De par l’expertise et l’engagement de ses membres, le Regroupement joue un rôle de leader dans le secteur de la déficience intellectuelle et du handicap de développement autant au niveau de la planification stratégique que de la défense des droits linguistiques et culturels.

 

Le Regroupement désire vous sensibiliser sur la réalité financière précaire des citoyens et citoyennes de la ville d'Ottawa ayant une déficience intellectuelle et revendiquer le droit des personnes à avoir accès au transport en commun à un prix réduit, (soit 28,25$) et ceci, de façon permanente.

 

Les citoyens et citoyennes ayant une déficience intellectuelle ou un handicap de développement reçoivent de la Pension ontarienne de soutien aux personnes handicapées (POSPH) un montant mensuel qui varie de 708,00$ à 930.00$.  Vous comprendrez que ces personnes vivent sur le seuil de la pauvreté et qu'une fois le logement payé il ne reste pas grande chose pour se nourrir et encore moins acheter une passe d’autobus d’une valeur de 63.00 $. Plusieurs doivent se priver de ce ''luxe'' par conséquent, elles sont isolées et ne peuvent participer pleinement à la vie de leur communauté.

 

La différence d’argent entre une passe d’autobus à 28,25$ et une passe à un taux régulier ne sert pas aux personnes à faire des économies, mais bien à pouvoir mieux manger, à se payer un loisir auquel les personnes n'avaient pas d'accès auparavant, et bien d'autres.  Vous devez bien comprendre que cette différence d’argent est réinvestie au sein de la communauté par les personnes et n'est donc pas "perdue" pour la Ville.

 

Les membres du Regroupement remercient la ville d’Ottawa d’avoir mit sur pied un tel projet pour les personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle. Toutefois, nous réitérons l’importance que ce projet devienne permanent et que le prix la passe d’autobus pour les personnes recevant la Pension ontarienne de soutien aux personnes handicapées, demeure à 28,25$. Par ce geste la ville d’Ottawa assurera une meilleure qualité de vie pour ces citoyens et citoyennes ayant une déficience intellectuelle.  Merci. »

 

Mireille Desmarais advised that in June 2005, she could no longer afford a regular bus pass and was using bus tickets sparingly in order to reduce her expenses.  She stated that Councillors’ approved of the Community Pass Pilot Project, which began in March 2006, has been a very great help to her.  She has been able to travel more freely in the community and participate in many activities.  She has also increased her volunteer work.  It has allowed her to do these things and still save money for food and other expenses.  So, it has been a double benefit to her.  It makes such a big difference in the lives of all disabled people living on ODSP.  She concluded her presentation by thanking the Committee for their time listening to her.

 

Kathryn Hendrick, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs Department, Royal Ottawa Health Care Group started her presentation by thanking the Committee for the opportunity to speak on behalf of her colleagues present in the audience, who very much valued this opportunity and would not have been happy to have left without an opportunity to address the Committee.  The following are the main points of her presentation, which is on file with the City Clerk:

§         The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group is the regional mental health provider for Eastern Ontario.

§         They engaged with Dr. Gault and Kathy Riley from the City of Ottawa last year as part of the pilot project.

§         Beside from opening a brand new hospital, this project was the single most exciting development for patients and families in the last number of years.

§         There is a great need for people with mental illness and other disabilities to get out in the community to attend medical appointments, to get to community and social programs to contribute to society.  And these are critical components to promoting a meaningful, healthy lifestyle.  Having access to transportation is a key to ensuring that people with mental illness attend their medical and other appointments.  Attending appointments promotes health and allows clinicians and clients to evaluate and manage their health on an ongoing and consistent basis.

§         The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group would like to ensure that the Community Bus Pass, which is a transit pass provided to individuals on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), be included in the 2007 City of Ottawa budget.

§         The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group fully supports the need for its clients to have access to affordable public transit as it provides users with greater freedom and independence to access health and other social services necessary for their health and well being.  It also allows for increased opportunities to interact socially with family and friends, a critical aspect of wellness.  Accessible transit provides individuals with the flexibility of using regular transit to gain independence and helps to boost self-confidence.  Many of the clients of the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and Royal Ottawa Place, many of whom have low or limited income, (as you know ODSP payments are somewhere in the neighbourhood of $11,000; these individuals depend on public transit to travel.  The cost of a regular bus pass or tickets is often a barrier (and they cannot afford to buy these passes) for many of our patients to obtain the health services they need.

§         The mental health population is one of four subgroups specifically targeted for this pilot project.  They are also the largest proportion of ODSP recipients.

§         The Community Bus Pass provides individuals with limited income to stretch their dollars and can therefore provide for food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities.

§         A survey conducted last December showed that close to 70 per cent of survey respondents described themselves as leaving their home at least once per day since purchasing a community pass.  By comparison, only 25 per cent fell into this category prior to the initiation of the project.  Social interaction and regular attendance at health appointments is critical to their well-being.

§         The same survey showed that the most common activity reported to increase since the community passes became available was visiting family and friends (18 %) and attendance at medical, dental, or physical therapy appointments (13 %).

§         The City of Ottawa is one of the few cities to have this type of pass.  Programs such as this demonstrate that Ottawa is truly a leader in providing innovative programs to assist those with mental illness and on fixed incomes with access to transportation so that they can enjoy all the benefits and services this City has to offer.

§         There is a great need for people with mental illness and other disabilities to get out in the community to attend medical appointments, community, and social programs, and to contribute to society.  These are critical components to promoting a meaningful, healthy lifestyle.

§         Having access to transportation is a key to ensuring that people with mental illness attend their medical and other appointments.  Attending appointments promotes health and allows clinicians and clients to evaluate and manage their health on a consistent basis.

§         Accessible transit provides individuals with the flexibility of using regular transit to gain independence and helps to boost self-confidence.

 

Ms. Hendrick concluded her presentation by stating that the ROHCG strongly believes that the community bus pass is an affordable, viable, and worthwhile program that provides some of the most vulnerable people in our community with better access to the services, programs, and supports they require to maintain a quality of life.  The ROHCG recommends that the City of Ottawa Council include this program as a permanent fixture in the upcoming and future budgets.

 

Kevin Kinsella started his presentation by thanking the Committee for its endorsement of the Community Pass.  He appreciates that Council has done everything to protect the privacy of individuals, who buy the Community Pass, like him.  He referred to the report, where it is stated that perhaps the City could come to some agreement with the Province on having the bus pass fare taken off from the ODSP cheque.  Although this might be a good idea for many people, he would not necessarily appreciate that type of idea.  It would be more beneficial for him if the fare were taken directly out of his bank account as it is done in Toronto.

 

In response to Chair Cullen, Dr. Gault advised that staff is looking at alternative means of payment of the Community Pass, and ways to expand the places where people can get their bus passes.  She also noted that when the SmartCard System is in place, staff is anticipating to get into everybody’s bank account with direct debit systems.

 

Jacques Desroches, membre du Groupe d’action communautaire francophone (GACF)

– The following is Mr. Desroches’ written submission, which is on file with the City Clerk (English translation available upon request)

« Monsieur le président, mesdames et messieurs les conseillers, gens des médias et le grand public en général :

Le Groupe d’action communautaire francophone (GACF) est un regroupement de francophones à faible revenu et de représentants et représentantes d’agences communautaires, qui vise à informer et mobiliser les francophones à faible revenu d’Ottawa pour créer des outils et identifier des solutions pour soulager les effets de la pauvreté.

Notre mandat est de nous impliquer activement dans la lutte contre la pauvreté, donner une voix aux personnes à faible revenu et améliorer notre qualité de vie en général. Comme groupe d’action communautaire francophone étant à l’écoute des besoins de la communauté, nous voulons vous informer et vous sensibiliser aux enjeux et aux obstacles que rencontrent les personnes à faible revenu.

Le samedi 14 octobre 2006, la population francophone à faible revenu ainsi que les intervenants qui font partie de la lutte contre la pauvreté, ont été conviés au 3e Forum communautaire francophone du GACF – le Groupe d’action communautaire francophone -sous la bannière «Unis contre la pauvreté.»

Ainsi, les participants et participantes ont eu l’occasion de participer à trois groupes de discussions qui ont permis de se pencher sur trois grandes thématiques : le manque de logements sociaux, le milieu du travail et la discrimination.

Plusieurs préoccupations ont été soulevées : entre autres, le manque de choix dans l’appartement ou l’endroit que l’on doit vivre, le gardiennage et le transport. Il faut dire que l’accessibilité à un transport adéquat permet à ceux-ci de se rendre au travail, à des rendez-vous divers et\ou pour fins d’entrevues, aller chercher leurs enfants à la garderie, aller à l’épicerie; bref, mener une vie NORMALE.  De cette façon, ils se sentent des citoyens à part entière et ne sont plus marginalisés.

Au mois de mars 2006, l’organisme OC Transpo a introduit un laissez-passer de type Express au coût réduit de, 25 pour les personnes bénéficiaires du programme ontarien de soutien aux personnes handicapées (POSPH) -Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).  Pour plus de 6 750 personnes, ce fut une occasion inespérée de se déplacer aux divers points de la ville à un coût abordable et réaliste.  Ainsi, plusieurs personnes ayant à se rendre à des rendez-vous ont pu bénéficier de l’excellence du service d’OC Transpo en matière de temps, d’argent et de correspondances efficaces. Pour la première fois, plusieurs de ces individus avaient la chance de vaquer à leurs occupations de façon NORMALE. Cette façon de faire devenait ainsi une courroie de transmission fantastique visant à réunir les différentes couches de la population d’Ottawa.

Les coupures effectuées quant au laissez-passer à coût réduit, jumelées à une augmentation de 10% du laissez-passer Express, se traduirait par un manque à gagner mensuel de plus de 67$ par personne.

Cela représente : UNE SEMAINE D’ÉPICERIE.

En examinant le Rapport sur les orientations budgétaires, nous sommes très inquiets. Nous craignons qu’une augmentation de taxes de 0% ne se traduise en augmentations des frais aux usagers, en coupures de services et en réductions de personnel municipal ; ce qui aurait un impact négatif sur la qualité de vie dans nos communautés.

Monsieur le président, mesdames et messieurs les conseillers, la balle est maintenant dans votre camp.

À vous de décider du sort de ces individus de notre grande COLLECTIVITÉ D’OTTAWA.

Merci de votre attention. »

 

Councillor Legendre advised the delegation that it is important for him to come back at the end of February and speak to Council to repeat his presentation because it is then that a decision would be made.  He reiterated that it begins on the 19th of February, and specific time could be booked to address Council.  He encouraged Mr. Desroches, as well as all other delegations, to do so because although the Committee is endorsing the project, there are a number of other Members of Council who do not sit on this Committee.

Mr. Desroches replied that he would come back.

 

Councillor Doucet echoed Councillor Legendre’s comments and advised everybody in this room that it is very important that their voices are heard.  He asked that when coming forward to speak directly in the microphone and articulate clearly because Members of Council can hear even when sometimes they seem to be busy on their laptop.

 

Margaret K. Weil started her presentation by confirming her understanding that the nine Members of the Committee unanimously support the continuation of this program.  When asked how to find out which Council Members are against it, Chair Cullen advised that they each be contacted to determine their position.

Ms. Weil thanked the Committee for this Program from which she has benefited greatly and has seen such an incredible improvement not only in the service of the OC Transpo but also in the attitude.  She noted the change in the bus drivers’ attitude towards passengers particularly the disabled people and people with mental issues, as well as all passengers in general.  She feels that when you get a driver who is pleasant and respectful of all the people that get on the bus, makes it a pleasant ride for everybody, and it makes the whole day go better.  Most importantly, since the launch of the Community Pass, she has noticed the attitude of the City has changed drastically not only towards the people but towards each other.  She is convinced that this kind of benefit could never be measured in terms of dollars but is fundamental to society and expressed her appreciation to the Committee for the Community Pass.

 

Kathy Erb spoke on behalf of the physically and mentally handicapped people of Ottawa.  She noted her physical handicapped – Fibromialgya, a chronic pain condition, receiving ODSP since the early 1990s, and having mental handicap as well.  She spoke about her numerous breakdowns and hospitalization over the years, the hardship and challenge of struggling with mental illness.  She expressed her appreciation of the Community Pass, which has allowed her not to worry about how to get to appointments.  Being able to get around on a cheaper bus pass means being able to put more food on the table whereas before she was stressed out, eating less because of less money for food and less money for bills.  The pass has also helped some of them to get out and do volunteer work for their mental wellbeing.  She asked the Committee to keep the cost of the community bus passes at the $28.25 so that they may get around each month on low income without causing more depression and grief to their already laden pocket books and sick minds, and emotions.  She asked that their request be taken seriously and thanked the Committee for listening to them today.

 

Judy James mentioned the mental aspect of having a bus pass; being involved and helping out in the community is very important for her on disability to build a feeling that she is giving out to other people.  She stated that the pass means a lot to people, who are depressed and unhappy.  It has enabled her to go out, do things, get involved in the community, doing all kinds of activities, and volunteer.  Having a chance to give back to other people is a blessing in itself and is a gift to people on disability to be able not only to receive but to give back to the community, and the bus pass has allowed them to do so.  She talked about her involvement with the Citizens Advocacy and the United Way, which resulted in raising money to help other disabled people.  Without a bus pass, she would not be able to do that.  She also talked about her being diagnosed with breast cancer, and her participation in the Cancer Walk in the spring, which without a bus pass she would not be able to participate.  She expressed sincere thanks for the Community Pass that has allowed her to feel that she is contributing to her community and to society.

 

Daniel Waselnuk thanked the Committee for the Community Pass Program and is pleased to see the Committee’s support for it.  He hopes that the pilot project becomes permanent.

 

Louise Reid stated that she is working part time and is financially stressed out.  She cannot afford a $71.25 bus pass and asked that the Community Pass be kept.  She feels that without the cheaper pass people will be isolated and will have trouble to make other payments.  She thanked the Committee for the Community Pass.

 

Daniel Hall, Somerset West Action Network (SWAN) expressed his gratitude for being able to buy the Community Pass monthly.  This has allowed him to contribute as much as he could to the community through organizations such as the Somerset West Action Network (SWAN).  He was heartened to hear the overwhelming support from the Committee for this recommendation as it goes forward to Council during the budget process.  He is concerned when this goes forward to full Council there could be some opposition.  He also expressed concern about the 7.5% fare increase.  He concluded by thanking the Committee’s attention and support.

 

Victor Emerson, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) indicated the Advisory Committee’s support of the continuation of the Community Pass Program and thanked the Committee for its support.  He advised that AAC would be back during the budget presentations to present their views in more details.  Should any one feels that they need more information, he asked that they do not hesitate to contact Carole Langford, the AAC Coordinator, who could funnel you to a source of information, which may be him or one other member of the AAC.

 

Catherine Gardner began her presentation by thanking the Committee for allowing people to speak, and thanked everybody who came out.  She believes this is the first meeting she has ever been to that had so much support from the disabled community, and so much appreciation to City Councillors.  She also thanked the Committee for endorsing the continuation of this Pass.  She suggested that more places other than the four existing locations are needed to buy the pass.  She also suggested that ParaTranspo fare be reduced for people using the Community Pass in an integrated way.  She explained that some people who use the regular pass for ParaTranspo could be using regular buses.  But because they have to use ParaTranspo to get from one destination to a regular bus, they choose to stay with the regular pass.  There are a number of people, who could use the Community Pass, start off on ParaTranspo to get to a Transitway and for the rest of the day could be free to travel on regular buses and be out for the day.  With ParaTranspo, these people have to take the bus from one destination to another, and get back home.  By allowing that flexibility, it would reduce the number of people taking ParaTranspo and keep the ParaTranspo buses for the people who really need them.

 

Toni Todd advised that the Community Pass has not made any difference in where she goes and what she does because she has always bought a bus pass.  Although a disabled and not working, she does not like to sit around the house and do nothing all day.  She volunteers a few days a week at her church, sits on various committees and is on a board of directors.  Therefore, buying a bus pass prior to the introduction of the Community Pass was essential for her.  The extra money saved with the Community Pass has helped her and her daughter in having more fresh fruits and vegetables in the fridge for a longer period of time throughout the month.  Prior to that they would run out in the middle of the month and were back to eating white rice and white bread, everything that is cheaper.  Being a registered holistic nutritionist, she knows the effect good food has on her physical and mental wellbeing.  For her the savings with the Community Pass helps her and her daughter to eater more healthily further into the month.

 

Ann Smith, Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD), a member of OCAPDD for exactly 50 years, advised that this is probably the most important battle her Association had to fight on behalf of its clients.  She spoke in favour of the Community Pass and could not add much to all the previous very moving testimonies, except to point out one thing.  She referred to the Ottawa Citizen Press Release of last Sunday, in which she first learned about the possible threat to the program, which some considers a “frill.”  All she could say is to tell that to all the people who spoke today and who said that they can enjoy more freedom, independence and better quality of life, that they can afford more things.  Tell it to their families.  Never forget the families behind people with handicaps.  Families who themselves are often pensioners.  She noted the aging population, the aging of handicapped people, and their families.  She feels that it is essential that this Program continues, and thanked all Members of the Committee for supporting it.

 

Margaret Jamison thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak and feels that it is very important for everybody to be included in the democratic process.  She said that when she told her young son that she was coming here today to speak, he was in awe, and honestly sitting here, she feels quite the same way.  She thinks it is unfortunate that there seemed to be a lot of negative feeling that people thought they were coming here today to fight for their bus passes.  She does not know how that misinformation got out, but she is happy to see that was not the case.  She hopes the Committee will be able to tell the other Councillors how much this has meant to the community, to people like herself and all of the other people present.  She said that the Committee has no idea what it has meant to be able to travel and to be able to take her son to things she would never have been able to go to, and to help out in the community whenever she could.  She concluded her presentation by thanking the Committee for its endorsement of the Pass.

 

Lisa Jamieson, Chair, Transit Pass Work Group of the People with disABILITIES Community Coalition and staff of the Canadian Mental Health Association distributed a whole bunch of paper to hand out as part of her presentation, copy of which are on file with the City Clerk.  She expressed concern about getting a real understanding of what the proposed motion is going to be.  She understands that the Committee will move to endorse the continuation of the program, and if carried unanimously, she gathers that every member of the Transit Committee is confirming that he or she would be voting the same way at the Council Budget Deliberation.  She asked for confirmation and clarification on that.  She confirmed that her group will certainly participate in the budget consultation process, but the important thing for them today is just confirming exactly what that means.  Her group is looking for this program to become a permanent part of the fare structure for OC Transpo just like the Seniors and Students Passes.

 

In reply to the delegation, Chair Cullen noted the following points:

·        The proposed motion is “That the Transit Committee endorse the continuation of this program” in addition to the staff report recommendation.

·        There will be a recorded vote.

·        One would ordinarily assume that Committee Members, who vote in favour at Committee, would vote in favour at Budget.

·        He made that pledge, and as would some others members.  However, he cannot promise that a member will not change his or her vote.

 

Ms. Jamieson then proceeded by referring to a presentation board that has some graphs.  She pointed out that the report done by the consulting firm is very good and contains some great data.  Her group has taken some of that data and put it in a graph format as part of the package submitted to the Committee.  These data are also available on a bulletin board format and she would be happy to leave it in the Councillors’ reception area so that all the Councillors can see it.  She will certainly be sending all this information to the whole Council.

Chair Cullen asked that the board be left with his office, and will ensure that it is up in the Councillors’ reception area.

 

Judy Bernstein, Member of the Community Pass Evaluation Project Advisory Group and Director of Education and Training Services, Ottawa Community Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities advised that she sat on the same advisory committee as Ms. Jamieson.  She also works for an agency that supports over 800 people with developmental disabilities, the majority of whom are living in regular community settings; only a small proportion (90 out of 800) are actually living in group home settings.  Only 15 are able to use OC Transpo and the vast majority are living in their own apartments, paying rent, buying groceries, and paying all the regular bills.  Therefore, the Community Pass certainly has had a huge impact on her people.  She noted that the findings and statistics are outstanding in terms of what it is saying about the impact – both financially as well as mental health.  She concluded her presentation thanking Committee for its support in making this project permanent.

 

Stephen Webster, Board Member of Social Planning Council, an organizational Member of the People with disABILITIES Community Coalition asked for clarification on staff assumption that the committee recommendation was in fact that this program would be made permanent and that it was not going to continue on in the pilot phase.  He also wondered if that is going to be the case and if it will be reflected in the proposed motion.

 

In response, Chair Cullen advised the staff report recommendation is “that Transit Committee and Council receive this report for information and consideration as part of the 2007 Draft Operating Budget”.  He explained that if Council, when dealing with the budget at the end of February approves this program and the additional budget pressure, then it will be a permanent program.  He is expecting an endorsement to come from Committee that would help, but Council will make the final decision at the end of February.  The public delegations are scheduled for February 19-23, and he suggests that the group make their points then.

 

Terry Gilhen, Transit Pass Work Group Member, disABILITIES Coalition Member, and staff of Disabled Persons Community Resources thanked the Committee for the support given to them.  He looks forward to working with the City of Ottawa to make public transit more accessible.  He also thanked OC Transpo Staff, and in particular, Kathy Riley for her efforts in making this pilot project a success.

 

Itza Schachtler congratulated the Committee for not cancelling the plan for the ODSP patients.  He expressed concern about Ottawa not having a clear plan of leadership, and wondered how he voted for a leader that turns out to be a destructor.

At that point, Chair Cullen asked that the delegation stay focus on the Community Bus Pass issue.

Mr. Schachtler continued his presentation by stating that he would like to see more initiatives in programs to support students in need.

 

Nicole Kelly-Graham, a regular Commuter Bus Pass user spoke in favour of this program and thanked Committee for keeping the pass at a low price permanently.

 

The following submissions were also received, and are held on file with the City Clerk:

 

a.         Laura Stewart, LiveWorkPlay, presentation notes dated 31 January 2007

b.         Debbie Marshall letter dated 29 January 2007

c.         Suzanne Rydzik, Présidente du conseil d’administration, Association pour l’intégration sociale d’Ottawa, letter dated 31 January 2007

d.         Victor Emerson, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee, memorandum dated 30 January 2007

e.         Margaret Vatcher letter dated 30 January 2007

f.          Jacques Desroches, Groupe d’action communautaire francophone (GACF) presentation notes dated 31 January 2007

g.         Julie Beaulieu, Présidente du comité adulte, Regroupement des partenaires francophones, presentation notes dated 22 January 2007

h.                   Barry Wellar E-mail dated 29 January 2007

i.                     Sonia Latulippe, Directrice générale Coopérative Horizon Emploi, letter dated 31 January 2007

j.                    Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group briefing note dated 29 January 2007

k.                  Kathy Erb presentation notes dated 31 January 2007

l.                     Lisa Jamieson, People with disABILITIES Community Coalition, presentation notes dated 31 January 2007.

m.                 Stephen Webster, Social Planning Council, presentation notes dated 31 January 2007

n.                   People with disabilities: A Community Coalition letter dated 31 January 2007

o.                  Karen Crosby letter dated 30 January 2007

p.                  Christoper and Linda Dinning letter, un-dated

q.                  Bavid Balcome and Nancy Brodie letter dated 15 January 2007

r.                    Joan and Bill Moorman letter dated 15 January 2007

s.                   Suzanne Pépin, Trustee for André Pépin, letter dated 9 January 2007

t.                    Inez and William McFadden letter dated 13 January 2007

u.                   Kevin Beattie letter dated 14 January 2007

v.                   Katherine Beattie letter dated 14 January 2007

w.                 Roberta G Radmore letter dated 15 January 2007

x.                   Catherine Gardner letter dated 1 February 2007

y.                   Barbara McKenzie letter dated 5 February 2007

 

 

Having heard from all the delegations, Chair Cullen turned the chair to Vice-Chair Wilkinson to move that the following be added to the report recommendation:

 

Moved by Councillor A. Cullen:

 

That Transit Committee endorse the continuation of this program.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

On the report, as amended

 

YEAS (9):        Councillors R. Bloess, G. Bédard , J. Legendre, C. Leadman, M. McRae , C. Doucet, D. Thompson, M. Wilkinson, A. Cullen

NAYS (0)

 

The report as amended carried unanimously.

 

In conclusion, Chair Cullen reminded everybody that the full Council will deal with the item at the end of February and that the opportunity for public delegations begins the week of February 19, and to please call 3-1-1 to book a time.