Newmarket deputy mayor chairs accessibility advisory committee

Newmarkettoday.ca
March 6, 2023

Newmarket Deputy Mayor Tom Vegh is the chair of the York Region accessibility advisory committee for the 2023-2026 term.

The committee advises council and York Regional Police on accessibility standards and on how to make it easier for people with disabilities to use programs, services and facilities.

“York Region is committed to providing strong, caring and safe communities,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson in a news release. “With the support and expertise of our committee members, we will continue creating welcoming and inclusive communities that foster opportunities for everyone to thrive, free of barriers and without discrimination.”

The committee members are:

Members of York Regional Council

Wayne Emmerson, chairman and chief executive officer, Regional Municipality of York (ex-officio)
Tom Vegh, deputy mayor, Town of Newmarket (chair)
Naomi Davison, regional councillor, Town of Georgina
Alan Ho, regional councillor, City of Markham

Community Members

Beverley Barra-Berger
Cheryl Davies
Robert DiGiovanni
Steve Foglia
Lindsey Gold
Lilian Hulme-Smith
Bryan Keshen
Karla Malsi
Ahsan Musavi
Vito Spatafora
Angelo Tocco
Scott Wollin

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requires municipalities with a population of more than 10,000 to have an accessibility advisory committee. Committee members come from different backgrounds and most members must be people with disabilities. Members bring a lens of lived experience to this committee.

“Over the past several years, the committee advised on many important initiatives, including the 2022 York Region official plan update, the community safety and well-being plan and the 2023-2025 York Regional Police business plan,” said Vegh. “I look forward to our continued work to ensure our programs, services and facilities are accessible for everyone.”

While ensuring compliance with the provincial act, the committee will provide advice on the implementation and effectiveness of Ontario’s accessibility legislation and the preparation of accessibility reports to meet York Region's long-term strategies and visions.

The committee’s first meeting will take place in April 2023. For more information on York Region’s effort to remove barriers to accessibility and the accessibility advisory committee, visit york.ca/accessibility