HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2022-02-24 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022
Location: Zoom Meeting
Present: Donna Hartzler, Rob Bender, Brenda Robinson (Co-Chair), Paula Saunders, Lolita Paroski (City of
Kitchener), Carrie Speers, Teresa McQuillin (Co-Chair), Melanie Garbarz (Region of Waterloo), Ashley Sage
(Township of North Dumfries), Tracey Murray (Township of Wilmot), Councillor Debbie Chapman (City of
Kitchener), Councillor Sue Foxton (Region of Waterloo), Berny Wesselink, Amy Ross (City of Waterloo), Janis
McKenzie (City of Kitchener),
Regrets: Robyn Jackson, Heather Clark Harris, Mamie Sealey-Baker, Trevor Tamlin, Councillor Sandra
Hanmer (City of Waterloo), Lindsay Raftis (Township of Wellesley), Jolene MacDonald, Ilidia Sa Melo
(Township of Woolwich), Tamara Bell
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of January Minutes and February Agenda
Quorum not met, approval of January minutes and February tabled until next meeting.
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests
None
4. Eby Farm Playground, Kelly Harrington, Andrea Bazler, Stephanie Snow
The existing playground is situated on the east side of Eby Farm, a short distance from parking and
washrooms.
General improvements will: ensure the playground area has an accessible connection to nearby parking, trails,
and washrooms respond to the maneuvering requirements of mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and
canes; and promote safety, comfort, and ease of use for all park users through Universal Design.
Families have diverse needs. The intent of the design is to welcome visitors with a
broad range of abilities. We do this by incorporating opportunities for:
1. Clear space beside access points for transition and observation.
2. Opportunities for challenging play for a variety of users; Separate quiet areas where kids can move
away from the action; and,
3. Protection from the elements under the shade of several trees and one giant butterfly. The intent with the
design is to ensure inclusive access throughout the playground, including ample room for socializing.
This is accomplished with:
Spaces where kids can play together.
Viewing of the whole play space at the lookout; and numerous rest areas and seating options within and
around the play precinct.
Comments/Feedback
• Generally, use plastic slides as they don't heat up, compromise using one metal slide in the shade
• Steps for seating, coloring of the steps and the ground behind it need to be contrasted to distinguish
• Look out point—will there be seating, currently there is nothing on the plan, however if space allows
and required
• Disc swing will still be available
• Will there be any wayfinding strips to help persons with vision issues, looking at the wayfinding strips
bigger picture for all the park
• Will snow removal happen in the park. Currently only what happens in Waterloo Park as a whole
5. Built Environment Sub-Committee Updates, Paula Saunders
• City of Waterloo Tactile signage
Want to incorporate a wayfinding signage map in Waterloo Park. CNIB are the experts in the field and
should be utilized. Meeting next week to discuss. Any interest in the project from committee
members? Carrie is interested in participating on the committee in person.
• City of Waterloo Universal Change room signage
Are the letters raised, because not all visually impaired people can read braille? Checking into it, will
get back to the committee
• City of Waterloo Roger Street Park signage
Names are a different colour then sign, nice contrast
6. Councillor Reports
Councillor Debbie Chapman, City of Kitchener
• Senior of the year nominations have opened and are open until March 31, 2022.
Councillor Sue Foxton, Region of Waterloo
• Accessible houses that are in the process of being built had some issues, needs to be relooked at and
might be helpful to have Paula come onsite to audit. Melanie will follow up.
7. BREAK
8. GRAAC Washroom comments review, Paula Saunders
Washroom accessibility comments provided by the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
document was distributed via email.
Paula went through the document with members and asked if anything needs to change or be added.
Comments/Feedback
• Why the word preferred is used, offering an opinion not a demand or a must have according to the
Ontario Building Codes
• Preferred automatic soap dispenser, soap, sink, towel all near each other
• Sensor should adjust when there is any movement to keep lighting on in the universal washrooms
• Discussion regarding automatic flush, some prefer some do not
• Toilet paper holder needs to be close and accessible for everyone and don't obstruct the grab bar
9. Committee Updates
• To learn more about the Duke Street Cycling Improvements project that Carrie discussed today and to
provide your input visit the project page.
https://www.engagewr.ca/duke-street-cycling-improvements
10. Co-chair/Staff Reports
Lolita Paroski, City of Kitchener
• Outdoor spaces utilizing Engage Kitchener for feedback. Links to be sent via email
Amy Ross, City of Waterloo
• 5-year accessibility plan concludes this year, working on next five years
Melanie Garbarz, Region of Waterloo
• If you are interested in getting email alerts about new engagement opportunities available on either
Engage Region of Waterloo, Engage Waterloo, Engage Kitchener etc. you can register directly on the
website
11. Zoom tips, optional for members to stay
• Teresa lead tips and tricks on how to better utilize zoom during committee meetings.
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie — ianis.mckenzie2kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting —Thursday March 24, 2022, at 1:30pm, ZOOM