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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-2023-003 - Committee Appointments to the Grand River Accessiblity Advisory Committee (2023) Community Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: January 9, 2023 SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director Neighbourhood Programs & Services, 519- 741-2200 ext. 7687 PREPARED BY: Lolita Paroski, Inclusion Services Coordinator, 519-741-2200 ext. 7226 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: December 19, 2022 REPORT NO.: CSD-2023-003 SUBJECT: COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS TO THE GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2023) RECOMMENDATION: That the following applicants be appointed to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) for a 4-year term ending December 31, 2026, pending ratification by the partnering municipalities of the City of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo, Township of North Dumfries, Township of Wellesley, Township of Wilmot, and Township of Woolwich. Alyssa Clelland Kitchener New Tamara Cooper Waterloo New Sarah Cunneyworth Waterloo New Heather Gillespie Waterloo New Christine Nishiwaki Township of Woolwich New Farshid Sadatsharifi Kitchener New Katherine Waybrant Kitchener New Agency Representation Brain Injury Association Waterloo Wellington New REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is to present the proposed slate of community appointments for This report supports the delivery of core services. BACKGROUND: Under the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), all municipalities with a population of 10,000 or greater are required to establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee to advise Council on the prevention, identification, and removal of barriers for persons with disabilities. The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) is a joint committee of the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. and the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich. GRAAC is appointed the task of advising the participating municipalities on accessibility planning. REPORT: The GRAAC Terms of Reference specify that the Committee will consist of 11-15 members of which a majority must be persons with a disability. Recruitment for GRAAC is conducted in the fall with members beginning their 4-year term in January. GRAAC membership currently consists of 10 members with 3 members completing their term in 2022. A selection committee of staff representing the participating municipalities reviewed the applications. Recommendations for membership are based on consideration of the Terms of Reference as well as equitable representation from various disability groups. Pending ratification by each of the participating municipalities, staff is recommending that the residents noted above be appointed by the City of Kitchener. The incoming 2023 committee will have a total of 15 members. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports A Caring Community. This Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to discuss, define and address their shared concerns regarding the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers in City facilities, programs, policies and services. Consulting with persons with disabilities in an advisory role increases the capacity of the City to ensure a greater degree of equity and civic engagement. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget. Operating Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM council / committee meeting. The community was informed of the application process for the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) through postings on participating PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: There are no previous reports/authorities related to this matter. APPROVED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, General Manager, Community Services Department