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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2012-02-23Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Thursday February 23rd, 2012 Kitchener City Hall, Conestoga Room PRESENT: Gordon Cummer (Co- Chair), Anthony Cashin (Co- Chair), Ken Parker, David Kuhn, Carrie Speers, Mike Shipley, Julia Sippel (North Dumfries), Vanessa Lopak (Region of Waterloo), Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener /City of Waterloo), Councillor Jean Haalboom (Region of Waterloo), Councillor Jeff Henry (City of Waterloo), Karen Panchaud (ASL Interpreter), Lesley Roach (ASL Interpreter), Linda Pretty (Recorder) REGRETS: Amy Ross, Dorothy Staal, Andrew Tufty, Paula Saunders, Dawn Griffen, Val Hummel, Councillor Kelly Galloway, Johanna Ellis GUESTS: 1.0 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS: • Anthony Cashin called the meeting to order. • Welcome to all new members, round table introductions. 2.0 APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER MINUTES & DECEMBER AGENDA: Motion by Gord Cummer, seconded by Mike Shipley to accept the January minutes, carried. Motion by Ken Parker, seconded by Carrie Speers to accept the February 2012 agenda, carried. 3.0 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS: There were no pecuniary interests to declare. 4.0 DOWNTOWN KITCHENER PRELIMINARY ACTION PLAN - Cory Bluhm, Manager of Downtown Community Development, City of Kitchener • Cory Bluhm was welcomed to the meeting. He attended to share with the committee current successes with the downtown and the plan for the next 5 years. • Mark Garner sent regrets. • Current successes include; Your Kitchener Market, the MUSEUM, WLU School of Social Work, WLU School of Pharmacy, WLU School of Medicine, the Tannery, King Street streetscape, new parking garage (Benton and Charles), Victoria Park entrance. • Projects underway include; Breithaupt block, Arrow lofts on Benton, new courthouse, KPL expansion, Victoria Park Lake dredging and the Boathouse. • All of these projects have been done in the past eight years. • Current challenges include funding. The entire project funding has been depleted thus the need now is to find a way to create new capital. How can we use our successes to assist in future projects? • A public survey was done and responses received were positive for the most part. People love the new look of the downtown (King Street) but wanted to see more "people" activity in the core. More festivals, special events, sidewalk sales and more residential areas downtown. At the moment, approximately 1,000 people live downtown. The desire is to bring more people downtown for after hour activities and to create more jobs downtown. • People love the sense of community in the downtown that they do not get at malls. • The City is developing an action plan to address the areas mentioned above that may include plans to develop small events on weeknights to draw small groups; to develop City - owned parking lots into residential areas, close to the park. The City owns Bramm Street yards - there is potential there to build an urban business park which could create approximately 3,000 jobs. February 2012 - GRAAC Minutes Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Thursday February 23rd, 2012 • Another idea that would create a sense of community would be to hold community network events, for example, in a downtown restaurant for a couple of hours during an evening. • If the GRAAC committee has any ideas, please forward them to Cory Bluhm (cory.bluhm(a)-kitchener.ca; 519 - 741 - 3375). • For any City planning, accessibility is a must not an option. • Carrie mentioned that sections of sidewalk along King Street are hard to navigate for people who are sight- impaired. The silver posts do not have enough contrast to be able to see them. Cory responded that the posts were put there for pedestrian safety — cars can't access the sidewalks insuring people's safety. The public indicated that they wanted a flat surface from street to sidewalk so staff tried to make a significant contrast between the silver pole and dark base. • Ken suggested that there was not enough accessible parking in the downtown and noted that the drop from a car to the flat surface of a sidewalk is significant for someone with a disability. Cory says he now has a better understanding that a curb possibly would be better than the flat surface. He will ask staff in the Traffic Department if there is a solution. • Ken said that some stores in the downtown are not accessible. Cory talked about the Business Fagade Improvement grant that is available for businesses. The entrance to 2020 vision was enhanced with a ramp; HBSC as well. It is a fact that there are a number of older stores that are not easy to access. • Gord asked what the impact for the downtown will be regarding the LRT. Cory shared that the desire is to create a sense of vibrancy and activity to attract people to the downtown. LRT will provide greater accessibility for people - make it easier for them to get around. People seem to be embracing the no -car lifestyle. • Anthony pointed out that rails could be an issue for people in wheelchairs etc. Cory responded that issues such as this are important as it is important that everyone /thing is safe. GRAAC will have the opportunity to be engaged in discussions. • Gord felt that builders don't want to spend the money to ensure building plans include accessibility features. Cory told the committee that accessibility will have to be part of any residential development undertaken by the City. The City has control over buildings erected on City -owned lands but public property is different. • Anthony asked that staff ensure that older people who want to move back into the downtown are considered when planning events, etc. • Cory was thanked and asked to advise GRAAC of future plans. 5. CO -CHAIR REPORT - Gordon Cummer Roundabout Update: • A presentation was made to Regional Council by Gord Cummer and Anthony Cashin re: area roundabouts, particularly Homer Watson /Bleams. The presentation highlighted the broader message re roundabouts, accessibility and pedestrian safety on roundabouts. At a future meeting, Region and City Traffic staff will be invited to GRAAC to discuss this issue. Regional staff will not move the Homer Watson /Bleams roundabout but are asked to consider other /additional solutions when possible. February 2012 - GRAAC Minutes 2 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Thursday February 23rd, 2012 AODA Reports for Future: • There was no time on the GRAAC agenda in either January /February for AODA report. Possibly time can be allotted on the March agenda, probably for transportation. Video Relay Services Anthony Cashin: • Anthony remarked that Video Relay Services (VRS) began in the U.S. 10 years ago. • Canada's communication method is American Sign Language (ASL). • Currently Canada does not have access to VRS. • Advocacy continues in Canada for VRS. 6. COUNCILLOR'S REPORT(S): Councillor Jean Haalboom: • Thanks to Gord and Anthony for making the presentation at Regional Council regarding roundabouts. Their comments and recommendations were relevant for all pedestrians. Jean has been advocating for roundabouts to be "friendlier" to pedestrians. No report on any changes has been prepared but Jean will raise the issue at Council and ask what is being done regarding the presentation. • Councillor Haalboom sent a message to the Project Manager of The Hub area of LRT (Victoria and King St's) to meet with GRAAC reps early in the planning stages rather than mid - design stage. • Correct % in January minutes for property taxes. Jean will send the correct information to Johanna to make corrections ( *Johanna has made the corrections to the January minutes). • Ken asked if plans are still underway for the 2 -lane roundabout on Ottawa in 2014. Jean replied that everything has stopped until the consultant report has been received, therefore, there is no answer at this time but she will keep GRAAC informed. Councillor Jeff Henry: • Budget passed, with 2.16 %tax increase including storm water fees, 1.09% without storm water. $50,000 shift in snow clearing was approved. A report will come back later this year to talk about how that will work and what service levels we should have on sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes. • Official Plan approval has been delayed until April 2nd. A final open house has been scheduled for February 29th, 2012, likely at City Hall. *BREAK* Vanessa's Update: • Roundabouts: Staff has been directed to consult with GRAAC & CNIB and are working with staff who do transportation planning. All municipalities will be coming to a GRAAC meeting(s) in the coming months. • Vanessa was contacted by the Province - Assistant Deputy Minister will come to talk to GRAAC regarding the AODA. February 2012 - GRAAC Minutes 3 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Thursday February 23rd, 2012 7. BUILT ENVIRONMENT UPDATE — Lolita Paroski • As Paula was absent, Lolita presented the report. • Paula and Lolita attended a meeting re the Kitchener Auditorium expansion. • Currently have 3 existing levels. The project will add 2 more levels. • Pushing the building up 2 levels on the Rangers side of the building. There are 3 levels there now with 48 accessible seating spots available. An additional 20 accessible seating spots will be on the new level. • The new level will also have washrooms, a family washroom and an elevator. • No accessible parking will be lost through the renovation, and will have the minimum accessible parking spots provided as outlined in the City's Urban Design Manual. • Paula will keep GRAAC updated as the renovation continues. • Anthony asked how many accessible parking spots there are at the Auditorium now and Lolita responded that she will get the information and provide it to GRAAC. 8. TRANSPORATION UPDATE — Carrie Speers • Vanessa and Carrie met to plan for the coming year: • March — will talk to manager of Marketing regarding graphics on material • April — accessible taxis • May — wait time for mobility plus • June — bus stops and shelters • July /August — N/A • September — feedback on bus terminal, access — stairs, lighting, elevators • Oct — N/A • November — Mobility Plus customer service procedure • Jean asked Vanessa how much communication takes place between Vanessa, Dave Schmidt and Mobility Plus. Vanessa and Dave meet monthly to talk about AODA and transportation with Transportation Staff. • The AODA requires staff to consult GRAAC on issues such as taxi's, bus stops /shelters — they have to go in the next staff accessibility plan. • Anthony mentioned that some bus shelters have yellow strips added on the windows — making it easier for people with visual impair to see them instead of walking into the window. Most shelters don't have them - Anthony suggested that this item may possibly be added to the Transportation Sub - Committee planning list. 9. CITY OF WATERLOO EMERGENCY PLAN - Beth Rajnovich (City of Waterloo) • Beth gave an overview via PowerPoint. The City of Waterloo is developing a Culture Plan. • The City is involved in events throughout the year and wants to consider all the ways people may have interests — crafts, media, arts, performing, etc. • The Culture Plan will provide the City with a direction for the next 10 years citing what can be done, by the City, to help community groups i.e. opportunities, funding, etc. • Other cities have found culture plans to be successful. • The City received funding of $90,000 over 2 years from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. • Community partners such as non - profits, community groups will be involved in planning. • The public involvement will include consultations, surveys, etc. • The hope is that GRAAC will be involved in some way — members are asked to please contact Beth if there are questions about project (www.waterloo. ca/cu ltureplan or cultu replan @waterloo.ca) February 2012 - GRAAC Minutes 4 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Thursday February 23rd, 2012 • Anthony wondered if there was a way people could experience various disabilities so they can put themselves in other people's shoes. • The Multi- Cultural Festival held yearly in Victoria Park is a Kitchener initiative. Gord wondered how it could be brought to Waterloo. • Beth said that the City of Kitchener Arts and Culture Coordinator will be involved in the City of Waterloo Culture Plan process. • Beth was thanked and left the meeting. 10. REGION OF WATERLOO EMERGENCY PLAN - Steve LaRochells, Region of Waterloo • Steve, working out of the CAO's office, is the lead on developing a regional emergency plan. • The Region currently has a Fire Plan, a Bomb Plan but a broader plan is required that includes earthquakes, chemical spills, etc. • A template was sent out to GRAAC identifying what would be done for employees, visitors. • A generic evacuation process is being planned - McKenzie King Park would be one of those locations; Centre in the Square could be used in bad weather. • An emergency response team would be situated at each building to coordinate in an emergency. • An Emergency Plan document/template would be posted. • Steve asked the group what expectations would be for persons with a disability. • There are 29 different buildings for which to create emergency response plan. Not many of those buildings have much beyond a fire plan, etc. • Steve asked for thoughts. • Carrie: post procedures inside doors. Steve: there are phones in each room in the buildings — the document could be posted outside of the rooms beside doors. • Anthony: A TTY contact number has to be added to the template. • Ken: Adhere the plan on foam board or something instead of paper, beside entrances/ elevators. • The font size would have to be larger, Vanessa indicated that there is no suggested font size for something like this. • Ken: People need to be able to read it quickly and clearly. • Carrie: Suggested to shorten the information and still get the same information across to people - make the information simple and concise. • Gord: Should an alarm go off people won't look for signs. The Fire Plan would detail what is to be done and building staff wardens should be easily identifiable. • Steve said that staff training will be ongoing but he wanted to be sure that staff is on the right track for planning. • Anthony noted that there are no visual fire alarms in Regional buildings in public hallways. • Vanessa asked GRAAC members what their expectations were during an emergency. Would the expectation be that staff would come to help you? Gord affirmed that that would be preferable to searching for something to read. • Vanessa: What information would you need from me as a staff person? • Ken: Would people be required to use stairs as obviously, elevators would be shut down. How do you get a person with disabilities out of building? Steve said that currently a staff person would stand at the top of the stairs until the Fire Department comes. • Steve will look into researching about evacuation chairs. • Gord: We would want staff to have good training so that we can be confident they could get people to safety — better than posting an evacuation plan by door. February 2012 - GRAAC Minutes 5 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Thursday February 23rd, 2012 • Carrie agreed that people won't look for signage and suggested that staff take a few minutes to explain basic emergency procedures prior to a meeting. • Anthony remarked that should people be parked underground, there are generally no visual fire alarms to inform persons who are hard of hearing /deaf. • Steve was thanked and left the meeting. 11. Adjournment • 3:41 pm 12. Next meeting March 22nd, Conestoga Room — Kitchener City Hall 1:30 — 4:00 p.m. February 2012 - GRAAC Minutes 6