HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC 2013-05-23Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 23rd, 2013 Kitchener City Hall, Conestoga Room
PRESENT: Andrew Tutty (Co- Chair), Anthony Cashin (Co- Chair), Ken Parker, Carrie
Speers, Paula Saunders, Mike Shipley, Greg Moore, Keri Cameron, Kaitlyn Draker
(Wellesley), Julia Sippel (North Dumfries), Gina Hickman (Region of Waterloo), David
Kuhn, Stephannie Leach, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic (City of Kitchener), Lolita Paroski
(City of Kitchener /City of Waterloo), Karen Panchaud (ASL Interpreter), Lesley Roach
(ASL Interpreter), Linda Pretty (Recorder), Shannon Sweeney (Recorder)
REGRETS: Councillor Jeff Henry (City of Waterloo), Councillor Jean Haalboom (Region
of Waterloo), Val Hummel (Woolwich), Dorothy Staal, Dawn Griffin, Amanda Moorhead
GUESTS: Bob Cheyne (City of Kitchener), Sheri Markle (Region of Waterloo),
Deb Bergey (Region of Waterloo)
1.0 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS:
• Anthony Cashin called the meeting to order.
• Anthony welcomed all members; round table introductions
• Welcomed Shannon Sweeney; Johanna Ellis' replacement until April 2014.
2.0 APPROVAL OF APRIL MINUTES:
• Motion by Keri Cameron, seconded by Greg Moore to accept the minutes of the
April meeting.
3.0 APPROVAL OF MAY AGENDA:
• Motion by Ken Parker, seconded by Mike Shipley to accept the May agenda; all
carried.
4.0 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS:
There were no pecuniary interests to declare.
5.0 SERVICE FIRST CALL CENTRE (Region of Waterloo) — Sheri Markle, Deb
Bergey
Sheri presented via a power point presentation.
Highlights
• The Region of Waterloo is committed to working towards ensuring that all
Regional programs and services are accessible to everyone.
• The Region has learned through public consultation that it is hard to find the
right person when calling. They may be transferred incorrectly and that they
have difficulty following up on a request /inquiry.
• In the 2011 -2014 Strategic Plans, Council set a strategic goal of achieving
Service Excellence which includes an action to create a consolidated call centre.
• Benefits to the call centre will include access by phone 24/7.
• It will increase the ability to track report and respond to calls across the
organization.
• The Region has two main priorities related to accessibility. First, to meet the
requirements of the AODA. Second, to build awareness with the Region of
Waterloo staff to support identifying, removing and preventing barriers for
people with disabilities.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 23rd, 2013
• The first set of calls started to be answered at the SFCC (Service First Call
Centre) on February 20th, 2013.
• The calls will be re- directed behind the scenes in 6 phases.
• Public launch will occur in the spring of 2014 once all the calls are being handled
by the SFCC.
GRAAC Response
• Anthony Cashin went to a presentation a few years ago and it was clear the
multiple numbers were not being answered and he stated that definitely one
number will help.
• Ken Parker said the 211 service is available and will stay. 211 can help link
people to resources and services available in their area.
6.0 ON STREET ACCESSIBLE PARKING DISCUSSION — Paula Saunders
As a follow -up to the discussion at the April GRAAC meeting regarding on- street
parking at that meeting, members agreed that one parking spot around the
Princess Street area, and one near William and Willis Way in Waterloo would be
preferable. Paula continued the discussion by asking GRAAC members where
they would like on- street parking spots to be located in Kitchener.
• Discussion re what is already in place, how things may need to change and /or
that there may be a need for more spots.
• GRAAC does not want a spot near Charles and Gaukel as the Gaukel hill is too
steep.
• It is believed there are 4 or 5 spots in paid lots around the City.
• There is 1 on- street spot by the Kitchener Market.
• GRAAC would like to see more spots where there are activities going on.
• It was discussed how many spots were available by KW Accessibility on King
Street. Paula said "there are 6 spots and perhaps one more could be made
accessible."
• Greg Moore suggested there should be 1 by the Tannery. Ken Parker said there
are 2 spots on Francis near the Tannery.
• It was also noted that there are spots on both sides of glass doors by the
Downtown Community Health Centre.
• Andrew Tutty asked what the profile of an accessible parking spot is.
• Suggested that an audit of where accessible spots are currently located should
be done to better understand where there is a lack of spots throughout the
Region.
• It is a requirement that the City has accessible spots, although there is currently
a lack of accessible on- street parking.
Suggestions
- Ensure spots are large enough.
- Where there is no on street parking during special events it affects everyone
not just the people needing accessible spots.
- The size of the spot, lighting, and the rolled curbs will be difficult for people
who exit vehicle from driver's side.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 23rd, 2013
- Snow clearance also always poses a problem.
- Ken Parker stated we need clear markings.
- Greg Moore agreed with others that 2% is not enough accessible parking.
- On street parking should lead to sidewalk and spots should not be located
where there are bike racks, plants or structures.
- It was suggested GRAAC contact Ken Carmichael (City of Kitchener) to give
the recommendations.
- Curb needs to be right beside or 5 feet away.
- Wheelchairs need to be able to be on a flat surface. Perhaps have no curbs
for accessible parking.
- Can there be a number to report violators? Anthony Cashin wants the current
$300 fine to be raised. Halton Hills has a fine of $5000.
- There should be a conversation with Cambridge about what we do and what
they do.
- Stephannie Leach would like to see the same practices across the tri- cities.
Sign heights need to be standardized as signs are currently not detectable at
face level.
- Paula Saunders believes Elmira has on- street accessible parking.
- It was decided this should be tackled in sections.
ACTION: Paula will send Ken Carmichael a list of considerations for City staff
to consider when deciding where to place accessible on street parking.
7.0 BUILT ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE — Paula Saunders
Breithauut Centre Pool Lift
1. Breithaupt Community Centre is in the process of replacing the pool lifts that
assist patrons in and out of the pool.
2. Lolita Paroski and Paula Saunders went to look at the pool lift.
3. The pool lift at Breithaupt Centre has been in place for 30 years now and is
unsafe to use.
4. Breithaupt Staff will be with a manufacturer from Montreal.
5. Ramps do work well however, a ramp and chair is not an option at Breithaupt
Pool in Kitchener.
6. Ken Parker has seen an electric chair lift that can hold up to 400lbs.
7. Stephannie Leach said she saw one in London, Ontario and helped support the
person using it and she stated that although it was not electric it was quiet and
worked well.
8. Paula Saunders asked for members to email her more detailed information and
she can forward it to Breithaupt Centre.
City of Waterloo Information Kiosk
1. Paula Saunders, Carrie Speers, Dorothy Staal and Lolita Paroski meet with Garry
Bezraki (City of Waterloo) regarding replacing the current information directory
at Waterloo City Hall.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 23rd, 2013
2. The City of Waterloo has been offered the same information kiosk that Conestoga
Mall uses.
3. The information kiosk was demonstrated at the meeting, it was observed that
there was no voice to their system so people with sight impairment will not
benefit from it, and there were difficulties with wheeling up to the system at
Conestoga Mall.
4. The City of Waterloo's current (original) directory has downfalls as well. The
background is black with white lettering that appeared to more gold than white in
colour and the size of the lettering seems to also be an issue. GRAAC suggested
the system might be a better fit for the City of Kitchener, rather than Waterloo
City Hall, due to it being a much larger building.
Other Business
• Ken Parker asked if the new Police Station has a final walkthrough before it
opens in 2 weeks.
ACTION
Gina Hickman will find out if there is a final walkthrough planned of the new
Police Station and will advise GRAAC.
BREAK
8.0 ATHLETICS SERVICES STRATEGY SURVEY (City of Kitchener) — Bob
Cheyne
For over 30 years, the City of Kitchener has provided services for minor sports
programming. Bob attended the GRAAC meeting to talk about the Athletics Services
Strategy Survey which is part of a strategic review of current services.
• Things that will be covered on the survey are as follows:
- Changing demographics
- 1 out of 4 citizens are born out of the country.
- In 10 years, one person out of every 4 is going to be 35 and over.
- How Athletics Services can support affiliated groups.
- How Athletics Services can support groups across the city.
• Survey is meant for affiliated core minor sports groups.
• Bob Cheyne to email Survey to Lolita Paroski to pass along to GRAAC members.
• The survey deadline is June 14th, 2013.
GRAAC Response
• Paula inquired if there is an opportunity on the survey to ask about accessibility.
• Currently track and field, lawn bowling and fencing are available for persons with
disabilities.
• Stephannie Leach asked if there would be the opportunity to introduce new
sports (i.e. Gold Ball). Bob replied that the City can help groups interested in
starting a new sport by providing assistance with organizing, governance and
contacts to help make it happen.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 23rd, 2013
• Groups could be aligned with Kitchener Sports Association, school boards,
Sports Express, the Sports Council, KMA, Universities, KW Community
Foundation, Trillium, etc. to help provide support for infrastructure or equipment
needs.
• The City of Kitchener does not have a direct link to the Parolympics.
• Bob Cheyne informed the group that the survey will not be going public, it will be
going out to staff, sports providers and key stake holders affiliated and non-
affiliated.
• Paula Saunders asked if there will be a section for comments about accessibility.
Bob Cheyne said he will change the template to include this and ensured Paula
Saunders and Andrew Tutty that there will be one.
9.0 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE UPDATE — Carrie Speers
Ken Parker, Gina Hickman (Region of Waterloo), Carrie Speers and Andrew Tutty
attended a meeting on May 3r6, 2013. The following was discussed...
• Andrew Tutty said the widths of the path in the round about crosswalk would
accommodate his cane. The edging should be 3 to 4 inches high so cane can
guide the person using the path.
• Accessible crossing lights at roundabouts need to follow transportation guide line.
• The Region will look at holding public workshops. This was discussed with
Council in January 2013.
• GRAAC and CNIB are going to give input on the new roundabout on Franklin in
Cambridge.
• Carrie Speers is worried about speeding vehicles being as the crosswalk is 15
metres from the roundabout. She also stated that 1 cross would be better than
2 however, 2 are going in.
• It was also suggested that audible signals need to be installed at roundabouts.
• Stephannie Leach expressed that her Seeing Eye dog is not trained to use such
crossings. Her dog would go from road side to road side and not stop half way in
the island portion of the crossing. Stephannie suggested that rumble strips may
be best option.
• Snow removal continues to be an issue. Greg Moore suggested a slice in the
pavement for a cane - guide strips work the same way however, there are
concerns if it will "hold up" to ice and snow.
• Andrew Tutty said our Region is being looked at because of the number of
roundabouts we now have.
• Stephannie Leach asked how you find the guide strip? Andrew Tutty said he
believes the strip will be located in the centre of the crosswalk. Stephannie is
still concerned she would not find the guide strip. Andrew hopes it will be very
identifiable.
• David Kuhn wants to know if other jurisdictions are using the cane guide strips
and it was stated that they are being used.
• Carrie Speers said it was not discussed "how to find the guide strip" there were
only discussions on making the crossing.
• Stephannie Leach inquired about how wide the median between the up curb and
down curb is. Andrew Tutty thinks 10 meters.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 23rd, 2013
• Carrie Speers asked for approval from GRAAC for accessible lights, guide strips
and 3 -4 inch curbs.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Carrie Speers to accept the recommendations to use
guide strips. David Kuhn seconded the motion. All were in favour.
Councillor Berry Vrbanovic entered the meeting.
10.0 COUNCILLORS REPORT - Councillor Berry Vrbanovic
Councillor Vrbanovic provided a brief update.
• Casino Issue - The general public and council were not interested in having a
Casino located in the City of Kitchener.
• Road Network - the extension of Strasburg Road was council approved last
night. It is the final of the arterial roads for the next 30 years.
• Economic Development Strategy
- Approved pilot project with WLU and U of W for a Kitchener Studio project
involving electronic arts with Christie Digital which will create jobs in the
digital field. It is currently a 5 year pilot project however; all partners are
hoping it will grow beyond that.
- Economic Development is working on making Kitchener a live music city.
Similar but not as large scale as Austin, Nashville and Memphis.
- KOI Music Festival is trying to encourage this as well.
- There is a desire to see growth of the Blues Festival.
- Canoeing in the Grand with access from Victoria Park is now available and
is a Pilot Project. Only canoes are available currently with hopes kayaks
may be available at some point.
GRAAC Comments
• Andrew Tutty suggested putting accessibility issues up front as it is important
to include as many people as possible.
• Carrie Speers pointed out that the portable fencing used at Special Events is a
trip hazard. Berry Vrbanovic stated that the city is always trying to be
accessible and agreed that all entrances need to be clear of hazards in order
to make everyone as comfortable as possible. Berry Vrbanovic will talk to
Special Events so they can be aware and work with outside set -ups.
• In last month's Kitchener Citizen event schedule that was distributed, it was
suggested that a large print version be made available or be available online.
• Lolita advised that the City of Kitchener does make their material available in
alternate formats upon request.
11.0 STAFF UPDATE - Lolita Paroski
• Welcomed Shannon Sweeney to the GRAAC meeting and explained she will be
replacing Johanna while she is on her leave.
• Thanks to Linda Pretty for helping out during the during the transition period.
• It is Access Awareness Week next week. Many sessions have been planned to
educate staff with requirements under the IASR in accessible purchasing
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 23rd, 2013
information and communication specific to website and a refresh session on the
customer service standard. Staff will walk away with a bag full of resources.
12.0 CO- CHAIRS REPORT - Andrew Tutty
1. Summer months - GRAAC members decided to take July off and have a regular
meeting in August.
2. Andrew Tutty has 2 files for the AODA that he is going to email out
3. Andrew read a letter that he has put together regarding bus stops and snow
removal. In the letter it mentioned reductions in timeframes for snow removal is
needed. For the reason it takes days to book Mobility Plus. Paula Saunders
suggested that Grand River Transit should fall under the same rules as residents
who are required to have snow cleared from sidewalks within 24 hours after a
snowfall.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Paula Saunders to go forward with sending the
letter to the Region once minor changes were done. The motion was
seconded by Carrie Speers. All were in favour.
Adjournment/ Next Meeting
A motion was made by Carrie, seconded by Keri, to adjourn the May meeting. The
next meeting will be on June 27th, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in the Conestoga Room at
Kitchener City Hall.
May 2013 - GRAAC Minutes 7
