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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2014-02-27Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee Date: February 27th, 2014 Location: Conestoga Room, City Hall Kitchener Present: Greg Moore (Co- Chair), Andrew Tutty (Co- Chair), Keri Cameron, Anthony Cashin, Dawn Clelland, Sharon Giles, David Kuhn, Paula Saunders, Mike Shipley, Carrie Speers, Dorothy Staal, Christine Taylor, Amanda Moorhead, Councillor Jean Haalboom (Region of Waterloo), Councillor Jeff Henry (City of Waterloo), Councillor Berry Vrbanovic (City of Kitchener), Karen Panchaud (ASL Interpreter), Lesley Roach (ASL Interpreter), Vanessa Lopak (Region of Waterloo), Pam Albrecht (City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo), Shannon Sweeney (Recorder) Regrets: Laura Master, Valrie Hummel (Township of Woolwich), Julia Sippel (Township of North Dumfries), Kaitlyn Draker (Township of Wellesley) Guests: Frank Prospero 1.0 Welcome and Introductions • Greg Moore called the meeting to order. • Greg Moore welcomed all members; round table introductions. 2.0 Approval of January Minutes and February Agenda • Motion by Anthony Cashin, seconded by Carrie Speers to accept the minutes of the January meeting; all in favour. • Motion by David Kuhn, seconded by Sharon Giles to accept the February agenda; all in favour. 3.0 Declarations of Pecuniary Interest • There were no pecuniary interests to declare. 4.0 GRAAC Self Evaluation Discussion — Vanessa Lopak (Region of Waterloo) • Vanessa started the discussion about the self - evaluation. She addressed how people are feeling about the committee, terms of reference, working relationships with staff and councilors. • 9 of 11 participated in the self - evaluation. • Vanessa would like to generate ideas on how to improve committee. Questions /Comments • Greg Moore stated 9 responses out of 11 members is good. Would like 100% next year, please. • Some respondents suggested that discussion can be dominated by 1 or 2 people. • Andrew Tutty said that maybe the discussions are about things some are not familiar with therefore, do not speak up. • Sometimes people want to think about it and send in ideas after. • Greg Moore let the committee know that they are welcome to email co- chairs about anything. • Vanessa Lopak said results showed that only 3 respondents felt discussions were dominated. Also referred to Andrew's comment confirming that members may not be ready to contribute to discussions. • Vanessa Lopak said if you want to bring something forward bring to staff and co- chairs. • Amanda Moore asked if we can request a topic being left open? • Anthony Cashin asked if we can please be aware of people finishing their thoughts before moving on. • It was suggested that if you are not comfortable bringing a subject up that you could talk to another member who could bring it up for you at next meeting. • GRAAC members have said we need to learn about other disabilities. Maybe, a list should be made. It was noted we have a good representation around the table. • Andrew Tutty is happy we have Mental Health around the table now. • Andrew Tutty would like to set aside time to bring different people in to talk about various disabilities. • GRAAC feels supported by councilors. Jean Haalboom welcomed questions anytime. Berry Vrbanovic values GRAAC's input as does Jeff Henry. 5.0 Inclusive Meeting Guide — David Kuhn • David Kuhn is a member of GRAAC currently doing a placement with the Region of Waterloo. • David is creating a checklist and guide concerning inclusive and accessible meetings. • David is looking for feedback. His guide will cover topics such as accessibility, consideration for cultural and religious needs. Questions /Comments • Sharon Giles suggested David Kuhn include information on the physical spaces. Also to use gender neutral language. • Carrie Speers suggested tips for presenters include providing spoken descriptions of images and other visual content for those with visual impairments. • Andrew Tutty noted that being asked to move around in an unfamiliar space can be difficult for some — something that presenters may wish to think about when planning meetings with interactive components • The wall colour of meeting rooms was discussed. • Keri Cameron suggested when sending invites that it should be asked if accommodations are needed. • Amanda Moore stated she is unsure where to get items for accommodations and David Kuhn said that he would be putting together a list of organizations where resources are available. February 27, 2014 — GRAAC Minutes Page 2 • Dawn Clelland stated that sound always helps, including consideration of background noise, use of microphones. Dorothy Staal strongly agreed with Dawn. 6.0 Wilma's Walk — Frank Prospero (Township of North Dumfries) • The trail already exists at Watson's pond. • Frank Prospero brought plans to share with us on how they want to expand the trail linking it to the bridge. • All the nearby businesses and homes have been kept in the loop with the planning as this is on Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) land. • Pond is drained right now. • The township is looking at doing a 1000 foot extension. • Using crushed gravel. This is similar to stone dust. • The steps taken thus fare have included a draft of the plan in October 2013, approval happened in December 2013. They visited GRAAC in February 2014. They have already completed fundraising. • Selection of the contractor is going to take place in April. Frank Prospero is hoping the trail opening will be during the May long weekend. Questions /Comments • Paula Saunders reminded Frank Prospero that surface stone dust works well when maintained, therefore recommended that a maintenance plan be included. • Paula also noted that attention needs to be given to transition points between stone dust path and asphalt; asked about the inclusion of cane detectable edging along the trail • Frank Prospero noted that he is working with the contractor on the transition points, also working with GRCA about their guidelines and to learn about water run off etc. Their feedback may have an impact on type of edging. • A motion was made by Mike Shipley, seconded by David Kuhn, to endorse, with the recommendations made above, the Township of North Dumfries' plans for Wilma's Walk. All were in favour, motion carried. • Frank thanked the committee for their input and feedback. 7.0 Transportation Standing Committee - Carrie Speers, Vanessa Lopak (Region of Waterloo) • Vanessa Lopak stated that she and Carrie Speers are talking about what to do in 2014. • Brainstorm around what we need to prioritize issues for 2014. • It was asked we bring issues to group as whole. • Monitor results and changes. • Please provide feedback. • Carrie Speers said they will be making sure the GRT lifting equipment is kept up. • Making sure the bus terminal has large print material. Apparently you can request schedules in large print anytime. The GRT customer service is excellent. • Vanessa Lopak said that we have the potential to give feedback or more information for maintenance and processes for using transit. • Carrie and Vanessa welcome feedback about bus stops and terminal. February 27, 2014 — GRAAC Minutes Page 3 • It was suggested that signage at bus stops need more contrast, as blue and yellow are hard to see and differentiate. Vanessa suggested she will bring GRT staff to give the feedback to. 8.0 Councillors Report • Councillor Jean Haalboom (Region of Waterloo) • The name of the recommended company that will operate the LRT will be announced tomorrow. • Jean stated that amount of accessible on- street parking has been set at 2 %. She further noted that this percentage will be reviewed in 18 months. • Councillor Jeff Henry (City of Waterloo) • Council approved that sidewalk be included on South side of Lexington Avenue from Davenport to University; plan is to add sidewalk on North side at a later time. • Councillor Henry noted that Greg Moore spoke on behalf of GRAAC on this issue at the Council meeting when this was decided. • Councillor Berry Vrbanovic (City of Kitchener) • Issue of including sidewalks in a roads project came to Council this past week • Council often faced with residents who oppose sidewalks in their neighbourhood • Councillor Vrbanovic asked at Council to defer the issue to allow GRAAC to provide input on current project. Will come to Council on March 3, 2014 • Food Trucks are being talked about, the City of Kitchener will be careful around the downtown. Exploring other options in the City of Kitchener for example bringing food trucks to industrial areas where there are few restaurants. • Public meeting regarding Regional Airport's Master Plan will take place April 15th 4 -8pm at the Regional Museum. • Acknowledged that changes to the PAL program have been in the news. Staff are keeping Council informed of any developments. 9.0 AODA Legislative Review — Pam Albrecht (City of Kitchener /City of Waterloo) • Pam presented an overview of the legislative review of the AODA that is currently being undertaken • Dean Mayo Moran, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto has been appointed as the Independent Reviewer • Public consultations are being held throughout March and April — in person and online • Groups and individuals from across Ontario are encouraged to submit feedback • Written feedback must be received by June 1, 2014 Discussion • GRAAC members expressed an interest in providing feedback to the independent reviewer on the AODA • GRAAC members expressed interest in gathering to watch the online public consultation session on April 3, 2014, 9am to 1 pm February 27, 2014 — GRAAC Minutes Page 4 • Staff will provide AODA legislation to committee members — send links to online versions; request alternate formats as required • A discussion on the AODA will be on the March agenda in preparation for the online session • GRAAC members will meet following the online session on April 3 to discuss the group submission in greater detail • Staff will book meeting space, arrange for accommodations, including ASL interpreting. 10.0 On- Street Parking Correspondence —Vanessa Lopak (Region of Waterloo) • Vanessa Lopak read a letter dated February 11, 2014 to the GRAAC Committee explaining that the Region approved up to 2% of on street parking in core areas will be made accessible. • The letter also stated that this will be reviewed in 18 months. Questions /Comments • Keri Cameron noted that letter says "up to" 2 %? Concerned that this could mean nothing would be provided. • Paula Saunders said in the past recommendations have been given to Ken Carmichael in Transportation with The City of Kitchener. 11.0 Co -chair Report • Region of Waterloo Organizational Review — last review was in the early to mid -90's. The Region has grown especially GRT. The demands are much larger now. • Vanessa suggested we have a focus group to talk about the review. Vanessa to email and set up. • Anthony to forward link about Halton Hills 911 service that now includes texting. This system will gradually be set up across Canada. 12.0 Adjournment/Next Meeting A motion was made by Dawn Griffin, seconded by Amanda Moore, to adjourn the February meeting. The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 1:30pm in the Conestoga Room at Kitchener City Hall. February 27, 2014 — GRAAC Minutes Page 5