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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSHCAC Minutes - 2018-03-01 SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 1, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Chair – Mr. D. Witmer Councillor S. Marsh, Ms. E. Clarke, Ms. A. Venner, Ms. T. Smith, and Messrs. G. Albert, W. Rahimi and B. Page. Staff: M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs D. Keelan, Manager, Aquatics & Volunteer Services B. Cronkite, Interim Manager, Transportation Planning L. Burr, Office Assistant, Neighbourhood Development Office J. McKenzie, Administrative Coordinator L. Korabo, Committee Administrator Mr. M. Hildebrand introduced Ms. Janis McKenzie who will be taking over as the Committee’s Administrator beginning in April 2018. 1.RAINBOW CROSSWALK Mr. B. Cronkite advised of plans to install a decorative ‘rainbow’ crosswalk at the Joseph / Gaukel Street intersection. The initiative for such an installation was part of two separate place-making grant applications received by the Neighbourhood Development Office in 2017. Staff worked with both organizations as well as others from the rainbow community to narrow down a suitable design, location and application of a rainbow crosswalk. Staff is supportive of this project as it supports inclusivity, supports walking as an activity and also connects with the adjacent neighbourhood. The Committee asked questions around the cost of the installation (between $12,000.- $15,000.); the product used and durability of same; how accessibility would be ensured for the visually impaired; installation timelines; and, the criteria used to determine location. With regard to ensuring accessibility, Mr. Cronkite advised that despite the rainbow colours being applied, the outline of the crosswalk will remain as heavy white lines in order clearly identify the space. Further, he noted that as only one leg of the intersection was being changed, regular, ladder-style crossings also remain an option at this location. The colours being affixed are a thermoplastic material having a lifespan of approximately ten years. Staff further commented regarding the choice of the Joseph / Gaukel Street intersection, advising this location was ideal and met all legislative requirements. It is intended to have the crosswalk installed in time for the annual Tri-Pride Festival held in Victoria Park and occurring in early June. In response to a question regarding planned publicity of the installation, Ms. Burr stated that while the crosswalk installation will actually take place prior to the Tri-Pride Festival, details regarding the official ‘unveiling’ are still being finalized. She agreed to share details of the event with the Committee once they are finalized. 2.WORKPLAN REVIEW Mr. B. Page provided an update on behalf of the CPTED sub-committee noting that audits have now been completed at the Breithaupt Centre and the Kingsdale Community Centre. He reviewed the issues identified at each location and provided suggested solutions, where feasible. It was noted that some community centre facilitators had not yet provided the sub-committee with feedback on facility issues to be audited. Mr. M. Hildebrand agreed to follow up and ensure that information is provided for each facility in advance of the scheduled audit date. The sub-committee working on Support to Community Centres – Relationship with Schools advised they have now met with Steve Roth, Manager of Community Centres. A one-page primer has been prepared outlining how community centre staff may facilitate bookings through the school boards and, once approval is received from Mr. Roth, this document will be circulated to all community centres. Ms. Smith commented the sub-committee would be pleased to help with the document roll out if staff felt it would be of assistance. Once this SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 1, 2018 - 5 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2.WORKPLAN REVIEW (CONT’D) information is provided to staff, the sub-committee would be in a position to assist with other sub-committee work or identify a new priority to undertake. Ms. A. Venner advised the Accessibility and Inclusion – Support to LGBTQ Community sub- committee would like to revisit the Rainbow Community Council’s Top 10 List and identify another priority to work on for the balance of the term. Following a brief review of the list, two additional items were identified as possible priorities; more information on these will be shared at the next Committee meeting and time will be allotted to allow for sub-committee discussion. Mr. M. Hildebrand reminded members the current appointment term ends on November 30, 2018, leaving approximately 5-6 more monthly meetings to conduct business. He suggested that members lend assistance to the community centre audits however possible. Mr. B. Page suggested that assistance would be greatly appreciated in transcribing his audit reports and Ms. Smith agreed to assist in this way. Other members indicated they would be able to participate in the building audits and were provided with the planned schedule of dates and locations. 3.PLAQUE TO CELEBRATE INCLUSION – PROPOSAL – UPDATE Councillor S. Marsh advised that Ms. G. Sabry of Cross Cultures Magazine, who presented at the Committee’s September 2017 meeting regarding a proposal to install a plaque in Victoria st Park, has advised she will be launching her initiative on March 21 to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Councillor Marsh noted that despite this launch date, there is no firm information regarding approvals for the installation and who will be paying the costs. Mr. W. Rahimi confirmed the launch date advising that a public event is planned for City Hall to make the announcement regarding the plaque’s installation. The Committee was reminded that following Ms. Sabry’s presentation, staff was directed to investigate the logistics of her proposal; however, despite efforts to date, details remain vague. Mr. Hildebrand suggested the Committee could consider offering support for the undertaking by paying costs associated with the plaque installation. Prior to that occurring, approvals and details regarding location, etc. must still be finalized. Ms. D. Keelan read aloud the wording that is proposed for the plaque. Mr. M. Hildebrand advised staff will reach out to Ms. Sabry to obtain an update on this matter and place this item on the April Committee agenda for continued discussion. 4. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:36 p.m. L. Korabo Committee Administrator