HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-28 GRAAC/lfff�l
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2019
Location: Conestoga Room, City of Kitchener
Present: Brenda Robinson (Co -Chair), Councillor Debbie Chapman (City of Kitchener), Paula
Saunders, Donna Hartzler, Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Tracey Murray (Township of
Wilmot), Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener/City of Waterloo), Sanjay Govindaraj (Region of
Waterloo), Jeff Smith (Township of Woolwich), Ashley Sage (Township of North Dumfries),
Trevor Tamlin, Jolene MacDonald, Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo)
Regrets: Caitlin Gillis (Township of Wellesley), Councillor Sue Foxton (Region of Waterloo),
Greg Moore, Keri Cameron, Dawn Clelland, Rob Bender
Guests: Pat Morabito, Neil Malcolm
Welcome and Introductions
Jolene called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
Round table introductions
2.0 Approval of November agenda and September and October minutes
Donna motioned to accept November agenda, Paula seconded
Paula motioned to accept September and October minutes, Donna seconded
3.0 Declarations of Pecuniary Interests
None
4.0 Region of Waterloo, 2019-2020 Grand River Transit Accessibility Plan Update
Pat Morabito, Neil Malcolm
Grand River Transit is committed to:
➢ The continuous development of accessible public transit.
➢ Working toward ensuring its facilities are barrier free.
➢ Working toward providing barrier free employment and employment opportunities.
➢ Establishing communication services that respect the abilities of all customers,
employees and the public at large.
Page 1 of 9
➢ 60 conventional service routes in total, all of which are utilizing low floor buses
➢ Complimentary fares on conventional transit for MobilityPLUS registrants
ION Operations
➢ The trains provide barrier -free, level boarding and alighting at stations.
➢ On -board the trains
o announce and display station and service information
o provide priority seating and space for customers using mobility aids
o request buttons which allow customers to request extra time to exit the vehicle
Accessible Bus Stops
➢ 2,500 stops
➢ Over 70% are considered accessible without gravel or grass/turf landing pads.
o 15% of these stops have additional accessibility issues which have been
identified, such as lack of sidewalk connection, obstructions and steep grades.
➢ Annual upgrading of stops to meet accessibility standards
Accessible Routes and Fleet
➢ All routes have been designated accessible since 2013
➢ Installed 1,100 of the new stop markers (over 40% of the stops)
o A high contrast colour scheme
o Bus pictogram
o Routes servicing the stop
o Service notes as applicable
➢ Thirty four MobilityPLUS vehicles (+ one in 2019)
o Four new low floor ramp style vehicles
Upcoming in 2020 - MobilityPLUS Service Review
➢ Increasing demands for specialized transit services driven by population growth and
aging population influences
➢ Improving productivity and cost effectiveness
➢ Continued development of the family of services concept, including integration with ION
to deal with increasing demands
➢ Implement Business Plan Recommendations
Areas for Review:
o Cross -boundary Coordination
o Operator Hours, Fleet Size & Utilization
o Scheduling system practices to improve vehicle utilization (passenger trips /
hour) and reduce unaccommodated trips.
o Current trip booking timelines and procedures, looking at software for online
booking
➢ Accessible cab availability and compliance
➢ Dialysis Trips
➢ Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
Page 2 of 9
Customer survey completed and to be sent out every two years in order to get customer
feedback.
Questions and Comments:
1. No longer book group bookings?
Currently under review
2. Snow removal at the bus stops?
Should be better this year, however, if there are back to back snow events
almost impossible to maintain in a timely manner. No longer using the same
contractor. Service standards are expected to be met. Roads versus Bike paths
versus sidewalk versus bus stops. Bus stop could have been removed once and
then a snow plow pushes more snow off of the roads.
3. Tactile markers for people with visual disabilities to get to the concrete pad?
Not currently done
5.0 Region of Waterloo, 2019 Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Plan Update
Sanjay Govindaraj
The annual status update is a requirement for t. A summary of this report will be posted on the
Region of Waterloo website. The GRAAC committee was consulted on the following:
➢ Accessibility at ION stops
➢ Hosting a visit with Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Honorable Raymond Cho
➢ The Region of Waterloo's Multi-year diversity and inclusion plan
➢ Accessible Taxi fund
➢ Road redesign projects
➢ Universal washroom signage
Actions completed:
➢ Integrated reception (Welcoming space) at 150 Main, 99 Regina and 235 King streets.
➢ New Volunteer management policy regarding Gender Transition guidelines
➢ Developed land acknowledgement and burning of sacred medicines guidelines (draft)
process of developing a First Nation, Metis and Inuit staff training plan to be launched in
2020 in collaboration with area Municipalities
➢ Resources updated on inclusive community engagement and posted on the portal
Challenges for 2020 and 2021:
➢ Wayfinding and ION stations
➢ Website and Accessible PDF's
➢ Roundabouts and further safety enhancements
➢ Updates to information and communications standards expected in 2020 and the
potential impacts include intranet, extranet, live captioning at events and audio
descriptions for videos
AODA Compliance Report 2019
Municipalities are required to submit a biannual Accessibility Compliance Report to the Ministry
for Seniors and Accessibility. The report is due December 30, 2019. The report comprises
twenty one questions and the Region of Waterloo is in compliance with all except the question
Page 3 of 9
on the information and Communication standard. Non-compliance due to inaccessible PDF's.
The website is 99.3 percent accessible.
Questions and Comments:
Wayfinding at the ION stations, work is being done and GRAAC is not being considered
during this process and the committee has some concerns. The committee feels it is
important to have their expertise involved.
2. Roundabouts safety issue to pedestrians both regarding signage not being understood
and driver education around a shared road.
Any further questions please email sgovindarai�region ofwaterloo.ca
Or call 519-575-4757 x3861
6.0 Township of Woolwich Kate's Park Accessible Washroom
Jeff Smith, Jolene MacDonald
A group of kids "The Space Chickens" got together with Jeff, Jolene, and the contractor to
present their recommendations for an accessible washroom in Gibson Park in Elmira, ON also
known as Kate's Park as the porta-potties onsite are not accessible.
Recommendations:
➢ Sturdy Handle bars on both sides of the toilet
➢ Help button which is a requirement
➢ Wooden Seat for caregiver
➢ Adult size change table
➢ Auto door lock
➢ Automatic soap dispensers and faucets
➢ Automatic Toilet Paper Dispenser
➢ Wave sensor to flush toilet
➢ Quiet toilets and hand dryers
➢ Motion Sensor lights
➢ Security Camera
➢ Genderless washrooms
➢ Automatic stall doors with delay
➢ Vacant or occupied Indicator
➢ Long door paddles
Group taking proposals to contractor and getting set to fundraise to hopefully make the project
happen.
7.0 Township of Woolwich 5 year Plan and Status Update, Jeff Smith
According to the 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS), approximately
4.4 million Canadians have a disability. Between 2001 and 2006 the number of people who
reported having a disability increased by three-quarters of a million people. In Ontario there are
approximately 1.85 million people with a disability. This represents approximately 15.5 per cent
of Ontario's population and this number will continue to grow as the population ages. By 2025, it
Page 4 of 9
is expected that the number of Ontarians with disabilities will increase to three million people, or
20 per cent of Ontario's population.
The Council and staff at the Township of Woolwich are committed to developing and planning
for an inclusive community by identifying and removing barriers faced by persons with
disabilities that access Township facilities, programs and services. This Multi -Year Accessibility
Plan outlines the initiatives the Township is planning to deliver to identify and remove barriers
for persons with disabilities.
The Township of Woolwich is working hard to preserve, protect and grow the lifestyle elements
and amenities that make Woolwich a desirable community to live in. With a dedication to
providing for inclusive and accessible communities, the Township will continue to implement the
legislated requirements in accordance with the AODA with the goal of improving and expanding
opportunities for persons with disabilities, and identifying, removing and preventing barriers for
their full participation in the life of the community.
By removing barriers for persons with disabilities, we are removing barriers for everyone!
Multi -Year Accessibility Initiatives 2020 - 2023
Within the general requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Accessibility Plans
are to be reviewed at least once every five years, and municipalities are to prepare an annual
status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the Accessibility Plan. This Multi -
Year Accessibility Plan covers the 4 -year period of 2020-2023. It represents the Township's
response to the requirement and details our commitment to providing public services in an
accessible manner.
Accessibility initiatives are separated into annual initiatives, to be addressed every year, and
projects for individual years. Projects listed in each year may be adjusted based on Council
priorities, budget and staff time. Initiatives that will be addressed every year include:
➢ Continue to contribute to the operation of the GRAAC, including providing staff support
to GRAAC.
➢ Continue to review and monitor Provincial accessibility legislation.
➢ Update 2007 Facility Building Accessibility Audits and begin Park & Sports Fields
Accessibility Audits with trained Township staff.
➢ Provide new accessible picnic tables with the goal of at least 1 accessible picnic table in
every Township park.
➢ Continue to review and monitor content on the Township website in accordance with
WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements.
2020 Initiatives
➢ Apply for a Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation grant to hire two to three
inclusion facilitators to assist campers with special needs during the Summer Camp
program.
➢ Consider implementing improved website accessibility monitoring tools.
➢ Work to make more online services available for all residents.
➢ Improved accessible seating throughout Elmira Union Cemetery.
Page 5 of 9
➢ Strengthen support for employees by hiring an HR Generalist and reviewing the
Township's onboarding and training programs.
➢ Annual facility improvements, including:
o WMC, Breslau Community Centre, Lions Hall, Gibson Park, Bolender Park,
Industrial Ball Diamond: accessible pathways, sidewalks and railings.
o Gibson Park, Maryhill: accessible washroom upgrades.
2021 Initiatives
➢ The Township will review and consider alternative voting options to increase accessibility
during the 2022 Municipal Election.
➢ In accordance with section 14(4)2. of the Integrated Accessibility Standard, ensure the
Township's website meets WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements.
➢ Annual facility improvements, including:
o Bolender Park: install 3 paved accessible parking spaces.
o WMC, Maryhill Community Centre, Heidelberg Community Centre: retrofit
accessible door operators to entry doors and meeting rooms.
o Begin implementing accessibility improvements found during updated park
and facility accessibility audits.
2022 Initiatives
➢ Review and consider alternative voting options to increase accessibility during the 2022
Municipal Election.
➢ Develop an accessible sidewalk around the columbarium at Elmira Union Cemetery.
➢ Work to create a database of volunteers to support community program participants.
➢ Annual facility improvements, including:
o Bloomingdale Park: accessible path to picnic shelter,
o Elmira Fire Hall: retrofit accessible door operator.
o Continue implementing accessibility improvements found during updated
park and facility accessibility audits.
2023 Initiatives
➢ Report on accessibility features and feedback on the 2022 Municipal election.
➢ Begin reviewing and drafting the Township's next Multi -Year Accessibility Plan.
➢ Annual facility improvements, including:
o Continue implementing accessibility improvements found during updated
park and facility accessibility audits.
Questions or Comments:
Paula offered to help with the park and facility accessibility audits.
Break
8.0 Township of North Dumfries 5 Year Plan and Status Update, Ashley Sage
Council and staff continue to work towards creating a universally accessible community
Page 6 of 9
by systematically removing barriers for persons with disabilities.
Highlights of 2019
➢ Staff have established a new multi-year accessibility plan. The previous multi-year plan
expired in 2019.
➢ Facility Condition Assessment and Planning Study conducted.
➢ Continual improvements to website.
➢ Resurfacing projects.
➢ Revising and updating AODA training for staff.
➢ Swing Sets replaced.
➢ Sidewalk improvement projects.
➢ Two new accessible tables added to Clyde Park and Cowan Park in Ayr.
➢ Thirteen barrier free door opener installations to provide access to washrooms,
programming rooms, and entry into arena bowl in the North Dumfries Community
Complex.
2020 Initiatives
➢ Design and possible early construction of a new skatepark.
➢ Improve access to information and services online.
➢ Roll out new accessibility training.
➢ Play equipment is reviewed and replaced on a yearly basis.
➢ Sidewalk improvement projects.
➢ Staff to review policies and procedures as they pertain to accessibility and update or
change if required.
➢ Township will improve lighting along the pathway in Centennial Park, downtown Ayr.
➢ Begin design work for new Township office renovation.
➢ Continue to incorporate accessible features into Township projects
➢ Continue to seek GRAAC's input on matters where required.
Comments or Feedback
1. Playground equipment review include accessibility? Review looking at outdated, broken
parts etc.
2. Paula offered to help with the park and facility accessibility audits.
Feedback on the accessibility of Township facilities, programs, and goods and services is
always welcome. Please contact Corporate Services department to provide any feedback.
9.0 Built Environment Sub Committee Update — Paula Saunders
City of Kitchener staff asked us to do a site visit at the Corner of Guelph and St.
Ledger streets. Grooves were embedded in the cement sidewalk in front of the
tactile warning surface indicators some directional and some not directional. City
of Kitchener staff were following the Region of Waterloo standards. Confusion as
no one has heard of this practice and the Region did not bring this to GRAAC.
City of Kitchener will stop adding these grooves until further clarification. Sanjay
asked to look into this and why this was not brought back to the committee.
Page 7 of 9
2. Snow removal. First snow storm of the season, Paula met with a City of
Waterloo resident who asked Paula to share with the committee. She is
challenged with snow clearance at bus stops, at intersections, and inconsistency
in sidewalk clearance resulting in her falling out of her wheelchair. She was not
hurt but did not hear anything back from the City of Waterloo staff as she had
shared her concerns. Councillor Hanmer to follow up with staff.
3. Tactile guide strips educational meeting with Dawn and mobility specialist on
December 11, 2019. Dawn will be meeting with Waterloo staff to share
education around tactile guide strips and importance of including this in built
environment projects.
4. Accessibility Audits, twenty three facilities were completed and now waiting to
see the draft reports.
10.0 GRAAC Rep's on Committees Updates
Mayor's Task Force, Brenda Robinson
Committee was split up into three tables set up. One table was discussing the Vision statement,
second table sharing stories, and third on how to engage the community. Diverse group with a
lot of different ideas. Story telling very important to the committee.
Accessible Taxi, Donna Hartzler
Usually meet in September. Donna has not heard a word from anyone. Sanjay to check into it
and share with Donna.
11.0 Councillor Reports
Councillor Sandra Hanmer, (City of Waterloo)
1. Budget process starting the 91h of December. February 10, 2020 is final budget day.
2. Park land strategy coming forward in 2020.
3. A comment was made that the Committee has heard a lot about snow removal in the
City of Kitchener but had not heard much from the City of Waterloo. Councillor Hanmer
to look into and bring back to a future meeting
Councillor Debbie Chapman, (City of Kitchener)
1. In the middle of the budget process for 2020. Contact a city councilor if you have any
questions regarding the 2020 budget. January 20, 2020 is final budget day.
2. Carl Zehr square is going to be renovated in the summer, so maybe inconvenient
coming in and out at that entrance.
12.0 Co-chair/Staff Rep Reports
Jolene MacDonald
Nothing to report
Page 8 of 9
Brenda Robinson
Next meeting is scheduled for the third Thursday not the fourth and to please bring some
goodies to share as the agenda will be lighter with a longer break for Christmas social time.
Lolita Paroski
GRAAC recruitment is now complete. A week prior to January meeting an orientation for new
members will take place, and existing members will also be invited to attend. GRAAC staff
representatives are in the process of going to all councils for approval of appointment. Should
have a full membership of fifteen starting January 2020 GRAAC meeting.
Meeting adjourned
Next meeting will be on Thursday December 19, 2019 — 1:30 p.m. start
City of Kitchener, 200 King St West, Conestoga Room
Please send regrets to:
Janis McKenzie at ianis.mckenziekitchener.ca
or call 519-741-2200 Ext. 7225
Page 9 of 9