HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-25 GRAAC Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
Date: Thursday, November 25, 2021
Location: Zoom Meeting
Present: Donna Hartzler, Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Heather Clark-Harris, Rob Bender, Brenda
Robinson (Co-Chair), Paula Saunders, Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener), Tracey Murray (Township of Wilmot),
Councillor Debbie Chapman (City of Kitchener), Lindsay Raftis (Township of Wellesley), Trevor Tamlin, Carrie
Speers, Teresa McQuillin, Melanie Garbarz (Region of Waterloo), Councillor Sue Foxton (Region of Waterloo),
Jeff Smith (Township of Woolwich), Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo), , Berny Wesselink, Tamara
Bell, Robyn Jackson, Dawn Clelland (Co-Chair), Mamie Sealey-Baker, Ashley Sage (Township of North
Dumfries)
Regrets: Jolene MacDonald
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of October Minutes and November Agenda
Teresa motioned to accept November agenda; Donna seconded. All in favour.
Berny motioned to accept October minutes; Donna seconded. All in favour.
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests
None
4. Region of Waterloo, Tactile Crosswalks, Jennifer Goetz
Assisting Visually Impaired at Skewed Signalized Intersections, an example intersection in Kitchener would be
Charles, and Stirling. Cameras and smartphones are currently in discussion but not ideal as not everyone has
access to a smart phone. Tactile Guide strips do not work in the winter due to snow removal issues.
Discussions are happening now with Miovision.
Comments/Feedback
➢ Can a solution not be found in other countries? Have only investigated tactile strips at this point.
➢ Miniaturized version of a speed bump? Good idea but signage may be a problem
➢ To increase the size of tactile strips would be costly and could be destroyed by snow plows
➢ How likely is it that a snow plow could rollover in an urban setting?
➢ Cobblestones an option
➢ Pilot project? Try it at one intersection first
5. Region of Waterloo, GRT Wayfinding at ION stations update, John Lewis
Vision impairments having difficulty navigating the stations, placement of furniture
First objective, set up audits for various stations, focussing on Fairway station. Audits were done in the winter
as snow is an issue if not removed quickly. Braille needed on all signage. Currently using virtual reality
software that will allow staff to walk in someone else's shoes i.e., vision loss. Recommendations will then be
put together to take back to staff.
Comments/Feedback
➢ Design of furniture etc. needs to be more visually contrasted
➢ Did not seem to include persons with no vision, the software does allow the user to go to full vision loss
➢ Why not use fare care tap? Fare card tap is currently being looked at as an option, not sure of the
status at this point
➢ Help button is hard to find
➢ Will there always be platform validators on both ends? Yes, they will stay, looking at improving
payment options, but no plans to remove platform validators.
6. City of Kitchener, 2021 Status Update, Lolita Paroski, Nicole Amaral
Lolita went through the draft 2021 Status Update sent to members within the GRAAC package for review.
Continue to follow implemented pieces. Updated procurement training module put on hold during the pandemic
and substituted with 1-1 training opportunities for new staff.
Highlighted work GRAAC consulted on in 2021.
• Schlegel Park
• National AccessAbility Week, suggested speakers for week-long event
• Bavarian Eatery Stands for Special Events
• Compass Kitchener Citizen Dashboard
• Pop up patios
• Kiwanis Park temporary accessible parking for 2021 summer season
• City of Kitchener, Vision Zero
• City of Kitchener New Website
• City of Kitchener, Iron Horse Trail crossings
• Jack Couch Park
• Centre in the Square washroom renovations
• Survivor Garden Sculpture, Victoria Park
• Williamsburg community boards
• Downtown Kitchener Market Walkabout
• New Southwest Community Library
• On site consultation with CNIB at Schlegel Park regarding wayfinding for persons with low vision
• GRAAC position paper on In-Boulevard Shared Use Facilities
• GRAAC position paper on Signage
Nicole provided an update on the Information and Communications Standard.
• The City of Kitchener launched a transformed website and brand-new customer service portal on March 1, 2021.
• All decisions around this new online experience were made using customer data, feedback, and consultation.
• Citizen committees were consulted, including the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Mayors
Advisory Committee for Kitchener Seniors.
• The team has focused on making the documents on the website accessible and have also moved many forms
online that were previously in printed or PDF format to online content.
• Majority of the content on the website is written to a grade 7 level.
• The content has been structured into a more easy-to-read and search format with popular action items
positioned near the top of the page.
• Training sessions are available to staff on creating accessible documents.
• Training resources for accessible document creation added on the staff intranet.
7. BREAK (15 mins)
8. Built Environment Sub Committee Updates, Paula Saunders, Rebecca Roy
Paula shared a couple updates.
1.) Schlegel Park— Had an onsite meeting at Schlegel Park with City staff from Kitchener and Waterloo,
GRAAC members and a CNIB orientation and mobility specialist on November 4, 2021. Walked
through the park and discussed wayfinding for persons with low vision. Consistency important, great
ideas shared.
2.) Wallenberg Park—Went on site to look at an existing trail and discuss the proposed location of a
community garden. Suggested to leave the existing trail because it is asphalt, which is better than a
compact stone dust surface, which was the other option. Suggested to have the accessible community
garden closest to the entrance because the surfacing in the garden is proposed to be mulch and that is
very difficult to travel in.
➢ City of Kitchener, Rebecca Roy
Sharing preliminary vision for 2022 Kitchener parks
o Alpine Park is a small neighbourhood park important to the community. No pathways to the
park. Would like to incorporate an accessible play space but no equipment has been decided.
Two schools share the space. Potential community garden, outdoor learning spaces, and a
floodable area for the ability to build a rink in the winter. Shade structure and picnic area with
shade from trees. Informational signage. Waiting on feedback from community regarding
playground. Variety of different seating options. Seating and tables for large groups as well as,
individuals. Re-naturalizing the area is a priority.
o Wilson, Vanier, & Traynor Park Network
Each a separate and distinct park will be connected via signage to help people find what they
are looking for i.e., baseball diamonds.
Wilson Park has the connection to the creek in Wilson park and using the opportunity to
educate people on the naturalization of the area.
Vanier Park, looking at adding more habitat and adding a cooling feature rather than a splash
pad. Relocate the basketball court. Seating and group gatherings throughout. Play area.
Accessible from the street. Game and Gather park, adding more than just basketball.
o Traynor Park, looking at a natural play area, sand play, wood logs as well as, a regular play
area. Habitat setting and education key to the design. Cooling opportunity not necessarily a
splash pad. More options for seating rather then utilizing the same regular design. Taking what
already exists in the park and enhancing it. Signage a key piece in the design
o Shoemaker Greenway Park, enhancing what is left and treating in not as just a park but a trail.
Leisure park. Picnic seating, and signage for education regarding Shoemaker Creek. Elements
along the trail. Natural play area with traditional play features. Quieter seating spaces.
Comments/Feedback
o Woodchips? Accessible? Engineered fibre woodchips. Installed so that they are not loose.
Rubberized surface too expensive for the smaller parks
o Wood structure play area do not seem accessible. A certain percentage must be accessible. It
doesn't all have to be wooden, parts of could be made accessible.
➢ Send any other comments or feedback to Lolita via email and she can pass onto Rebecca Roy.
9. Township of North Dumfries, 2021 Status Update, Ashley Sage
o Ongoing improvements to enhance the Township website such as making more information,
services and forms available online.
o Township had an accessibility scan done of the website to identify any content, or pages that
were not in compliance with the AODA in 2020. In 2021, staff have been working to correct
these issues, to achieve a fully complaint website before the end of the year. Staff training was
completed with all website editors in 2021 for how to make documents accessible and refresher
training was provided to all website staff.
■ With additional training and focus on PDF document accessibility, some legacy
documents posted on the Township's website may not be compliant with WCAG 2.0
Level AA specifications. Staff continue to address the accessibility of PDF documents by
removing outdated documents, posting information directly on the website where
possible, remediating inaccessible documents, or providing an alternative format for
anyone who requests it.
■ Accessibility issues remain outstanding in the news module section and staff are looking
to purchase an upgrade for this that will help accessibility for this function in 2022. Work
on this is ongoing.
o Staff rolled out updated training to all staff, Council, and volunteers for completion.
o Play structure was replaced in Browns' Subdivision to provide more inclusivity. Input and
feedback was received from GRAAC for this project.
o Widening of the pathway in Ayr named Wiilma's walk that now is wide enough to accommodate
a wheelchair.
o Purchase of some addition outdoor fitness equipment at Cowan Park. One piece includes a
wheel crank that allows someone in a wheelchair to do an upper body workout.
o A new skatepark was built in Ayr. The skatepark is state-of-the-art and includes pedestrian and
vehicular maintenance access to the skate park facility from the adjacent parking lot and to the
adjacent amenity areas as well as hardscape/ softscape landscaping to provide the appropriate
setting and transition to adjacent activity areas.
o The Township implemented a recreation and facility booking management software on the
Township website that allows the public to view availability for facility bookings and equipment
rentals online. — has been purchased, and plan to make publicly available in 2022.
o Several resurfacing projects occurred in 2021. This will help to improve the surface and the
overall usability for those who may have mobility issues who may use the road for travel.
Resurfacing projects included:
■ Gore Road, CP Rail
■ Roseville Road, Northumberland St to Trussler Rd
■ Cooper Street, Willison St to Main St
■ Greenfield Road, 20 m east of Reidsville Road to 2186 Greenfield Rd
■ Alps Road, Dumfries Rd to 700 metres east of intersection
o Introduced electronic bid submission for request for proposal/tenders.
o Township staff attended training for creating accessible PDF documents. This helps improve the
Township' online forms to ensure PDFs are AODA complaint.
o Township Council approved an updated Accessibility Policy and Accessible Customer Service
Policy
o Attended GRAAC meetings and sought GRAAC's input on matters when required.
Initiatives for 2022
o The Township of North Dumfries is committed to eliminating barriers and improving accessibility for
persons with disabilities in a manner that respects dignity, independence, integration, and equal
opportunity. The Township recognizes the diverse needs of all our residents and customers and will
respond by striving to provide services and facilities that are accessible to all. The Township is
committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner and will do so by
preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements.
o Ensure accessible and inclusive municipal election and meet all reporting requirements.
o Upgrade news module section of Township website to address accessibility concerns with this module.
o Staff continue to address the accessibility of PDF documents by removing outdated documents, posting
information directly on the website where possible, remediating inaccessible documents, or providing
an alternative format for anyone who requests it. Ongoing staff training will continue in 2022 to address
inaccessible documents on the Township's website.
o Retrofit of barrier free lift at Ayr Community Centre, pending grant approval. This will provide more
independence to those using it.
o Retrofit the Ayr Community Centre community hall bathrooms.
o Building a new tennis/pickleball courts at Schmidt Park, Ayr that will include any inclusive features.
o Renovation/construction is expected for a barrier free washroom at Victoria Park. Input from GRAAC
will be sought prior to the commencement of this project.
o Sidewalk improvement project at Gibson Street, Northumberland Street to 88 Gibson Street, also on
the south side of Inglis Street, from Elliot Street through to Colquhoun Street, which reduces tripping
hazards and improves mobility for those in a wheelchair.
o Two (2) park washrooms to be updated to be AODA complaint at Cowan Park, Schmidt Park.
o In 2022 design work for the new Township Office renovation / rebuild will begin, which will include
accessible elements.
o Development Services (building and planning) working to provide more online services that include
options for online submissions for various applications.
o Annually, staff will review policies and procedures as they pertain to accessibility and update and/or
make changes if required
o Provide ongoing training to staff and provide required training to any new hires.
o Continue to incorporate accessible features into Township projects when reasonable to do so.
o Continue to seek GRAAC's input on matters where required.
Conclusion
o Council and staff continue to work towards creating a universally accessible community by
systematically removing barriers for persons with disabilities.
o Feedback on the accessibility of Township facilities, programs, and goods and services is always
welcome. Please contact the Corporate Services department to provide any feedback.
10. Township of Woolwich, 2021 Status Update, Jeff Smith
Annual Initiatives
o Continue to contribute to the operation of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC),
including providing staff support to GRAAC, monthly meeting attendance and up to $500.00 financial
contribution each year based on GRAAC's expenses.
Completed
o Continue to review and monitor Provincial accessibility legislation.
Ongoing
o Update 2007 Facility Building Accessibility Audits and begin Park & Sports Fields Accessibility Audits
with trained Township staff with assistance from the GRAAC Built Environment Committee chair as
needed.
Deferred to 2022
o Provide new accessible picnic tables with the goal of at least 1 accessible picnic table in every
Township park.
Deferred 2021
o Consider implementing improved website accessibility monitoring tools.
Continue to review and monitor content on the Township website in accordance with WCAG 2.0 Level
AA requirements.
Implemented Monsito accessibility monitoring software
o Work to make more online services available for all residents.
Implemented online parking ticket payments
Initiatives for 2021
o The Township will review and consider alternative voting options to increase accessibility during the
2022 Municipal Election.
In progress, Council provided approval in principle for internet voting
o In accordance with section 14(4)2. of the Integrated Accessibility Standard, ensure the Township's
website meets WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements.
In progress, significant updates made to increase accessibility, especially with PDF documents
o Annual facility improvements: Bolender Park install 3 paved accessible parking spaces.
Deferred until 2022
o Annual facility improvements: WMC, Maryhill Community Centre, Heidelberg Community Centre: retrofit
accessible door operators to entry doors and meeting rooms
Deferred until 2022
o Annual facility improvements: Begin implementing accessibility improvements found during updated
park and facility accessibility audits
Deferred until 2022
Initiatives for 2022
o Review and consider alternative voting options to increase accessibility during the 2022 Municipal
Election.
Ongoing
o Develop an accessible sidewalk around the columbarium at Elmira Union Cemetery
Planned
o Work to create a database of volunteers to support community program participants.
Planned
o 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.
Planned
11. Committee Updates
Dawn - ATAC did not meet this month, therefore no update.
12. Councillor Reports
Councillor Chapman - Kitchener Housing is looking for 2 members.
13. Co-chair/Staff Reports
- Congratulations to Tamara Bell for having a winning accessible home design at the Kitchener Backyard
Homes Competition. Lolita will set up a ZOOM meeting for Tamara to share her project with GRAAC members
interested. Look for an invite in early January 2022.
- Janis will be sending out an electronic gift card to all GRAAC members prior to the December meeting. The
December meeting will have an optional get together at 1 pm on ZOOM. Regular meeting starts at 1:30pm.
Motion to adjourn by Donna and 2nd by Rob. All in favour.
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie — ianis.mckenziep_kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting —Thursday December 16, 2021 at 1:30pm, ZOOM