HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-2023-003 - Committee Appointments to the Grand River Accessiblity Advisory Committee (2023)
Community Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING: January 9, 2023
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director Neighbourhood Programs & Services, 519-
741-2200 ext. 7687
PREPARED BY: Lolita Paroski, Inclusion Services Coordinator, 519-741-2200 ext. 7226
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: December 19, 2022
REPORT NO.: CSD-2023-003
SUBJECT: COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS TO THE GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2023)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the following applicants be appointed to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory
Committee (GRAAC) for a 4-year term ending December 31, 2026, pending ratification by
the partnering municipalities of the City of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo, Township of
North Dumfries, Township of Wellesley, Township of Wilmot, and Township of Woolwich.
Alyssa Clelland Kitchener New
Tamara Cooper Waterloo New
Sarah Cunneyworth Waterloo New
Heather Gillespie Waterloo New
Christine Nishiwaki Township of Woolwich New
Farshid Sadatsharifi Kitchener New
Katherine Waybrant Kitchener New
Agency Representation Brain Injury Association Waterloo Wellington New
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to present the proposed slate of community appointments for
This report supports the delivery of core services.
BACKGROUND:
Under the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), all
municipalities with a population of 10,000 or greater are required to establish an Accessibility
Advisory Committee to advise Council on the prevention, identification, and removal of barriers
for persons with disabilities. The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) is a
joint committee of the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
and the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich. GRAAC is appointed
the task of advising the participating municipalities on accessibility planning.
REPORT:
The GRAAC Terms of Reference specify that the Committee will consist of 11-15 members of
which a majority must be persons with a disability. Recruitment for GRAAC is conducted in the
fall with members beginning their 4-year term in January.
GRAAC membership currently consists of 10 members with 3 members completing their term in
2022. A selection committee of staff representing the participating municipalities reviewed the
applications. Recommendations for membership are based on consideration of the Terms of
Reference as well as equitable representation from various disability groups.
Pending ratification by each of the participating municipalities, staff is recommending that the
residents noted above be appointed by the City of Kitchener. The incoming 2023 committee will
have a total of 15 members.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports A Caring Community.
This Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee provides persons with disabilities the
opportunity to discuss, define and address their shared concerns regarding the identification,
removal, and prevention of barriers in City facilities, programs, policies and services.
Consulting with persons with disabilities in an advisory role increases the capacity of the City to
ensure a greater degree of equity and civic engagement.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
council / committee meeting. The community was informed of the application process for the
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) through postings on participating
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
There are no previous reports/authorities related to this matter.
APPROVED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, General Manager, Community Services
Department