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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2023-04-27 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023 Location: Zoom Meeting Present: Carrie Speers, Teresa McQuillin (Co-Chair), Tamara Cooper, Katherine Waybrant, Sarah Feeney- Martin, Heather Clark-Harris (Co-Chair), Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo), Councillor Jason Deneault (City of Kitchener), LoriAnn Palubeski (City of Kitchener), Ashley Sage (Township of North Dumfries), Jolene MacDonald, Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo), Alyssa Clelland, Jennifer Walker (Region of Waterloo) Regrets: Paula Saunders, Amy Ross (City of Waterloo), Candice Greenley (Township of Wilmot) Christine Nishiwaki, Farshid Sadatsharifi, Emily Moore (Region of Waterloo), Amy Harron (Township of Wellesley), Alex Smyth (Township of Woolwich), Trevor Tamlin, Robyn Jackson, Councillor Kayla Grant (Township of Woolwich), Heather Gillespie, Sarah Cunneyworth, Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener), 1. Welcome and Introductions The meeting was called to order by Teresa at 1:36 pm and a round table of introductions was done. 2. Approval of March Minutes and April Agenda Quorum was not met, and the approval of the March minutes was tabled until next month. 3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest None 4. City of Kitchener, Downtown Kitchener Vision (Thea Mistry— City of Kitchener) The City of Kitchener is developing a new vision and set of guiding principles for downtown, based on the values and priorities unique to DTK as identified by the community. This vision and principles will function as a North Star to inform planning and city initiatives and set a clear view of what matters most. The experiences and perspectives of the members of this committee are important to include in this stage of the visioning process, and we hope to engage with the committee again once we are at a stage of actioning these aspirational principles. Through consultation with Paula, chair of the built environment sub-committee, and Lolita, Inclusion Services Coordinator at the City of Kitchener, we identified key themes where this committee might be most interested in providing input. Imagine the Downtown Kitchener you want to see in 15+ years while exploring the following discussion questions: Theme One: Neighbourhoods and Movement of People and Goods A growing concept in city planning is that of 15-minute communities. This approach aims to improve the quality of life by creating communities where everything someone needs can be reached within a 15- minute walk or roll. 1. What is needed to make DTK a (series of) 15-minute communities? What barriers/challenges are there in DTK that limit pedestrian movement? How can these be removed/improved? • 15 minutes to get to a variety of medical professionals or medical centres, this is not available currently. • Access to grocery store and pharmacy including specialty pharmacies due to certain needs • Places to rest— benches or seating, shade needed in warmer months • High contrast signs with large print, signs with braille • Human elements —a feeling that people would help if needed • Wayfinding signage with help buttons, in case people get lost or need assistance • Maintained curb cuts and sidewalks to minimize tripping hazards • As the region and cities grow maintaining caring communities to look after each other • Wayfinding that includes ground textures, tactile guides, a way for blind and low vision people to know a wayfinding sign is nearby, signs in braille that are not installed too high • Colour coding signage for various facilities i.e., community centres signs are all green • Audio communication buttons at street corners • Winter maintenance of tactile strips • More accessible/universal washrooms that do not require finding staff with a key for entry, located in both city buildings and parks • Accessible washrooms with lifts and adult change tables • Accessible washrooms need to be in places that have ramps and automatic doors for people using wheelchairs and mobility devices • Policies and procedures need to accompany accessible equipment, delays in finding a staff member who knows how to get a key to unlock a locked accessible washroom can risk accidents • Improved snow clearing all winter for sidewalks, cleared well and wide, include policies and procedures for staff to follow • Improved funding/grants and possible changes to the building codes for small businesses to be able to install ramps and other items to be accessible • No stairs used in design of architecture • A variety of accessible housing options, tall condos are not accessible for everyone • Planned accessible housing instead of retrofits after it's built • Ample street lighting • Places for accessible vehicles to disembark, it is dangerous for people to have to get out on the road • Help buttons geared to accessibility navigation, i.e., someone is lost or connects to supports in case of an equipment breakdown • Separated infrastructure for vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes • Improve construction standards and including predictable communication and planning i.e., if a sidewalk is closed a safe way for people to navigate back • Better and easier access to accessible transit, push buttons at stops and not having to book weeks in advance • Additional vehicles added to mobility plus fleet and audits of accessible taxi numbers so people can book rides when needed and not be told there is no availability Theme Two: Parks and Public Spaces Downtown Kitchener has a variety of parks and public spaces. The City's goal is to provide equal access to public spaces and parks for all residents regardless of location. Parks can be large open spaces like Victoria Park, while others are small parkettes that occupy very small parcels of land. Public spaces include urban plazas, open spaces, urban squares, rights-of-way, parking lots and various facility properties. The city recognizes a lack of park space downtown and presents unique challenges and environments to create public park space as there are not large swaths of land available. Parks and public spaces will look and feel different in a modern downtown environment. 1. What should the parks and other public spaces in downtown look and feel like? • Accessible picnic tables should be added where there is seating • A variety of options for kids with disabilities for playgrounds, rubber surfacing, ramps, open spaces, bucket swings, fenced areas, structures to climb, and jump on, play items that swing, spin shake and rock • Shade • Seating • More paved trails, installed properly so weeds do not penetrate the surface and break the asphalt • More use of asphalt instead of tiles and stones it's easier to roll on • This committee put together a paper on what is expected in parks • Creating Inclusive Playgrounds by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital was shared: Creating Inclusive Playgrounds: A Playbook of Considerations and Strategies (hollandbloorview.ca) Theme Three: Street Life, Events and Culture A city's culture is made up of its people, food, businesses, arts, events, and community gatherings. It can be made up of the day-to-day life of a place, and larger more orchestrated events. Street life, events, and culture provide opportunities and space for people to connect with each other and their city, while also encouraging people to experience new things. 1. What does a vibrant street life look like you? • Automatic street crossings with no buttons • If planters, signs waste receptacles need to be on the sidewalk place them either close to the road or close to buildings so the sidewalk is not obstructed • Educate businesses to also keep sidewalks and aisles unobstructed for accessibility • No cobblestone, tile, or brick paving • Safe loading area for accessible vehicles so people are not exiting vehicles onto the street • Festival food tents not all on grass where they are not accessible • Food for a variety of dietary needs at festivals 2. For a street with less car focus how do you make it for people with accessibility needs? • Give accessibility vehicles special permission to access pedestrian only streets Theme Four: Safety and Security Downtown Kitchener should be a space that is welcoming to all. This includes people of different genders, ages, ethnicities, economic status, abilities, and identities. This also includes the different support services people need 1. Picture your ideal DTK 15 to 20 years from now. What three words would you like to use to describe what you want our downtown to look like, feel like, and be like in the future? • Friendly, shady, accessible, empathic, kind, inclusive, resourceful (full of resources), innovative, places to go, sustainable, supportive, affordable, eventful, multicultural, diverse, welcoming, employment opportunities, volunteer opportunities, community, community you can find and feel, safe community for black people The committee was thanked for their input and asked to send any further thoughts or comments to Lolita for Thea to add to her work before it is submitted. 5. BREAK 6. Region of Waterloo, Multi-Year Accessibility Plan changes The Region's 2023-2027 MYAP will support the organization to be more coordinated, aligned, and strategic in addressing accessibility barriers that exist in programs, services, and facilities. The goals identified through the plan build on existing processes and where applicable, identify new areas of focus based on community trends and input, feedback from GRAAC and Regional staff responsible for implementing the accessibility standards. Commitments and Goals Design of Public Spaces Standard The Region strives to remove barriers to accessing our public spaces to ensure that residents and staff feel welcomed and safe in regional facilities. Goals ➢ Continue auditing regional facilities for accessibility, prioritizing facilities with highest occupancy and public visitors. ➢ Update the Region of Waterloo Accessible Design Standards and inform applicable program areas of changes made to the design standards. ➢ Incorporate accessibility practices and principles into the optimization and redesign of our regional buildings for office and public spaces. Customer Service Standard ➢ The Region strives to deliver services that meet the needs of our residents. The Region plans to rethink and redesign our services using human-centred and equity-based principles, and by leveraging digital capabilities to better meet the community's service expectations and needs. Goals ➢ Evolve the existing Client Experience Program based on human-centred and equity-based design principles for a consistent approach for service delivery across the organization and to better meet the needs of residents in our community. ➢ Continue supporting Community Services clients with improving employment opportunities through distribution of refurbished computers, referrals to community agencies for technology literacy, and increasing access to chiropractic care for musculoskeletal illness in the Health2Work project. ➢ Increase the number of accessible housing units available for people with disabilities through the Waterloo Region Housing Master Plan that goes beyond the minimum requirements. ➢ Information and Communication Standard Information and Communication Standard The Region strives to meaningfully engage diverse members of the community for feedback and advice on regional programs, services, and facilities, and ensures that information provided by the Region to the public is accessible. Goals ➢ Review, evaluate and update guidelines on creating accessible social media content (e.g., text, images, videos) on an ongoing basis to stay current on best practices. ➢ Continue auditing communication distribution channels (e.g., Canva, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) and documents for accessibility and plain language. ➢ Review, update and continue training communications staff on accessible social media content, writing in plain language and creating accessible PDF documents (e.g., Adobe) to stay current on best practices. Employment Standard The Region strives to recruit and retain diverse staff who feel that their knowledge and skills are valued. Goals ➢ Review, evaluate and update Human Resources policies to embed accessibility into the policies for each stage of the employee lifecycle. ➢ Conduct a comprehensive review of existing Abilities Management processes, including short- and long-term abilities management protocols and work accommodation program to provide a seamless employee centric service when disability management support is required. ➢ Review and expand Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) training, including accessibility, for regional staff to increase DEIB knowledge, awareness, and practical application of concepts. o Implement disability, neurodiversity and accessibility training which includes introductory concepts, a review of the AODA, and frameworks for disabilities, neurodiversity and enhancing accessibility in the workplace. ➢ Continue to implement a comprehensive mental health strategy for employees, which includes: o Delivering the Working Minds Training through the Mental Health Commission of Canada to create a supportive work environment. o Continuous assessment of mental health benefits. o Access to resilience and coping sessions, skill-building sessions focused on mental health and a wellbeing app. o Implementing the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace for employees. Transportation Standard The Region strives to prevent and remove barriers to transportation services for residents and visitors. Goals ➢ Develop and implement a plan for accessible taxi vans provided by local taxi services for the community, including assessing the number of accessible vans required in the bylaw to meet local needs, conducting a safety audit of accessible vans and evaluate and update driver training. ➢ Implement the Grand River Transit (GRT) Business Plan recommendations to determine service levels, expansion plans and update the bus stop design guidelines to improve accessibility features. ➢ Assess the wheelchair curbside to airport terminal entrance gate service at the Region of Waterloo International Airport and transfer responsibility from the airline providers (e.g., West Jet) to the airport authority (the Region) when there are at least 200,000 passengers at the airport per year for two years. Comments/Feedback • Committee was happy to hear the Region is also concerned about accessible housing • It was suggested that the Region along with the Waterloo Region Centre for Independent living coordinate on site services for accessible housing • It was noted that the need is exceeding any housing that is currently in place • Having grants available through the Region to make current housing accessible was suggested. Jenny noted there are no regional grants for this and will take this comment back to staff. • Improve accessibility in existing homes, instead of only building new housing • Healthcare accessibility coordination through all levels of government (city vs. regional, vs provincial). There is a need for things like accessible obstetric care in the region, so you don't have to go to Toronto • It was asked if increasing the number of local family doctors is within the Regions' scope, it was stated that this is a Provincial scope • An audit was done for the space design at 20 Weber St. The space will have some Public Health staff and it was noted that there would be a need for accessible exam rooms • Some residents are not using the Ion due to the lack of emergency ramps on board the trains, it was noted that transit should be able to accommodate people with varying needs. Keolis needs to be informed of the need for the emergency ramps. Action: Jenny to meet with Housing next week and will take any committee suggestions back to staff 7. City of Kitchener Strategic Plan (Angie Fitz-Walters, City of Kitchener) Work began on the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan well over a year ago, and is nearing completion This Plan includes many innovations —we are doing things differently Engaging with Residents more deeply and throughout the planning process e.g., Street team interviews, ideas boards, Resident Panel Sustainability is a focus— ensuring the priorities and actions reflected in the Strategic Plan are wholistically contributing to the wellbeing of the community— environmentally, socially, and economically Measuring the impact of our actions for the community— beyond project completion on time and on budget, how have our actions made a difference in the community Embedding data informed decision making into our planning cycles Adaptive and responsive plan —creating space for opportunities to adjust the actions taken based on changing needs and opportunities throughout the 4 years of the plan A draft Strategic Plan will be shared widely for feedback early in June, final draft goes to council for approval June 19th. The Strategic Goal Areas are: FOSTERING A CARING CITY TOGETHER We welcome residents of all ages and from all backgrounds and lived experiences at our tables. We work together on the decisions that matter most to us and have a meaningful influence in our community. And we're healthy and thriving because we can easily access the inclusive programs and services that we need to succeed. BUILDING A CONNECTED CITY TOGETHER We're all kinds of people living in all kinds of neighbourhoods. We work together to ensure that we each have secure, healthy, and affordable homes. We get around easily, sustainably, and safely to the places and spaces that matter most to us. CULTIVATING A GREEN CITY TOGETHER We follow a sustainable, equitable path to a greener, healthier city. We work together to enhance, preserve, and protect our natural environment while transitioning to a low-carbon future. We support businesses and residents to make more environment and climate-positive choices. CREATING A THRIVING CITY TOGETHER We use our collective strengths to enhance and grow an agile and diverse local economy powered by talented and well-supported entrepreneurs, business leaders, makers, and artists. We work together to create opportunities for everyone and a resilient future that propels our city, and its people, forward. STEWARDING A BETTER CITY TOGETHER We, the City's employees, are stewards of Kitchener's present and its future. We're responsive, diverse, and accountable public servants and we work together efficiently to serve residents. We remove barriers and champion residents' collective vision for a better city— and a better world. Comments/Feedback • It was explained that one of the things that has been done this time for the strategic plan is to involve more residents and they are digging deeper into themes and how they impact people in their day to day lives. Better would look like: • More family doctors across the city, especially for marginalized groups as it is a big challenge to access care • Caring city • Raising the profile of persons with disabilities and hiring more persons with disabilities • Street crossings improved for persons with a visual disability or have low vision, as currently it is not always easy to navigate • A place for people to call if they get lost and might need help with directions or some other type of assistance • Help buttons to access assistance • Winter accessibility, snow clearing is a huge barrier and affects people's mental health when they can't get out missing appointments they have been waiting for and/or can't get out to work or school • Ability to use accessible bathrooms that include lifts and adult change stations without having to find staff with a key to open the washroom • Tactile map or guide inside public bathrooms for people with low vision or need extra help getting around • Employment supports for people with intellectual disabilities • Connected city housing, parks, transportation, and trails • Public transit operators that are willing to accommodate people with disabilities and rapid transit that does not leave people behind • Separated infrastructure for the three groups cars, pedestrians, and bikes • Parks with different surfaces, rubberized play areas for wheelchairs to be able to fully access and safety get around • Some way of numbering bus stops for people who are blind or low vision using braille or something else, if you call in, they ask you for the stop number • Jenny made note of the bus stop comment and stated that GRT will be at the May meeting • A variety of accessible housing is needed not just tall condo towers but other types of buildings and shelters as well • Housing affordability for people on ODSP is impossible Green City/Climate Change • Pavilions in parks for electric wheelchair users to get out of the rain • Tree canopy improved on streets for people who can't regulate their body temperature and need shade • Maintenance/pruning of trees and shrubs near sidewalks and trails, so visually impaired people don't get hit in the head. Bushes also need to be trimmed so they are not brushing peoples' legs when walking on sidewalks. • Ideally plantings would be a foot away from the path of travel in case people need to pass on the sidewalk or trail. • Education of private homeowners to keep trees and bushes trimmed so the sidewalks are passable for people with low vision and there are no "attack trees" • Emergency plans to include accessibility, emergency alerts to evacuate need to ensure people with disabilities are included in those plans Thriving City/ Economic and Workforce Concerns • Employment supports for persons with intellectual disabilities • Physical barriers: there are a lot of businesses that are not wheelchair accessible or maintained in a safe way • Many buildings do not have braille • Many businesses do not leave aisles clear enough for a person with a mobility device to get through or have items/displays obstructing aisles • Many barriers at every level there is a need to rethink standards to be employed. Getting a university degree involves financial barriers and accessibility on campus and access to transportation. • There needs to be a way to get persons with disabilities employed i.e. providing interview questions ahead of time. Also, barriers need to be removed so people don't have to request accommodations, people are afraid to disclose disabilities due to discrimination. • Education for taxi drivers about service dogs etc., a lot of drivers don't know AODA and won't let the dog in the cab and people can't get service because of it. • Education for taxi drivers about mobility devices and how people get around • Lack of AODA enforcement by the province, could municipalities write accessibility legislation into their bylaws. Bylaw staff may do a better job at enforcement. Suggested this is investigated for the long term in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. Stewarding a Better City Together/ Internal Focus at City of Kitchener • Ableism is embedded in a lot of systems, addressing ableism will address a lot of the issues • Carrie noted that there has been an improvement in service at city hall, since the city started training staff on AODA 8. Built Environment Sub-Committee Updates March 24 Region of Waterloo, 20 Weber Street • Toured with Carrie from this committee • Major renovations are being done to accommodate new offices and services • Was presented at the January meeting March 31 City of Kitchener, Cycle Track/sidewalk accessibility review • Alyssa and I along with many staff from the City of Kitchener, the Region of Waterloo and two staff from CNIB toured the following intersections: ➢ Stirling and Greenbrook in Kitchener ➢ Krug and Lancaster in Kitchener ➢ King and University in Waterloo • Many issues found for people with sight and mobility challenges and provided feedback to staff • It was a great education session for the staff to see firsthand what the problems are • Staff were interested in comparing the three locations with regards to the best way to divide the pedestrian and cycling paths April 4 City of Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, Accessibility Audit • Tamara and Farshid participated as well. Farshid used his scooter, which is quite large, to really show the problems that exist • There were a lot of issues identified and feedback given • The age of the building makes it difficult. Over the years there has been work done to improve accessibility but much more work is needed • There are a lot of washrooms and there were problems in all of them • This too was another great opportunity to educate more staff on what barrier free design means 9. Committee Updates • No Updates 10. Councillor Reports • Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo) o Due to lack of availability of service for Mobility Plus, Regional Council has approved a motion asking for a report on service gaps of GRT Mobility Plus and taxi services. The interim reports are expected before July 2023, a fulsome report is expected September 2023 and it is hoped that implementation of the recommendations can take place for December 2023. o Concerns about a GRT strike disproportionally affecting people with disabilities have been brought forward to GRT staff. o The number of accessible taxi cabs is significantly less than it should be, bylaw enforcement is focused on encampments right now, the taxi board is looking into this, and the Region has been made aware of the issue. o If there are other issues this committee wishes to bring forward, please reach out. o Hybrid City of Waterloo Council meetings were investigated with staff, and she was told cost was a barrier and staff were not looking returning to hybrid meetings, the mayor is now looking into this. • Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo) o There are three accessible playgrounds in the works for Waterloo 11. Co-chair/Staff Reports • Teresa McQuillin (Co-Chair) o It was noted that the scooters from Neuron Mobility, for the Region's program, have been filling up city bike racks making it impossible to find bike parking. Teresa has reached out to the company, and they are monitoring the issue as well as, adding additional bike racks. This committee were asked to reach out to Teresa, the company, or the city if they see any issues related to the scooters and e-bikes. o The meeting with the Mayor of Waterloo went well and progress is being made Other Comments • Jenny noted that GRT will be attending the May meeting and noted that GRT will be reaching out to get the committee's top three issues or concerns to be discussed at the May meeting. • Overlap between the two conversations with staff from the City of Kitchener were significant, Lori asked Thea to share her notes with Angie. • Carrie provided an a-bike update, the company took the suggestions from this committee regarding if someone is on a scooter is on a sidewalk or another undesignated area. The system will let the person riding know that they will be shut down if they are not riding in a designated area. Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie —janis.mckenzie&kitchener.ca Next Regular Meeting —Thursday May 25, 2023, at 1:30pm, ZOOM