HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-2024-006 - Committee Re-Appointment to the Grand Ricer Accessibility Advisory Committee
Community Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: January 29, 2024
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 28, 2023
REPORT NO.: CSD-2024-006
SUBJECT: COMMITTEE RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE GRAND RIVER
ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2024)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the following applicants be re-appointed to the Grand River Accessibility Advisory
Committee (GRAAC) for a 4-year term ending December 31, 2027, 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 the Township of
Woolwich.
Heather Clark Harris Kitchener Re-appointment
Paula Saunders Kitchener Re-appointment
Carrie Speers Kitchener Re-appointment
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to recommend the re-appointment of 3 current GRAAC
members for Council consideration.
This report supports Fostering a Caring City Together: Focuses on welcoming
residents of all ages, backgrounds & experiences; residents working on decisions
with a meaningful influence; healthy, thriving residents with easy access to diverse
& inclusive programs & services.
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
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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 15 members with 3 members completing their term in
2023. A selection committee of staff representing the participating municipalities have reviewed
the re-appointments and are in support of the decision. 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 2024 committee will
have a total of 15 members.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports Fostering a Caring City Together: Focuses on welcoming residents of
all ages, backgrounds & experiences; residents working on decisions with a meaningful
influence; healthy, thriving residents with easy access to diverse & inclusive programs &
services.
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.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
There are no previous reports/authorities related to this matter.
APPROVED BY: MICHAEL MAY, DEPUTY CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER