HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2023-12-21 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
Date: Thursday, December 21, 2023
Location: Zoom Meeting
Present: Carrie Speers, Tamara Cooper, Heather Clark-Harris (Co-Chair), Councillor Jason Deneault (City of
Kitchener), Alyssa Clelland, Amy Ross (City of Waterloo), Candice Greenley (Township of Wilmot), Sarah
Cunneyworth, Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener), Teresa McQuillin (Co-
Chair), Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo), Alex Smyth (Township of Woolwich), Paula Saunders,
Emily Moore (Region of Waterloo), Robyn Jackson, Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo)
Regrets: Jolene MacDonald, Farshid Sadatsharifi, Amy Harron (Township of Wellesley), Katherine Waybrant,
Trevor Tamlin, Heather Gillespie, Christine Nishiwaki
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of November Minutes and December Agenda
Sarah C. motioned to accept December agenda; Teresa seconded; All in favour.
Paula motioned to accept November minutes; Robyn seconded; All in favour.
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests
None
4. Township of Woolwich, 2023 Status Update
• Report on accessibility features and feedback on the 2022 Municipal election.
Clerk writing a Report using survey information collected during the Election
• Begin reviewing and drafting the Township's next Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
Deputy-Clerk to begin collecting information to establish Accessibility Plan 2024
Annual facility improvements, including:
• Maryhill Community Centre: retrofit accessible door operator.
• WMC: replace aquatic wheelchairs and related equipment
• Continue implementing accessibility improvements found during updated park and facility accessibility
audits.
➢ Accessible features in the new Maryhill Fire Station (accessible, barrier free washroom).
➢ Maryhill Community Centre: Complete
➢ Automatic Door Operators installed in St. Jacobs and in Elmira WMC.
➢ WMC Aquatic wheelchairs and related equipment deferred.
➢ On-going
5. Township of Woolwich, Draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
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 2024-2027. 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, monthly meeting attendance and up to $500.00 financial contribution each year based
on GRAAC's expenses.
• Continue to review and monitor Provincial accessibility legislation.
• Update 2007 Facility Building Accessibility Audit and implement park & sports fields accessibility
upgrades with consultant and assistance from the GRAAC Built Environment Committee chair
as needed.
• Provide new accessible picnic tables with the goal of at least 1 accessible picnic table in every
Community Park.
• Continue to review and monitor content on the Township website in accordance with WCAG 2.0
Level AA requirements.
• Continue ongoing document and website accessibility training for all staff.
• Work to make more online services available for all residents.
2024 Initiatives
• In accordance with section 14(4)2. of the Integrated Accessibility Standard, ensure the
Township's website meets WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements.
• Continue to implement online payment system for more services.
• Consider implementing routine document and website accessibility training for all new staff.
• Complete an updated audit for all Township Facilities from 2007 Facility Building Accessibility
Audits.
• Annual facility improvements, including:
➢ Southpark Wood Park: development of a new park to include a multi-use trail, accessible
multi-use pad, and accessible playground features.
➢ Maryhill Park Playground Replacement to include accessible features.
➢ Bolender Park: paving of the parking lot and installation of accessible parking stall.
➢ Breslau Memorial Park Splashpad: installation of splashpad with accessible
entranceway and splashpad features.
➢ St. Jacobs Arena: accessible upgrades to the washrooms and lobby.
2025 Initiatives
• Continue to meet and exceed website accessibility requirements WCAG 2.0 Level AA
requirements.
• Build an accessible public washroom in St. Jacobs.
• Annual facility improvements, including:
➢ Breslau Community Centre: accessible porch, entrance and exterior park washroom.
➢ Sunset Hills Estate Park: playground development with accessible features.
➢ Heidelberg and Hopewell Heights Parks: renovations to include accessible features.
➢ Continue implementing accessibility improvements found during updated facility
accessibility audit.
2026 Initiatives
• Review and consider alternative voting options to increase accessibility during the 2026
Municipal Election.
• Elmira Fire Station Renovation or Replacement to implement accessible features.
• Annual facility improvements, including:
➢ Riverland and Hopewell Crossing Parks: park developments to include accessible
features.
➢ Continue implementing accessibility improvements found during updated facility
accessibility audit.
2027 Initiatives
• Report on accessibility features and feedback on the 2026 Municipal election.
• Begin reviewing and drafting the Township's next Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
• Annual facility improvements, including:
➢ Valleyview and Optimist Parks: playground replacements to include accessible
features.
➢ Hopewell Crossing Phase 2 Park: park development to include accessible features.
➢ Continue implementing accessibility improvements found during updated facility
accessibility audits.
Comments/Feedback
• Built Environment would like to help with the audits.
• Thank you for keeping the sidewalks clear in Elmira.
6. City of Waterloo, Draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is guided by six overarching principles. These include:
• Prioritize upgrades to the built environment and develop programs and services to improve the sense of
belonging for Person with Disability (PwD);
• Enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of engagement strategies for PwD;
• Establish new meaningful employment opportunities specifically designed for PwD;
• Promote increased representation of PwD and other visibly diverse individuals in leadership positions.
• Embed accessibility in governance by considering the impacts to PwD in all work and processes the
city engages in; and
• Uphold the actions in this plan by making sure accountability is met.
Unlike most accessibility plans that follow the AODA structure, this plan is shaped by the lived experiences of
PwD and their priorities for local changes. Specifically, it focuses insights from past and recent discussions
with PwD in the City of Waterloo. The plan's structure is influenced by the provincial Independent 4th Review
of the AODA that suggests actions towards accessibility should reflect the lived experiences of PwD.
Therefore, the aim of the MYAP is not just to meet AODA requirements but go beyond the minimum legislative
standards.
This MYAP marks a significant movement towards creating an accessible and inclusive community in
Waterloo. Although we emphasize its positive direction, it is important to see this plan as a dynamic document.
It should undergo regular review and updates through continued engagement with both the public who have
lived experience with disabilities and staff.
There are short-term and long-term actions, some will be possible to complete during the length of this MYAP
(2027); however, others are within a 12-year horizon. To set realistic expectations for when and how initiatives
can be completed, an implementation plan will be added to this document in March 2024. The implementation
plan will be part of the larger READI strategy implementation plan and will be used to set accountability.
Adhering to legal requirements, this MYAP will be made accessible to the public on the City of Waterloo's
website. The Plan will be subject to review and updates every five years or as needed by additional changes to
AODA legislation.
An annual status update on the Plan will be posted on the City of Waterloo website.
Comments/Feedback
• New Wayfinding doesn't seem to show up much on the plan,just wayfinding that already exists
• Do the public meetings include council meetings? Still in discussion
• Social media platforms for officials not necessarily city employees should be part of the plan
• Trainings seem to happen all at once as a new hire —ongoing accessibility training would help the
training not get lost
• Committee feedback will be imbedded in each priority
7. Councillor Reports
• Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo)
Budget time —will keep a look out for Accessibility funds
Happy Holidays!
• Councillor Jason Deneault (City of Kitchener)
Few discussions with Parks director regarding accessibility in parks — no more wood chips, hoping to
find the money to replace the turf in at least one park per ward
• Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo)
Meeting scheduled with GRT to discuss the closure of bus stops due to inclement weather—week of
January 18th, 2024—entire committee has been invited to attend this meeting.
BREAK
8. Built Environment Sub-Committee Updates
City of Kitchener
• Accessibility of the new payment machine at P1 that folks can wheel/walk up to use. Payment machine
was brought to GRAAC in May 2023 for review and GRAAC made recommendation to lower. The
payment machine was lowered as per GRAAC recommendation and is accessible forward facing and
both ways at a side approach.
• Missing wayfinding signage to get to the accessible parking space on P1.
• Parking payment kiosks on the main level. Have 2 and both need to be turned so folks can approach in
a seated position to use. Lolita to book a meeting with parking manager. Paula will report back to
GRAAC after the meeting.
• Met with project manager re: Rosenberg community centre build to look at site plans.
Tactile wayfinding —fire exits to the reception desk and from sidewalk to the doors getting you into the
building. Tactile strips to the washroom suggested. Happy to be included in the planning process.
• Service Centre — Ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, January 17th, all committee members invited.
City of Waterloo
• Second half of the new Play Ground plan — December 11, 2023
• Listened to feedback, but still some challenges with accessible equipment
• Ways to go but a good step in the right direction
9. City of Kitchener, New Kitchener Indoor Recreation Facility
The Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex consists of an aquatic center, a turf fieldhouse and a gymnasium.
This project is currently being designed with construction on Phase I planned to begin in 2024 and be
completed by first quarter of 2026. Phase I consists of the aquatic center that will include an 8-lane competition
pool and a smaller leisure pool, as well as the turf fieldhouse. Phase 11 consists of a quad gymnasium,
construction of which is planned as a separate project many years from now. As reference the last pool that
the City of Kitchener built was over 30 years ago, and the city currently only has a single indoor fieldhouse at
Budd Park, which is approximately one fifth the size of the fieldhouse being constructed as part of this project.
Highlight of accessibility features to be incorporated or suggested at previous meeting with Paula.
• All of the entrances have a 2500 radius turning point
• Intention that all emergency exits are flush
• Paula suggested tactile guide strips, looking at how to incorporate
• Straight entry preferred from reception area, looking at revising drawings
Comments/Feedback
• Storage for wheelchairs in the change rooms need to be taken under consideration. Design space.
• Adult change table needs to have a tracking system (Lift) included. Suggested in change room by pool
as a priority or rough in for hoyer lift to allow for ceiling support
• On the outside of the building — bike parking —consider that accessibility bikes are longer and/or trikes
cannot always be accommodated —colour contrast also needed if in there is the potential, they might
be in the way of the walking areas.
• Baby change tables, where will they be? A lot of times, they are placed in the accessible stalls. That
level of detail has not been reached yet. Fixed tables may be a better solution to alleviate the
possibility of the table being left down creating a challenge for some people to lift back up.
• Accessible seating area in the viewing area of the pool — Looking at building out a platform.
• Acoustics in the aquatic centre and throughout.
• Universal washrooms indicate an adult change table — not necessary to have 6 adult change tables
necessarily- looking at options. — more consultation needed; Sunbeam might be a good idea to consult
on pool lifts.
• Showers with folding bench
• Lockers and hooks in change room — provide a variety of sizes to accommodate variety needs.
• Colour contrast to be thought of during design. Do not have colurs blend into each other. Edging should
always have a high contrast and not hanging structure that may pose a safety issue when walking
• Close all stair cases and do not allow walking underneath as this is a safety risk for persons with low/no
vision
• Asked GRAAC if a horizontal strip in another colour would be helpful in the field house on netting. Well
received
10. Co-chair/Staff Reports
• Emily Moore, Region of Waterloo — invite sent to committee for GRT meeting via email, if date does not
work, please reach out via email.
• Candice Greenley (Township of Wilmot) — New deputy Clerk will take over as representative on the
committee.
• Teresa McQuillin (Co-Chair)
Holiday party scheduled for Friday, January 19, 2024 —6 p.m. Waterloo Recreational Complex—
details to follow. Organizing committee Teresa, Heather and Farshid
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie — ianis.mckenzie(u-)kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting —Thursday January 25, 2024, at 1:30pm, ZOOM