HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2024-02-22 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Location: Zoom Meeting
Present: Carrie Speers, Tamara Cooper, Alyssa Clelland, Amy Ross (City of Waterloo), Kaitlin Bos (Township
of Wilmot), Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener), Teresa McQuillin (Co-Chair),
Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo), Paula Saunders, Emily Moore (Region of Waterloo), Robyn
Jackson, Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo), Amy Harron (Township of Wellesley), Trevor Tamlin,
Kyle Kruger (North Dumfries), Farshid Sadatsharifi, Sarah Boghossian
Regrets: Jolene MacDonald, Councillor Jason Deneault (City of Kitchener), Heather Clark-Harris (Co-Chair),
Christine Nishiwaki, Alex Smyth (Township of Woolwich), Heather Gillespie, Katherine Waybrant
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of January Minutes and February Agenda
Robyn motioned to accept February agenda; Trevor seconded; All in favour.
Carrie motioned to accept January minutes; Paula seconded; All in favour.
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests
None
4. City of Kitchener, Election Accessibility feedback
Post-Election Accessibility Report
1. Consultation Initiatives
Consultation with the Indigenous community on voting processes and the location of voting opportunities.
Consider earlier delivery of voting equipment so the community, candidates and potential election workers
have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the equipment.
2. Communication Initiatives
Consider engaging a member of GRAAC to participate in the communication campaign promoting the
accessibility of the election and engaging the Equity and Anti-Racism staff member to review the election
communication plan. Broaden the stakeholder engagement to include regional immigration partners to engage
new Canadians in the democratic process. Consider supplying all locations with flash cards or voting process
posters for electors who have a hearing disability or are newcomers to the process at all locations in the 2026
election. Consider enhanced communication avenues including community centre digital signs, mobile signs,
tax bill inserts, Kitchener Ranger games, movie theatres, etc. Develop videos on voting process (including
school board support), marking a ballot, and using the accessible voting equipment.
3. Candidate Initiatives
Consider reducing information barriers by requiring all candidates to complete a short biography, platform, or
priority issues, contact details and website validation and holding City-hosted candidate information session(s)
at accessible location(s) to increase education and voter engagement and reduce information barriers.
Consider increasing the presence of candidate resources on the run for office webpage.
4. Voting Place Initiatives
Increase the amount of exterior "Vote Here" signs at voting location. Invite member(s) of GRAAC when
conducting site inspections to provide critical lived experience feedback. As part of the site assessment,
determine what voting locations have back-up generators in the event of a power outage. Include room layout
in supply tote with accessible entrances noted and provide the contact of the location point person as well.
Reserve and confirm all room bookings with appropriate staff. Some school facilities requested/encouraged
use of alternate entrances and exits that were not chosen by City staff for accessibility reasons. Consider
noting for election officials the preferred entrance/exit with rationale.
5. Voting Process Initiatives
Consider varying Advance Voting days and locations and separating the voting days before and after
Thanksgiving weekend. Dedicate additional time and training on the accessible voting equipment for
designated locations and staff. Produce clear guides for the use of accessible voting equipment. If using
accessible voting equipment again, develop short videos that clearly outline the process and abilities to ensure
voters understand options and time requirements. Consider enhanced accessibility and inclusion training with
scenario-based practical hands-on training. Consider improved magnifiers to assist electors who have limited
vision. Continue to assess the state of alternative voting options for next election to increase accessibility and
engagement. Approach the Region of Waterloo to offer free transit to electors and/or consider a service
administered by the City to provide a ride to a voting location, upon request.
6. Election Official Initiatives
Consider alternative training and education abilities (reduce reliance on reading training guides). Promote the
election worker application process publicly earlier to generate greater interest and review compensation levels
with an equity-informed lens. Consider the use of prepared flash cards for easy communication between the
election worker and voters. Explore ways to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion training.
Comments/Feedback
• Letting people with disabilities know that they are allowed and encouraged to run
• Mobility plus customers need to know the timing to book
• Making sure accessible vehicles are available for pick ups
• Not a lot of ways to vote for braille users — braille paddle and keypad were available however, not all
election users knew how to utilize — more training necessary for election staff
• Managing spaces where voting is to take place, consider walking distance from transit stop/parking lot
to the front door which is part of accessibility
• Are only paper ballots truly accessible? Vote by mail, internet voting, and in home voting would add
options for folks who can't access transportation or cannot leave their homes at all
• Variety of options hit the majority of voters. Need as many options to make voting accessible
• Email any further comments to staff
5. City of Waterloo, 2023 Accessibility Status Update
Accessibility Plan
• Development of MYAP included broader consultation
• Detailed set of actions
• Will have an accompanying implementation plan that specifies timelines, accountability and fundings
before finalizing.
Procurement
• A social procurement program under development
Training
• Barriers in the Built Environment tours
Information and Communication Standards
• Reported non-compliance with the AODA requirements for websites for:
o Waterloo.ca
o lumenfestival.ca
o generation park.ca
o winterloofestival.ca
Employment Standards
• New Talent Management System to better support recruitment
• Supported Employment Program pilot
Built Environment
• With the technical support of the new Construction Coordinator, these improvements have been
implemented:
0 5 new Automated Door Openers at the Waterloo Public Library (WPL) Harper Branch
0 1 new Automated Door Opener at RIM Park
o Regrading of the lower entrance to Crematorium
o Braille buttons added to WPL Main Branch elevator
o Labelling system for easier drop off/pick up identification & safety at 4 entrances at Waterloo
Memorial Recreation Centre (WMRC)
o Listening system upgrades for RIM Park and City Hall
o Reconfiguring Automated Door Openers at WMRC
o Revising parking space signs at WMRC to support older adults
o Improving amplification at Community Pavilion for Day Program participants
o Two audio-visual hybrid carts at WM RC and City Hall to support participation options for
community members and staff
o Universal Autonomous Washroom development for Heritage Green Parkette
2024
• Consolidated Engineering Landscape Manual
• Laurel Greenway
• Finalize Facility Accessibility Design Standards
• Automated Door Openers at RIM Park
• Formalizing honourarium practices
• Blue Beech Link neighbourhood spray pad
• Eastbridge Green neighbourhood spray pad
• Eby Farm Playground phase 2
• Possible Inclusion guideline development
• Sidewalk Snow Clearing Funding // Pilot Program
• Universal and barrier free washrooms at City Hall
• Universal washroom at the Button Factory
• Universal washroom and prayer/quiet room renovation at Albert McCormick Community Centre
• Council Chambers refresher
Comments/Feedback
• Partnership with KW Habilitation only? No, it is not limited to KW Habilitation alone, working with
various partners to support future employment opportunities for candidates that might be suitable for
certain roles
• Public access shops and restaurants in the City of Waterloo are not accessible due to curb
modifications. Send feedback to Amy via email, include pictures and exact experience if you can.
• Hybrid capabilities also to be included in council chamber refresh?
6. GRAAC Elections
Position = GRAAC Co-chairs
Teresa McQuillan — declined.
Tamara Cooper— accepted.
Farshid Sadatsharifi —declined.
Alyssa Clelland —accepted.
Position = Chair of Built Environment Sub-Committee
Paula Saunders —accepted.
No further nominations.
Elections closed and results announced after break.
BREAK
7. GRAAC Election Results
GRAAC Co-chairs will be Alyssa Clelland and Tamara Cooper
Chair of Built Environment Sub Committee will be Paula Saunders
8. Councillor Reports
Councillor Chantal Huinink, Region of Waterloo
• Taxi licensing board met, accessible taxi bylaw to be written — please share via email
Councillor Sandra Hanmer, City of Waterloo
• Hybrid methods to be looked at for council chambers.
• Investment going into snow clearing in the future.
9. Region of Waterloo, GRT Status Update
• Service
o MobilityPLUS*
Full complement of operators, equivalent of one bus and one driver added —the target is 2.5% -
one out of forty trips getting missed versus one out of twenty. More trips have been added.
o Conventional (Bus & Rail)
Proposal to expand the time of day, no uptake, so instead will fold the schedule out for 12 months a
year, not taken out or reduced for the summer. What is the emergency procedure when there is an
accident, and the train cannot move forward to another station. Assistance will need to come from
emergency services. It was suggested that ramps onboard would be safer. E bikes are not
permitted on buses but are allowed on the ION train. No gas-powered vehicles are allowed on
buses or trains.
• Vehicles
o MP Buses*
R-box does have a different vibration to it then the lift bus. Problem is being looked and the most
cost-efficient fix will be instituted.
o Electric Bus
Started this Tuesday past, one in the fleet, should have eleven by the end of the year. Testing in
different services and conditions. Really quiet, for those with hearing or visual impairments, there is
a way to include if that is the case.
• Fares
o EasyGO on MobilityPLUS*
Fair payment equity— handheld device to collect fares, customer communication will need to
happen as transition happens
o Mobile Payment App
New this year, allows you pay with credit/debit/apple wallet
o PAL Card Alignment
Getting ready to accept the PAL cards
• Business Plan
o Service & Growth
Acceleration of the pads
o Bus Stops & Built Form
o Communications*
Emails
o Forms & Eligibility
Business plan being put together
• Other
o Severe Weather Plan*
Coming up with an approach that works for everyone
o Trip Planning App Partner
Customer journey, are they going to make their transfer etc.? Bringing on an outside provider
Comments/Feedback
• Hard to book when not know how long something is going to take — i.e., voting, Doctor appointments
• Same day bookings would be ideal if possible
• Snow clearing timelines are too long at GRT stops
• Online GRT booking for mobility plus, no option to book a support person
• Emergency procedures (ramp)
10. North Dumfries, Annual Accessibility Report
Highlights of 2023
• Continued to utilize Form Builder to enhance online form submission processes on the Township
website. Examples for 2023 included Committee Application forms and certain building services
application forms.
• Completed play equipment/structure replacement in Branchton Park. The new play structure has been
updated with (3) ground level accessories as well as (2) transfer stations to access the slide areas.
• Completed AODA compliant improvements at Schmidt Park, including an accessible trail system
throughout the park.
• Completed new parkette construction at the Freer/Challenger development, with an accessible trail, half
multi-purpose court and play structure.
• Completed a new park at the Legacy/Broos subdivision with an accessible trail, multi-purpose court and
play structure.
• Made a successful grant application for the retrofit of the barrier free lift at Ayr Community Centre, to
provide for independent use by patrons.
• Continued negotiations with GRCA regarding potential trail construction to improve mobility— Nith
River, Piper Glen Park, to Greenfield Road West.
• Completed design work and substantially completed the new Township Administrative Office
renovation, incorporating several accessible elements such as accessible doors, elevator access,
compliant staff and public washrooms, travel passes, wheelchair height front service counter, and
barrier free parking.
• Sidewalk improvements continued at various locations, to meet minimum maintenance standards to
reduce tripping hazards and improve mobility/access - 227 square metres of sidewalk were replaced.
• Undertook design works for the new the Public Works Depot and Fire Hall administration area
renovation/construction, to include accessible elements.
• Provided ongoing training to current and new staff to include AODA training, Accessible Customer
Service and Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities.
• Annually, staff will continue to review policies and procedures respecting accessibility, for updates and
improvements.
New for 2024
• The 2024 Capital Budget includes funding to undertake a major update to the corporate website. A key
component of this update is to improve the website to align with AODA elements.
• The 2024 Capital Budget includes funding for improvements to audio/visual systems at the township
Council Chambers to better serve residents and improve meeting accessibility. Also included is an
adjustable podium for in-person delegations to Council.
• Plans continue to utilize Form Builder to enhance online forms on the Township website. Plans for
2024 include By-law Enforcement Department forms.
• Completion of the retrofit of the barrier free lift at Ayr Community Centre is scheduled in 2024, to
provide for ability for patrons to utilize the lift independently.
• Resurfacing of the Victoria Park Tennis Court is planned, to improve mobility, overall usability of
surface and reduce tripping hazards.
• Trail construction to improve mobility continues to be pursued — Nith River, Piper Glen Park, to
Greenfield Road West, pending successful negotiations with the GRCA.
• Funding for the retrofit of the Ayr Community Centre community hall bathrooms to improve accessibility
continues to be pursued.
• Opening of the new parkette, with an accessible trail, half multi-purpose court and play structure at the
Freer/Challenger development is planned for Spring 2024.
• Construction at the Legacy/Broos subdivision park, to include a splash pad, junior ball diamond, two
play structures (junior and senior), multipurpose court, swing set with accessible seat, asphalt pathway,
shade structure and seating planned to be complete in Spring 2024.
• A redesign of the Clyde Park will be completed in May 2024. The new design will include an accessible
path to park amenities, resting benches near the play structure, picnic tables with accessible seating
and an accessible multi-purpose pad.
• A redesign and installation of improvements at Browns Community Subdivision Park, to include
accessible path around the park, resting benches around the path, shade and picnic tables with
accessible seating and an accessible multi-purpose pad to be completed.
• The Township will continue to provide three season maintenance of park trails to help improve the
overall usability of the surfaces.
• The 2024 budget includes park furniture at various locations, that includes picnic tables with accessible
seating, benches with arms, and concrete pads that are accessible.
• Play equipment will continue to be reviewed and replaced on a yearly basis, as required.
Recommendations are made by staff for which play structures are priority for the following year.
• Sidewalk improvements to meet minimum maintenance standards, reduce tripping hazards and
improve mobility will continue. The 2024 budget includes funding for approximately 180 square metres
of sidewalk.
• Renovation/construction for the new the Public Works Depot and Fire Hall administration area are
scheduled, with various accessibility elements. The Fire Hall renovation includes construction of a
universal barrier free washroom facility and the installation of an automatic door opener at the main
entry door.
• The Township will continue design of public spaces compliant with the Barrier Free requirements as
regulated by the Ontario Building Code and accessible parking pursuant to the Township Zoning by-
law.
• Annually, the Township staff and Council will:
o 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 seek GRAAC's input on matters where required.
11. Built Environment Sub-Committee Updates
Region of Waterloo
Washrooms at 150 Frederick Street
• Tour of the washrooms
• Looked at current washrooms and offered ways to make improvements
• New washrooms to be installed
GRT Trip Planning Kiosk at 105 King St.
• With your phone, in person, or make an actual phone call
• Touch screens will not work for people with low vision or no vision
City of Waterloo
Staff Training
• Training held at RIM park, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Staff trainings should continue as it gives
staff a better idea of the issues.
Automatic Door Openers at RIM
• Only the first floor was completed
City of Kitchener
Update regarding the Rockway Centre Redevelopment project milestones
• Came to this committee in Fall 2023 to provide a presentation and gather feedback (stakeholder
engagement).
• Staff plan to attend the Council meeting on Monday, March 25, 2024, to share key findings from the
stakeholder engagement and recommend a strategy to move forward with the redevelopment of the
existing Rockway Centre site.
• Following direction from Council, they will update the project timelines accordingly and hold further
engagements with impacted user groups at Rockway.
• The staff report will be available on the City of Kitchener website on Friday, March 15, 2024.
• All Council meetings are available to watch on the City of Kitchener website.
12. Co-chair/Staff Reports
Amy Ross, City of Waterloo
• Ableism webinar training invite sent out via email.
Lolita Paroski, City of Kitchener
• GRAAC reappointments approved by all 7 Councils.
Emily Moore, Region of Waterloo
https://www.engagewr.ca/service-experience-review
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie — ianis.mckenzie(a)-kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting —Thursday March 28, 2024, at 1:30pm, ZOOM