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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2024-06-27 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee Date: June 27th, 2024 Location: Zoom Meeting Present: Tamara Cooper (Co-Chair), Alyssa Clelland (Co-Chair), Amy Ross (City of Waterloo), Teresa McQuillin, Paula Saunders, Emily Moore (Region of Waterloo), Jolene MacDonald, Trevor Tamlin (Canadian Hearing Services), Christine Nishiwaki, Heather Clark-Harris, Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo), Sarah Boghossian, Robyn Jackson (Independent Living Centre), Farshid Sadatsharifi, Carrie Speers, Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener), Katherine Waybrant, Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo), Heather Gillespie, Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Kaitlin Bos (Township of Wilmot) Regrets: Alex Smyth (Township of Woolwich), Cynthia Hislop (Township of North Dumfries), Councillor Jason Deneault (City of Kitchener), Amy Harron (Township of Wellesley) Land Acknowledgement Although we are gathering virtually, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that we are situated on the Haldimand Tract, land that was granted to the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations of the Grand River, and that we are within the territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. To fulfill our vision of an inclusive and equitable community, we must practice allyship with Indigenous peoples. We commit in our work and our community to hold ourselves accountable to the continuous work of decolonizing, to ensure that we do not perpetuate the harms of colonization and to begin to repair them. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of April/May Minutes and June Agenda Heather G. motioned to accept June agenda; Robyn seconded; All in favour. Teresa motioned to accept April minutes; Heather seconded; All in favour. Paula motioned to accept May minutes; Trevor seconded; All in favour. 3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests None 4. City of Waterloo, Considering Accessibility in Affordable Housing Initiatives on City-owned Lands in Waterloo Inclusionary Zoning • Policy/zoning that requires private developers to include affordable units within new, multi-unit housing developments. • Applies to Major Transit Station Areas Accessibility • Min 15% of units to be accessible. • Accessible units distributed proportionally across market-rate and affordable units. • Developers encouraged to provide a higher proportion of accessible units than required by the Building Code, and/or to ensure that all affordable units are adaptable to enable later retrofits to include accessibility features if needed. Universal Design • Affordable units should incorporate as many principles of Universal Design as possible to create spaces that are suitable for individuals and families of all ages, abilities, sizes, and stages of life. Municipal Lands for Affordable Housing City-lands to be leased or granted to a non-profit housing provider. • 2025 University Ave E: 25 acres (10ha) • Potential for 1000+ affordable/ attainable units Objectives • Complete, mixed-use, mixed income community: • Affordable and attainable units • Rental and ownership units • Accessible units • Commercial/Employment • Sustainability measures (e.g., net zero, green building design etc.) What's next. Inclusionary Zoning • Summer/Fall: Finalize Implementation Guidelines Municipal Lands for Affordable Housing: • Summer: Solicit development proposals • Winter: Select builder • 2025: Site Plan, finalize agreements and secure requirements Comments/Feedback • The proportion of affordable units seems low— it is challenging to find the data to support how many accessible units also need to be affordable. • Accessible units should be located on the lower floors as a consideration. • Sounds like a Co-op? May be part of the site but not the whole thing as it might not be economically feasible for the co-op on their own. • What does affordable mean? Definition — Inclusionary Zoning definition - Moderate level of affordability —anyone on ODSP or minimum wage incomes would not be able afford these units. • 2025 complex would have various levels of affordability including cooperative housing. • Layout—ensuite laundry utilities valuable for accessible units would be a benefit. • Keep the units as simple as possible and then the purchaser could make the adjustments. • Visitable units — in order to allow family members/friends with disabilities to visit. • Accessible definition is different for everyone— environmental issues. • Transit stops need to be available in frequent stops. • Minimal elevator companies in Canada— how will they be maintained? Who will fix? • Safety protocol for those on higher floors Please email michelle.lee(a)-waterloo.ca with any other comments or feedback 5. Region of Waterloo, Phase 1: Kitchener Central Transit Hub Detailed drawings of project shared with the committee via email. Scope • Pedestrian bridge crossing King Street along the rail corridor • This bridge connects the current multi-use trail to the transit hubs Metrolinx station platform level. Progressing from west to east, the bridge and platforms connect to a pedestrian ramp and a stairwell. • The stairwell provides access from the platform level to the LRT Central Station and the ramp to the bus loop. At the base of the ramp there is a bike shelter and bus shelter. • A walkway provides access from the LRT Central station to the bus loop and base of the ramp. • A large portion of the remaining area at the of King and Victoria will remain as green space. • Further east along the rail corridor, there will be a dedicated bus loop that provides bus stops for one Mobility bus plus stop closest to the base of the pedestrian ramp, two GRT bus stops and three Metrolinx Go bus stops. • Bus stop to be included on the corner of Victoria and King Street with a widened paved area along Victoria. Not all aspects of phase 1 have been included in the presentation, items not included are an off-site parking lot at the corner of Victoria and Weber Street. A pickup and drop off area on the site and connections to the multi-use trail through a Duke Street underpass. Site Circulation Plan The Region has incorporated Tactile walking surface indicators and curb cuts with the indicators to provide a network of connections throughout the site. The intention is to include connection nodes at the LRT station on King Street to the walking path that leads to the bus loop to the corner of Victoria and King, and further to the pedestrian ramp and accessible parking spaces located in the pickup and drop off area. Ramp & Stair plan Key feature in phase 1 is the pedestrian ramp that provides access from the bus loop to the Metrolinx train platforms and the pedestrian bridge. This ramp is 85.2 m long and at it's highest point is 5.67 m above grade. The ramp is constructed of 5 segments such that at the end of each segment there is a landing portion meeting the required turning length for landings. The sloped portions of the ramp are sloped at 8.3% and these portions have handrails on either side. The areas of the ramp that transition from sloped to level and vice versa include a tactile warning strip. The stairs that are to be constructed to provide direct access to the LRT station are also included with tactile warning strips on each platform level. Barrier Free Parking Plan As part of the pickup and drop off area, a barrier free parking area will be incorporated. It will be closest to the mobility bus stop and station amenities. Incorporated in the barrier free parking will a sloped walking area to access the pedestrian path. This sloped path will have detectable walking surface indicators and a maximum slope of 10%. Signage will indicate the parking space is for accessible use only, with an access aisle and appropriate painting on the asphalt. Bus Loop Plan Bus tactile warning indicators will be installed at the edge of the bus loop. Metrolinx, GRT, and Mobility plus bus stops will include only the yellow tactile warning indicators at the edge of the curb. Enlarge Bus Shelter Plan Several spaces will be utilized to serve as bus shelters for transit users and bike shelters. All the shelters have been sized to accommodate a 2.5 m turning radius. With the bus shelters there will be digital displays with supportive audio to provide riders with information on the GRT service. Also, to be included, standard security features, such as, the duress alarm panic button and cameras. Signage Standard signage posted throughout the site. Facility Beacon that will be installed at main nodes of the site as well as, entrance points. Vehicle entrance sign for the parking lots, digital screens for each bus bay/stop, facility entrance, bike parking and ticket signage. The facility beacon, information hub, facility signs for the shelters, and the bike rooms will include braille. All signs will include non-reflective backgrounds, contrasting colours and legible font type. Comments/Feedback • Having a total of 2 curb cuts is all that is needed. Curved curb cuts are not ideal, as well lining the domes up with the crosswalk, so that it is just a straight line across • Platforms can be too narrow for a person in a wheelchair and other pedestrians. • Trees in the middle of a sidewalk not a great option, along the side a better choice • Bathroom plan on site and will seating be available— yes washrooms will be included in phase two. • When phase 2 will be completed? • Metrolinx will be including an accessible bathroom in phase one. BREAK 6. City of Kitchener, Update on Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex • Currently running behind, mid July will continue construction. • Should be ready for summer 2026. • Utilizing City of London design guidelines • Adult Trike storage will be available at the front door. • Four barrier free universal bathrooms • Storage for wheelchairs, will there be locks? Not locked presently but visible on the pool deck. • Accessible seating in the pool viewing area on the second floor. • All showers will have fold down benches. • Handheld shower will be available in the accessible showers. • Colour contrast throughout the interior and exterior • Hoyer lift rough in — mobile lift maybe part of the design, but still in discussion. Construction is still in the building stage; nothing has been decided yet but looking at various options and want to install the most current equipment. • Two options for 2500 turning radius in the change room. 7. City of Kitchener, Sidewalk and Cycle Track delineation update Recap from previous visits with GRAAC: • Joint initiative with the Region of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener • The Iron Horse Trail is the city's busiest trail, with over 250,000 trips a year by pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities. Guided by the Iron Horse Trail Improvement Strategy (2015), recent investments in the trail have improved the trail's function, safety, and comfort, including trail widening, benches, lighting, and landscaping. • Continuing with these improvements, city staff is proposing to improve safety and accessibility at all city-owned trail crossings with the installation of Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs), as well as raised crossings or refuge islands. New: • Evolved from the fall 2021 site visits with GRAAC members, CNIB mobility specialists and staff. • Investigating 8-10 test sites using different materials/applications for CNIB and members to test and provide feedback. Pending funding, weather and, material allocation - looking at installation in fall 2024 or spring 2025. Comments: • GRAAC loves the test approach, and many members are interested in being involved. 8. Region of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Washroom Renovation Project Goals • Create more accessible and inclusive public washrooms at the same time as refurbishing project. • Create 1 new universal washroom on 2nd floor that will be used by public. Space Constraints • Existing public washrooms are constrained by core walls and the footprint cannot be increased. Work Arounds to Meet the Project Goals • Remove 1 toilet from each public washroom to create larger accessible washroom stalls and 1 new ambulatory stall. • Redirect public to use universal washrooms on each floor because existing barrier free stalls do not meet barrier free requirements. • Add 1 new universal washroom on 2nd floor that will be within 45m distance from public washroom. • A universal washroom already exists on 1st floor and is within 45m from the public washroom. Comments/Feedback • Incorporating the washroom with a tactile map/floor-connecting with City of Waterloo would be an option as they have already incorporated. • Exploring the options for an adult change table and support lift • Feminine hygiene product bin seems to be far away from the toilet —touchless is going to be installed and close to the toilet. • Disposal unit should be installed right near the adult change table, so the individual on the table would not be left alone. 9. Built Environment Sub-Committee Update City of Waterloo • Walkabouts with staff, the Mayor and Council and senior staff. o Response has been awesome from everyone. o Well, received. • Presentation to Council regarding Phase 2 of Eby Farms playground. o Well, received. o Plug for an adult swing —will see one someday. • White Elm Park o Columbia Forest o Small space o Slope issue o Two different drawings for comment o Budget will be an issue. o Surface hopefully, will have one panel that is not wood chips. o Accessible component will be incorporated. o Beechwood Drive to be considered also as a park— has not started as of yet. Review of the Design of Public Spaces document • Up for review • Great opportunity to review and give comments. • 9:30-3pm session on JUIy101" to go through page by page. • Downtown Community Centre has tentatively been booked and lunch will be provided. Paula (Built Environment Sub-Committee) is concerned that agenda is jammed packed and some of the issues are too involved for just this committee, for example affordable & accessible housing. 10. Councillor Reports Councillor Huinink, Region of Waterloo • GRT in the process of putting together workplan —always looking for feedback. 11. Co-chair/Staff Reports • Emily Moore, Region of Waterloo o GRT Engagement link shared o Ramp redesign information shared. o Affordable housing overview shared. • Amy Ross, City of Waterloo o One chapter of design review has been sent back. • Lolita Paroski, City of Kitchener o Have a great summer break and see you back in September. NOTE: No GRAAC meetings in July and August. Resume in September. Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie — ianis.mckenzie(a)kitchener.ca Next Regular Meeting —Thursday September 26, 2024, at 1:30pm, ZOOM