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Home My WebLink AboutGRACC - 2025-03-27 Ki HENER Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee Date: March 27th, 2025 Location: Hybrid Meeting Present: Amy Ross (City of Waterloo), Emily Moore (Region of Waterloo), Heather Harris, Carrie Speers, LoriAnn Palubeski (City of Kitchener), Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener), Kaitlin Bos (Township of Wilmot), Ashley Good (Township of North Dumfries), Sarah Boghossian, Heather Gillespie, Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo), Robyn Jackson (Independent Living Centre), Councillor Stephanie Stretch (City of Kitchener), Karen Hutchinson, Friday Saleh, Amy Harron (Township of Wellesley), David Fish, Teresa McQuillin, Alex Smyth (Township of Woolwich), Paula Saunders, Alyssa Clelland (Co- Chair), Tamara Cooper (Co-Chair), Jennifer Walker (Region of Waterloo), Bruce Lauckner, CAO (Region of Waterloo) Regrets: Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo), Fazia Mazhar, Katherine Waybrant, Christine Nishiwaki, Farshid Sadatsharifi 1. Commencement 1.1 Land Acknowledgement We would like to begin by acknowledging the land on which we gather today, recognizing that the land in which we gather today is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnawbe and Chonnonton peoples. We would also like to acknowledge the enduring knowledge, presence and deep-rooted traditions of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit who continue to enrich our community to this day. 2. Minutes for Approval Minutes approved 3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interests None 4. Delegations None 5. Discussion Items 5.1 Roll Call -Introductions 5.2 Mixed Use Urban Design Guidelines As outlined in the attached to the agenda, Andrea Sinclair, MHBC Planning, Township of Woolwich provided a presentation on this matter. Comments/Feedback ➢ Going to council in May for council approval ➢ April 18, 2025, deadline for comments or feedback — contact staff representative from Woolwich ➢ It's not clear what the guidelines are exactly, but accessibility is a very broad term, and might require a solid definition before utilizing in any development guidelines or procedures ➢ It was suggested that Andrea reach out to the staff representative from the City of Waterloo, as they are working on Facility Accessibility Design Guidelines 5.3 Mill Courtland Community Centre Addition and Expansion Update As outlined in the attached agenda, Chris Campbell, Design and Construction Project Manager, City of Kitchener provided an update on this matter. Comments/Feedback ➢ Automatic Door openers and placement, colourful sticker or something — will not be a button type but a paddle form, very long and should be more visible than the round buttons ➢ What does the transition from the parking lot to the sidewalk to the entrance look like? Traditional curb cuts will be utilized. Is there a standard — no standard as of now, basing it on what City Hall implemented in other projects ➢ Limited to no vision, less is more, so cut down on the transitions. ➢ Built Environment subcommittee offered to meet with staff regarding washrooms etc. ➢ Tactile strips utilized right outside and, in the washrooms, would be ideal, sink, washrooms, etc. 5.4 Draft Terms of Reference As outlined in the attached agenda, LoriAnn Palubeski, Manager, Program & Resource Services, City of Kitchener provided a discussion on this matter. Comments/Feedback ➢ Honorariums — will other subcommittees be getting an honorarium as well — the only subcommittee is The Built Environment, but staff will review language to include the possibility of future sub committees ➢ Council with a plural; councils ➢ Vetting for new applicants and processes should be done by each separate municipality ➢ Selection group for new applicants does not seem to include anyone with disabilities — EDI team is advising on this to ensure it is an equitable process ➢ Applicant being required to provide a reference can be a barrier for some — no references required in the new process ➢ Intersectionality and Decolonization are definitions that might be included 6. Recess and Reconvene 7. Discussion Items (Cont'd) 7.1 Improvements to Brown's Community Park As outlined in the attached agenda, Karen Winters, Director of Leisure and Community Services, North Dumfries provided a presentation on this item. Comments/Feedback ➢ The benches, arm in the middle of the bench for people who might need support to get up ➢ Accessible seating space around the benches or any seating areas ➢ Plans to maintain the limestone path — yes it will be redone every year, but more than once a year might be required ➢ Shade structure has no seating in the plan —there is a plan to have seating available there ➢ Sensory play comment made in the chat — staff to note 7.2 GRT Community Partner Engagement As outlined in the attached agenda, Neil Malcolm, Director, Transit Services, Region of Waterloo provided a presentation on this item. Comments/Feedback ➢ Adding new social media engagement — exploring different social media platforms but nothing is concrete as of yet ➢ In exploring new platforms make sure accessibility features are built in ➢ Community consultations — encourage the connection of universities in the area — do have strong ties with the student associations currently ➢ Fare pass — mobility plus can have a bus pass for free, is there a procedure for full time students for mobility plus? Yes, a process is already in place ➢ How is recruitment done for the informal committee? Terms of reference in place, anyone is welcome to join, more word of mouth 7.3 Hybrid Model GRAAC Members Feedback As outlined in the attached agenda, Tamara Cooper, GRAAC Committee Co-chair, led a discussion on this item. Comments/Feedback ➢ Seems to be working well ➢ Like flexibility ➢ Keeping an eye on both virtual and in person members for equal feedback opportunities ➢ Appreciate being able to meet in person — having the choice is great 8. The Built Environment Sub Committee Report As per the attached agenda, Paula Saunders, Chairperson, Built Environment Sub Committee provided a 20-minute update to the committee. City of Kitchener Portable lift at Harry Class pool ➢ Pool renovation in the far future so staff was wondering about a lift ➢ Sunbeam might be a good resource to reach out to for ideas ➢ City of Guelph might also have some ideas ➢ Some concerns about the lifts and not an ideal solution, but if this is a temporary situation to get in the water until a pool renovation with ramp access Splash pad position paper ➢ More requests regarding splash pads ➢ Thoughts on a position paper— if anyone is interested in joining staff and Paula, just let staff know — helpful for future splash pads in the future City of Waterloo Fountain St sidewalks ➢ One side is fine, the other side has a hydro pole in the middle so the dimensions will not be up to code Washrooms at City Hall ➢ One universal, two barrier free, and two water stations ➢ Talked about accessories — great space 146 Dearborn ➢ Near the service centre, mainly staffed building ➢ Moving the main entrance ➢ More meetings to come RIM automatic door openers ➢ Previously determined where to locate ➢ Installing card readers will not require a key Albert McCormick renovations ➢ Tactile blueprint was amazing ➢ Minor adjustments were made City Hall meeting rooms ➢ Wider doors ➢ Removing cupboards ➢ Hearing loops Visitors centre ➢ Changing the parking and access into the building ➢ Ramp was quite steep ➢ Move accessible parking spots to the other end ➢ Washrooms okay but could use some changes Fire Hall ➢ In an emergency may need to be utilized ➢ Not bad at all, just a few issues 9. Information Items None 10. Adjournment