HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2025-04-24 II t NE
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Committee Minutes
April 24, 2025, 11:30 p.m.
Region of Waterloo - 99 Regina Street South
99 Regina Street South
Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3
Present: T. Cooper, Co-Chair (Wat Rep)
A. Clelland, Co-Chair (Kit Rep)
H. Clark-Harris (Kit Rep)
P. Saunders (Kit Rep)
C. Speers (Kit Rep)
T. McQuillin (Wat Rep)
F. Sadatsharifi (Kit Rep)
K. Waybrant (Kit Rep)
F. Saleh (Wat Rep)
D. Fish (Wellesley Rep)
R. Jackson (Agency Rep)
Councillor S. Stretch, Non-Voting (Kit)
Councillor S. Hanmer, Non-Voting (Wat)
Councillor C. Huinink, Non-Voting (Region of Waterloo)
Staff: Amy Harron, Staff Rep (Wellesley)
M. Dykstra, Staff Rep (Wilmot)
A. Good (Staff Rep, North Dumfries)
A. Neger, Staff Rep (Waterloo)
J. Walker, Staff Rep (Region of Waterloo)
E. Moore, Staff Rep (Region of Waterloo)
L. Paroski, Staff Rep (Kitchener)
L. Palubeski, Staff Rep (Kitchener
J. McKenzie, Committee Administrator (Kitchener)
1. Commencement
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The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee held a meeting this date
commencing at 1:32 p.m.
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
That the minutes of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
meeting held March 27, 2025, as circulated to the members, be accepted.
Carried.
3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interests
None.
4. Delegations
None.
5. Discussion Items
5.1 Roll Call - Introductions
5.2 GRAAC Minutes & Agendas - Use of the Chat Function
Dianna Saunderson, Manager of Council/Committee Services & Deputy Clerk,
Corporate Services, City of Kitchener provided an overview on accessing the
agenda through eSCRIBE, noting the agenda can be accessed in multiple formats.
It was noted if anyone was having issues accessing agenda materials were
encouraged to reach out and staff would ensure to provide any necessary
assistance required to access the materials.
5.3 Schneider's Creek Multi-Use Trail
Jeff Nyenhuis, Senior Engineer, Transportation Expansion, Region of Waterloo led
a discussion on this item and requested from the endorsement on proceeding with
the Schneider Trail project.
Comments/Feedback
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• Committee members expressed support for a trail width of a minimum of
3.1 metres (standard width), with the possibility of achieving 4m where
possible without adversely impacting the natural environment;
• Try to avoid slopes exceeding a 5% transition in grade;
• Committee members noted the possibility of establishing a position paper
for future multi-use trail projects
• It was requested that the Built Environment Sub-Committee be consulted
in the future on additional accessibility matters such as rest areas etc.
It was moved by: Paula Saunders
"That the Schneider Trail project be endorsed, including additional
feedback that where possible to address accessibility to try to achieve a
minimum trail width between 3.1m and 4m; and further,
That Region of Waterloo Staff be directed to engage further with the
Committee throughout the project implementation to review additional
accessibility enhancements along the trail where possible.
Carried.
5.4 Let's Roll Countdown to Carts, Residential Waste Collection
Allison Covert, Project Coordinator& Deanna Dakin, Supervisor Projects & Policy,
Waste Management, Region of Waterloo presented on this item.
Comments/Feedback
• In response to questions, staff noted residents can apply for support
through the Medical exemption program. Individuals would need to fill out
the form and receive bag tags so the drivers would be aware that support
would be required and they would assist with dropping off and loading the
garbage containers.
• Staff advised that there is currently an existing policy is in effect, which
allows residents who are unable to get their bins to the street, for staff to
provide accommodation support, the form for that program would require
a health care provider sign off on.
• F. Saleh suggested permitting the reuse of similar medical documents that
have already been completed for a different purpose, provided they are
signed by a medical practitioner and provide sufficient evidence of
eligibility, to alleviate the administrative hurdles associated with applying
for support programs and medical documentation.
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• Concerns were raised related to waste collection in the winter months
when the sidewalks are already harder to navigate and trying to
successfully get the bins to the preferred location to ensure pick up
• In response to questions, staff advised that the new bins would be
delivered to all homes and if a larger bin is preferred, it can be traded in
and delivered free of charge
5.5 Draft Terms of Reference - Committee Feedback Summary, CSD-2025-181
LoriAnn Palubeski, Manager, Program & Resource Services, City of Kitchener
continued a discussion of the Draft Terms of Reference. Dianna Saunderson,
Manager, Council and Committee Services and Deputy Clerk was also in
attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. L. Palubeski advised staff
have included a report in the agenda this date summarizing the feedback and
changes that were included in the Terms of Reference that were brought forward
by the Committee at the March meeting. L. Palubeski advised where possible staff
were hoping the Committee would be willing to consider approving the Terms of
Reference as proposed, and it could then be forwarded to the Council's of the
participating municipalities for final approval.
Comments/Feedback
• Additional clarification was provided on the Nominating committee, noting
that the Nominating Committee would review the volunteer applications, in
consultation with an accessibility staff member, then they would make a
recommendation that would go to the participating Councils for
consideration. The participating Councils would then have the opportunity
to review the applications and confirm, amend and approve the final list of
Committee members that would act as representatives for their
municipalities.
• In response to questions about the Nominating Committee and potential
concerns for a lived experience perspective, it was noted that similar to
the appointment process of Kitchener's Equity Advisory Committee, the
Nominating Committee would be supported by someone with an
accessibility perspective, that individual would have voting rights;
• It was suggested that consideration be given to the increase the
individuals with a disability on the Nominating Committee as well as on
staff coordinating committee;
• In response to questions related to the proposed honorarium
compensation, staff noted at this time it was anticipated that payments
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would be processed monthly, stating pending approval of the Terms of
Reference, it was being proposed that members would be compensated
as of January 1, 2025, so there may be a lump sum payment to address
the first payment; and,
• Regional Councillor Chantal Huinink noted since the previous discussion
she had reviewed the Terms of Reference and has prepared a document
including a number of proposed suggestions for staffs consideration,
noting pending a review of the suggestions, the Terms of Reference
should not be recommended for approval this date.
Staff acknowledged the feedback received from the Committee this date, noting
staff would need an opportunity to review the comments shared this date, prior to
being able to discuss the Terms of Reference further. It was noted staff would bring
back the Terms of Reference once additional information was available.
6. Recess and Reconvene
GRAAC then recessed for a small break and reconvened, chaired by Tamara
Cooper, with all members present.
7. Discussion Items (Cont'd)
7.1 Community Engagement Review
Huda Rosic, Service Improvement Specialist, Sue Weare, Community
Engagement Consultant, & Jaclyn Rodrigues, Interim Manager Service
Coordination, City of Kitchener led the discussion on this item.
Comments/Feedback
• It was suggested staff consider sharing the strategy with other disability
agencies in the region.
• It was further suggested to consider Reddit as an alternative social media
platform for consideration.
7.2 Long Term Parking Strategy
Alastair Pinto, Project Manager, Parking Operations, City of Kitchener led a
discussion on this item.
Comments/Feedback
• Feedback was received regarding the cost and safety measures, noting
they are specific to drivers;
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• In response to questions about the colour of the bollards, staff noted the
bollard colour was selected due to their aesthetics purposes.
• In response to further questions, staff noted the bollards are intended for
the safety of pedestrian, noting if there is a particular area that is a
concern, staff would be review that feedback further.
• Questions were raised about bike parking, staff noted underground
parking garages have been including secure bike parking storage areas
free of charge, with a one-time fee of $10 just for the key.
8. The Built Environment Sub Committee Report
City of Kitchener
• Lunch and learn
o Alyssa and Paula led a workshop for staff
• Upper Canada Park
o More details to come in a future meeting
City of Waterloo
• Fire Hall on Columbia
o Main entrance faces Columbia, but accessible entrance is at the back
— more information needed for the location
o Washroom needs help
• Washrooms at 146 Dearborn
o More details to come
• Jane's walk
o Saturday, May 3rd scheduled
• Wood Lily Park
o Developer designed and built but going to be a city park.
o Looking for ideas
9. Information Items
9.1 Code of Conduct for Members of Council, Local Boards & Advisory
Committees
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9.2 National Accessibility Week (NAAW) - Events
10. Adjournment
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie - man is.mckenzie(a-)-kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting - Thursday May XXX, 2025, at 1:30pm, Hybrid
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