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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2025-05-22 II t NE Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Committee Minutes May 22, 2025, 1:30 p.m. Region of Waterloo - Gaukel Room 110 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3 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) H. Gillespie (Wat Rep) K. Waybrant (Kit Rep) F. Saleh (Wat Rep) D. Fish (Wellesley Rep) R. Jackson (Agency Rep) Councillor S. Stretch, Non-Voting (Kit) Councillor C. Huinink, Non-Voting (Region of Waterloo) Staff: A. Ross, Staff Rep (Waterloo) A. Kirchin, Staff Rep (Woolwich) M. Dykstra, Staff Rep (Wilmot) A. Good, Staff Rep (North Dumfries) L. Paroski, Staff Rep (Kitchener) M. Adams, Committee Administrator (Kit) 1. Commencement The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee held a meeting this date commencing at 1:30 p.m. 1.1 Land Acknowledgement 1 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 April 24, 2025, as circulated to the members, be accepted. 3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interests 4. Delegations 5. Discussion Items 5.1 Roll Call - Introductions 5.2 Region of Waterloo, Waste Management Comments/Feedback • Asked if the new green bins and blue bins have pictures or large words on them stating what the bins are for? Staff is taking that question back to the collections team to find out and it was noted that a colleague spoke to GRAAC last month about the new bin program • Condo waste is not picked up in the same way as single-family dwellings and that composting is not an option. How could that be fixed. Staff explained that the province has mandated food and organic waste framework. The Region is mandated to provide residential green bins and building operators are required to collect 50% organic/food waste this year. It was noted that there seems to be a lack of enforcement for building operator compliance at the current time. • Staff encouraged the members to share the survey with people living in multi-residential buildings. Common themes from the survey will be taken forward to regional council. It was noted the multi-residential green bin issue is a common them they are hearing. 5.3 City of Kitchener - Data for Equity Standards and Guidelines Comments/Feedback 2 • It was noted that for Indigenous data governance infrastructure is not in place yet. Staff working with Indigenous communities will receive training next year once the infrastructure is in place. • The staff team is engaging with marginalized communities to reduce blind spots in their data collection questions. The rationale for questions related to disability was provided along with key considerations. • The committee was asked to consider the questions being asked and if anything was missing: • The committee thought more disaggregated questions were needed. • Suggested to include a way for people to self-identify, in order to include people who may not have had access to get a diagnosis • It was asked if people responding have a vision or hearing disability how they are being included in the data collection. • How many measures will be used for this research and if it will only be the survey. • Suggested that a medical category be added e.g. seizure disorder • Learning and behavioural conditions are different things • By gathering data to use data as evidence to ensure we know if people face barriers in programming in community centres. • Statistics may be skewed due to people self-identifying and those who chose not to disclose their disability. Ali noted that this is an issue with data interpretation and data should not be relied on alone and needs lived experience beside it. • A question about acute illness is to be added, noting that it has been affecting the person for a long time, but it is not a chronic condition that will affect them forever. 5.4 Township of Wilmot - Facility Accessibility Audit • Did the assessment identify where change tables are inadequate?Are there adult change tables? Wilmot asked the consultant to focus on building code and AODA compliance and these items would be considered priority 3. • Staff noted that she can pass along recommendations on how to improve items not covered in the assessment. 3 • It was noted that the recommendation for the grab bars is priority 2 • The assistance of the committee's-built environment team to the township, to try to maintain consistency throughout Waterloo Region • Is there a plan to install height adjustable adult size change tables in the accessible washrooms. Asked for Staff to take that recommendation back. • Staff explained that the first review was a high-level review of what needs to be included in the updates and once staff are ready to move to implementation, they will bring the plans to this committee for review. • It was confirmed that internal wayfinding signage is included. • Noted that menstrual equity is likely out of scope for the assessment. Asked if there is a plan to include menstrual products in the washrooms at low or no cost. Will take the ask back to staff. 6. Recess and Reconvene GRAAC then recessed and reconvened. 7. Discussion Items (Cont'd) 7.1 City of Kitchener - Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex (KIRC) Update Comments/Feedback • There is a way-finding strategy with tactile wayfinding from the drop off areas that will bring you into the vestibule where there is wayfinding to take you to reception. Signage includes pictograms, names and braille based on the London FADS standard. • It is expected the facility will be open by next summer (2026). • Chairperson, Built Environment thanked Staff for the update and requested a meeting to review the gym area that has been added. • It was noted the parking lots should be paved in the next few weeks. • Committee member asked if anything had been included in the design to absorb sound as people with hearing aids and sound issues struggle in those type of environments. Staff stated there are acoustic blankets in the pool, the field house has turf and baffles, and the gym has baffles. • Wayfinding strips will be very helpful. • Staff noted that OBC is taking better steps towards accessibility 4 • Are all the viewing areas for teams or because it is a public place. She would not want someone to watch her swim or workout. Understand that the viewing areas could be for parents when their kids are in lessons. Staff answered that the viewing areas are for parents and families. They also stated that it is also expected that the facility will host sports tournaments • Is the walking track able to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers and if any of the universal/accessible washrooms or change rooms have height adjustable adult change tables and mechanical ceiling lifts. • Staff noted that the walking track will accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, and it is intended that all people use the track. • Staff noted that the universal accessible washrooms have adult change tables but there are no ceiling lifts. • Asked if the reception desk and lockers were adapted for all users. It was explained that the reception desk and lockers were adapted for all users. There are 2 areas at reception that are lower, and the lockers have two heights. It was noted all spaces have followed the London FAD standards. It was noted that the corridors and other spaces are larger than what exists at other City facilities. 7.2 City of Kitchener - Upper Canada Park parking lot and washroom building • It was suggested perhaps the tactile maps that City of Waterloo has made could be posted outside the door of the washrooms, so people do not have to run their hands over a dirty washroom to find the plan of the washroom • Asked if the direction of the door swing had any bearing on wayfinding. Stated that no correlation between the door direction and the washroom layout. Noted to start considering that. • Stated that it would be helpful to have an outdoor map posted • Asked if the access from the entrance sidewalk flush access to the accessible parking and the street is. Staff stated that it is flush however there are grade changes due to the park being in a flood plain. • Height adjustable adult-change tables with ceiling lifts for people who cannot use a toilet, so they can be toileted and changed. Staff stated that it is rough in for adult-change tables, staff are holding off on installing them until better security is in place. 5 7.3 The Built Environment Sub Committee Report • Chairperson attended staff training at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, indicated more staff seem to now be more aware • Chairperson and City of Waterloo staff have attended 2 meetings regarding the Albert McCormick renovations. • A second meeting with Waterloo library staff about hearing loops, barrier free washrooms, sliding doors in the meeting room and counters. The renovation is in the preliminary drawing stage and the staff were receptive to the feedback. • Chairperson and City of Kitchener staff went to Rosenberg Library to review the indigenous artwork at the library. It was noted that the artwork is up very high on a wall. You can scan a code and listen to the 7 minutes video. A great job has been done with it. 8. Information Items 8.1 Congratulations Kathy! 8.2 Memo - Terms of Reference update 9. Adjournment Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie - ianis.mckenzie(a-)-kitchener.ca Next Regular Meeting - June 26, 2025, at 1:30pm, Hybrid 6