HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2025-10-23 II t NE
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Committee Minutes
October 23, 2025, 11:30 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)
T. McQuillin (Wat Rep)
H. Gillespie (Wat Rep)
C. Nishiwaki (Wat Rep)
F. Sadatsharifi (Kit Rep)
F. Mahar (Wat Rep)
K. Waybrant (Kit Rep)
D. Fish (Wellesley Rep)
R. Jackson (Agency Rep)
Councillor S. Hanmer, Non-Voting (Wat)
Councillor C. Huinink, Non-Voting (Region of Waterloo)
Staff: A. Ross, Staff Rep (Waterloo)
A. Smyth, Staff Rep (Woolwich)
A. Harron, Staff Representative (Wellesley)
K. Bos, Staff Representative (Wilmot)
A. Good, Staff Rep (North Dumfries)
L. Palubeski, Staff Rep (Kitchener)
J. McKenzie, Committee Administrator (Kitchener)
H. Gienow-McConnell (Region of Waterloo)
1. Commencement
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The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee held a meeting this date
commencing at 1:00 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 September 25th, 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 The Built Environment Sub Committee Report
City of Waterloo
• Snow Clearing Report
o Working on a report for council, an awareness campaign
City of Kitchener
• Victoria Park Master Plan
o In person audit completed at Victoria Park
o Identified various issues, be included in the Master Plan
o Issues include Joseph Street entrance interlocking blocks can be
confusing, tactile warning indicators are missing, pavers are not
optimal
• Integrated Stormwater Plan
o Looking at how the city can better engage with residents on the
development of the new Stormwater Master Plan
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o Bigger and more severe storms are coming so how do they reduce the
disproportionate impact of stormwater challenges on specific
communities
o In the event of a major storm and residences are flooded, what is the
plan?
o Further discussion to happen, but if you have any personal stories
and/or feedback to offer, please reach out to staff via a link that will be
shared over email or reach out to staff over the telephone
• Pedestrian Crossing in front of the Auditorium
o Button cannot be reached from a wheelchair. Met with staff and
additional concrete will be poured so the button is accessible
5.3 Get Ready Plan - City of Waterloo
Comments/Feedback
• Implementation plan going to council November 17th
• Doesn't seem to be a focus on persons with disabilities - original plan
includes persons with disabilities; this was an update on those that were
not included in the original plan
6. Recess and Reconvene
GRAAC then recessed and reconvened.
7. Discussion Items (Cont'd)
7.1 Elections Accessibility Plan - City of Kitchener
Voting from home and drive through voting was approved by council
Comments/Feedback
• Voting at home by request and drive through voting was approved by
council
• Staff are available by phone or email if committee has thoughts on
accessibility issues for the election
• Braille version of ballots is preferred
• Radio and Television Braille marketing a good way to get the word out
regarding the election
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• Candidates can request alternate for formats for information regarding
running for council
• Processes for those who cannot mark their ballots themselves seems to
be a dehumanizing process for both voter and the assistance. Each ward
will have tools/technologies to assist; however, home visits are going to be
offered which might make both feel more comfortable
7.2 Waterloo Region Housing Revitalization Plan - Region of Waterloo
Comments/Feedback
• The process of getting on a waiting list is extremely difficult
• Sometimes when a building is utilizing a grant to incorporate accessible
units, the grant does not come through and there is no further
accountability - these three new units have been reviewed at the planning
stage, as well the non-barrier free units have been fitted with accessible
options
7.3 Schneider's Creek Multi-Use Path - Region of Waterloo
Comments/Feedback
• Benches with arms on the side and in the middle if possible -Arm rests in
the middle is not accessible for everyone so will not likely be utilized
• The trail will be 3.5 metres wide, leaving room on each side before there is
any bushes/tress etc.
8. Information Items
8.1 Terms of Reference - Update - City of Kitchener
As per the information item attached to the agenda, the area CAOs are currently
meeting on the matter, and an update will be shared when available
9. Adjournment
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie - man is.mckenzie(a-)-kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting - November 27th, 2025, at 1:30pm, Hybrid
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