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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2025-11-27 II t NE Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) Committee Minutes November 27, 2025, 1:30 p.m. Conestoga Room City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407 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) S. Boghossian (Wat Rep) C. Nishiwaki (Wat Rep) F. Sadatsharifi (Kit Rep) F. Mahar (Wat Rep) K. Waybrant (Kit 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: A. Ross, Staff Rep (Waterloo) A. Smyth, Staff Rep (Woolwich) A. Harron, Staff Representative (Wellesley) M. Dykstra, Staff Rep (Wilmot) A. Good, Staff Rep (North Dumfries) L. Palubeski, Staff Rep (Kitchener) J. McKenzie, Committee Administrator (Kitchener) H. Gienow-McConnell (Region of Waterloo) Additional Staff: J. Horndl (Woolwich), D. Saunderson (Kitchener) 1 1. Commencement The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee held a meeting this date, November 27th, 2025 commencing at 1:30 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. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interests None 3. Delegations 4. Discussion Items 4.1 Roll Call - Introductions 4.2 Minutes for Approval That the minutes of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) meeting held October 23rd, as circulated to the members, be accepted. 4.3 Terms of Reference Update T. McQuillin addressed the staff memo on the agenda, noting she had a letter from some members related to the City of Kitchener opting to proceed with developing a Kitchener specific municipal accessibility advisory committee at the commencement of this term in September 2026. T. McQuillin expressed some concerns with the process in which the decision was made, noting there was no consultation with the Committee regarding the decision. T. McQuillin requested a meeting between the Chief Administrative Officer, the Co-Chairs, and any relevant staff members to further discuss the issue, prior to proceeding. L. Palubeski and D. Saunderson responded to questions, noting the memo outlines the rationale for the decision. It was further noted that the coordination and municipal coordination in the Committee is an administrative decision and is outside the jurisdiction of the Committee. In response to further questions, D. Saunderson advised as per the reference in the existing Terms of Reference, Kitchener is not requesting the committee be dissolved, following this term of GRAAC, Kitchener will no longer be a participating municipality. T. McQuillin then requested further clarification of when members would be provide honorarium 2 compensation. L. Palubeski further advised staff would be willing to review the letter for further consideration and requested that it be emailed to her. Councillor C. Huinink and F. Sadatsharifi expressed support for a future meeting and further rationale related to Kitchener's decision. 4.4 The Built Environment Sub Committee Report City of Kitchener 0 475-500 King Street - met with staff regarding the lack of an accessible path of travel - a number of obstructions were noted i.e. shrubs, trees. o Urban wayfinding is confusing - volunteer recommend longer tactile strips with decision trees as a solution o Staff were great to work with and seem to understand the issues and will be bringing the committee back to re-evaluate City of Waterloo • Visit to Housing Project o Visited a completed housing unit in order to take back ideas for a housing project happening in the City of Waterloo 5. Recess and Reconvene GRAAC then recessed and reconvened. 6. Discussion Items (Cont'd) 6.1 Annual Status Update - Woolwich Township Comments/Feedback • Some projects needed to be deferred to next year due to budgetary constraints. Committee expressed disappointment about this decision • Was the committee consulted about the park updates? Park updates were part of the multi year plan that was shared with the committee detailing upcoming plans. Committee recommended reviewing park plans with the Built Environment sub committee prior to construction 6.2 Website Refresh - City of Kitchener Comments/Feedback • New Search Functionality being introduced to the website 3 • MuniciPALAI Testing • Need help with user testing from the committee • Will screen readers work with this technology - Staff to confirm with the vendor and report to the committee • The testing link was shared - https-//kitchener-dev-fe.hgdemo.com/ 6.3 Website Refresh - City of Waterloo Comments/Feedback • Relaunching website, as current website is seven years old • Starting from ground zero • Govstok is replacing (Create in most municipalities • Modernize content to work with Al and voice search • Accessibility issues with current website are still a problem, that staff are hoping to address with the new site • Accessibility audit currently being done by Accessibrand • If you don't have a computer, can you still access the site with a phone? Staff currently looking into that feature and will update as soon as possible 6.4 Official Plan - City of Kitchener Comments/Feedback • Status update on Kitchener 2051 • Process to update the current official plan • Equity lens will be part of the process • Making communities more walkable a good idea, but roundabouts are not ideal for that • Transportation staff to be invited to consult on the Transportation Master Plan 7. Information Items 7.1 Region's Plan and Budget Engagement - Region of Waterloo 7.2 Terms of Reference update 4 The Chair noted there were additional questions raised to the Terms of Reference which were not responded to in the initial discussion. T. Cooper shared the questions from T. McQuillin related to the honorarium and delegation process. L. Palubeski advised that communication was sent out related to the honorarium, noting all members that expressed interest in the payment would receive them at the end of December. L. Palubeski and D. Saunderson provided further information on the delegation process, noting members of the committee are not required to register to speak, rather they are permitted to address any matter on the agenda when acknowledged by the Chair. It was further noted that instructions were included on the agenda to provide further information about delegate registration. 8. Adjournment Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie - man is.mckenzie(a-)-kitchener.ca Next Regular Meeting - December 18th, 2025, at 1:30pm, Hybrid - Conestoga Room, Kitchener City Hall 5