HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2025-12-18 II t NE
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Committee Minutes
December 18, 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)
H. Gillespie (Wat Rep)
C. Nishiwaki (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. Harron, Staff Representative (Wellesley)
A. Good, Staff Rep (North Dumfries)
L. Palubeski, Staff Rep (Kitchener)
Additional Staff: Jennifer Horndl, Township of Woolwich
1. Commencement
The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee held a meeting this date
commencing at 1:32 p.m.
1.1 Land Acknowledgement
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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
None.
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 November 27th, 2025, as circulated to the members, be accepted.
4.3 Multi Year Accessibility Plan - City of Waterloo
It was requested that this matter be deferred to January as Amy Ross was not
able to be in attendance this date.
4.4 Multi Year Accessibility Plan Status Update - Region of Waterloo
Hailey shared the multi-year access plan in the agenda package. The current
accessibility plan - they made action on all items or completed them in 2025.Staff
have made good on the plan that Council updated 3 years ago. Mobility Plus is
going through a modernization project, there is a mobile innovation being added
to help with drivers, users, infrastructure availability should help with booking and
improving access to the vehicles. The Region is also looking at acquiring
additional vehicles. Further as per the advice from the Committee, user testing is
important prior to purchasing.
Chantel advised that the taxi script policy was amended on Tuesday. Carrie noted
there was comments about why the Regional committee was not consulted
because it was a budget matter. Hailey responded to questions.
Teresa questions with mobility plus, will that tell riders if taxi or riders are coming?
Hailey noted when you are waiting the 30 minute window, should share with you
what kind of vehicle it is. Comments were raised regarding the pick up and drop
off times.
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Another key update is the Region of Waterloo website. It is an overhaul of all of
the webpages. As part of the process, the Region has engaged the public. When
the website goes to testing GRAAC will be invited to participate. The Region is also
working with a local accessibility company to assist with the redevelopment of the
website.
The other updates - the Region now has an accessibility lead, which is a full time
role. When we start to proceed with the next multi-year accessibility plan that will
be approved in 2027, she will be consulting with the Committee, during that plans
development.
Carrie raised phone use and voice prompts rather than tactile use and requested
that be considered through the development of the Regional Accessibility Plan.
Sidewalk snow clearing sucks - is this included in the multi-year accessibility plan.
Hailay that not included in the existing three year plan, but it may be something
that could be considered through a future plan as a priority area, but he may be
helpful to reach out to the Transportation folks outside of this committee. Terasa
would like to see snow clearing prioritized immediately.
Chantel advised that Regional Council will be reviewing a snow removal strategy
in the new year. Sandra advised City of Waterloo Council spoke about snow
clearing at meeting recently, and are due to get a report back on that matter.
4.5 TTY Usage - Region of Waterloo
Hailey advised that the Region of Waterloo is thinking about eliminating TTY, less
than 1 person on average per month that use this service. Hailey noted 700
accidental calls come to that number once a month. It is actually not good customer
service. There is a National Access Committee that work with deaf and hard of
hearing, most do not prefer it as their preferred mode of communication. Those
folks only use TTY to connect with levels of government and maintain that usage
for that purpose. Toronto has removed it and they have not received any
complaints with the removal of that service. Customers are using email and chat
as their preferred mode of discussion. Data says that no one would like to use it
and for anyone interested in using it, they could use bell relay, which would allow
the ability to connect.
Chantel noted it would be her preference to see multi-options for access.
4.6 The Built Environment Sub Committee Report
Paula - City of Waterloo was looking at uptown pilot project, she went to Council
in December and it was approved. She met with several staff, BIA members etc.
that will look at how to implement that project.
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She did a walkabout at the Rec Complex to review automatic door openers to
review options for installations.
4.7 Year in Review - Gratefulness
Alyssa led the Committee in sharing thoughts that they were grateful for in 2025.
5. Information Items
5.1 None.
6. Adjournment
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie - janis.mckenzie(a-).kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting - January 22nd, 2026, at 1:30pm, Hybrid
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