HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2026-01-22 II t NE
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Committee Minutes
January 22, 2026, 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)
T. McQuillin (Wat Rep)
H. Gillespie (Wat Rep)
K. Waybrant (Kit 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: A. Good, Staff Rep (North Dumfries)
J. Horndl, (Woolwich Rep)
L. Palubeski, Staff Rep (Kitchener)
J. McKenzie, Committee Administrator (Kitchener)
Additional Staff: Divya Handa, City of Waterloo
1. Commencement
The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee held a meeting this date
commencing at 1:30 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. Minutes for Approval
That the minutes of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
meeting held December 18th, 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 Co-Chairs Election
Ashley Good, Clerk, North Dumfries led the Co-Chair and Built Environment Sub-
committee election process.
Two (2) Co-Chair nominations
Paula Saunders nominated Alyssa Clelland and Tamara Cooper
No further nominations were rendered
Nominations were accepted. All in favour.
One (1) Built Environment Sub-Committee Chair nomination
Teresa McQuillan nominated Paula Saunders
No further nominations were rendered
Nomination was accepted. All in favour.
5.3 The Built Environment Sub Committee Report
• Met with City of Kitchener staff regarding wayfinding issues on King street
between Madison and Cameron. The developer installed "urban
wayfinding" that was reported as not accessible. Staff provided a new
wayfinding plan for GRAAC's review
• Members were pleased with the new wayfinding and provided
recommendations to relocate several decision-making trees. Staff are to
update plan as per committee suggestions.
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• Products used for tactile warning indicators are rubberized and did not
stand up
• Committee members shared that the bus shelters on the section of King
only has one entrance and requested the Region investigate further
5.4 City of Waterloo - Multi Year Accessibility Plan
Divya Handa on behalf of Amy Ross, Accessibility Advocate, City of Waterloo, led
the discussion.
Comments/Feedback
• Check in to see if there are any other updates from the committee
• Snow clearing and accessibility needs - campaign being developed to
share region wide on why it is important to keep your sidewalks clear
• Snow initiatives are ongoing and trying to do better
• Committee member suggested the Region and the municipalities may
need more collaboration for snow removal
• Looking for the committee's approval to take the plan to council -
approved
5.5 North Dumfries 2025 Annual Accessibility Report
Following consultation with the committee, report will be taken back to council for
approval.
Comments/Feedback
• Members inquired about vote from home options for the 2026 election.
They will be using internet voting, as well as offering in person voting and
a home vote option upon request.
• It was noted in the report that an accessible stone path would be installed
in the park, members clarified that the path should be stone dust. Staff
indicated likely a typo, will confirm and change
5.6 Website Revitalization - Region of Waterloo
More updates to come - working with Accessibrands
5.7 Assisted Waste Collection - Region of Waterloo
Comments/Feedback
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• Can the mail applications be sent in large print? Yes
• If renewing the application, can it be less paper? Yes, renewals have
been reduced to one page
• Is there a communication plan? Staff to take back and confirm
• Who will be reviewing the applications? Staff who are currently
processing applications
• What is the disability training? Staff are not making health-related
decisions, this is the responsibility of the medical provider. Health care
providers are defined in the AODA
• Is there an option for recycling or collaboration with the blue box providers
to avoid duplicate applications? Privacy legislation requires governments
to maintain confidential information. Residents are welcome to share their
approve applications with the blue box service as an option.
• Renewal dates? Remembering renewal dates will be up to the residents,
but the region will be flexible should a resident miss a date
6. Information Items
7. Adjournment
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie - man is.mckenzie(a-)-kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting - February 26th, 2026, at 1:30pm, Hybrid
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