HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2022-01-27 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2022
Location: Zoom Meeting
Present: Donna Hartzler, Shannon Sweeney (City of Kitchener), Heather Clark-Harris, Rob Bender, Brenda
Robinson (Co-Chair), Paula Saunders, Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener), Jolene MacDonald, Trevor Tamlin,
Carrie Speers, Teresa McQuillin, Melanie Garbarz (Region of Waterloo), Ashley Sage (Township of North
Dumfries), Ilidia Sa Melo (Township of Woolwich), Tracey Murray (Township of Wilmot), Councillor Debbie
Chapman (City of Kitchener), Lindsay Raftis (Township of Wellesley), Councillor Sue Foxton (Region of
Waterloo), Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo), Berny Wesselink, Amy Ross (City of Waterloo)
Regrets: Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Mamie Sealey-Baker, Tamara Bell, Robyn Jackson
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of December Minutes and January Agenda
motioned to accept January agenda, Carrie seconded Trevor. All in favour.
motioned to accept December minutes, Berny seconded Carrie. All in favour.
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests
None
4. City of Waterloo 2021 Status Update, Amy Ross
Accessibility Policy
➢ The City of Waterloo Accessibility Policy was, updated in May 2017 and continues to be reviewed and
updated as required.
➢ The Accessibility Policy is available to the public on the city website.
Accessibility Plan
➢ In 2018, Council approved The City of Waterloo Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for 2018-2022. The
Accessibility Plan is available to the public on the city website.
➢ The annual status update is presented to the City of Waterloo's Accessibility Advisory Committee at the
end of each year.
➢ The annual status update is available to the public on the city website.
Procurement
➢ In 2021, one on one Procurement training with new Project Managers continued with a section
highlighting accessibility in the training.
➢ The City of Waterloo Buyer's Guide that is distributed to all new staff includes accessibility
requirements to follow.
➢ The Purchasing By-Law, approved by council in 2019 also references the need to incorporate
accessibility requirements.
➢ All City of Waterloo RFX's include an AODA clause.
➢ Project Managers are requested to include accessibility requirements in the RFP and RFT on a project
specific basis.
Training
➢ New staff receives mandatory accessibility training through corporate orientation or through e-learning
modules.
➢ Part time and seasonal staff receive mandatory accessibility training through an e-learning module
created specifically for City of Waterloo staff.
➢ The Corporate accessibility training brochures were updated in late 2017 and are provided to staff and
volunteers.
➢ The City of Waterloo is providing training for staff in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and has an
Introduction to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training program for all staff along with numerous
webinars throughout the year addressing a variety of topics specific to DE
Information and Communications Standards
➢ The City of Waterloo has statements on the website informing people that accessible formats and
communication supports are available upon request.
➢ Staff are trained to provide accessible formats and communication supports upon request. Resources
to assist staff are posted on the City of Waterloo intranet.
➢ Given the amount and complexity of websites that municipalities manage, the City of Waterloo was not
able to report compliance with the AODA requirements for websites. A significant portion of city
websites do meet the standard. A comprehensive review completed in December 2021 indicated a
90/100 score for WCAG AA compliance for the main website, Waterloo.ca. The largest issue is
technical PDF content that may not be perceivable or operable for all users. The city's plan to work
toward compliance is as follows:
o Address issues identified by the review noted above
o Review the city's other website properties in 2022
o Moving forward, conduct reviews on a quarterly basis, allowing staff to pinpoint and address
content that is non-compliant in a timely manner
o Continue to provide training to staff about creating accessible content
➢ In June 2021, the neighbourhoods team completed user experience testing for the new
neighbourhoods microsite.
o A call was put out the broader community for a paid participation opportunity to complete a
series of user test questions.
■ All applicants were asked to identify diverse characteristics.
■ Approximately 12% of applicants identified having a disability. From this pool 2
applicants were randomly selected to participate.
o Accessibrand was hired to complete an audit with a screen-reader user.
o Feedback from all user experience testers was compiled for microsite improvements before
launch.
o Content is written and maintained by team staff in plain language
Employment Standards
➢ Policies and practices are reviewed on an ongoing basis with respect to recruitment, hiring and
interviewing as per the requirements under the employment standards.
➢ The City of Waterloo job postings advise applicants that accommodations are available through all
stages of the recruitment process and candidates who are selected for an interview are advised again
when invited for the interview.
➢ The City of Waterloo notifies successful applicants of accommodations available to them through the
offer of employment letter.
➢ The City of Waterloo notifies all employees through mandatory staff accessibility training that if they do
require an accommodation or accessible formats/communication supports to do their job that this can
be available to them and that employees need to let their supervisor know. The supervisor and staff
person work together towards an accommodation plan.
➢ Individualized workplace emergency response plans are created for employees with disabilities.
➢ The City of Waterloo has 2 procedures to support the early and safe return to work of employees
recovering from non-occupational or occupational injury/illness (Sick Leave and Medical
Accommodation Procedure and WSIB Return to Work Procedure).
➢ The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) working groups continued their work to review current
practices and procedures related to accessing policies, procedures and to address systemic and
structural barriers.
➢ In 2020, The City of Waterloo introduced the Respect in the Workplace Policy and Program which sets
expectations of respectful behaviour and to prevent disrespectful, harassing, or discriminatory
workplace behaviours.
➢ Development and implementation of accommodation plans continue to be informed by the Human
Rights Accommodation procedure which outlines the process for requesting, reviewing and
implementing accommodations and supports.
➢ In 2021, The City of Waterloo hired a new Director, Indigenous Initiatives, Anti-Racism, Accessibility
and Equity. A significant focus of the work this year was to hire the three-person team to implement
this work. The Director worked alongside three community-based panels to recruit and interview
candidates for all three positions. The Indigenous Initiatives Advocate, Anti-Racism and Social Justice
Advocate and the Accessibility Advocate began their work to support the community and the
corporation in early 2022.
Design of Public Spaces Standards
➢ City of Waterloo staff consult with GRAAC, before constructing new or redeveloping existing municipal
recreational trails, outdoor play spaces, and exterior paths of travel, rest areas and on-street parking
spaces. GRAAC has developed an accessibility comments sheet for each of these areas to help staff
with accessibility considerations.
➢ City of Waterloo public consultations are open to all members of the public.
➢ The City of Waterloo Accessibility Standards document, approved by council in June 2016 prepared to
assist in implementing the Design of Public Spaces Standards, and is used under the City of Waterloo's
Site Plan Approval process and shared with developers.
➢ Annually review and update the chart, the City of Waterloo procedures for preventative and emergency
maintenance of the accessible elements in public spaces and procedures for dealing with temporary
disruptions when accessible elements are not in working order.
Customer Service Standards
➢ The customer service standards are included in the Accessibility Policy.
➢ The corporate training brochures for staff and volunteers include the customer service standards.
➢ The mandatory accessibility training for staff includes the customer service standards.
➢ Staff resources related to customer service standards are available on the staff intranet.
The Province of Ontario reviews all standards, which may require updates to existing policies, training,
manuals, bylaws etc. Because of the reviews, revisions to current standards or new standards may be
introduced which will include new requirements and compliance deadlines. Those revisions and any actions
related to them will be captured in the City of Waterloo annual status update. No revisions to the current
standards were introduced in 2021.
Consultation with the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC):
As municipal projects arise, the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee review site plans and provide
suggestions on how to best improve and achieve accessibility.
In 2021, GRAAC advised on:
➢ Waterloo Memorial Recreational Complex expansion
➢ City of Waterloo East Side Library Branch Expansion
➢ City of Waterloo Button Factory elevator installation
➢ Parkland Strategy
➢ Waterloo Park Logo concepts
➢ Waterloo Park wayfinding project
➢ Roger Street Park
➢ Northdale Parkettes
➢ Sundew Park
➢ Feedback on Accessibility Audit tool —which included GRAAC's washroom comments sheet
➢ Provided a letter of support to accompany grant application for accessibility upgrades to an existing
play space
The impact of COVID-19 on GRAAC
The pandemic continued to have an impact on GRAAC in 2021. Having successfully shifted to online meetings
in the fall of 2020, GRAAC was able to hold its usual complement of meetings in 2021 via Zoom. As in 2020,
member attendance was higher overall as some barriers related to transportation and childcare were removed
in the virtual format. Some site visits were resumed, which allowed for improved consultation on city
construction projects. At this time, virtual meetings are planned once again for 2022 and will remain until public
health officials deem that it is safe to gather in person.
Comments/Feedback
• Are there any questions? No
5. Township of Wellesley 2021 Status Update, Lindsay Raftis
Clerks
April 12, 2021, AODA Desk Audit initiated, were not in compliance with:
➢ Accessibility Policies, s. (80.46, 80.47) under the IASR
➢ Training, s. (7) under the IASR
➢ Feedback, s. (11, 80.50) under the IASR
➢ Employment policies, s. (27, 28) under the IASR
May 4, 2021, AODA Desk Audit was concluded, Township now in compliance.
Implemented HR Downloads.
All staff completed the following training:
➢ AODA Customer Service Standards Refresher Training
➢ WHMIS 2015 Refresher Training
➢ Workplace Violence and Harassment Refresher Training (Ontario)
Hired Graf-Martin Communications as the Township's Communications Consultant to increase
communication/engagement with the community.
Council approved the alternate voting method of Internet and Telephone Voting for the 2022 Municipal and
School Board Elections.
Public Works
Installed a sidewalk around St. Clements School where there was none before and implemented a student
drop off zone as well.
Replaced of curb and sidewalk surrounding the cenotaph at the Linwood Community Centre. Installed new
curb faced sidewalk on Lawrence Street in Wellesley.
Installed a new sidewalk on Greenwood Hill Road which connected a section of the multi-use trail to
another which had people walking on the road prior.
Recreation
June 2021 received $16 million in funding from the Provincial Government to support the construction of
the new Wellesley Township Recreation Centre.
Widened and resurfaced the trail along the pond in Wellesley. Barry Bender Excavating came in and
widened the train from the mill to the bridge on Queens Bush Road. Stone dust was used as the trail
surface which makes it more accessible for all users to walk on. 4639 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements,
Ontario NOB 2MO PI 519-699-4611 F1 519-699-4540 December 14, 2021, a Special Council Meeting was
held at the Linwood Community Centre where Council accepted the bid from Ball Construction Ltd. for the
construction of the Wellesley Township Recreation Centre.
Building
Implemented the online cloud permit portal to allow for an easy at home application process.
Fire
Completed the 12 Days of Holiday Safety social media campaign.
Held a home fire escape plan contest Fire prevention week activity included a parade around Linwood,
drive through the station in St. Clements, and a drive by the station in Wellesley.
Comments/Feedback
• Brenda—Thank you Lindsay.
6. Built Environment Sub-Committee Update, Paula Saunders
Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts —Went through the building to provide feedback regarding accessibility.
Toured through all floors of the facility with Walter Fedy staff, theatre staff and city staff. The facility has no
parking for anyone, the main entrance is off King Street and is accessible, went through all areas and provided
feedback for quick fixes and feedback for when renovations are planned.
7. GRAAC Elections, Tracey Murray, Lindsay Raftis
GRAAC Co-chairs:
Tracey called for nominations:
Brenda, nominated by, Teresa. Brenda accepted nomination.
Teresa, nominated by, Paula. Teresa accepted nomination.
Nominations closed. Brenda and Teresa acclaimed as GRAAC Co-chairs.
Built Environment Sub-Committee Chair:
Tracey called for nominations:
Paula Saunders, nominated by Carrie. Paula accepted nomination.
Nominations closed. Paula acclaimed as Built Environment Sub-Committee Chair.
Elections closed
8. BREAK (15 mins)
9. Election Results, Tracey Murray
Brenda Robinson, 2022 GRAAC Co-chair
Teresa McQuillin, 2022 GRAAC Co-chair
Paula Saunders, 2022 GRAAC Built Environment Sub-Committee Chair
10. Township of Wellesley Recreation Centre, Lindsay Raftis, Danny Roth
There will be a new recreation facility on the corner of Hutchison and Queens Bush Road in Wellesley
Township.
➢ Recreation complex with a lot more than one arena which is what Wellesley has now.
➢ In the complex there will be a health centre with many programs run from it.
➢ Dental Suite that will be run by Region of Waterloo.
➢ Every washroom is barrier free at minimum
➢ Washrooms located in front lobby
➢ 3 universal washrooms
➢ Accessible reception area.
➢ Elevator is located near reception and the main entrance to the building.
➢ Large kitchen area that has a pass through and is barrier free.
➢ Youth & Senior Centre — both will have barrier free washrooms.
➢ All curbs are barrier free around the centre as well as tactile.
➢ There are 2 change rooms that are accessible, and washroom is barrier free.
➢ Boards have been set up for use for hockey or sledge hockey. Boards and seats can be
removed.
➢ Accessible heights at all rec areas
➢ Universal washroom will have adult change tables.
➢ There are tactile strips that get you in building and to reception.
Comments/Feedback
• Would like to know about height at reception area.
• Are all doors automatic?
o Not all doors but most.
o Main door has sliders.
o Door to health centre and from health centre to complex are accessible.
• Have vertical bars over buttons to open accessible doors. This allows a person to bump into
the bar with wheelchair wheel or a stroller wheel.
• Please make sure things can be reached at the concession.
• Will the accessible washroom have a bench?
o Yes
• Indoor signage will it have braille?
• Changing rooms —what supports are in there?
o Benches same height?
o No lips going into shower.
• Does 2nd Floor have wheelchair seating?
o Yes
• There are two areas for wheelchairs in stands behind the seats.
• Highly suggested that there be drink holders near wheelchair seating.
• Would it be possible to have a few accessible seats on rink level 1 sc row?
• Paula offered to discuss the washrooms before they get built and to go onsite before
washroom fixture locations are determined.
• Fire safety—there should be strobe lights so persons with hearing issues can exit safely as
well.
11. Township of Wilmot 2021 Status Update, Tracey Murray
➢ Completed parking lot reconstruction at Kirkpatrick Park
➢ Working on design for accessible path at Kirkpatrick Park
➢ Added benches to Dog Park and replaced numerous park benches
➢ Replaced lighting and exterior signage at Haysville Community Centre
➢ Changed single stall washrooms to Universal washrooms
➢ Changed family change room at Aquatic Centre to Universal Changeroom
➢ Repainted parking lot lines at various community centre locations
New sidewalk installed install as per AODA standards:
➢ Between Sandhills Road and Gingerich Road on south side of Snyder's Road E, sidewalk ends in front
of 585 Snyder's Road E
Existing sidewalk removed and replaced with new sidewalk as per AODA standards:
➢ Between 256 Snyder's Road E and 348 Snyder's Road E on the north and south side of Snyder's Road
E
Tactile Plates:
➢ Installed on west and east side of crosswalk at the intersection of Snyder's Road E and Forler Street
➢ Installed on east side of crosswalk at the intersection of Sandhills Road and Snyder's Road E (West
side to be competed spring 2022)
➢ Installed on south side of the crosswalk at the intersection of Waterloo Street and Hoestetler Road
➢ Installed on north and south side of the crosswalk on Wagler Avenue (Linking the park behind Castle
Kilbridge to the park between Oesch Lane). Asphalt aprons for crosswalk on both sides of Wagler
Avenue replaced with concrete aprons
➢ Installed on southwest side of the crosswalk at the intersection of Goldschmidt Crescent and Kropf
Drive
➢ Installed on north side of crosswalk at the intersection of Ditner Avenue and Isaac Shantz
➢ Installed on northwest side of crosswalk at the intersection of Foundry Street and King William Street
➢ Installed on west and east side of crosswalk at the intersection of Snyder's Road West and Miller Street
➢ Installation of sidewalk from 90 Wilmot Street to 242 Wilmot Street on the west side of road. Existing
conditions did not have sidewalk along that location. This includes a sidewalk located along the road in
front of Kirkpatrick Park.
➢ Tactile plates installed at the two sidewalk ramps at the intersection of Huron Street and Wilmot Street
(for crossing Wilmot Street).
➢ All sidewalks and walkways placed within the Wilmot Street reconstruction project, between Church
Street and Huron Street, should be in accordance with AODA standards.
Revised Slope:
➢ The sidewalk fronting 198/192 Jacob Street has been lowered to fix their steep driveway entrance,
constructed in accordance with AODA standards
Comments/Feedback
None
12. Committee Updates
Region of Waterloo Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC)
• Melanie —shared that they have an opening for a GRAAC member.
• Terms of Reference sent to all GRAAC members in advance.
• Roll would be representing the views of GRAAC.
• A meeting once a month Tuesdays from 5-7pm
• The vetting process is different. You are already approved, being a GRAAC member. You must provide
a few sentences about yourself.
➢ Brenda— has sat on the committee in the past and offered to sit as the interim GRAAC rep.
➢ Carrie — if in person where are meetings being held? Region building at 150 Frederick Street.
➢ Melanie —Carrie will represent if able via phone. If not, Brenda will take the roll. Melanie will follow up.
13. Councillor Reports
a.) Councillor Sue Foxton, Region of Waterloo — No update
b.) Councillor Sandra Hanmer, City of Waterloo— Rounding out the Diversity team in Waterloo. Team will be
introduced formally on Jan. 31 at Council.
c.) Councillor Debbie Chapman, City of Kitchener— New working group 10-year vision for DTK there will be a
call our for members for the committee. New school bus loading zone on Montcalm Drive. Gage Street,
Belmont Ave and Seabrook Drive more guards added.
14. Co-chair/Staff Reports
Lolita — Follow up to the request for Tamara Bell to share her accessible backyard home design. Tamara will
be available in May 2022 to do a ZOOM with any members interested. Lolita will set something up for May.
Tracey— No updates
Lindsay — No updates
Ashley - No updates
Amy — Excited to be in the new role and it will be a busy year.
Melanie — Had transportation desk audit - done successfully. Thanks for everyone at GRAAC thanks for all
the feedback and input it really helped!
Brenda - spoke to My Kitchener today about snow removal position on sidewalks Teresa and Brenda in article.
Motion to close by Rob; seconded by Jolene.
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie —janis.mckenzie&kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting —Thursday February 24, 2022, at 1:30pm, ZOOM