HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2018-09-27Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2018
Location: Conestoga Room, City of Kitchener
Present: Sharon Giles (Co -Chair), Rob Bender, Brenda Robinson, Donna Hartzler, Mike
Shipley, Rhonda -Marie Parke, Dawn Clelland, Councillor Sue Foxton (Region of Waterloo),
Councillor Yvonne Fernandes (City of Kitchener), Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener, City of
Waterloo), Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Melanie Garbarz (Region of Waterloo)
Regrets: Councillor Bob Mavin (City of Waterloo), Jeff Smith (Township of Woolwich), Sanjay
Govindaraj (Region of Waterloo), Greg Moore (Co -Chair), Keri Cameron, Jolene MacDonald,
Andrew Tutty, Gail Brundson, Paula Saunders, Ben Benninger, Ashley Sage (Township of
North Dumfries), Tracey Murray (Township of Wilmot)
Absent: Amy Harron (Township of Wellesley)
Guests: Anna lee Sangster (City of Waterloo), Amanda Stellings, Helena Foulds (City of
Kitchener), Judy Mann Miedema (Region of Waterloo)
Welcome and Introductions
Sharon called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m.
Round table introductions
2.0 Approval of June Minutes and September Agenda
Amendment to June minutes — Sharon Giles chaired the June meeting
Motion to accept the amended June minutes — moved by Donna and seconded by Mike, carried
and September Agenda — moved by Donna, and seconded by Mike, carried.
3.0 Declarations of Pecuniary Interests
None
4.0 Waterloo Park Wayfinding
Anna lee Sangster and Amanda Stellings from the City of Waterloo shared with the group that
the minimum standards for the Wayfinding signage in Waterloo Park has been established.
They have come to the committee with questions around establishing criteria for future signage.
Two questions posed to the committee:
1. Which accessible icon does the committee feel should be used, the still icon or the
ETR • • s
The committee consensus is that a combination of both the still icon and the motion icon
would be their recommendation.
2. Beyond the requirements that exist, what should we consider that would assist in
making wayfinding in Waterloo Park more inclusive and accessible?
The committee suggested some sort of markings at the crossroads or mile makers in
case of emergencies.
Discussion ensued around various phone apps available. Dawn will speak to CNIB
specialist regarding apps. Anna lee to connect with Lolita regarding a potential survey.
It was noted that not everyone with disabilities have phones. Comment regarding
including pictures and having the sign speak to person by pressing a button would
benefit persons with developmental disabilities. Presenters to come back in the future
potentially. Anna lee will contact Dawn for CNIB response. Any thoughts or ideas please
pass on to Lolita.
5.0 Kitchener Leisure Facilities Master Plan
Helena Foulds (City of Kitchener) presented the Leisure Facilities Master Plan
Background
The Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) is a series of recommendations to support the city's
commitment to providing quality recreation and leisure facilities that meet the needs of the
community.
A new Leisure Facilities Master Plan is created every five years to align with the
Development Charges by-law review. The LFMP also contains key information required
to guide the city's strategic plan and business projects as it relates to recreation and
leisure.
In addition to the prioritized list of indoor/outdoor facilities funded by Development
Charges, the 2019 LFMP will focus on three primary areas:
1. Aging recreation infrastructure
2. Funding models for recreation facilities and service delivery
3. Partnerships with school boards and public/private community partners
What facilities are included in the LFMP?
✓
Community centres
✓
Ball diamonds
X
Golf courses
✓
Pools (indoor/outdoor)
✓
Hard court
surfaces
X
Cemeteries
✓
Arenas
✓
Outdoor rinks
X
Parks
✓
I Sport fields
✓
I Splash pads
X
I Trails
✓
Neighbourhood
playgrounds
✓
I Skate parks
X
I Arts/culture
X
Region of Waterloo
facilities
Questions:
1. What are the strengths of recreation and leisure facilities and/or services in Kitchener?
Pools, Community Centres, don't have to go far to find a park, PAL card, trails.
2. What current concerns or gaps exist for leisure and recreation facilities and/or services?
Lighting in the pools, specifically the pool decks; there is no contrast. Signage is in small
print on bulletin boards. Accessibility is difficult with a prosthesis. Community centres
should be open on the weekend and later in the evening. Adult change tables in every
facility and the dignity of an individual should be consideration. Active Kitchener guide
should indicate large print upon request.
3. What do you believe are the top three priorities the LFMP should consider?
1. Accessibility to include all accessible disabilities such as, hearing, vision, physical, and
developmental.
2. Adult Change Tables in Every Facility
3. Longer hours for both Libraries and Community Centres
6.0 Councillor Reports — All Councillors
Councillor Yvonne Fernandes
Rogers is now featuring debates on every candidate running for council.
Grillefest is next week $5 for drink, sausage, cookie as a kickoff to Oktoberfest and everyone is
welcome. King Street will be closed October 2-8, 2018.
Zoning and Planning are pushing for more affordable apartments from mayor and council.
Committee would like to have both affordable and accessible apartments.
Councillor Sue Foxton
Expressed her thanks to Yvonne for her time on the committee
BREAK
7.0 Region of Waterloo, Accessible Housing
Judy Mann Miedema (Region of Waterloo)
Judy presented to the committee on accessible and affordable housing in the Central Transit
Corridor (closest to Light Rail Transit line).
1. Description of the region's role:
• The Region has direct control over regionally owned and operated buildings.
• The Region has some level of influence during the Request for Proposal process.
Proposals are rated per accessibility as selection criteria for proposals.
• The Region has no direct influence on private market buildings.
Units are only given to people with accessibility issues, however, there are extensive waiting
lists.
2. Overview of the new affordable rental housing that has been built since 2009
Number of new units varied from year to year due to funding from the government and
land costs. 2010 year was the best year for new units, however, not every unit is
accessible AODA dictates15% of affordable housing need to be accessible housing as
well as affordable.
3. Summary of three locations
a) Non-profit
b) NEWO is a private developer and produced 49 units geared to seniors
c) Sunnyside Supportive built a 30 unit addition also geared to seniors with low incomes
but with accessibility issues
Discussion:
• Not all disabilities are being addressed and there seems to be nothing specifically
geared towards young people.
• Partnerships beneficial for the ability to build new affordable and accessible housing
• A paper requesting more affordable and accessible housing from the committee to the
Region could be composed and sent to Sanjay who could then pass onto Judy Mann.
Staff also suggested that when the Building code is being reviewed to provide feedback.
8.0 AODA refresher, Design of Public Spaces
Tabled for a future meeting.
9.0 Co-chair/Staff Reports
Lolita
The City of Waterloo clerks departments has invited any GRAAC members who wish to try out
the Accessible Tabulator for the upcoming Election. Contact Lolita if you are interested.
Reminder that our next GRAAC meeting will be held in the Council Chambers. Janis to email if
room can be switched back to the Conestoga Room.
Sharon
A reminder to GRAAC committee that the snow season will soon be upon us and there is a
phone number for any complaints to do with snow removal issues. Lolita to send phone
number via email to the committee.
Motion to Adjourn by Donna, seconded by Dawn and carried.
Next meeting will be on Thursday October 25, 2018
City of Kitchener, 200 King St W — Council Chamber
Please send regrets to:
Janis McKenzie at man is. mckenzie(c)-kitchener.ca
or call 519-741-2200 Ext. 7225