Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Agenda

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 1:30 P.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Waterloo City Hall - Erb Room - Hybrid

City of Waterloo

100 Regina Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 4P9

The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee shall assist the participating municipalities in fulfilling the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act by providing vision and advice regarding the removal of barriers.

People interested in participating in this meeting can email Administrative Coordinator, Janis McKenzie at [email protected]. Please refer to the delegation section on the agenda below for the registration deadline. Written comments received will be circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting and will form part of the public record.

*Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. If you require assistance to take part in a city meeting or event, please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994*

 

Co-Chairs - Tamara Cooper, Alyssa Clelland                                                                                                             

Coordinating Municipality - Kitchener

 

City Hall Parking and Meeting Room Details:
Two-hour parking is free in the City Centre Lot behind the building. Grand River Transit (GRT) bus stops are located 300m away at Waterloo Public Square, or 200m away at the intersection of King Street South and William Street.

The Waterloo City Centre entrance is available at the corner of William Street East and Regina Street or from the parking lot behind the building. Take the elevator or stairs to the 3rd floor. We will meet in the Erb Room which is located at the end of a short hall to the left of the Council Chambers. Staff will be available to guide as needed.

---

1.

Commencement

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.

Minutes for Approval

That the minutes of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee held November 28, 2024 as circulated to the members be accepted.

3.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interests

Members of Council and members of the City’s local boards/committees are required to file a written statement when they have a conflict of interest. If a conflict is declared, please visit www.kitchener.ca/conflict to submit your written form.

4.

Delegations

Pursuant to Council’s Procedural By-law, delegations are permitted to address the Committee for a maximum of five (5) minutes. All Delegations must register by 11:30 a.m. on December 19th, 2024, in order to participate in the meeting. 

5.

Discussion Items

5.1

Roll Call - Introductions

5.2

Recognition to outgoing committee members

Staff to acknowledge committee members with expiring terms

5.3

Grand River Transit (GRT) Business Plan Update

Ben Singer, Assistant Manager Service Admin & Kevan Marshall, Project Manager Grand River Transit will provide a 10-minute presentation on this matter.

5.4

Region of Waterloo - Multi-Year Accessible Plan Status Report Update

Jennifer Walker, Program Manager Resident Experience & Emily Moore, Resident Experience Consultant Region of Waterloo will provide a 5-minute presentation on this matter.

5.5

City of Kitchener’s Status Update - Accessibility Plan, City of Kitchener

LoriAnn Palubeski, Manager Program & Resource Services, City of Kitchener will provide a 5-minute presentation on this matter.          

6.

Recess and Reconvene

7.

Discussion Items Continued

7.1

The Built Environment Sub Committee Report

Paula Saunders, Member, Built Environment Sub-Committee will report to GRAAC the projects that have been reviewed and provide any recommendations of the sub-committee for the Committee’s consideration.

7.2

Woolwich Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Status Update

Alex Smyth, Deputy Clerk and Staff Rep on GRAAC from the Township of Woolwich will present a 5-minute presentation on this matter.

7.3

New Agenda Format Discussion

Alex Smyth, Deputy Clerk and Staff Rep on GRAAC from the Township of Woolwich will provide 5-minute update on this matter.                              

8.

Information Items

8.1

2025 GRAAC Meeting Schedule

9.

Adjournment