Frequently Asked Questions
What is an advisory committee?
An advisory committee provides advice and recommendations. In a municipal context, this advice is provided to staff as well as the Mayor, Regional Chair, and respective councils. It is important to note that an advisory committee is not an advocacy group. Advocacy is a process that lobbies for change.
I think that my local community centre needs a more accessible pedestrian walkway and curb cuts. Could I refer this to GRAAC?
The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee can hear concerns from the public through the delegation process. Before taking issues and concerns to GRAAC, though, it is important to address these concerns initially with municipal staff to see if it can be resolved at that level. GRAAC can help you get in touch with the correct municipal staff person and guide you through the delegation process. Please contact us, and we will be happy to send you a delegation guide.
The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee can hear concerns from the public through the delegation process. Before taking issues and concerns to GRAAC, though, it is important to address these concerns initially with municipal staff to see if it can be resolved at that level. GRAAC can help you get in touch with the correct municipal staff person and guide you through the delegation process. Please contact us, and we will be happy to send you a delegation guide.
The grocery store needs to be more accessible to shoppers with disabilities. Could GRAAC help me with this?
GRAAC is responsible for advising participating municipalities on the identification, prevention and removal of barriers for persons with a disability who are accessing municipal services. GRAAC does not provide advice to privately-owned buildings such as grocery stores. The private sector is required to comply with accessibility legislation, and concerns regarding these types of issues should be brought forward to the property owner or manager.
GRAAC is responsible for advising participating municipalities on the identification, prevention and removal of barriers for persons with a disability who are accessing municipal services. GRAAC does not provide advice to privately-owned buildings such as grocery stores. The private sector is required to comply with accessibility legislation, and concerns regarding these types of issues should be brought forward to the property owner or manager.
There is always a pile of snow at my bus stop and I have a complaint about sidewalk snow removal. Could I approach GRAAC for help?
Snow clearance at bus stops is carried out by the area municipality in which the stop is situated, and is an item budgeted by the Region of Waterloo. Sidewalk snow removal on municipal properties and rights-of-way are carried out by each municipality. On private property, sidewalk clearance is usually the responsibility of the property owner. GRAAC can help you access staff resources (such as bylaw enforcement), and can offer information on snow clearance policies and practices. Please contact us for more information.
I would like to approach the committee as a delegation. How should I do this?
Please contact us, and we will send you a delegation guide, which will explain the process for delegations. You may send an email to GRAAC co-chairs in the "Contact Us" section of this site, or contact staff in your municipality for more information: Kitchener and Waterloo: 519-741-2226; Region of Waterloo: 519-575-4757, Ext. 3861; Woolwich - 519-669-6005; Wellesley - 519-699-4611; or North Dumfries - 519-621-0340.
The municipality in which I live is renovating its community centre and pool. How can GRAAC help make sure it is accessible to everyone?
Municipalities are required, under Provincial legislation, to consult with an advisory committee comprising a majority of persons with a disability when building and renovating municipal buildings. GRAAC's Built Environment Sub-Committee (G-BESC) reviews site plans for the participating municipalities. Members of the public are able to attend and observe these meetings. If they wish to speak, however, they must register as a delegation.
GRAAC defines Built Environment as
(a) designed and built man-made structures and environments, and/or
(b) access to, from and within buildings and outdoor spaces and could include counter heights, aisle/door widths, parking and signs as well as pedestrian access routes and signal systems.
The AODA will be establishing Built Environment Standards which may result in a different definition.
I would like to be a member of GRAAC. How should I apply?
GRAAC applications can be submitted any time throughout the year. Members are recruited by advertisements in local newspapers and through notices to local agencies that work with people with disabilities. Proposed members are screened and selected by a committee of staff representing the participating municipalities. An application is available on this site, or on the participating municipal websites.
GRAAC applications can be submitted any time throughout the year. Members are recruited by advertisements in local newspapers and through notices to local agencies that work with people with disabilities. Proposed members are screened and selected by a committee of staff representing the participating municipalities. An application is available on this site, or on the participating municipal websites.
Could I attend meetings of GRAAC, even if I am not a member? What if I need accommodations (such as an ASL interpreter) to attend?
All GRAAC meetings are public. However, if you wish to speak at the meeting, you must be registered as a delegation. Due to the current demand for ASL interpreters, we require at least three weeks' notice if you are in need of these services. For more information, please contact the Kitchener-Waterloo municipal staff representative at (519) 741-2226.
All GRAAC meetings are public. However, if you wish to speak at the meeting, you must be registered as a delegation. Due to the current demand for ASL interpreters, we require at least three weeks' notice if you are in need of these services. For more information, please contact the Kitchener-Waterloo municipal staff representative at (519) 741-2226.