Burlington Inclusivity Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Virtual

1.
Members Present:
 

Carrie Overholt, Jim Young, Heba Lamloum, Kumkum Bhandari, Michael Brooks, Hanadi Al-Masri, Hiba Zinbarakji, Amreen Rahman, Ryan Smith

2.
Member Regrets:
 

Jenna Bye, Mumba Litana, Ron Baliko, Rameen Sabet

3.
Others Present:
 

Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, Denise Beard (Manager of Community Development), Sue Evfremidis (Human Resources Manager), Roxanne Gosse (Committee Assistant), Georgie Gartside (Acting Chair and Clerk)

4.
Declarations of Interest:
 

None.

5.
Approval of Minutes:
 

6.
Delegation(s):
 

6.1
Kwab Ako-Adjei, Director Corporate Communications and Engagement - Naming Policy
 

Kwab provided the following information about the city’s Naming Policy and asked for the committee’s feedback on the policy:

  • The naming of corporate assets policy is up for renewal. Council would like the policy more inclusive and provide more opportunity for the public to be involved.

  • Naming of a particular corporate asset is important for reflecting community values, recognizing historical figures, celebrating diversity and the diverse voices that have contributed positively to our community, province and country, public awareness, promotion and facilitating emergency access. 

  • Naming will be consistent with the City of Burlington’s vision as outlined through the City’s Vision to Focus document

The committee provided the following feedback:

  • should be a change in the policy statement.
  • there needs to be public consultation, and more clarity about public involvement.
  • need to establish a consistent approach, to be fair.
  • consider looking at the Human Rights Code for wording.
  • Naming of corporate assets on page 2 and 3 should be diverse and a special mention to the emphasis of diversity.
  • consider preference to names that reflect cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity by honouring historically under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous communities, LGBTQ2S and other communities.
  • consider revising/reviewing the following statement so it is understandable to the majority of residents: “The selection of a name will be based on a number of criteria including but not limited to the following:”.     
  • changes to page 2 the last paragraph: preference will be given to names that: give a sense of place, continuity, and belonging reflecting the geographic location, community, neighbourhood or street where the corporate asset is located and/or; reflects those who have or are advancing anti-racism and equality “change to equity”;
    recognize the historical significance of the area and/or; reflect unique characteristics of the site and/or; reflect the type of service offered and/or;

Action:  Committee members to send additional comments to Roxanne Gosse by Friday February 26.

7.
Regular Items:
 

7.1
Welcome new members 
 

Georgie welcomed new members and all participated in roundtable introductions.

7.2
Recruitment and orientation
 

Georgie advised that:

  • orientation for new BIAC members will take place at the March 12 meeting; and
  • a city orientation session for all advisory committee members is scheduled on March 31, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The session will provide an overview of the city’s organizational structure, goals and policies. Further details will be provided to committee members.

7.3
Stakeholder Updates:
 

a.
Burlington Public Library
 

Kumkum provided the following updates:

  • online services are very popular
  • starting Feb 17: contactless in-branch holds pick-up service resumes; no need to call when you arrive
  • starting Feb 22: limited computer/printer use by appointment resumes. No browsing collections, walk-in library services, or sit & stay for leisure, work, or study currently.
  • many different virtual learning and interactive programs at the library: virtual art workshop, in collaboration with Art Gallery of Burlington; and virtual family story time for books, songs, rhymes and more. A new video is released every Tuesday and Friday. 

b.
Halton Regional Police Service
 

Ryan provided information about the Youth Advisory Council established by Halton Police. Its purpose is to:

  • be a source of positive change through inclusion and collaboration with local youth and the police service;
  • highlight police service's commitment to youth development and leadership;
  • ensure there is a point of reference within the community to guide the police in future services aimed at youth;
  • help address obstacles in police and youth engagement;
  • promote volunteering within the community and police service;
  • create youth leaders who can promote the work the police are doing within the community;
  • assist the police service in the development of other equity, diversity and inclusion programs; and
  • the importance of youth and their impact within the community, as well as building a strong relationship between the youth and Halton Police.

8.
Other Business: 
 

8.1
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
 

  • Georgie advised that the committee is currently without a Chair and Vice Chair. An election for both positions will take place in March.

9.
Adjournment: 9:54 a.m.
 

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