Burlington Inclusivity Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:	Friday, September 17, 2021
Time:	9:00 A.m. - 11:00 A.m.
Location:	Virtual

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1.

Members Present

Jim Young (Vice-Chair), Kumkum Bhandari (arrived at 9:14), Jenna Bye, Heba Lamloum, Hiba Zinbarakji, Hanadi Al-Masri, Michael Brooks, Sergeant Ryan Smith (left at 10:14), Jim Young, Ron Baliko, Denise Beard (Manager of Community Development), Amreen Rahman (left at 10:14), Salma Emam (left at 10:14), Mumba Litana

2.

Member Regrets

Carrie Overholt (Chair), Rameen Sabet

3.

Others Present

Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, Kristin Sprukulis (Committee Assistant), Haley Veronyak (Clerk)

4.

Declarations of Interest:

None.

5.

Approval of Minutes:

5.1

Approve minutes from meeting held June18, 2021

On motion, the minutes from the meeting held May 18, 2021 were approved as presented.

6.

Delegation(s):

6.1

Presentation by Samantha Romlewski, Planning Department, update on the City’s planning work around the Aldershot, Burlington and Appleby GO Stations, referred to as the Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs)

Samantha gave an update on the MTAs project. More information can be found in the included presentation as well as online at: https://www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/mtsa

The committee asked some clarifying questions.

7.

Regular Items:

7.1

Updates on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Resource Page on the City’s Website

Haley informed the committee about the opportunity to provide feedback to the website redesign.

Haley informed the committee that resources on the inclusivity webs page have been updated, but that there are a few more pieces to update such as the workplan. In addition, she is working on connecting with existing local community groups. Additionally, she noted that a communication request to update the 2021 diversity calendar.

Haley brought up the a few online events that were sent to the committee to attend if they wish. She informed the committee about the option to investigate hosting a local author for an online event/Q&A. The committee noted that cost would be the limiting factor and that it would be best to partner with another community group. Kumkum and Hanadi suggested their organization for partnership.

Haley is to follow-up with Kumkum about opportunities to partner on events with the Library. Haley is to determine the cost of having an author to determine the feasibility.

7.2

Updates from Denise Beard, Recreation, Community and Culture Department

Denise presented the staff report update.

A number of community consultations are underway:

• Community Survey
  • Denise asked the committee to participate in the community survey to gather feedback on the service levels from the City.
• Website re-design
  • Haley provided these updates.
• Budget 2022
  • Denise commented that the 2022 budget is well underway and encouraged all committee members to participate in the survey to have their say in how their tax dollars are being used.
• Ryerson Park Renaming -  Ideation is closed now.  Small group – rep from Indigenous community, the Public School Board, Ward Councilor and chair of this committee will shortlist for community voting until Oct. 1, 2021.
  • Denise noted that the committee has shortlisted some names however the naming process is going to be put on pause. Further work with indigenous community members and the public will be done.

Upcoming Events

• Truth and Reconciliation Day September 30, 2021 – Community event planned for Spencer Smith Park 3:30-6:00 PM.  Everyone is welcome to attend.
  • Denise mentioned that this time was chosen specifically to encourage children to attend with parents after school.
  • Sargent Smith asked for the contact information for the event. Denise noted she would send it to him.

Upcoming Reports that may be of interest

• Vaccination Program for staff and public and upholding the provincial regulations
• Archaeological review agreements with First Nations (ES-41-21)
• Hybrid Council and standing committee meeting strategy

7.3

Member Ideas to Start 2021 Work plan

Item was deferred until the October meeting to give members more time to review the work plan. 

8.

Other Business:

8.1

Round Table Updates

Denise informed the committee that City employees will observe the holiday on the 30^th by focusing on educational events and opportunities that reflect on the nation's past and recommit to understanding the truth of our shared history and advancing reconciliation.

Amreen spoke about her podcast being broadcasted on Cogeco TV on the 30^th as she will have a special guest to discuss the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Denise commented that she would connect with Amreen for more information to include in the events for the week.

Kumkum discussed events coming up events for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Hanandi sent Haley a flyer about the event in the Spencer Smith park on the 30^th to distribute to the committee. She also noted that her organization has been very involved with helping Afghan refugees and that she was happy to see so many sponsors. She noted that there has been an increase in racism incidents. Her organization is working on a large campaign for anti-racism.

Jim mentioned the Front-Line Porch Clap event and encouraged us all to participate.

Jenna asked for updates on the gender-neutral bathroom and the welcome sign. Denise noted that the ones at the Angela Coughlan Swimming Pool are open and well received. An update on the welcome sign will be presented at the next meeting.

9.

Adjournment:

Chair adjourned the meeting at 10:23am.