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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-14 Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Minutes If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact accessibility@clarington.net. Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026 Time: 7:00p.m. Virtual: Microsoft Teams Roll Call: Councillor Anderson B.Neblett (Chair) A.Tesluk D.Watt P.Gunti R.Hooper S.DeGrace S.Paguirigan T.Shomar S.DeGrace K.Kassirer N.Balakumar – Staff Liaison D.Perkins – Planning and Infrastructure Services S.Jennings – Planning and Infrastructure Services The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 3.Tesluk led the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement Statement. There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting. R. Hooper Page 2 Seconded by: T. Shomar That the minutes from the April 9 2026, meeting, be approved. Carried 6. Election of Vice Chair Discussion was held regarding nomination for Vice Chair. S. DeGrace was nominated but declined at this time. The committee agreed to allow members to approach absent members for consideration and will revisit nomination s at the June 11 meeting. 7. Clarington Waterfront Strategy Presentation D. Perkins and S. Jennings delivered a detailed presentation on the draft Clarington Waterfront Strategy, a long-term 30-year vision for the municipality’s 34-kilometre Lake Ontario shoreline. The strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to enhancing public access, recreation opportunities, environmental protection, cultural integration, and tourism. Key elements included the development of the Courtice Waterfront Park with new community and nature-based amenities, enhancements to Bowmanville’s West and East Beaches and improvements to Newcastle’s waterfront areas. The Port Granby lands were identified as an opportunity for environmental restoration and public education. Implementation will be phased over time, beginning with smaller “quick win” projects such as trails, signage, and accessibility improvements, followed by more complex and capital-intensive projects requiring technical and environmental studies. Committee Feedback Committee members provided valuable feedback on the proposed strategy. Concerns were raised regarding access and transportation, particularly the limited parking and constrained geography at Bowmanville’s waterfront. Members emphasized the importance of public transit options, active transportation infrastructure, and safe access routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Cultural inclusion was identified as a priority, with members recommending that Indigenous placemaking, interpretive signage, and educational elements be consistently integrated across all waterfront areas rather than concentrated in a Page 3 single location. Staff confirmed ongoing consultation with Indigenous communities to guide these elements. Accessibility was also highlighted, including the need for barrier-free design, accessible parking, and inclusive features for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the waterfront remains accessible to all residents. Additional feedback focused on community use, including the need for picnic areas, shelters, and flexible spaces to support family and cultural gatherings. Concerns were raised regarding equity in the distribution of amenities and investment across different waterfront communities. Staff clarified that cost differences reflect park size, existing infrastructure, and community-specific needs, and that engagement efforts are ongoing to ensure alignment with community priorities. Overall, the Committee expressed strong support for the initiative and recognized its potential as a significant asset for residents. 8. Priority Working Groups An update was provided on the Diversity Leadership Bursary program. Promotion efforts have been successful across schools and community networks. At the time of the meeting, three complete applications had been received, with several additional applicants in progress. The Committee discussed next steps, including reviewing applications, shortlisting candidates, and conducting interviews in early June to meet established timelines. Members were invited to participate in the review process to ensure fairness and diversity of perspectives. Additional outreach efforts were encouraged in the final days leading up to the deadline. 9. Councillor Updates Councillor Anderson provided updates on municipal and regional matters, noting the importance of the waterfront strategy as a major initiative for the community. Members were encouraged to help promote awareness and support for the project. He also spoke to the importance of representation in public institutions, including policing, and raised ongoing concerns regarding diversity and inclusion within these systems. Members were encouraged to consider participating in municipal elections to support broader representation in local governance. Page 4 10. Staff Updates N. Balakumar provided updates on several upcoming events and engagement opportunities. Members were invited to participate in events such as National Accessibility Week programming, the Durham Pride Parade, Youth Pride Durham, the municipal DEI symposium, and the Together Against Hate Durham Symposium. A Pride flag raising ceremony will also take place at Town Hall. Additional updates included planning for Culture Days later in the year, with an invitation for members to contribute ideas for programming that reflects arts, culture, and heritage within the community. S. DeGrace recommended incorporating a blanket exercise as a potential cultural and educational activity, noting it as an impactful way to engage the community in learning about Indigenous history. Staff also provided updates on ongoing Indigenous engagement efforts and noted that additional programming is being explored in collaboration with community partners. The successful implementation of the Red Dress Day awareness initiative earlier in May was also acknowledged. Additional discussion included coordination of Pride banner installations with the Business Improvement Area. Members were also informed that the next meeting will include a presentation from the Library Director regarding the Bowmanville Library expansion. 11. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee is scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with a potential hybrid format to be confirmed. 12. Adjournment Moved by: S. DeGrace Seconded by: P. Gunti That the meeting adjourn at 8:23 p.m. Carried