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Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Minutes
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Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 7:00p.m.
Virtual: Microsoft Teams
Roll Call:
Present:
B. Neblett (Chair)
A. Tesluk
D. Watt
R. Hooper
S. DeGrace
S. Paguirigan
S. DeGrace
Regrets:
Councillor Anderson
K. Kassirer
P. Gunti
T. Shomar
Also Present:
N. Balakumar – Staff Liaison
L. Reyes-Grange – Clarington Library, Museums and Archives
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
A.Tesluk led the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
R. Hooper requested a moment of reflection to acknowledge a tragic incident in
Toronto earlier in the day and to extend condolences.
3. Declaration of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.
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4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Moved by: S. DeGrace
Seconded by: S. Paguirigan
That the minutes from the May 15 2026, meeting, be approved.
Carried
5. Election of Vice Chair
The Chair opened the floor for nominations.
The Chair nominated D. Watt for Vice Chair. As there was only one nomination,
no vote was held, and D. Watt acclaimed the position of Vice Chair.
6. Clarington Library, Museums and Archives (CLMA) Presentation
L. Reyes-Grange presented plans to renovate the Bowmanville Library into a
modern community hub combining library, museum and archive services. This
project will create a more inclusive and accessible space with improved study
areas, meeting rooms, children's programming, and exhibit spaces.
The design includes a social enterprise cafe, expanded staff space, and
enhanced community supports like a larger food pantry. The renovation is
expected to begin in November 2026, with a goal of keeping the library open
during construction.
Committee members shared feedback on privacy in study rooms and potential
cafe partnerships, and the presentation was well received overall.
7. Priority Working Groups
The Chair provided an update on the Diversity Leadership Bursary working
group, noting that two recipients were selected from a strong pool of nine
applicants.
The recipients, Arthika Eugene Raj and Naz Gul Ali Madad, were recognized for
their academic achievements and significant contributions to diversity, equity and
inclusion initiatives within their schools and communities.
It was noted that selecting the final recipients was challenging due to the high
caliber of applicants. Staff will move forward by submitting the recipients to
Council for formal recognition.
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8. Staff Updates
N. Balakumar shared several updates on recent and upcoming initiatives and
events, including Pride-related activities, community workshops, and
engagement opportunities. Upcoming events include Youth Pride, an equity-
focused climate workshop, and Indigenous cooking event with the library and the
Diversity Leadership Bursary recognition at Council.
A recap of the Pride Durham parade highlighted strong community participation
alongside acknowledgement of some negative incidents reinforcing the
importance of continued advocacy and visibility.
N. Balakumar also emphasized the significance of the Pride pole wrap initiative,
which originated from the CDAC motion to explore a second rainbow crosswalk
and has since expanded to showcase symbols of pride across multiple municipal
locations. She noted this as an example of the committee’s impact on advancing
inclusive representation across the community.
9. Date of Next Meeting
There will be no meetings from July to September. The next meeting of the
Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee is scheduled to be held on Thursday,
October 8, 2026.
10. Adjournment
Moved by: R. Hooper
Seconded by: D. Watt
That the meeting adjourn at 7:47 p.m.
Carried