HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory 2010-03-24
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 11, 2010 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Glenn Scheels;
with the following members in attendance: Councillor John Smola, Alan Doherty,
Peter Hammond, Jamie Yantzi, Mark Garner, Denis Pellerin, Don Zehr, Tamara
Minns, Bryan Larkin
Staff in attendance: Cory Bluhm, Sandy Curzon, Kim Feere, Siobhan Delaney,
Tracey DeVille
Discussion Items
Minutes & Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Approved: On motion by Mark Garner, Seconded by Bryan Larkin the minutes of
February 11, 2010 were approved.
Advisory Committee Updates
The following update on the Economic Development Advisory Committee:
Brownfield updates / changes information session regarding the recent
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changes the Province has implemented
Tourism Board presentation and the provincial changes regarding the
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widening of scope of tourism
The following Safe & Healthy Advisory Committee update was provided:
No update as the February meeting was cancelled
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The following Arts & Culture Advisory Committee update was provided:
A delegation from the Ontario Craft Council attended the meeting to
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discuss an upcoming exhibition and a 2 year road show. There was
also discussions on permanent space for them
The media arts sub-committee met to discuss communication between
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the media and arts events
Round table discussions with multi-cultural artists in the area to assist
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with objectives
New Business
2.1 Joint Workshop Meeting – Economic Development Advisory Committee,
Arts & Culture Advisory Committee
The Committee was advised of the upcoming joint meeting with the Economic
Development Advisory Committee and the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee for
the Arts, Business, Creativity event on March 24, 2010. A formal invitation will be
sent to the Committee members.
2.2 Reconstructing King Street Update
Cory Bluhm advised the Committee of the upcoming construction schedule for
the next phase of King Street reconstruction. He advised that the construction is
scheduled to start at King and Young Streets on April 5, 2010 weather
dependant. The construction is expected to last 9 weeks with the area in front of
City Hall to be completed by July 1, 2010 to allow for regular schedule of events.
2.3 Downtown Strategic Plan Update
Cory Bluhm provided the Committee with a hand out of the work schedule for the
downtown staff for the 2010 year.
Mr. Bluhm advised that the Patio Program is underway for the 2010 season and
downtown staff are working with business owners and the BIA to finalize design
standards.
The downtown marketing plan is coming along and staff are working in
conjunction with the BIA to develop the strategy. The landlord group is currently
regrouping with the BIA as changes in the marketing plan are worked through.
The Committee asked for an update on the property standards issue within the
downtown and were advised that a thorough walk about needs to be completed
to create an inventory.
2.4 Upper Storey and Façade Grant Update
Cory Bluhm provided the committee with a copy of report CAO-10-004,
scheduled to be presented at the Finance and Corporate Services Committee
meeting of April 12, 2010. The report is requesting that Council Policy I-535 be
amended to enable up to $175,000 in façade grant funding for 2010 and reducing
the amount for 2013 to $25,000.
He also provided the Committee with a slide-show of before and after pictures as
a result of the now completed upper storey program. The BIA advised they have
also received positive feedback on these programs.
The Committee was asked to provide a motion to either support or not support
the proposed changes to the façade program.
The Committee provided the following motion in support of the recommendation
to report CAO-10-004:
On motion by Mark Garner
Seconded by Jamie Yantzi
“That the Downtown Advisory Committee support the recommendation as
outlined in staff report CAO-10-004.”
Carried.
On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.