HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory 2010-09-09
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
September 9, 2010 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Glenn Scheels; with the
following members in attendance: Alan Doherty, Bernie Nimer, Bryan Larkin, Councillor
Christina Weylie, Denis Pellerin, Lisa Polonoski, Mark Garner, Peter Hammond, Tamara
Minns
Staff in attendance: Cory Bluhm, Kim Feere, Sandy Curzon, Siobhan Delaney
Discussion Items
Minutes & Agenda
Approval of Minutes
There were no minutes for approval.
Advisory Committee Updates
The following update on the Economic Development Advisory Committee:
?
CTT discussed roles and strategies for their new 5 year plan, after their
leaders and stakeholders met to determine specific objectives for the future.
?
A new white paper plan is scheduled for February 2011, the result of a
combined effort between new council members, CTT, and the Economic
Development department.
There was no update provided for the Safe & Healthy Advisory Committee.
The following Arts & Culture Advisory Committee update was provided:
?
The priorities of the culture plan are as follows:
1) The City’s role in the development of arts and culture
2) The development of strategies for youth engagement in the arts
3) The development of a feasibility study regarding a downtown multi-use
arts centre
?
Attendance numbers for Tapestry 2010:
50,000 for the main festival
15,000 for additional activities
New Business
2.1 Application for Appointment to DAC 2011-2012
Applications for DAC 2011-2012 must be submitted to the Clerks department no later
then October 1/10. For those members who wish to re-apply, Tracey will look into
tenures and provide you with the details.
2.2 Evaluation of New DAC Meeting Format
Upon evaluation of the new meeting format (first hour for discussion, second hour for
working groups) it was noted that from the City’s perspective this format provides better
input. Group members agree, and find this format to allow for more contribution.
2.3 Economic Development Updates
?
Construction of the Hub is almost complete and the open house will be
scheduled for either late September or early October.
?
Construction of the new sales office for the City Centre Condos is scheduled for
completion by November, and is aiming to be open for business by January. The
Artery Gallery will become an additional sales office in the mean time, to handle
pre-registration only, as there will be no public sales until the model office is
ready.
?
With the addition of Google and the Hub, we have been seeing an influx of
opportunities to introduce the tech world to downtown Kitchener.
?
Go Transit now has an RFP out for platform work.
?
The retail space in the Tannery is almost at capacity, with only 2 units left to rent.
2.4 Update on Downtown Strategic Plan
?
We are currently undertaking research for the City owned land strategy, and
hope to have it ready for the new council.
?
The retail attraction strategy is currently in the preparatory stage. Marketing
materials are now being created, and there has already been a great deal of
interest from outside Waterloo Region (e.g.) Oakville, Toronto, London.
?
Three more façade projects have been completed. TCBY, the retail unit beside
Casablanca, and the Conrad Centre (new signage and video display). Projects
currently under way include: The Silver Spoon, and McCabe’s.
?
New downtown events for this year include: Downtown Live (more than 75
outdoor live performances), and the KOI Music Festival (140 bands, 1 day in
September).
?
The patio program resulted in 10 new patios this summer, with very positive
results. We will be fine tuning the program for next year.
?
The sanitation strategy is currently underway, between the City and the BIA.
2.5 Civic District Urban Square
?
Three different concepts were provided for public consultation, and all three were
equally favoured. In response, the positive aspects of each concept were then
taken and put into one final design.
?
The square will provide two different uses – A quiet seating area for passive acts,
with naturescaping and landscaping, as well as an active open area for events
and activities.
?
The idea of adding a fountain was discussed, however since the square sits atop
an underground parking structure, it will be more difficult to control the water.
?
Suggestions for the space included the following: Easy access to power outlets
and washroom facilities, Kiosk accessibility (e.g. BBQ’s), water features, shade
opportunities (e.g. Patio umbrellas, trees), and the incorporation of the current
Mackenzie King park features. Multiple access points are a good idea, and
lighting is KEY.
?
SEPTED will review the final design for safety, lighting, etc.
?
The timeline for completion of the square is as follows: Elements and layout will
be decided now, and pieces will be added on an annual basis. The square will
not be completed all at once; however we will need to bring ideas to the table
now, to make allowances for the future.
2
3.1 Go Transit Update
Go is aiming for rail operation to commence late next year.
3.2 Subcommittee Brief
Subcommittee presentations are slated for next month.
On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
3