HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 05-04-11
COMPASS KITCHENER MINUTES
May 4, 2011 – 4:00-6:00
Conestoga Room, KITCHENER CITY HALL
Present: Theron Kramer Hanan Mohamed James Howe Tristan Wilkin
Sarah Marsh Kim Knowles Holly Duff Sam Charles
Staff: Shelley Adams Jenn Grein Mark Hildebrand Janette MacDonald
Regrets: Jasminka Klacar Soha Elsayed Chris Hyde
The Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee met on this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Theron welcomed all members
to the meeting. Official Plan Presentation was added as an additional agenda item.
1. Approval of Minutes
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Kim commented on her involvement with two subcommittees. She would like to continue with the Annual Report,
and work with the Strategic Plan if her assistance is necessary, but not on an ongoing basis.
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Otherwise, the minutes from April 6th were approved.
Moved by James, Second by Tristan.
Economic Development Presentation
2.
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Janette MacDonald, Technical Analyst in Economic Development joined the committee today to provide a
presentation and receive feedback on Economic Developments strategic planning process.
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To date, they have been functioning under the 2010 Strategic Plan, and are working towards a new plan to guide the
future of Economic Development in the City of Kitchener.
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A bit of background, the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) ran a workshop which assisted with
development of a discussion paper – subsequently taken to committee on May 2. This discussion paper is based
upon Environmental context, accomplishments to date, corporate direction and more. Furthermore, it has been
organized around three strategic themes: An innovative economy; a cool, dynamic downtown; and an inventive
approach. Each of these areas has several goals. An Innovative economy includes goals of business cluster
prosper, Manufacturers innovate and compete, Small businesses succeed, and talented workers locate here – the
last three feed into the first goal and the focus on clusters. In a cool, dynamic downtown, goals include be the best
people place in the region, be the hottest residential market by 2016, and cultivate an urban chic outdoors. This
second theme is an added layer of complexity. In the final area – an inventive approach, goals include New
developments create a clean, attractive environment, and tools enhance our effectiveness. This last theme is all
about the how! Not just enough to have economic development, but need to be innovative to grow above all. How
can we be different to be most effective?
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The clusters identified include digital media, arts, culture tourism, renewable energy, life sciences, as well as
fostering mature clusters - including finance and insurance, food, and identifying and nurturing other emerging
clusters.
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Janette then reviewed several goal statements:
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Goal 4 – Talented workers locate here - as an example – talent retraction is key, support of development
of rapid transit and intercity rail to improve connectivity for knowledge networks. Additionally, support
programs for new Canadians through support of WRIEN.
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The Kitchener Market fits in Goal 5 - it’s an anchor in our downtown, with many visiting each weekend, it’s
vital to support and nurture this, as we can access many people through this venue
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Goal 8 - New developments create a clean, attractive environment – a vital piece of this is to support high
quality urban environments including cleaning of brown fields as well as a focus on LEED to help move
forward into the future with good health and focus on our environment
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Goal 9 refers to tools enhancing our effectiveness – it’s important to continue focused research and
analysis to build an inventory of cluster-specific research as well as continue investment and work with
the Economic Development Investment Fund.
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Compass Kitchener is invited to attend the Economic Development Symposium, initially thought to be taking place
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on May 25, however will likely see a date change due to several other events taking place on the same date. Part
of this symposium exercise will ask what do you think is important in these clusters and how do we move forward,
also, what’s new and upcoming?
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Risks were indicated/identified throughout the discussion and presentation, one member inquired as to how these fit
into the strategy and how can they be depended on. Janette referred to gas prices as an example, we are fairly
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sure the cost of oil will remain high, so that can be counted on. Another example is the labour force, we would like
to encourage folks to live and work here, not just live here. As a result, a matrix is being considered to evaluate
urgency and importance. Additionally, it may be beneficial to add an additional area of risk for making decisions.
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Kitcheners past relied on automotive, which is not identified in the clusters mentioned. One member inquired if there
was any clusters that could benefit from the skill sets that are already developed in our community. Janette
indicated transferable skills will be beneficial within renewable energy, and there is a focus on retraining
opportunities within the talent strategy. Manufacturing is still active in Kitchener, however it is moving towards high
tech. Companies were looking for transition to new areas of business before the recession had come on fully. This
area has consistently lost jobs over time, and has for many years been moving into new areas of work. The city
supports by assisting connections between people and programs. Furthermore, it was suggested that the city
consider a rally for more federal/provincial dollars.
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The detailed document – to be circulated to Compass Kitchener via e-mail – contains much more information
regarding this strategy and all that has taking place, along with actions on moving forward. A member inquired about
measuring success, and thoughts on how this might be done. Janette is currently using a metrix, and would like to
expand it further. Additionally, there is also corporate monitoring within the organization that is in place.
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A member inquired about the identified clusters, was there any targeted groups for services? There is not
specifically, but this will always be an important piece in the community and could also be considered talent
attraction or Education.
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In the future, we will also be looking into aerospace and water. Right now, we’re focusing on groups that are already
here and developing.
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Shelley thanked Janette, and ‘the team’, for a great presentation and some very helpful information. Economic
Development used information received from the Who Are You, Kitchener? 2 campaign and tied it all in to this
strategy thus far.
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Please, keep your eyes peeled for an invite to the Symposium, it’s vital that Compass Kitchener members attend
and participate in development of the Economic Development Strategy for the future.
3. Official Plan Presentation
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The Official Plan was presented at a recent special council meeting along with Environics. Overall, it went very well.
Council members had several questions surrounding Environics and the survey completed, and Barry skilfully
provided responses.
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After the presentation, staff and council discussed the strategic direction of the organization, providing input and
feedback. Via e-mail two additional responses have been received to date and focus on actions relating to the
strategic directions.
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It may be beneficial to meet with Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee for a portion of an upcoming
meeting, as they are working on very similar topics to Compass Kitchener, perhaps we can assist each other.
4. Advisory Committee Gathering
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Compass Kitchener discussed a possible theme for the upcoming Advisory Committee Gathering, planned for
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Saturday, May 28. In wanting to tie in the past committees work with the newly formed committees, as well as all
the connections between the committees and the clear ties to the strategic plan, the group agreed that a review of
the All Committee exercise that took place in October 2009, using circles with key initiatives and connecting
committees would be beneficial. Further, a new diagram will be developed at the meeting and attendees will be
asked how they plan to connect though out their term. This will allow each committee attending the gather to review
the key priorities both in their workplan as well as in other committees workplans, to better understand the gaps and
overlaps between the advisory committees through the exercise, and work to avoid duplication instead encouraging
committees to work together.
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Theron and Sarah will present the Strategic Directions.
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At the meeting, committees will review the old diagram, identify top areas of focus for their committee this term,
listing the top 3 on the coloured circle provided (5 mins), provide brief info on these top priorities (2 mins) then
discuss in their groups connections their committee has with other committees (5 mins). Each committee will have
an opportunity to draw a connecting line to committees they feel they connect with. They will then be asked to
discuss with their group, and with others, how they will connect.
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An additional question was suggested – how did they use this exercise the first time it was completed? This can be
discussed when each of the group is identifying priority items.
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In the first exercise, Compass Kitchener identified connecting with only the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory
Committee. Members were curious as to why this was. Clarity was provided, Compass Kitchener truly connects
with every committee, given the Strategic Directions for the organization and the Reportcard produced annually. At
that time, the connection was strongest between Compass Kitchener and Safe and Healthy.
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Action:
Jenn to work with Theron and Sarah to update the presentation for the advisory committee gathering taking it from
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20 mins down to 10.
Jenn to connect with staff to see if they used this exercise and made connections with other committees
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5. General Business
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A ‘Downtown After Dark’ Janes Walk took place on Saturday night, arranged by Sue Weare with the Safe and
Healthy Advisory Committee and Juanita Metzger with Community Justice Initiatives. They had a great turn out of
over 60 people.
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Shelley reminded the group about an event on May 18 – Innovators in Action Speaker Series, this time featuring
Chris Kang and Violetta Ilkiw on Fostering Platforms for Youth Led Social Innovation.
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CU Expo is just around the corner, although there is a cost to attend the conference, they are holding a ‘free for all’
event in the park featuring local crafters and vendors of various interesting items. Please come down to Victoria Park
on Thursday evening to check everything out!
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The group agreed to shift our June meeting from the 1 to the 8, as the Economic Development symposium may be
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rescheduled to the 1, and since the Advisory Committee Gathering will be taking place on the last weekend of May.
Meeting adjourned at 5:45.
Next meeting:
June 8, 2011
Schmalz Room – Kitchener City Hall
Attendance:
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Kitchener\Compass Kitchener Attendance.xls