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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-27PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 7:15 p. m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic -Chair Councillors K. Galloway, S. Davey, J. Gazzola, Y. Fernandes, Z. Janecki, B. loannidis, F. Etherington and D. Glenn-Graham. Staff: J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services S. Ross, Assistant City Solicitor A. Pinard, Director of Planning R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development S. Turner, Director of By-Law Enforcement C. Bluhm, Manager, Downtown Community Development D. Ross, Manager of Development Review S. Rice, Development Technician C. York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator G. Stevenson, Planner H. Abel, Downtown Marketing & Program Co-ordinator J. Billett, Committee Administrator Councillor B. Vrbanovic read aloud the following statement: "This is a formal public meeting to consider applications under the Planning Act. If a person or public body does not make oral or written submissions to the City of Kitchener before the proposed applications are considered, the person or public body may not be entitled to appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board and may not be added as a party to a hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board." CSD-12-022 -CITY INITIATED ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC 12/02/COK/GS - CANINE AND FELINE GROOMING The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-022, dated February 8, 2012 concerning proposed amendments to Section 5.13 (Home Business Regulations) and Section 4.2 (Definitions) of Zoning By-law 85-1 to permit canine and feline grooming as a home business. Mr. G. Stevenson advised that the City was approached by potential business owners wishing to operate a pet grooming business from their home. Following research, staff is supportive of adding pet grooming as a permitted home business and propose 6 new regulations that would apply to this type of business. Mr. Stevenson expressed the opinion that the proposed amendments represent a balance of interests among interested parties, including concerns raised as outlined in a letter attached as Appendix 'C' to report CSD-12-022. In response to Councillor Z. Janecki, Mr. Stevenson advised that the use is to be permitted in any Residential Zone but only within a single residential dwelling and provides for 2 dogs and 2 cats for a total of 4 animals to be on the premises at any one time, excluding any animals owned by the home business owner. It was noted that parking regulations applying to home businesses will also apply in this instance with one space required for aself-operated home business. In order to have anon-resident employee assisting in the business operation the business owner would be required to have 3 parking spaces (one for the residence, one for the business and one for clients). Mr. Stevenson advised that staff had researched concerns raised relating to cats being at a higher risk of respiratory infection and no evidence was found to suggest that felines cannot be safely groomed in a home business environment. He added that by legalizing this type of business inspections of the property will be required, the purpose of which is to ensure an adequate and safe operation. Councillor Y. Fernandes raised concerns regarding the potential in the number of complaint calls received by By-law Enforcement staff to increase and the costs associated with the added enforcement. Mr. Stevenson stated that it is difficult to predict whether or not this type of business will generate complaint calls; however, he pointed out that By-law Enforcement staff currently investigate and undertake enforcement of illegal operations. He added that notwithstanding, this will also be a revenue generating course of action for the City through licensing fees applicable to the business. Mr. S. Turner expressed the view that this is unlikely to have a significant impact on staff; however, in the event a spike in the number of complaint PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27. 2012 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-12-022 -CITY INITIATED ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC 12/02/COK/GS - CANINE AND FELINE GROOMING (CONT'D) calls is experienced, steps can be taken to build this into the service level review currently underway. He added that by providing an avenue to legalize this kind of business, enforcement should become easier in that legalization will present a business owner with options to comply at the outset. Councillor Fernandes questioned if consideration had been given to imposing a distance separation between businesses similar to what is applied to group homes. Mr. Stevenson advised that a minimum distance separation is not proposed and staff would rely on market demand to determine if concentrations are occuring. Ms. Kristen Cooke spoke in support of the proposed amendments that would allow her to legally operate a pet grooming business from her home. Ms. Cooke commented that a home environment is more comfortable and secure for the animal than that of a commercially operated salon, advising that she has a separate work area in which she services only one pet at a time, cleansing and sanitizing the work area daily. She advised that the work area has been inspected and she has appropriate insurance for the business; adding that the risk of transmitted diseases pet to pet is significantly reduced in a home environment as the pets have minimal exposure to other animals. She acknowledged that this type of business should not perform any services that would ordinarily be performed by a veterinarian and she does not, nor would she do so. In response to questions, Ms. Cooke advised that she has been given temporary approval to operate a pet grooming business from her home pending a decision from Council on regulating this type of business. She stated that she has not received any complaints from the neighbourhood concerning her business and any pets taken outdoors on her property are kept on a leash. Ms. Cooke added that her business is self-operated with a grooming session taking approximately 1 '/2 hours; and the pet is normally dropped off and picked up afterward by the pet owner. Mr. Jeremy Mahn spoke in support of the proposed amendments, advising that his spouse also wishes to operate a pet grooming business from their home. He agreed with the comments of the previous delegation, adding that he had collected over 200 letters in support of legalizing this type of business. Mr. Mahn advised that his spouse also intends to have only one client at a time and they have ample parking on their property to accommodate the business. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway, the staff recommendation contained in report CSD-12- 022 was brought forward for consideration to approve proposed amendments to Zoning By-law 85-1 to permit canine and feline grooming as a home business. Councillor Y. Fernandes reiterated concerns regarding a minimum distance separation from another business, suggesting one should be set and incorporated into the regulations. She suggested that there is potential for a number of this type of business to emerge which could create problems with parking and as well, could undermine the competitiveness of existing commercially operated businesses dependent on their location. Mr. J. Willmer stated that the City took steps to broaden home business uses in 1994 by allowing same in all types of residential buildings and over the past 18 years staff has gained experience in helping to grow the entrepreneurial spirit and without problems arising in neighbourhoods. He added that it is not the City's role to protect businesses from competition. Mr. Stevenson noted that regulations governing distance separation are not in place for any other home business. He acknowledged that there is policy pertaining to distance separation for group homes contained in the Official Plan and is enforced through the Zoning By-law but noted that this is a unique use. Mr. Stevenson suggested that to deter a home business based on commercial competition may cause issues for the City given the economics of a business is outside the definition of land use under the Planning Act. Mr. Stevenson added that such regulation may not be necessary given regulations in general strongly encourage home businesses to be compatible and to fit within the existing area. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2012 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-12-022 -CITY INITIATED ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC 12/02/COK/GS - CANINE AND FELINE GROOMING (CONT'D) Councillor Fernandes reiterated concerns of constraint on staff resources, commenting that once licensing of this type of business becomes generally known in the community it is likely to generate resident concerns. Councillor K. Galloway suggested that given the limitation on the number of pets it is unlikely that By-law Enforcement will be overwhelmed with complaints and raised concerns with this type of business being compared to group homes which is a completely different use. She added that competition is a part of doing business regardless of whether in a residential home or commercially operated and was of the opinion that a distance separation was unnecessary. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - itwas resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC12/02/COK/GS, representing changes to Section 5.13 (Home Business Regulations) and Section 4.2 (Definitions) of Zoning By-law 85-1, be approved in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law" dated February 8, 2012, attached as Appendix 'A' to Community Services Department report CSD-12-022." CSD-12-020 -CITY INITIATED ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC 11/09/COK/SR - HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENTS TO ZONING BY-LAW The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-020, dated February 21, 2012 recommending proposed housekeeping amendments to Zoning By-law 85- 1 to effect minor changes, clarifications and/or corrections for the purpose of consistency in use and interpretation of the regulations, as outlined in Items 1 to 25 of report CSD-12-020. The Committee was also in receipt this date of addendum report CSD-12-038, dated February 27, 2012 requesting further changes to effect removal of Items 81 a) and 87 and an amendment to Map #7 to remove AREA 13, from the "Proposed By-law" attached to report CSD-12-020. Councillor Z. Janecki requested clarification of Item 10 dealing with materials used for driveways and driveway widenings. Ms. S. Rice advised that removing the words "colour or pattern" will allow enforcement of situations where property owners pave their driveway area with more than the maximum width and then paint the overage width with a different colour or stamp it with a different pattern and continue to park on that area. She added that this practice is currently allowed and therefore, existing driveways with extended painted or stamped areas will be grandfathered. Councillor B. Vrbanovic requested clarification as to the need to include Item 2 which would add a definition for "Driveway Visibility Triangle". Ms. Rice advised that currently "Driveway Visibility Triangle" is defined and enforced under the Traffic By-law and it is proposed to be added in the Zoning By-law for purposes of clarity. She added that there will be no change in how "Driveway Visibility Triangles" are regulated. Mr. John Heig, resident, attended to speak to Items 3 and 14 pertaining to proposed amendments to Section 6.3 of Zoning By-law 85-1, as outlined in Items 40 and 42 of the "Proposed By-law". The proposed changes provide for an amendment to the definition of a "Commercial Vehicle" to clarify that a bus exceeding 7 m in length is considered a commercial vehicle, rather than a bus exceeding 10 passenger seats; and clarification that short buses may be parked or stored in a Residential Zone provided they do not exceed 7m in length, or is a bus equipped for wheelchair access which shall not exceed 8m in length. Mr. Heig raised concerns with the size, colour and fluorescent striping that school buses project into the neighbourhood streetscape. He suggested that the original intent of the existing regulation was related to the number of passengers seated rather than as it has been enforced by By-law Enforcement staff on the basis of number of benches. He maintained that in the bus trade the size of buses is referred to by the number of passengers that a bus can seat rather than by the number of benches. He stated that the proposed amendments will legitimize staffs interpretation of the by-law and therefore, there will be no enforcement in respect to removing school buses from the neighbourhood streetscape. He expressed the view that if approved, the PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27. 2012 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CSD-12-020 -CITY INITIATED ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC 11/09/COK/SR - HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENTS TO ZONING BY-LAW (CONT'D) City would be changing the intent of the original regulation to allow buses. Mr. Heig suggested that the proposed amendments are not housekeeping and should be considered separately. Councillor Z. Janecki requested clarification of the issue presented by Mr. Heig. Mr. Heig advised that the number of benches at 10 is not equal to the number of passenger seats, noting that each bench can seat 2, totalling up to 20 passengers. He stated that the size of the bus should be what is dealt with and at 7m the buses would be allowed to stay, which he does not support. Mr. Heig further suggested that buses should be regulated as defined under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (OHTA), which he maintained would be easier to enforce and would prohibit buses from the residential streetscape. Mr. Heig also noted that there are other alternatives for parking the buses, citing examples of area schools and churches. Councillor B. loannidis questioned if the delegation was concerned with buses parked in driveways or only with those at the boulevard that may have mirrors overhanging the sidewalk. Mr. Heig advised he was opposed to buses parked in residential neighbourhoods regardless of whether in a driveway or on a boulevard, but if they are to be allowed he would want to see them parked so they are not visible to the streetscape. Mr. S. Turner advised that if a bus was parked at the boulevard with its mirror overhanging a sidewalk it would be dealt with from a safety perspective. Mr. A. Pinard added that the by-law provides that a short bus must be parked entirely on the property and is not permitted to overhang. Councillor Janecki requested clarification of staff's interpretation of benches versus seats. Mr. Turner advised that a seat is looked at the same way as a bench. He noted that this type of bus is the smallest existing in the Province and they have 5 seats down each side of the bus and 2 persons could sit on one seat. As interpreted a 10 passenger seat bus is 5 seats down each side and does not consider bodies but could mean up to 20 passengers. The purpose of the amendment is to clarify that small buses would be allowed and for ease of administration a maximum size of 7m is proposed. Mr. Turner pointed out that to use the delegation's interpretation would actually mean a smaller bus size which does not exist and the existing regulation was included in the Zoning By-law to regulate the smallest bus in the industry. He stated that if there is a desire to change from what is proposed that would be a larger discussion that would require consultation among all interested stakeholders as the current practice has existed for a number of years. Mr. Turner provided clarification of the definition under the OHTA, advising that it does not distinguish a bus between size or seats and if used would effectively prohibit all buses regardless of size which is a significant change from what is allowed and would require larger discussion. Mr. G. Stevenson further advised that using the OHTA definition would not be advisable as it may create situations where a large motor coach would be allowed simply because it is not a bus. Mr. Stevenson maintained that using a maximum length is more appropriate. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification of the effect of using the definition under the OHTA and what the practice is across the Province. Mr. Turner advised that the OHTA defines vehicles and does not apply to private property, adding that there is no uniformity in practice across the Province with some allowing the practice and others not. Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned if the proposed amendments have any impact to the Official Plan review process and Mr. Pinard advised that there is no adverse effect, noting that the scale of the proposed housekeeping amendments are currently allowed under the existing Official Plan, as well as included in the draft Official Plan. On motion by Councillor B. loannidis - itwas resolved: PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2012 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-12-020 -CITY INITIATED ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC 11/09/COK/SR - HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENTS TO ZONING BY-LAW (CONT'D) "That Zone Change Application ZC11/09/COK/SR (Housekeeping By-law) representing comprehensive changes to Zoning By-law 85-1, be approved in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law" dated February 21, 2012, attached to Community Services Department report CSD-12-020, save and except that items 81 a) and 87 be removed and Map #7 be amended to remove AREA 13 from the said "Proposed By-law" as outlined in Addendum Report CSD-12-038." CAO-12-006 -DRAFT OFFICIAL PLAN - ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE - RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT'D) The Committee considered Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-12-006, dated February 7, 2012 concerning recommendations advanced by the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC) in respect to the draft Official Plan. Mr. Don Bourgeois presented the findings of ACAC and asked that the recommendations advanced by the Advisory Committee be reviewed by Planning staff in consultation with representatives of ACAC. The recommendations advanced request consideration of inclusion of the following within the Official Plan: a stronger conceptual approach of the creative sector as an economic sector; encourage and direct clustering of the creative sector similarly as provided for other industrial sectors; existing land use for arts and culture facilities be protected through such means as designating properties for "institutional" use, eg. Conrad Centre; reference cultural planning documents such as CulturePlan I, II and any future culture plans, in addition to public art policies, as rationales for elements related to arts and culture and the creative sector in general; incorporate Municipal Cultural Planning (MCP) "language" and critical concepts, such as cultural mapping, and include same as part of any secondary planning of neighbourhoods including the downtown; housing-related policies to ensure a range of options available adjacent to clusters and along transportation routes for access to employment and for audiences; stronger, more direct language to protect and enhance land use for creative sectors and amendments to definitions to clarify cultural and like facilities are not limited to publicly-owned and operated facilities, or are not limited to "quality of life"; issues around "diversity" and "multi-culturalism" be addressed separately from "arts and culture" or the creative sector; and the Civic District not be available for residential use and the land be designated for institutional use including surplus City-owned lands. Councillor Z. Janecki requested clarification regarding the suggested direction related to employment lands for the creative sector. Mr. Bourgeois advised that the intent is to have private sector lands viewed as employment lands for the creative sector and to ensure that facilities currently used for cultural purposes will continue to be used in that manner regardless of ownership unless an application is made for an amendment to the Official Plan. Councillor Janecki requested clarification of what is intended in regard to reference to the downtown as it relates to employment lands, stating that cultural objectives already exist there. Mr. Bourgeois stated that the intent is not to say that they should not be there but rather to ensure those uses continue as it does for other areas, citing an example of industrials lands that are preserved specifically for industrial uses. Councillor Y. Fernandes requested clarification of what is intended in reference to proposed designation of cultural facilities. Mr. Bourgeois advised that it is suggested certain properties, such as the Conrad Centre, be designated as "institutional" so it would continue to be used a cultural venue but it is not intended to say such use could never be changed; rather the intent is to put in place a process for change whereby an application for amendment to the Official Plan would be required. Councillor F. Etherington questioned in reference to the type of cluster development proposed, if there are examples of other cities where this has proven to be the case. Mr. Bourgeois advised that other cities had been looked at, such as Markham and Toronto, wherein emphasis has been placed on the creative sector as an economic driver. Councillor Etherington questioned if ACAC sees the Civic District as an appropriate place for cluster development. Mr. Bourgeois stated that if a redesign was being undertaken, they would not PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2012 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. CAO-12-006 -DRAFT OFFICIAL PLAN - ARTS AND CULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE - RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT'D) view the Civic District today as an appropriate location but would see the downtown as appropriate. He added that cluster development creates an area where people can meet, relate and grow commerce. Mr. A. Pinard advised that staff is generally supportive of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee and agree that the creative sector is important as an economic driver. He stated that it is staff's intent to follow-up with ACAC to fully understand their requests and will look at same in conjunction with all other comments received on the draft Official Plan. Mr. Pinard added that Planning staff will also include Economic Development staff in discussions as many of ACAC's recommendations relate to economic issues to ensure all Corporate initiatives are aligned. He noted that reference to employment lands as used is somewhat problematic but staff will assist in devising an appropriate term. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned what zoning has to do with the Conrad Centre. Mr. Pinard advised that the Official Plan provides policy around the basis for new or changed regulations; however, existing zoning prevails if the Official Plan policies are changed after the fact. Mr. Pinard added that downtown zones allow a broad range of uses including the Conrad Centre property. Councillor Gazzola questioned how the Centre can be protected as an arts and cultural use if the zoning permits a variety of uses. Mr. Pinard advised that this issue is still being reviewed, noting that at this time a reduction in uses would amount to down-zoning which is used sparingly and can invite appeals. He added that staff in championing a certain direction can strongly encourage one use over another. Councillor Fernandes questioned how many other Advisory Committees have reviewed the draft Official Plan and Mr. Pinard advised that all had been given presentations on the Plan but not all have provided detailed written comments. Councillor Fernandes requested clarification as to when the draft Official Plan is coming forward for Council's consideration and Mr. Pinard advised that June 2012 is targeted; however, a second draft may be needed delaying consideration to the fall, and is dependent on what transpires in respect to Region of Waterloo initiatives. Mr. R. Regier referred to ACAC's reference to the Civic District as a single use district, stating that while he understands the premise of employment lands for arts and culture, within the downtown mixed uses is seen as a superior development form that encourages more vitality in the urban fabric; and he pointed out that there are few examples of purely entertainment districts. He stated that this is not to say that it is not important to identify the creative sector as an economic driver but he was of the opinion it could be done within a mixed use environment. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes - itwas resolved: "That the issues addressed in the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee report, attached as Appendix A to Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-12-006, be considered for inclusion in the Draft Official Plan." 4. CAO-12-010 -DOWNTOWN KITCHENER ACTION PLAN (2012-2016) The Committee considered Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-12-010, dated February 21, 2012 recommending approval of the Downtown Kitchener Action Plan (2012-2016). Ms. Margarida Anao, Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area (DKBIA), advised that the DKBIA Board of Directors was fully engaged in the development process of the plan and has reviewed all of the data. The Board and its membership supports the proposed Action Plan as a means to build on current momentum in the downtown and is prepared to work with the City on implementation of the plan. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27. 2012 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CAO-12-010 -DOWNTOWN KITCHENER ACTION PLAN (2012-20161 (CONT'D Mr. C. Bluhm and Ms. H. Abel presented details of the Action Plan which focuses on 4 key themes, being: an amazing King Street experience; new urban neighbourhoods; an innovation district; and fostering a collaborative community. Mr. Bluhm explained the concept of the proposed Asset Based Approach which focuses on community assets that are stimulating vibrancy and accelerate positive change, citing an example of the recent King Street streetscape project. Ms. Abel reviewed aspects of public input including the timeline, results of an on-line survey and use of social media. Public consultation produced 10 overarching themes related to the downtown, including: maintain a unique urban feel; attract more people; attract a major grocery store; attract unique stores and restaurants; more residential development; attract a movie theatre; build on momentum around King and Victoria Streets; continue clean up and enhance streets, buildings and overall image; grow live music scene; and continue to foster a strong sense of community. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned what is encompassed in the survey results under the category "Other". Mr. C. Bluhm advised that these mostly comprise one-off suggestions with no real pattern, but also includes comments related to the Victoria Park Boathouse live music venue wherein supporters of the Boathouse took opportunity to use the survey to advance their opinions. Councillor K. Galloway questioned if the boathouse comments may have swayed survey results. Mr. Bluhm advised that he did not believe so, noting that in the 4 focus groups many of the individuals who are non-participants in the Boathouse issue still expressed views that live music is important to the downtown. In response to Councillor D. Glenn-Graham, Mr. Bluhm advised that the City intends to partner with the DKBIA to expand upon live music entertainment in the downtown. He noted that the primary focus last year was to draw persons out during their lunch hour and consideration is now being given as to how to move into evening hours and into restaurants and pubs as well. Mr. Bluhm also spoke to pedestrian counts advising that foot counts have tripled over the past 5 years, up from approximately 3,000 during the day to 8,900. Councillor S. Davey inquired who make up the 504 survey respondents. Mr. Bluhm acknowledged that it is not a representative sample, with approximately 40% in the 20 to 35 age group and approximately 40% in the 35 to 54 age group, and low numbers in the under 20 and over 65 age groups. The survey asked the question as to where respondents lived, using the area across Westmount Road to the Conestoga Expressway and the data indicates a 1/3 split between those who do not live or work in the downtown; those who either work or live there; and those who do both. Councillor Davey suggested that more response is needed from those working /living outside the downtown area given their negative association with the downtown. Councillor Davey requested clarification in respect to reference to independent franchise versus chain stores. Mr. Bluhm stated that it is not particularly that they be independently owned but rather there is an interest in attracting retail opportunities that are unique to the City and the Region as a whole. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned how confident staff is that the results are reflective of a community majority. Mr. Bluhm stated that he was highly confident that the results are reflective of the larger community and is the reasoning behind deciding to make use of unsolicited social media. Mr. Regier added that on a scale of community engagement this process drew as many as expected during the 4 month consultation period, and has garnered similar results to that received during consultations on the King Street streetscape project, Centre Block and draft Official Plan. He stated that significant effort was made to engage the community through a variety of mediums and while not a randomized sampling it was his view the number of responses is more than valid. Mr. Regier added that the City could engage a polling company to do a randomized survey but this process would be expensive and it was his view the City has gotten good response for much less cost. Councillor F. Etherington commented that he was satisfied that the results represent a good mix of people. He referred to the negative perceptions of those living outside the downtown, noting that those living in the core do not share those sediments and suggested that those outside the core are being influenced by fear itself. Mr. Bluhm continued his presentation, giving an overview of the 4 key themes. The first focuses on creating King Street as a regional destination and Mr. Bluhm commented that if this PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2012 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER CAO-12-010 -DOWNTOWN KITCHENER ACTION PLAN (2012-20161 (CONT'D objective can be achieved it would meet expectations of the larger community. In respect to new urban areas, it is proposed to create three new neighbourhoods based on a sustainable urban design, including the Centre In The Square and Victoria Park areas, as wells as privately owned lands on King Street, south of Cedar Street, where there is interest in creating a unique mixed-use neighbourhood. Thirdly, Mr. Bluhm advised that development of an overall rebranding and marketing strategy is planned for the former Warehouse District as an Innovation District; and finally, fostering collaboration and innovation will continue through various mediums to promote value and a sense of community within the downtown. Mr. Bluhm stated that the Action Plan is important to provide leadership and direction for urbanization of the downtown, fostering civic pride, growing assessment base and engaging community building. Councillor Davey referred to statistics provided on the number of residents, residential units existing and/or planned and the rental vacancy rates for the downtown, raising concerns with the sizable deficit. He questioned how the City can get information out to encourage growth in the downtown. Mr. Bluhm stated that significant discussions have been held concerning the plan with the development industry and there is interest from within the private sector. He added that the City needs to think strategy and act aggressively on the three neighbourhoods referred to which can serve to fill the void. Councillor Davey questioned if connections are made with developers from outside the Region. Mr. Bluhm advised that connections are not made in a formal way but noted that as part of the Civic Centre RFP process staff visited the Toronto area and met with interested parties, resulting in a number of the responses to that RFP coming from Toronto based or affiliated companies. Mr. Bluhm added that while staff is not saying that local industry could not achieve desired results, Toronto based companies could bring added expertise. Councillor Davey suggested that within the next year, effort should be made to have an in-house focus group consisting of those working/living outside the downtown to understand and determine how negative barriers can be dismantled. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham questioned if thought has been given to developing a report card template to show progress. Mr. Bluhm advised that previously staff have used a report card template known as the 'Trends Communicator' on the downtown and staff will look at developing a similar template on the 4 key areas of the Action Plan. Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned that in the event the demographic shift does not happen as envisioned if there is an out or a secondary plan. Mr. Bluhm stated that achieving the goal is incumbent on implementation of the Action Plan and it will be inherent to do a good job on King Street. He added that in looking at the new urban areas, particularly those that are City- owned, determination will have to be made in respect to the state of the economy and whether it is the right time to go to market. He pointed out that this is just the start of the thought process and those kinds of decisions will be made as things unfold. Councillor Fernandes questioned that if the demographic shift is successful if this will create the opposite effect in greenfield areas leaving empty pockets in the outer suburbs. Mr. Bluhm advised that Regional staff have undertaken an analysis in respect to the impact of success of the LRT in attracting migration to the core and have concluded that there is sufficient population to replenish the suburbs. Councillor Fernandes questioned that in respect to providing a sustainable environment to attract persons from the suburbs to the core, how building facilities with amenities will be handled. Mr. Bluhm stated that the primary focus is on creating City life within the downtown and in respect to other amenities, those existing are considered sufficiently sized to handle projected growth, while others such as pools and fitness centres usually are part of what a developer would typically offer. Councillor Fernandes suggested that this issue should be considered in the event that developers decline to build such amenities because of the expense. Councillor K. Galloway questioned if thought has been given to creating a vision for the commercial areas on Duke Street similar to that of King Street. Mr. Bluhm advised that this area has not been forgotten; however, he pointed out that it is an area that will be subjected to reconstruction over a lengthy period between now and 2017 as the Region's LRT project unfolds. He stated that the reconstruction will likely act as the stimulus to start thinking of what to do in this area; however, at this time more understanding of the Region's LRT design is needed. He added that it is the mandate of the DKBIA to look for ways to support downtown PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 27, 2012 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. CAO-12-010 -DOWNTOWN KITCHENER ACTION PLAN (2012-20161 (CONT'D) businesses and the City will be working with them to assist in developing a strategy for this area. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that the Action Plan reflects well on the energy and momentum of the downtown and will serve to build on current successes by focusing on collaboration and creating a vibrant, unique environment. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - itwas resolved: "That the Downtown Kitchener Action Plan (2012-2016) be approved in the form shown in Appendix B attached to Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-12-010; and, That staff be directed to commence implementing the Downtown Kitchener Action Plan (2012-2016); and further, That staff provide Kitchener City Council with an annual update on the year-to-year progress of the plan and identify priorities for the coming year." 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 10:00 p. m. Janet Billettt, AMCT Committee Administrator