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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 2011-09-29DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Se tember 29 2011 ~ Ci of Kitchener The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, Chaired by Mark Garner with the following members in attendance: Councillor Frank Etherington, Alan Doherty, .iamie Yantzi, Aminia Gilani, Councillor Dan Glenn-Graham, Lisa Polonoski, Cory Grossman, Glenn Scheels, Lawrence McNaught, Michael Falcone, Don Zehr The following members were absent: Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Cory Bluhm, Kim Feere, Tracey DeVille, Chris Farrell Discussion Items 1.1 Economic Develo ment Adviso Committee U date The August meeting of EDAC was an exercise in the matrix of the symposium much the same as what was done at the previous DAC meeting. 1.2 Safe & Health Adviso Committee U date Festival of Neighbourhoods presentation and discussion abou# various safety concerns over the summer. 1.3 Arts & Culture Adviso Committee U date Na update a# this time. 2.1 Victoria Park Lake Clean-u Kim Feere advised that the design has been finalized and the prequalification's have been narrowed down. They will be looking for council approval in October. The status and future of The Boathouse was discussed and Councillor Glenn- Graham provided an overview of the situation and the next steps into the process. Councilor Etherington also advised that the question of when and how long the boathouse will be closed for is still unresolved, Rod Regier advised that he will be bringing a brief reportto council for Monday that will outline the next steps in what should be done with the facility. 2.2 Economic Develo ment Strate iic Plan U date Rod Regier and Cary Bluhm provided the committee with and update and matrix on the economic development strategy. Cory Bluhm advised that the importance for the downtown is that we need to set our goals very high for quality in order to fulfill our goal of being the most dynamic downtown, which includes great places to live, great places to work and great entertainment with a humming full of life downtown. The committee was shown the potential for redevelopment within the multi modal station area (600m radius) which could potentially see a doubling of employees and 1 or residents in the downtown. The strategy Matrix was presented and the #ollowing questions were tabled • how do we do #his • are we on the right track • are we missing any partners • what are the other catalysts that we need to consider, • we need a plan to ensure that our downtown land assets are allocated with best use practices, using RFPs to manage those portfolios The general consensus of the committee was that the strategy is dynamic and functional. -Questions regarding whether or not the expansion of the Aud should be included. They expressed the need to include the arts and cultural aspects of the downtown as well. The committee had discussion about lobbying for 2 way GO service to encourage more talent. The committee was advised that this is something that staff have been working on; however, the track capaciky could be an obstacle. Discussion surrounding the heritage aspects of the downtown were also a concern for the committee. The committee asked that the link to the heritage committee meeting with the application for 117 King. Meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.