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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC 2011-12-15ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES December 15, 2011 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor Paul Singh; the following members were in attendance: Mayor Carl Zehr, Councillors Bil lonnidias and Scott Davey, Brian Bennett, Glenn Kohler, Rebecca Short, Lisa Polonski, Peter Benninger, Darren Shaw, Adrian Conrad, Ian Cook, Mark Bingeman, Ashley Reid, Shawn DeBruyn, Jeremy Auger The following people sent their regrets: Amr Kebhi, Ian Cook The following people were absent: Dr. Takhar Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Cory Bluhm, Terry Boutilier, Silvia Di Donato, Tracey DeVille Approval of minutes The November minutes will be available in January for approval. Downtown Advisory Committee update: Overview of the survey results outlined the themes coming out ofi the information identified similar items that were recommended by the committee, discussion on the next steps. Cory advised tah the overall feel was people love what is happening in the downtown and to continue doing what they are doing. Project Updates: Rod Regier advised that the Project Updates will be available at the January meeting. New Business: 2.1 Year in Review Rod Regier provided an overview of the year in review. Highlights of the year .included, the Green Energy Act, Tour of the Hub and the Maple Leaf Closure and the Economic Development Symposium which was helpful in the completion of the 2011-2015 Kitchener Economic Development Strategy (KEDS}. The committee did a round table of what they consider to be the highlights and the milestones that the committee engaged in over the past year How does our strategy compare to Cambridge and Waterloo - is there any alignment or are we going in different direction? Their strategies would be more focused on industry specific development (mostly Cambridge) they have advanced manufacturing their policies are oriented towards industrial land development more traditional approach.. Kitchener's strategy has been crafted so as not to compete with them but to compliment. Do city staff feel they are getting the value they need from the committee and do the committee members feel they are getting the value out of being a member? Members advised that the presentations are useful but would [ike a shift to project based work. One of the challenges with EDAC being a large group is how to ensure everyone has had an opportunity to contribute. Rod Regier advised that the 5 main areas of focus could be the subgroups that are worked on -minus the downtown since that is DAC's mandate. The committee was supportive of looking into subgroup work. 2.2 20_'12. Agenda Planni~ Looking forward into 2012, the potential agenda can be broken into two areas of focus, one is continuing work on the strategy and second is ensuring response to emerging issues or projects. The committee provided the following input: • Need to keep an eye on the developments with RIM and how any changes may affect Kitchener's economy (residents, housing etc.) • Need to have the breakout groups • Concentrate on be proactive more than reactive and the subcommittees will assist in this • Tour of various facilities and developments • Continue to bring awareness of what the city has to offer • Maintain business attraction and retention initiatives • Watch developments with the Green Energy Act and the industry associated with that- take a tour of the focal panel plants • Look at closer partner relationships (CTT and the Creative Enterprise) • Another symposium type event • How do we go forward without EDIF • Ensure that members are present at meetings in order to get the most value out of everyone on the committee • Plans for future growth (infill) • Reinforce the work that is being done (arts community, collaboration with partners etc.} Rod Regier thanked everyone far their input and advised that when we put those notes together it wilt be laid out in the new year and how we go through this stuff. On motion the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.