HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory 2012-10-25
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 25, 2012 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, Chaired by Councillor Dan
Glenn-Graham with the following members in attendance:, Aaron
MacFarlane, Lisa Polonoski, Frank Etherington, Alan Doherty, Michael
Falcone, Tanya Benninger, Alan Doherty, Glenn Scheels, and Jaime Yantzi
City staff in attendance:
Hilary Abel, Rod Regier, Monika Grau, Tracey
DeVille, Sandy Curzon and Adam Wilson
1. Approval of Minutes
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1.1 The minutes of September 27 meeting were approved.
Moved by:
Frank Etherington
Seconded by:
Michael Falcone
Carried
2. Committee Updates
2.1 Economic Development Advisory Committee
EDAC members held their October meeting at Conestoga College
which included a tour of the School of Media & Design. It was
noted that Conestoga College has grown 60% in the last 5 years,
making it the fastest growing college in Ontario and the School of
Media & Design is the fastest growing school within the college
system in Ontario.
2.2 Safe & Healthy Advisory Committee
Members discussed and approved the focus of SHCAC going
forward will be on neighbourhoods and celebrations.
2.3 Arts & Culture Committee
No update
3. Information Item
3.1 Downtown Marketing Updates
Hilary Abel provided committee with an overview of the upcoming
winter events for downtown Kitchener. Using a two-side postcard
announcing 20 events, plans are to reach 20,000 homes starting
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November 15, targeting families and young professionals. Aside
from the postcards, posters will also be distributed throughout
various community-wide venues including Community Centres. The
focus will be on branching out to neighbourhoods within walking
distance to downtown, especially those who already visit The
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Market and Kitchener Public Library. January 8 is targeted to be
the launch date for the next 20 events.
During the summer of 2012, Downtown Live brought approximately
175 new live performances at various locations throughout the
downtown including Yoga classes, a Ping Pong tournament, and
an Art Market – to name a few. In 2013, the focus for Downtown
Live will be on expanding the live performances and add weekend
events to fill in the gaps during the times when there are no other
major events (i.e. Blues) happening. The small niche events such
as Live from Hall’s Lane, which got a lot of interest in 2012, will also
be enhanced.
Erin Young, Acting Executive Director for Kitchener BIA, advised
Committee that the Downtown Dollars promotion will start
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November 17 – same day as the 2012 Santa Claus parade.
The BIA will be looking at expanding their boundaries
3.2 Economic Development Updates
Rod Regier was a key note speaker at Ontario Contact, a
conference held at the Delta for organizations that book
performances for theatre.
The Music Cluster initiative under the brand Music Works, has
incorporated Arts & Culture into Economic Development for the
Region. Music Works supports the vibrant, wealth generating arts
community, connecting key stakeholders. The introductory launch
was held in October with 150 people in attendance.
4. Other Business
4.1 Committee were given a tour of the Communitech Hub and a hands on
demonstration of Christie Digital’s 3D Reality Cave. Currently they are
working on a 3D rendering for the Innovation District.
Meeting Adjourned 5:05pm for tour