HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Development - 2003-10-22ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
October 22, 2003
11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Conestoga Room, Main Floor, Kitchener City Hall
Attendance:
Staff:
Regrets:
Mayor, Carl Zehr
Jane Jantzi
Peter Benninger
Lawrence Bingeman
Henrik Noesgaard
Hans Pottkamper
Howie Budd
George Borovilos
Patricia Bacon
Jeff Willmer
Councillor, Berry Vrbanovic
Manfred Conrad
Shawky Fahel
Glenn Scheels
Peter Cook
Councillor, John Smola
Councillor, Christina Weylie
Scott Baird
Joan Euler
Robert Morgan
Carla Ladd
Ray Robinson
Paul Kuntz
Approval of Minutes of September 24, 2003
Minutes of September 24th, 2003 were approved as written.
Moved by Henrik Noesgaard
Seconded by Hans Pottkamper
Carried
2. Downtown Strategic Plan
Glen Richardson, Manager of Downtown Development, by powerpoint, presented an
update on the Downtown Strategic Implementation Plan for the purpose of obtaining
feedback from EDAC prior to it's completion.
The 3-5 year Plan covers five key areas:
· Vision
· Land use districts
· Neighbourhoods
· Urban design
· Urban issues
Trends over the past 5 years, current opportunities, and challenges such as downtown
perception were also discussed.
Comments:
· Traditional retail doesn't work
· Office vacancy rates are increasing
· What impact is post secondary education having on the core?
· What is the main engine driving success in the downtown?
· Capitalize on what's working
· Children's Museum has attracted over 10,000 visitors since opening September 27th
· What pushes/pulls retail? How can be influence unique retail and boutiques?
· Be pro-active and clear on vision through branding of districts
· Parking concerns
· How aggressive do we get to promote downtown?
· Mentoring
· Capital program - co-ordinate with the Region
· Municipal taxation
· Infill residential opportunities - municipality needs to be ambassadors to small
developers
· Thank you for visiting signs in the parking garages
3. Grand River West-Open House
The launch for Grand River West to be held November 13th - 8am-9am, Conestoga
Room, Kitchener City Hall.
4. EDAC Terms of Reference
Current Terms of Reference and Appointments were briefly reviewed
· Possible inclusion of a health professional and a representative from the
transportation/logistics sector discussed
· Committee were encouraged to re-apply to keep a strong business representation
Action: Review EDAC composition and Terms of Reference, November 26th
5. Other Business
Business Heritage- February 19th, 2004
Lawrence Bingeman offered to host the November 26th, meeting and Christmas
Social at Bingemans
Meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.
EDAC Minutes
October 22, 2003
Moved by: Hans Pottkamper
Seconded by: Glenn Scheels
Carried
Sandy Curzon, Recordin9 Secretary
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 26t~', 2003
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Bingemans, Kitchener
EDAC Minutes
October 22, 2003