HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-27
DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 27, 2014 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00p.m.
Present: Shannon Weber, Chair, Councillors Dan Glenn-Graham and Frank
Etherington, Craig Beattie, Tania Benninger, Melissa Bowman, Eric Johnson,
David Kuhn, Lisa Polonoski, and Don Zehr
Staff: Hilary Abel, Cory Bluhm, Monika Grau, Kim Feere and Sandy Curzon
1. Information Items
Major Developments:
Breithaupt Block Perimeter Developments has signed a lease with Google for
185,000 sqft which includes an additional 2storey expansion. Permits are in process,
with demolition expected for early April 2014.
607 King St.W. Don Zehr advised that he is developing plans for the redevelopment
of 607 King St.W. If able to land a major office tenant, construction/expansion on this
site could begin as early as 2015.
305 King St.W. a new vision for this building is taking place including the ground
floor. Two new restaurants on the main floor will utilize the patio space bringing
vitality onto King Street during the warmer months. Several other leases are in
process totalling more than 15,000 sqft.
Mappedin this downtown company has developed a fully integrated system that
provides the user in a shopping mall for example to see where the store is
located, if they have a sale and eventually the store owner will know what you are in
their store for. They are currently doing a directory for 305 King St.W. and
Conestoga College.
Economic Development Strategic Initiatives:
The $150,000. Strategic Initiative Fund has been deferred by Council to the 2015
Budget.
Financial Incentives:
Development Charges approval was given for the extension of the current by-law to
exclude Downtown Kitchener from development charge calculations, and that through
the 2014 Development Charges By-law, a clear intention be established to
rd
discontinue the Downtown exemption prior to the next study in 2019. On March 3,
Council will consider the financial impact of extending the current Downtown
boundary.
Landing Pad Program - $1M has been earmarked for this program that could see a
potential 30 floors of underutilized/vacant space developed into office space for
startups. It is estimated that the immediate benefit will be a potential 30-60 new
companies and 600 jobs. But as these companies outgrow the landing pad, there will
Downtown Action & Advisory Committee February 27, 2014
be significant Region-wide job growth. The Landing Pad Program is expected to
launch by Summer 2014.
Patio Encroachment Policy changes to the current policy include reducing the cost
of patio permit fees to $100. for restaurants that have less than 11 patrons. More
than 10 patrons will pay $319.
Façade Grant Program Council has approved a 4 year extension of the Façade
Grant program to December 31, 2017.
2. Downtown Action Plan Refresh
were reviewed and then reduced to five
new actions to add in 2014:
i) Explore options for pop-up activity and events this has become a growing culture
whereby shops pop up for a few days, usually during events i.e. Chriskindl. Night
Shift is a good example of an event pop up
ii) Explore options for enhanced wayfinding this can be accomplished by simply
putting more directional signage on posts
iii) Foster a dog-friendly downtown culture as simple as providing bowls of water
during the summer months or building dog friendly condominiums
iv) making solution for Civic District
Urban Square until funds are available to develop this park-like setting
v) -
companies in the Innovation District.
Action
: Further discussion required in March/April to develop sub-committee groups to
explore/identify opportunities
3. BIA Strategic Plan
Shannon Weber presented the Downtown Kitchener BIA Strategic Plan 2014-2016 which
includes their Mission, Vision and four Priorities which include:
a) Build a positive image for Downtown
b) New proposed investments from the BIA:
Community events, live music promotion; smaller and more frequent evening/
weekend events; and Economic Development support
Video/digital media; research consultants; streetscape/beautification; and streetscape
contribution to City of Kitchener
Board Training; Bylaw review; and development of Board policies.
c) Influence a long-term vision of community development & growth
d) Foster a positive experience Downtown
4. BIA Community Grant Program
The purpose of the Community Grant Program is to encourage efforts that help build a
positive image for Downtown Kitchener. Two types of funding will be available:
i) Streetscape & beautification funding for patio furnishings; planters/flowers, public art
and decorative lighting for building facades
ii) Community event funding for block parties; arts & culture events and cross-sector
events
Downtown Action & Advisory Committee February 27, 2014
For full presentation see attached link
https://kitchenerdowntown.sharepoint.com/_layouts/15/guestaccess
l7mgkJAfJsgt3ma7%2ftZ4tri8p7GdTmh8M%3d&docid=0ca401821a8054e7495
5. Adjournment
On motion, meeting adjourned at 5:20p.m.
S. Curzon
Committee Coordinator
Downtown Action & Advisory Committee February 27, 2014