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Home My WebLink AboutDAC - 2015-01-22 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 22, 2015 City of Kitchener The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00p.m. Chair: Cory Bluhm, Manager Downtown Development Present: Tyson Bond, Melissa Bowman, Andre Chin, Councillor Frank Etherington, , Amina Gilani, David Harmes, Zenia Horton, Linda Jutzi, Dean Knipfel, Jessica Kropf, Councillor Sarah Marsh, Christine Michaud, Kevin Muir, Brian Santos, Scott Thomson, George Trihenea, Brad Watson, Mallory Wheldon and Linda Zensner Staff: Cory Bluhm, Monika Grau, Daphne Livingstone, Janette MacDonald, Eric Rumble and Sandy Curzon 1. New Business 1.1 Welcome/Introductions C. Bluhm, Manager Downtown Development assumed the Chair and welcomed everyone followed by a roundtable of introductions by all members. 1.2 Appointment of Chair & Vice-Chair C. Bluhm provided a brief overview of the role of Chair and Vice-Chair, he then opened the floor to members who wished to be nominated. Melissa Bowman and Tyson Bond both offered to Chair, no other nominations were forthcoming. On motion by C. Bluhm It was resolved : s Chair of the Downtown Action & Advisory Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2015 and; yson Bond be elected as Vice-Chair of the Downtown Action & Advisory Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2015 1.3 Advisory Committee Orientation D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator presented an orientation overview entitled Advisory Committee R which outlined how advisory committees fit within the overall corporate context of the City of Kitchener. Downtown Action & Advisory Committee January 22, 2015 Highlights of the overview included: Terms of Reference which describes the purpose and scope of the Downtown Action & Advisory Committee DAAC reports through the Finance Committee, which then forwards its recommendations to Council for final decision. Meeting protocols - how questions and answers concerning presentations and delegations before committees are facilitated, debated, and discussed which ultimately could lead to a motion and/or recommendation to City Council Code of Conduct policy is in place governing the actions of members of Council and Committees. Members were asked to review the policies and direct any questions they may have to daphne.livingstone@kitchener.ca . 1.4 Downtown Overview Where w C. Bluhm presented an overview of downtown Kitchener going back to 2002 before the $110million Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF) was approved. Today we see significant investment spin-offs which include the University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy; Wilfrid Laurier, Faculty of Social Work; McMaster University Health Sciences Campus; Kaufman Lofts; Kitchener Market; The Tannery/ Communitech; Downtown Streetscape Master Plan; Breithaupt Block/Google; and various condominium projects such as Arrow Lofts; City Centre, and 1 Victoria. In 2011 Council adopted the Kitchener Economic Development Strategy (KEDS.11) . One of the key areas of focus was a renewed Downtown Strategic Plan. http://www.kitchener.ca/en/businessinkitchener/resources/KEDS2011.pdf In 2012, the Downtown Kitchener Action Plan 2012-2016 was approved which focuses on four core areas: An Amazing King Street Experience; New Urban Neighbourhoods; An Innovation District and Foster a Collaborative Community. The Plan provides high level direction to City staff, Council, and the Downtown Kitchener BIA on the priorities for action moving forward. It also provides sufficient flexibility to respond to new opportunities as they arise. Late in 2016, DAAC will develop a new Action Plan and Development Strategy. http://www.downtownkitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Downtown_Kitchener_Action _Plan_2012-2016.pdf 1.5 Role of Downtown Kitchener BIA L. Jutzi, Executive Director reviewed the Building a positive image for downtown Influence a long-term vision of community development and growth Foster a positive experience downtown Develop a sound governance system http://www.kitchenerdowntown.com/ Downtown Action & Advisory Committee January 22, 2015 1.6 Round Table Discussion a) What do you love about Downtown? Diversity people, food, coffee shops, events, etc. Sense of community throughout the various neighbourhoods Transition and improvements over past 5 years Food trucks, events Kitchener Market Kitchener Market People and their stories Where you can be humbled and invigorated within the same space Positive changes that you want to share with friends and family Vibe community building Independent bookstores LRT Walkability, bike lanes, dining options You can live, work and play without using a car s Very interactive downtown , people recently lined up in the cold for the opening of the Boathouse b) What do you want to change? Perception/image downtown Parking challenges during the week If you raise parking rates, people will make another choice walk, bike, transit Kitchener Market to be opened during the week There is a disconnect between the Market (east end) and Central Districts during the week and weekends Increase in retail opportunities Create partnerships with organizations and neighbourhoods to help partner and strengthen downtown Grocery store needed such as a Vincenzos Overall experience some areas are still uncomfortable for women http://www.downtownkitchener.ca/en/ 2. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 5:35p.m. S. Curzon Committee Coordinator Downtown Action & Advisory Committee January 22, 2015