HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC - 2014-03-26
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 26, 2014 City of Kitchener
The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by
Councillor Paul Singh with the following members present, Cory Ernst, Johanna
Classon-Romero, Steve Sachs, Thusenth Dhavaloganathan, Councilor Bil
Ioannidis, Councillor Scott Davey, Mark Derro, Jeremy Auger, Kevin Fergin,
Rebecca Short, Darrin Snider, Ashely Reid, Jamie Yantzi
The following people were absent: Adrian Conrad
Staff in attendance: Brian Bennett, Tracey Murray, Cory Bluhm, Alain Pinard,
Valerie Bradford, Kim Feere, Janette MacDonald, Chris Farrell, Rod Regier, Kim
Feere, Hilary Abel
2.1 Downtown Branding:
Cory Bluhm and Hilary Able provided an overview of the downtown branding new
website and what to expect moving forward.
The committee members provided the following questions:
- Has there been any thought of creating a wifi hub in the downtown?
3 were installed last year (City Hall, Kitchener Public Library and
o
the Kitchener Market) as well 2/3 of downtown businesses provide
wifi
- How are you reaching out to folks without access to a computer or media?
There will be direct mailing again this year
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The committee was very impressed with the look and feel of the new website and
the direction the downtown team is going.
2.2 Development Charges
Brian Bennett provided an overview of the current state of the review of the
development charges (DC). He outlined that there is a committee in reviewing
theproposed revisions to the development charges. There will be a public
consultation in April with the by-law going to council in May for approval. Council
has already approved the downtown development charges.
Rod Regier advised that there have been many things looked at in terms of
regional / provincial level issues. There is a DC credit for demolished industrial
facilities, meaning that if a building is demolished there is a credit tied to the site
for the square footage of the previous building - the region currently has a 5 year
sunset clause that they are also looking at reviewing.
The committee discussed the need for further information to assist in formulating
a resolution. Actual cost and real benefit as well as revisions that staff are
recommending, and a comparison with Cambridge and Waterloo.
Staff advised they will circulate information as it becomes available. EDAC will
consider a recommendation at the next meeting.
2.3 Regional Economic Development Studies
Staff advised the regional economic development focus group discussions were
well attended; however, there are still some question on the process and
cooperation between all parties.
Staff advised the next steps will include a report of the findings being reviewed by
staff and the findings will be brought forward to Councils in May or early June.