HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC - 2014-11-12
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
November 12, 2014 City of Kitchener
The Economic Development Advisory Committee along with the Downtown Action &
Advisory Committee met this date, Chaired by Rod Regier
EDAC members in attendance
: Jeremy Auger; Mark Bingeman, Adrian Conrad, Jeff
Hoekman, Johanna Classon-Romero, and Darrin Snider
DAAC members in attendance
: Melissa Bowman, Dean Knipfel, Christine Michaud, Amina
Gilani, Eric Johnson, Brad Watson, and Linda Jutzi
City Council & Staff in attendance:
Cory Bluhm, Brian Bennett, Rod Regier, Monika Grau,
Tracey Murray and Sandy Curzon, Councillors Paul Singh, Scott Davey and Bil Ionnidis
1. Discussion
Over the next 6 months, the Kitchener Economic Development Strategy (KEDS) 2011-
2015 will be under review with various stakeholders.
open conversation, which focused primarily on the downtown. What areas/districts do
we need to put our energy into, or take some energy away from? The following are
comments received:
Can we expand programming initiatives beyond King Street, specifically to the
Civic Area?
Areas that still need work, including King Street, need to be identified
King Street is better, however more retailers are needed. How do we attract
them?
Keep the focus on the momentum that residential is creating
A balance would include retail, residential and office
Has a matrix been established Where are we now? How are we doing?
Current retail is struggling, they are reducing ins
hours
Building owners need to take the initiative to beautify their properties
Grocery stores need a bigger increase in residential population to set-up
downtown
Develop an Events Portfolio for the Civic District to support the long term
investment for the Central Library
Develop a sub-committee group for the Civic District, including partners (Centre in
the Square; KWAG; etc.) and stakeholders to define their own identity/uniqueness
King & Victoria are creating lots of attention
st
Districts happen organically whereby 1 person/business in dictates what occurs
(ie King West, Toronto and Magazine St., New Orleans)
The vacant Provincial Courthouse best use is for an educational facility, however
conversion or demolition would be very expensive
King Street closure during events is a challenge for businesses retailers need
foot traffic
Continue to build-out weekends with events, then add weekdays once residential
grows
Economic Development Advisory Committee November 12, 2014
LRT impact street closures will be done in stages
Next steps for core is to compare where Safety (perception) is currently at
2. Adjournment
On motion, meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Social networking adjourned at 6pm.
3. Future Agenda Items:
a) Cycling Study
b) Heritage Places Study
c) KEDS
Economic Development Advisory Committee November 12, 2014