Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC - 2015-04-23 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 23, 2015 City of Kitchener The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m. Chair: Present: Erin Atchison, Melissa Bowman, Andre Chin, David Harmes, Zenia Horton, and Brian Santos Staff: Cory Bluhm, Frank Sargeant, Janette MacDonald and Sandy Curzon 1. Discussion Items 1.1. KEDS.15 Brain storming Session The meeting was optional for those members who wished to participate in further discussions/questions about the Kitchener Economic Development Strategy. No formal minutes were taken, however notes from the open discussion/questions are summarized as follows: Kitchener Economic Development Strategy discussion questions 1. Why are you proud to be part of Kitchener? Everybody belongs Sense of community Diversity Kitchener is cool, real, comfortable Kitchener is not sanitized ok to be who you are Easy to fit-in/connect Live, work, play chener for work opportunities 2. Think about the future of your profession/industry: what excites you? What scares you? Real Estate Exciting: Kitchener continues to grow; people are coming and staying o Scary: will the current bubble burst? Will Kitchener be affordable in the o future? Education Exciting: collaborative growth in education o Scary: educators are leaving o Insurance Exciting: lots of o opportunity for employment; U of W actuary program is a great leader Scary: changes in insurance o Business Owner Exciting: people trust professionals; people want the experience o Scary: retail not coming back, more people buying online; gentrification o Downtown Action & Advisory Committee April 23, 2015 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 23, 2015 City of Kitchener 3. What is one idea that would solve a problem in your community? Loosen up on bureaucracy surrounding building permits (as an example) Change policies instead of saying NO, say Why Not Welcome creativity 4. Imagine a more exciting Kitchener 10 years from now. What do you see? How do we get there? Fill vacancies Streets are active day and night More community events More people living downtown to support retail Rebrand districts create more experiences 5. 2wayGO Expand the Regional Airport (YKF) Expand Regional branding by leveraging strength of surrounding cities 6. What were the top three ideas/topics/issues that your group talked about? Allow creativity Get rid of roadblocks (policy) Neighbourhood branding Infrastructure ION, Parking, Grid, Airport Fill empty spaces land and building 2. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Downtown Action & Advisory Committee April 23, 2015