HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC - 2015-06-24
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 24, 2015 City of Kitchener
The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor Paul Singh with the
following members present: Councillor Bil Ioannidis, Glenn Koehler, Jamie Yantzi, Johanna Classon-Romero,
Mark Bingeman, Rebecca Short, Councillor Scott Davey, Shantal Myers, and Thusenth Dhavaloganathan.
Staff in attendance: Brian Bennett, Janette MacDonald, Rod Regier, Frank Sargeant, and Eowyn Layng
Business Items
1.
The minutes of the May 27, 2015 meeting were approved.
Information Items
2.
Councillor Paul Singh opened the meeting by giving of a general overview of the agenda.
2.1. Presentation of Germany/Eindhoven Mission
Brian Bennett presented an overview of his and Mayor Vrbanovic’s recent mission to the Brainport region
of Eindhoven, Netherlands. The Similarities between the Waterloo Region and Brainport sparked a
partnership between the regions, and led to the City of Kitchener’s successful first visit in 2013, followed by
a second visit this past April. The Netherlands reciprocated with a trade mission to the Waterloo Region in
May of this year.
The Brainport region was impacted in the early 2000s by the closing of Philips and DAF, which resulted in
the loss of approximately 36,000 jobs. Now, with government funding and support, the region is focusing
on technology and manufacturing industries to rebuild itself. Strijp-S is approximately 72 acres, roughly the
size of our downtown. The area is full of industrial buildings which are being converted for tech startups,
trendy residential areas, manufacturing and maker space, and art and design incubator space. Some of the
new companies have started an open innovation concept that allows everyone the same access to
intellectual property, allowing all of the startups to learn and grow.
Brian and the Mayor attended a “Why Invest in Waterloo Region” conference which was well received by
approximately 75 people. We are starting to see two-way trade between the regions; a couple of
companies are starting to look to open branches in Eindhoven, with Clearpath Robotics having already set
up their offices, and Enju in the Communitech Hub.
The mission also included a trip to tour the Automotive Institute. Of note is a dedicated highway for the
testing of autonomous vehicles – a separate four-lane highway in which a series of cameras and sensors
monitor how the autonomous vehicles interact with regular traffic. The talk of the autonomous vehicles
prompted a discussion about the benefit of contacting the Ministry about the possibility of integrating live
traffic with testing of autonomous vehicles in to infrastructure on the proposed highway 7.
Q&A:
Synergies between the Regions include auto industries, high tech and nanotech. We should be
exploring where we have strengths.
Companies can access Eindhoven by getting in touch with CTT. Jeff MacIntyre is the Eindhoven
lead in Kitchener.
Netherland’s federal government is providing financial support and resources to the Brainport
Region, and it has played a big role in the transformation of the region.
The population of the City of Eindhoven is approximately 240,000. The Brainport Region represents
6 municipalities, and has a total population of approximately 750,000.
3. Discussion Items
Janette gave an overview of the Ideas of the Brave Symposium held on June 2, 2015. This KEDS event
focused on reinforcing brave and spectacular ideas supporting positive change and growth in the City. Each
table session at the event had its own topic and an interesting mash-up of representatives of key sectors
throughout Kitchener – a variety of people talking about a specific “problem” within Kitchener, in order to get to
the heart of economic issues.
In carrying on with this idea, the committee broke into three groups to carry on their own discussions on one of
the following topics:
1. Branding
2. Manufacturing Incubator
3. Digital City
Following the breakout sessions, the group reconvened and held a discussion about the outcome of the group
sessions. Key highlights from each breakout session include:
Branding:
To build the City up to send an authentic message – this is where we want to be, and match it to where
we are
To showcase our innovation and progress, how we are a collaborative catalyst for new companies and
individuals
Moving forward – how we can actively shape how Kitchener is viewed
Manufacturing Incubator:
In order for jobs to be brought and kept here, there should be something new and unique to offer
Manufacturing drives economy – an incubator should be funded at provincial level and be supported by
the municipalities
Digital Cities:
Early engagement now could prepare for more connected neighbourhoods in the future - the
foundations are here with community broadband to become more connected as the city grows
New Business:
Paul talked about the recent Compass Kitchener meeting, attended by chairs of all the advisory committees. It
was discussed at the meeting how different advisory committees may benefit from cross-pollination and
possible partnership. EDAC may like to evaluate how we can benefit from more interaction with Kitchener
Youth Action Council, and Heritage Kitchener.
On motion the meeting scheduled for July 22, 2015 was cancelled.
On motion the meeting adjourned at 1:00pm.
Eowyn Layng
Committee Administrator