HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC - 2015-07-23
DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 23, 2015 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m.
Chair: David Harmes was appointed as Chair
Present: Erin Atchison, Amina Gilani, Dean Knipfel, Jessica Kropf, Kevin Muir, Brian
Santos, Scott Thomson, George Trihenea, and Mallory Wheldon
Staff: Cory Bluhm, Frank Sargent, Eric Rumble, Monika Grau and Sandy Curzon
1. Information Items/Unfinished Business
1.1. Ideas of the Brave provided by F. Sargeant
As a follow-up from the Ideas of the Brave Symposium held June 2nd, Mr. Sargeant
presented the ideas specifically related to downtown and events reoccurring themes
included:
i) Revitalization of downtown - affordability vs the rising cost of living
ii) Perception unfavorable mixed perception of downtown still exists
iii) Preserving the History strong interest
iv) Artistic and Manufacturing attract and retain
v) Diversity City of Kitchener as a whole must continue to remain diverse
There were over 400 ideas for downtown which were put into various categories.
session was based around reviewing these categories to come up with ones that would
create a brand strategy/direction for downtown moving forward.
Eliminate Vacant Storefronts
there are many reasons why a business does not succeed the most successful ones
are community builders who understand change and adapt their business model
accordingly; t
time; this can be achieved by partitioning a building, using the storefront space for
retail and utilize the laneways for much needed artisan space
Boost Downtown Activity through New Events
increase the consistency to create an audience for events such as Tame the Lane and
Funtario. Compliment events by holding them in close proximity, however extend the
boundary to include a few blocks ie Summer Lights & Multicultural Festival were a
huge success on the same night because of their close proximity to each other. If
event is ticketed, include a free bus ride which will offset the price of the ticket.
Art Market expand by inviting artisans outside Kitchener to participate
Chriskindlmarket build onto the event by creating another event during the same
time ie Ice Sculptures; utilize the ice rink for a scrimmage game with Kitchener
Rangers
Downtown Action & Advisory Committee July 23, 2015
DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 23, 2015 City of Kitchener
Winterfest Event do one thing really well, give people a reason to come downtown
during the winter. Partner with Waterloo to co-host an event
Create an event that happens consistently ie Friday nights something always
happening downtown that includes free bus ride or overnight parking. Create a
conscious effort for people to check every week
Close King Street
there was consensus around closing King Street for a consecutive period of time ie.
two months, which would benefit restaurants and bars, but not retail. Another factor to
consider is to wait until there are more people living in the downtown to make closing
of King more viable.
Promote Downtown Based on Districts/Zones
Market Square needs updating. Considering its location, this building should and
could be a central point of downtown
Use Parking as a Strategic Enabler for DTK Revitalization
price does not seem to be a factor, amenities are needed to bring people downtown.
People will pay for parking and stay longer
2. New Business
None.
3. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Downtown Action & Advisory Committee July 23, 2015