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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC - 2015-09-24 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 24, 2015 City of Kitchener The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m. Chair: Melissa Bowman Present: Erin Atchison, Andre Chin, Councillor Frank Etherington, David Harmes, Dean Knipfel, Jessica Kropf, Councillor Sarah Marsh, Christine Michaud, Kevin Muir, Brian Santos, George Trihenea, Brad Watson, and Don Zehr Staff: Hilary Abel, Janette MacDonald and Sandy Curzon 1. Information Items/Unfinished Business 1.1. KEDS J. MacDonald Through various stakeholder consultations, including a symposium attended by 150 people, feedback was received on a new Kitchener Economic Development Strategy (KEDS). Some key feedback from DAAC included increasing day and night street activity by creating more experiences; expand two-way all-day GO Trains, and deal with building vacancies. became the strategy working title with three main areas of focus (pillars) for each: How do we grow industry? Make it Spark develop and support creative clusters in music, film, performing arts, design, etc. Make it Start embrace the micro-manufacturing movement Make it Grow make sure we have a variety of affordable space How do we shape our City? Make it Urban facilitate the development of urban amenities such as pop-up parks; promote residential intensification; broaden the financial incentives to support retail space Make it Vibrant filling building/storefront vacancies creates street activity which will ultimately support retail; increase event programming; is there potential for the Market to be more than a building; work with market vendor operators; use urban spaces for community experiences i.e. Funtario and Yoga in the Park Make it Connect advocate for two-way GO trains and promote the Innovation District through urban design Discussion: Parking Study how downtown parking is currently being used and future needs Neighbourhoods - need to know what the people want, however difficult to engage the community if they do not understand happening Downtown Action & Advisory Committee September 24, 2015 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 24, 2015 City of Kitchener Community Lead/City Supported Long term planning neighbourhood boundaries Design Preview The intention of the new strategy design is to bring together a diverse community by showcasing people who are the makers of things. Things such as music, food, robots, software apps, etc. is authentic and suggests you can make it and be successful in Kitchener. Action Item: Airport Expansion to be added to a future DAAC agenda for updates 1.2 City Hall Outdoor Spaces Master Plan H. Abel The City of Kitchener is currently seeking input on the revitalization of the outdoor space surrounding City Hall. Rather than repair as needed or replace the existing infrastructure, staff will look at the big picture through the Outdoor Spaces Master Plan process by establishing infrastructure, site amenities and program develop- ment priorities for future investment. As part of the Master Plan process, staff are asking for community input based on wcurrently working and what improvements need to be made in order to make better use of the space. The focus of discussion today was on the strength and weaknesses of Carl Zehr Square (CZS) and the Duke Street entrance. DAAC Comments : Current state of CZS is hard and unattractive, by softening the square, using greenery and defining spaces, it becomes more inviting for all demographics. Fountain/Ice Rink water to ice is great, however during events it tends to ; if the fountain/ ice rink space could expand and contract (transition) it would become part of the square during events nd 2 level balcony (above King Street entrance) is a nice feature, however underutilized Current stage is an eyesore and underutilized CZS space is underutilized and becomes very tight during larger events; can event space be expanded to include King & Gaukel becoming a corridor to Victoria Park? AGCO regulations around liquor consumption in public spaces prevents the space from feeling open and natural Old City Hall (King Street view) looked more functional with gardens, walkways and people The technology around grass vs turf should be explored/revisited Permanent shaded areas are needed in CZS Downtown Action & Advisory Committee September 24, 2015 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 24, 2015 City of Kitchener Rockway Garden & Community Centre is a hidden gem, use this example to create more atmosphere in CZS by adding walkways, greenery, lighting, music, and make it accessible to the general public to host their own events. Duke Street entrance is more aesthetically pleasing and inviting than CZS with its variety of seating spaces, pathways, gardens, shaded areas, art sculptures, and historical plaques make it accessible for public events. Duke Street entrance is underutilized, however this could change once LRT is operational. 2. New Business None. 3. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Downtown Action & Advisory Committee September 24, 2015