HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC - 2015-10-28ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 28, 2015 City of Kitchener
The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor Paul Singh with the
following members present: Councillor Bil loannidis, Glenn Koehler, Jeff Hoekman, Johanna Classon- Romero,
Rebecca Short, Philip Jones, Councillor Scott Davey, Shantal Myers, and Thusenth Dhavaloganathan.
Staff in attendance: Brian Bennett, Chris Farrell, Janette MacDonald, Kim Feere, Rod Regier, Silvia Di Donato,
Thom Ryan, Val Bradford, and Eowyn Spencer
Discussion Items
1. On motion the minutes of the September 23, 2015 meeting were approved as circulated.
2. Justin Watkins is initiating conversations with various Advisory Committees as a first step in
creating a Digital Kitchener strategy which is still in the very early planning phase. He connected
with EDAC in order to gain public opinions and ideas for what is important to citizens, and what a
digital city means to them. Justin posed the question `how might we develop a more digitally -
evolved city ?' The group was split in to two breakout sessions, and each was asked to consider
`how might we use information and technology to become a more innovative city', and `how can
increasing technology skills and access make neighbourhoods stronger and our city a great place
to live?' Justin will continue to consult with committee members as the digital strategy evolves, and
will see EDAC again as progress on the strategy continues.
Information Items /Unfinished Business
1. Janette MacDonald showed a brief overview of the Make it Kitchener project list outlining specific
changes since the last update. These changes directly reflect ideas derived from continuous
community engagement and consultation with EDAC members. Janette and Rod Regier will be
taking a final draft of Make it Kitchener strategy to council on November 16, and asked EDAC
members to support a recommendation to council by passing the following resolution:
"That the Economic Development Advisory Committee generally supports the direction of the 2015
economic development strategy `Make it Kitchener' as presented on October 28, 2015"
Councillor Scott Davey questioned the use of the words "generally" and "the direction" in the
resolution. Rod explained that the wording is general because wording and phraseology within the
strategy may be changed following the presentation to council.
Councillor Davey suggested that all members acknowledge that some minor changes may occur
and the previously mentioned words be stricken from the resolution.
All members agreed, and the resolution will read as follows:
"That the Economic Development Advisory Committee supports the 2015 economic development
strategy `Make it Kitchener' as presented on October 28, 2015"
Page 1 of 2
Glenn Koehler questioned the priority level of the project list. Rod explained that individual action
items have not been prioritized because of the time each item will take to complete. Some large
scale items may require more planning and consultation, as well as council approval, while other
smaller initiatives may be more quickly completed.
Shantal Myers then moved to accept the resolution with the recommended changes. Glenn Koehler
seconded the motion. All members approved and the motion carried.
Janette thanked the committee for all of their support and input to the strategy over the past year,
and hopes that members see their voices reflected in the final strategy.
2. Valerie Bradford presented an interesting display of urban revitalization. Renew Newcastle is a non-
profit organization that has revived a once thriving community in Newcastle, Australia. The
organization focuses on working with landlords and artists and makers in order to re -open vacant
shops in the derelict downtown core. Since starting the initiative there has been a significant drop in
vacancies, vandalism, and crime, and a marked increase in tourism and success for the small
businesses occupying the store - fronts. This presentation is timely as it relates to the new strategy,
in its ideas of supporting small businesses, pop -up retail, and flexible policies. It is an interesting
and unique way to create a vibrant city core.
Councillor Paul Singh asked about downtown Kitchener's statistics for vacant retail space, and that
information is unknown at this time, but can be provided at a future meeting if requested.
New business
Project Updates: Rod informed members that he is moving forward with discussions with The City of
Toronto regarding the innovation supercluster corridor and getting started on the infrastructure for the
two -way all -day GO. Mayors Tory and Vrbanovic are supportive of collaborating on these initiatives.
Rod also mentioned the new report by Startup Compass, which ranks the Waterloo region #25 in the
Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking for 2015, and discusses some strengths and weaknesses of the
region. The startup ecosystems report, as well as a short video of Mayors Tory and Vrbanovic
discussing the two -way all day GO along the innovation supercluster will be distributed following the
meeting.
2. Councillor Paul Singh iterated to the committee that attendance is becoming an issue, and should be
discussed at the next meeting.
On motion the meeting adjourned at 1:OOpm.
Eowyn Spencer
Committee Administrator
Page 2of2