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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-15-037 - Kitchener's New Economic Development Strategy - Make It Kitchener REPORT TO: Council DATE OF MEETING: November 16, 2015 SUBMITTED BY: Rod Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development, 519-741-2200 ext. 7506 PREPARED BY: Janette MacDonald, Analyst, Economic Development, 519-741-2200 ext. 7760 WARD (S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: November 10, 2015 REPORT NO.: CAO-15-037 SUBJECT: Kitchener’s new economic development strategy Make it Kitchener ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: That be approved as the guiding document for the Economic Make it Kitchener Development Division and economic development-related activities of the City of Kitchener for 2015–2019. BACKGROUND: This report supplements the previously posted staff report CAO-15-031 dated October 5, 2015 for discussion during the Council Strategy Session held that day. During that session, staff outlined the proposed strategic direction for Kitchener’s updated economic development strategy, Make it Kitchener. The refreshed strategy builds on the areas of focus from KEDS.11, especially “Startup City”, the “Innovation District” and “Dynamic Downtown”. Make it Kitchener offers a more inclusive and integrated approach to support creative and cultural industries, manufacturing, and technology, as recommended by stakeholders through our consultations. Make it Kitchener also acknowledges that the vibrancy of our city extends beyond the borders of Downtown Kitchener. As areas of the city continue to urbanize along, for example, the Central Transit Corridor, there’s an increased role for the City to play in fostering similar vibrancy in these areas. During the October 5 strategy session, members of Council expressed support for the draft strategy, noting the refresh process has been well executed and was thorough. Council’s feedback included specific suggestions, such as: 1. Investigating support for “startup houses” to meet the needs of emerging businesses downtown; *This information is available in accessible formats upon request. Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969- 9994 for assistance. 2. - 1 2. Supporting additional measures to address retail vacancies, both in Downtown Kitchener and in suburban retail plazas; 3. Avoiding capping our investment with partners at 50 per cent of the overall project costs; and 4. Emphasizing that the strategy must serve the entire city. The purpose of this report is to report back on how Council’s feedback has been incorporated into the strategy and seek Council’s approval of the strategy. REPORT: Make it Kitchener recognizes that the people of Kitchener drive the prosperity and vibrancy of the city. Thus, the focus of the strategy is to make Kitchener a great place in which to live and work. To fulfill these requirements, Make it Kitchener has two key goals that provide the structure for its’ six areas of focus: Goal 1. Kitchener must generate varied career opportunities. Make it Spark: generate ideas, encourage experimentation. Make it Start: begin to commercialize, open a business. Make it Grow: scale up a business. Goal 2. Kitchener must be a compelling city in which to live. Make it Urban: encourage well-designed mixed-use spaces, and urban amenities. Make it Vibrant: bring these urban spaces to life through festivals, experiences and community. Make it Connect. connect Kitchener within the regional economy through infrastructure and partnerships, and develop the innovation corridor to Toronto. Based on the Strategy Session discussion, Economic Development staff retained the structure and direction of Make it Kitchener, but updated the opportunities and strategic initiatives to reflect the feedback of Council. Within each of the six areas of focus in the strategy, staff outlined a proposed work plan represented as “How to make it happen”. Several additional initiatives are now included to reflect the direction of council: Change #1 – “Startup Houses” Within the “Make it Start” section, staff added, “Explore additional innovative solutions to make affordable space available to startups; for example, support the reuse of downtown homes as offices and workspaces for emerging businesses.” Staff will work with the Planning Division to assess the implementation of this proposal. 2. - 2 Change #2 – Retail Vacancies Within the “Make it Grow” section, staff included “Conduct a retail analysis to identify mechanisms to support both urban retail and retail centres in suburban neighbourhoods.” There are many forces shifting the retail landscape and the complexity of these changes merits further study. Staff will evaluate other policy and programming initiatives undertaken in other cities, and consider our own innovative solutions to address retail vacancies. Change #3 – Elimination of a 50% Investment Cap With respect to implementation, staff removed any references to capping our investment, and in fact excluded administrative details from the strategy as these processes are only meaningful to an internal audience. Make it Kitchener does include a “Made by our Community” section that identifies the need to partner to fulfill the vision of the strategy. Staff will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to negotiate investment proposals that have an appropriate funding model and deliver value to the community. These proposals will be brought to Council for consideration as appropriate. Change #4 – Greater Emphasis on a City-Wide Approach With respect to council’s direction to ensure a city-wide approach, staff completed a review of Make it Kitchener to ensure that the strategy reflects this commitment. The “Make it Spark-Start-Grow” strategy sections are not geographically limited, with the exception of incentives tied to Community Improvement Areas. The strategy does propose — for the first time — pursuing a plan to support the redevelopment of suburban industrial space. The “Make it Connect” section describes the need to work in larger economic regions beyond Kitchener. This work is implicitly geographically inclusive, though this section does highlight the Innovation District as the point of convergence for these connecting forces (e.g., transit). The “Make it Urban-Vibrant” sections required modification to ensure that Make it Kitchener delivers a city-wide approach. “Urban” reflects the need for amenities and well-designed developments that support planning priorities (e.g., pedestrian-friendly, mixed-used, integrated with transit). “Vibrant” reflects the programming that brings our city’s spaces to life. While the downtown is the heart of the city, its most urban neighbourhood, with the highest concentration of amenities and festivals, this strategy reflects a broader objective of city-wide urbanization. Placemaking, walkability and small-scale urban experiences in other neighbourhoods are also important in attracting and retaining talent. This placemaking outside downtown is supported through the upcoming neighbourhood strategy, which is aligned with Make it Kitchener. Therefore, Economic Development and the City of Kitchener as a whole can advocate for urbanization and vibrancy throughout the city. 2. - 3 The following changes were made to reinforce a commitment to a city-wide approach. Goal 2: Kitchener must be a compelling city in which to live. -- anchored by a lively urban core, -- balanced by bustling suburban neighbourhoods. (new) Make it Urban: key opportunities 1. Continue to develop a dynamic downtown, and promote urbanization across the city. (new) 2. Lead the way in the redevelopment of our own properties, and work with the private sector to apply these same standards. 3. Facilitate and encourage sought-after urban amenities, like outdoor movies and rooftop terraces. Make it Vibrant: key opportunities No changes were required to its stated opportunities as all three are city-wide. They are: 1. Build Kitchener’s identity as a festival city. 2. Encourage our creative community to use the city as a stage, invigorating the city through new programs, and by using unconventional spaces. 3. Support strong communities and neighbourhood identities through distinct events and creative expression. How to make it happen: Many initiatives under “Make it Urban” and “Make it Vibrant” already reflect a city-wide approach. There are several new initiatives conceived through Council feedback. They are: -- Encourage city-wide do-it-yourself urbanism (e.g., guerilla gardening, little libraries). -- Implement a community-led public art program through our neighbourhood matching fund grant. -- Facilitate policies and programs to encourage live performances everywhere, including venue development to support opportunities for performance experiences in venues of all sizes. As well, staff reviewed the narrative to reflect council’s priorities. One of the stronger statements included is, “We’ve never been about one industry, one culture, one neighbourhood or one means to an end. We build our city for everyone.” ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: Make it Kitchener fully aligns with the corporate strategic plan, as outlined in CAO-15-031. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Any disbursements will be funded through existing economic development operating budgets and/or the economic development reserve fund, based on future approval of supporting business cases where appropriate. 2. - 4 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Extensive community collaboration informed this strategy as outlined in CAO-15-031. In addition, the three economic development advisory committees have been extensively involved in the strategy development process. All three committees have passed resolutions in support of Make it Kitchener as follows. “That the Economic Development Advisory Committee supports the 2015 economic development strategy “Make it Kitchener”’ as presented on October 28, 2015” “That the Downtown Action & Advisory committee generally supports the direction of the 2015 economic development strategy “Make it Kitchener” as presented on October 22, 2015” “That the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee generally supports the direction of the 2016 Economic Development Strategy, “Make it Kitchener” as presented on October 20, 2015.” ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Dan Chapman, Deputy CAO 2. - 5 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. MakeitKitchenerOutline YoucanmakeitinKitchener________________________________________________________________2 Introduction________________________________________________________________3 Madebytalent________________________________________________________________4 Howtobuildadynamiceconomy________________________________________________________________5 MakeitSpark________________________________________________________________6 MakeitStart________________________________________________________________7 MakeitGrow________________________________________________________________9 Howtobuildagreatcity________________________________________________________________10 MakeitUrban________________________________________________________________11 MakeitVibrant________________________________________________________________12 MakeitConnect________________________________________________________________13 Madebyourcommunity________________________________________________________________14 Whatwemake:acityforeveryone________________________________________________________________15 Page|1 2. - 6 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. —šÒ-“’‰;z·z“Yz·-w;“;© "Theworldcanonlybegraspedbyaction,notbycontemplation.Thehandismoreimportantthantheeye...Thehandis thecuttingedgeofthemind."JacobBronowski,mathematician,poet,andcreatoroftheseminal AscentofMan documentaryseries ators.Wededicatethistoyou. Themakers.Thehackers.Thewriters.Thecoders.Thebuilders.Thecre Youinspireus.Youliftupthehood,mixuptheingredients,unveilhiddenbeauty,andharnessnewpowers. You'refearlesswithyourhandsandwithyourmind. FromKaufman,ArrowandPollocktotoday'sVelocitygrads,youareKitchener'soriginalstartupscultivatinginnovation — formorethan150years.You'vemadeshirts,tires,coldcuts,cookies,software,hardwareandart.—šÒxÝ;madebusiness plans,diagrams,financialstatementsandinsurancepolicies.—šÒxÝ;raisedbarns,builthomes,connectedroadsand railways,andconnectedwitheachother. Themosttransformativedevelopmentsinourcity'shistoryweren'tmadeinisolation.Youcametogethertolendmore thanahandtopoolyourcreativeenergy,tosharecapacityandwisdominthepursuitofyourgoals. — Theentrepreneur,thesalesrepandthewelderonthefloorarealldependentoneachothertomakeithappen.Sowe dependonyou.Weknowthatyoutakerisksandweseeyourinvestmentsoftime,energy,resourcesandpassion.Tomake itmeanshardwork,andweareheretosupportyou,whetheryou'remakingyourownbusiness,oracareer,ora contributiontoourcommunity. YoumakeithereinKitchener. YoumakeKitchener. Page|2 2. - 7 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. L“·©š7Ò-·zš“ MakeitKitchener ismorethananeconomicdevelopmentstrategy.Itisawayofcapturingtheintangiblequalitiesthat makeKitcheneraninspiringplacetobe. Itrepresentsaculture,alanguage,awayofthinking.Andwhenthethinkingbecomesdoing,ideascometolife. comesafestival,achocolatier,arobot,amusicalcareer,orapatent.Butittakesmore InKitchener,thesparkofanideabe thanagoodideatogetgoing.Gettingstartedrequiresperseverance,supportsystems,tools,spaceandinvestments.From thehatchingofanideatoitsgrowthintoabusiness,wewanttohelp.Thisisourfocusineconomicdevelopment. Ifthesparkofanideaisthepointbetweenthinkinganddoing,howcanwesupportthefullcontinuumofactivityfrom inspirationtocommercialization?Dowehaveanyinfluenceoverthethinkingthatsparksfruitfuldevelopment? “x·happenuponus“theyoccurattheintersectionofknowledgeandexperience.Theyresultwhenpeoplefrom Ideasdo differentperspectivescollaborateandchallengeeachother,because·w;äxÝ;beengivenspaceandopportunitytodoso. Citiesaretheconduitsforourideas;theyareourenginesofinnovation.Throughcitybuilding,wecreateanenvironment thatinvitesandinspirespeopletopursueandrealizetheirideas. Buildingastrongcityestablishesthefoundationforaneconomythatisenviedforitsunstoppableprogress.L·x­this foundationthatalsomakesKitcheneravibrantplacetobe,alivewithculture,experiencesandcommunity. Page|3 2. - 8 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. a7;,ä·Œ;“· {w;oldassumptionineconomicdevelopmentwasthatpeoplefollowbusinessandinvestment.Wenowknowthe reverseistrue.Ifwebuildcommunitieswherepeoplewanttoliveandwork,businessandinvestmentfollowpeople,not viceÝ;©­u|rGregBaeker,culturalplannerandfounderofAuthentiCity ctor,thehands,heartsandmindsofa-z·äx­peopledetermineitssuccesses.Curiosityand Morethananyotherfa intelligence.Courageandgrit.Dexterityandflair.Theabilitytoinnovatewithintent. Peopledrivethecreationofnewproducts,newprocessesandnewexperiences.Astechnologiesbecomemoreaffordable andavailable,theabilitytomakesomethingnewismoreaccessiblethaneverbefore.Thisdemocratizesinnovation. Butthedevelopmentofsomethingnewz­“x·justabouttechnologicalcapacity“italsorequirestheintegrationofideas. Humansrelentlesslypursuenewcombinationsofideas,skillsandtoolstogainculturalinsight.Andthisinformationtravels throughcommunitieswithindensesocialnetworks‘thesecrisscrossedrealandvirtualnetworksmakeordinarypeople extraordinaryintheircapacitytoimagine.Thecitycreatesthegeographyofinnovation. Tobeagreatcityforpeople,weseetwokeygoals. First,Kitchenermustgeneratevariedcareeropportunities.Wewanttobethebestplaceforourentrepreneurstostarta businessinCanada.Butnoteveryonewantstolaunchabusiness,sothatmeansweneedtogrowtheindustrythatwe tosupportjobgrowth have“liketechnologyandmanufacturing,financeandinsurance,environmentalengineering “ throughbusinessesexpansion. Second,Kitchenermustbeacompellingcityinwhichtolive,anchoredbyalivelyurbancore·w·x­balancedbybustling suburbanneighbourhoods.Weneedtoshapeourcitytoofferdesirablelifestyles,andalsotosupportstrongurbandesign. Gooddesignmeansweminimizeourenvironmentalimpactandcreateanattractivecityscape,butalsoprovidebetter opportunitiestoourresidents.Itmeanscreatingconditionsforpeopletospendmoretimeconnectingandlesstime commuting. Asweworktowardthesegoals,werecognizethatassetsmatter“butnonemorethanourpeople. Page|4 2. - 9 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. IšÞ·š,ÒzŒ77ä“’z-;-š“š’ä Yz·-w;“;©x­approachtoeconomicdevelopmentisfocusedonindustryintersections;theconnectionorcollisionofdistinct industriescanbeapowerfulcatalystforinnovation.Newopportunitiesarefoundwhenexpertsindifferentdisciplines collaboratetosolvecomplexproblems.Thismeansthatallindustrieshavearoletoplayinour-z·äx­economy. That7š;­“x·meanallindustriesarealike.Thereareclearlydifferentneedstosupport“highceilings,loadingdoors,store frontwindows,collaborativespace,accesstorail,proximitytopubs.Fulfillingthevariedneedsofthebusinesscommunity requirescarefulthoughtabouthowweshapeourcity. Beyondourphysicalassets,weneedservicesthatwillsupportthebusinesscommunity,includingmentoring,skillsand networkdevelopment,andsupportforexpansion. Wealsoneedtorecognizeneweconomicopportunitiesforresidents,includingthesocialeconomyasamechanismto al delivergreatervaluetothecommunity.Socialenterpriseslikecommunitygardensandcarshareservicesservedu purposesinhelpingfulfillbotheconomicandsocialneeds.Asthevaluesofourcommunityevolve,somustwe. Webuildthrivingindustriesbysupportingplayfulexperimentation,thelaunchofallkindsofstartups,andtheevolutionof growingcompanies. Page|5 2. - 10 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. a‰;z·{¦©‰ {IÒ­·Œ;isthedarkhorseofcreativity,theclosecousinofgritandtenacity.Withoutthehustle,driveandcomplete devotiontomakingthingshappen,youareÝ;©m;u|RebeccaRebouché,visualartist Humanbeingsareinnatelycreative.Weseeitinthefirstambitiousgesturesofaninfant,thecompositionofa masterpiece,theelegantassemblyofalineofcodeoranautomotivepart.Butbehindthescenesweseetheenormous effortrequiredinthecreativeprocess.Theinherentriskoffailurecanhalthopefulprojects.Toembracecreativityisto embraceexperimentation,andtoknowthatz·x­worththerisk. Thiscourageisinfectious,spreadingacrossdisciplinesandcommunities.Experimentationhappensinkitchens,repair shops,classrooms,labs,recordingstudiosandbasements.Weasacommunitycelebratecreativity“whetheritbeinthe arts,inbusiness,orinlife. Aneconomicbenefitemergeswhenagreatideahascommercialpotential,butthisz­“x·requiredtorewardthecreatoror community.Theintrinsicvalueofmakingsomethingourselvesisreasonenough.Thiscanbemotivatedbyadesireforself expression,afunctionalneed,anappetitetoentertain,oranimpulsetoexplore.Whateverthereason“ortheoutcome “theprocessisempowering. Themakermovementischallengingpeopletorediscoverourabilitytocreate.Thisintersectionofindustrialarts, manufacturing,technology,craft,anddoityourselfcultureencouragesustorecognizeourcreativepotential.Tobuilda cultureofcreativity,wemustsupportthispassionformaking. Weseethreeopportunities: Supportcreativeexperimentation. Encouragetheintersectionofartandindustry. Supportcreativeclusterssuchasmusic,film,performingarts,anddesign. How to make it happen Supportmakerculture“inparticularamongyouth“andsupportaccesstotoolsandspaces,likethe‰z7­xmakerspacein THEMUSEUM. Expandsupportformakerinstigatedeventprogramming,includingDiscoverySquareandMakerExpo. Exploreoptionstosupportthecreationofadditionalmakerspaceswheregapsmightexist. Supportinvestmentsincommunitytoolsandprogramming,liketheKitchenerPublic[z,©©äx­3Dprintinginthedigitallab, andtheYouthVideoCompetition. Supportprogrammingthatencouragesdigitalliteracyprogramsforwomenandgirls. Supporthackathons,workinggroupsandconferencesinemergingfieldssuchashealthsciencesandFintech. Expandfundingfortheartistinresidenceprogramandacceptapplicationsfromartistsworkinginanydiscipline. Sponsorskilldevelopmentworkshopsincreativeindustriessuchastheatre,musicandfilm. Supportprofessionaldevelopmentinuserexperiencedesign. Page|6 2. - 11 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. a‰;z·{·©· {‘w;“youcandothecommonthingsoflifeinanuncommonway,youwillcommandtheattentionoftheޚ©Œ7u|George WashingtonCarver,botanistandinventor. Creativitycanresultinacommercialopportunity;especiallyinacommunitythatvaluesentrepreneurship.Kitchenerisan incredibleplacetostartandgrowacompanyinCanada.OurpartnersintheStartupCityecosystemareamongthebest anywhere“Universityof‘·;©Œššx­Velocityprogram,Communitech,AcceleratorCentre,Conestoga/šŒŒ;m;x­Centrefor Entrepreneurship,andtheWaterlooRegionSmallBusinessCentre.Theseorganizationshavesetthebenchmarkfor startupsupport.Butwecandomore. ygrow,startupsneedspacesthatcanaccommodatethemwithoutlosingthecommunityatmosphereand Asthe experiencesprovidedinincubatororacceleratorsettings,especiallyinourInnovationDistrict.Wecanworkwithreal estatedevelopersandbuildingownerstomakesurethecityhasanampleselectionofspaces,includingurbanplacesfor softwarestartupsandmicromanufacturers,andretrofittedsuburbanindustrialspacesformanufacturingstartups. Asthestartupcommunityevolves,thereisagrowingdemandforincubatororacceleratorspacesinmanycriticalsectors likehardwareandmanufacturing,lifesciences,music,digitalmedia,andfoodproduction.Anumberofprojectsare currentlyintheplanningprocess,buttheyneedsupport.TocontinuetobethebestplacetostartabusinessinCanada,we mustextendourservicesintonewareasandindustries. Weseethreeobjectives: Beagileintheprovisionofservicesforstartups. Continuetoattractentrepreneurslocally,nationally,andglobally. — Becomeamagnetforinvestment. How to make it happen Supportthedevelopmentofanadvancedmakerlab,offeringspecializedacceleratorprogrammingforstartup manufacturers. ReplicatetheDowntownStartupLandingPadprogramcitywidetohelpredeployunderutilizedindustrialbuildingsfor hardware/manufacturingstartups. Supportdigitalcontentstartupsbyfacilitatingthedevelopmentofadigitalcontentincubatorin44Gaukel. Exploreadditionalinnovativesolutionstomakeaffordablespaceavailabletostartups;forexample,supportthereuseof downtownhomesasofficesandworkspacesforemergingbusinesses. Establishacreativehubforartists“especiallyinthemusic,film,theatreanddigitalmediaindustries“offeringsuch thingsasrehearsalspaces,entrepreneurialandpromotionalservices,skillsdevelopment,andeventprogramming. ContinuetousetheKitchenerMarket,NightArtMarketsandspecialeventstosupportprospectiveartisans,musicians, culinaryentrepreneursandretailersseekingtoenterthemarketplace. Exploreopportunitiesforpopupretailtoallowprospectiveentrepreneurstotestconceptsandproducts. Explorethepotentialdevelopmentofafoodandrestaurantincubator/coworkingspace. SupportthedevelopmentoflifesciencesstartupsinassociationwiththeUniversityofWaterlooVelocityprogram. Page|7 2. - 12 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. Supplementacoresetofbusinessskillsdevelopmentprogramswithtopicaltraining,likefoodorretailworkshops. Continuetomobilizementorsandambassadorstosupportentryintothelocalentrepreneurialecosystem,targeting peopleintransition(e.g.,youth,newCanadians). ExpandtheDowntownStartupLandingPadprogramtosupportcreativeandculturalindustriesandestablishofficesof nationalandinternationalventurecapitalfirms. SupportinvestmentattractionthroughpartnerinitiativeslikeTechtoberfest. Page|8 2. - 13 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. a‰;z·D©šÞ "Onenevernoticeswhathasbeendone;onecanonlyseewhatremainstobedone."MarieCurie,physicist,chemistand pioneerinthestudyofradioactivity. Kitchenerhascontinuallyreinventeditselfastechnologicalrevolutionssweptacrosstheglobe.Infact,throughoutour morethan150yearhistory,ourbusinessleadershavebeenbuildersofindustry,creativelyreshapingtheirfirmsto respondtonewopportunities‘fromphonographstodigitalprojectionsystems,frominjectionmoldstoelectronic consoles,fromrubbertirestocleanenergycomponents.Ourbusinesseshaveaccumulatedexpertiseandcapabilitiesto supportdevelopmentoftheޚ©Œ7x­mostcomplexanddemandingnewtechnologies. Kitchenerbuildsworldbeatingcompaniesandthesupplychainstosupportthem.Today,youcansourceanythingyou needtomakeawearabledeviceoranautomotivecomponentinourcity.Withabitmoreeffortandinvestment,wecan becomegloballyrenownedasamakerhub. Weseethreeobjectives: BuildKit-w;“;©x­identityasaGlobalMakerHub. Workwithexistingbusinessesthroughpartnerships(liketheManufacturingInnovationNetwork)tosupporttheirneeds. Helpdevelopclustersupportsthatmakethesesystemswork(e.g.,industrialdesign,marketing,finance,supplychains). How to make it happen RetainstartupsastheygraduatefromlocalprogramslikeVelocityGarage,VelocityFoundry,orLaunchPad. ExplorenewopportunitiestosupportmanufacturingthroughtheManufacturingInnovationNetwork(MIN). Workwithlocalpostsecondaryeducationalinstitutestoensureprogrammingreflectsthetrainingneedsofthebusiness community. Encouragebusinessinvestmentandcostcompetitivenessbywaivingorreducingsomedevelopmentcharges,offering heritageandfaçadegrants,andsupportingtheregionalbrownfieldprogram. Workinpartnershipwiththeregionaleconomicdevelopmentcorporationtocreateanenvironmentthatisresponsiveto businessneeds. Conductaretailanalysistoidentifymechanismstosupportbothurbanretailandretailcentresinsuburban neighbourhoods. Continuetoactasaliaisonbetweenexpandingbusinessesandpropertyowners. Partnerwithregionalmunicipalitiestoestablishamusic,filmandmediaofficertofacilitateclusterdevelopmentand provideprofessional,craftandentrepreneurialsupportservices. Redevelopajointfilmlocationserviceswebsite,leveragingtheexisting{CzŒ’Y‘|relationshipwiththeCityofWaterloo andotherpartners. Page|9 2. - 14 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. IšÞ·š,ÒzŒ7m©;·-z·ä Theshapeofourcitysupportsthedevelopmentofoureconomy.Andtheshapeofourcityisdefinedbyhowwemove withinit. Thismakeswellintegratedtransportationnetworksaneconomicpriority.Weneedtothinkaboutintegrationnotonly rneighbouringcitiesandtheWaterlooRegiontoTorontoinnovationcorridor. withinourcity,butinthecontextofou Thedevelopmentofourcityz­“x·justaboutinfrastructure.Thequalityofourspacesandmoreimportantlyour experiencesinthesespacesinfluenceourhappiness,shapesourcommunityidentity,andmakesacompellingcasefor businessinvestment. Avibrantcityrevealsrichopportunitiesforthethingsthatmakelifemoreenjoyable,likefestivalsandboardgamecafes andfarmfreshproduce,orachanceencounterwithanoldfriendatyogainthepark.Thelivesweleadinbetweenwork eriencesovertheaccumulationofmorethings. andhomeareincreasinglyimportantaspeopleprioritizeexp Asweelevatetheprofileofourcity,weattractforeigninvestment,newCanadians,andreturningresidents,andthese influxesofenergyandcultureenableustobecomeevenmorediverse.Thisattractionisimportant,butonlyasa complementtothedevelopmentofhomegrowntalent. Webuildagreatcitybysupportingsmarturbanization,deliveringinventiveprogramminginthesespaces,andmakingsure itallconnectstoalargereconomicregion. Page|10 2. - 15 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. a‰;z·…©,“ {w;©;isanearperfectcorrelationbetweenurbanizationandprosperityacross“·zš“­u|EdwardGlaeser,economist, professor,andauthorof TriumphoftheCity. Proximitymatters.Citiesareverysimplycharacterizedbytheabsenceofwidespacesbetweenpeopleandbusinesses.The mostsignificantdensityofresidentsandindustryisinKitcw;“;©x­downtown,theheartofthecity.Downtownexemplifies anurbanidentityatitsbest,witharts,culture,recreationandcommercialspacesthatcontributetoanexcellentqualityof lifeforallcitizens. Buturbanizationisaboutmorethanastrongcitycore“z·x­aboutusingthestrengthofthatcoretoweavetogetherthe fabricofallcommunitiesinthecity.Itmeansimprovingthequalityofurbanlifethroughoutourneighbourhoods, recognizingthatthebenefitsofurbanization“;;7“x·becontainedinthecore.Continuedintensificationandmore lturalparticipation. walkablepublicspacessupportneighbourhoodscaleretailactivity,communitycollaboration,andcu ThemostsignificanturbanizationopportunityinKitchenerliesinastrongcentraltransitcorridorthatwillintegrate intercitylightrail,commuterrail,busesandactivetransportationlikewalkingandcycling.Ourcitywidenetworkoftrails andbikelanesprovideasoughtafterurbanamenitythatmakesKitchenerbicycleandpedestrianfriendly. Transportationinfrastructurebringstogetherneighbourhoodsandbusinessareastoconnectcommunities,ideas,and industries.Withinthesespaces,wepursueintegrated,welldesignedcommunities,andcollaborativeorcreativeoverlaps thatsetthestageforvibrantexperiences. Weseethreeobjectives: Continuetodevelopadynamicdowntown,andpromoteurbanizationacrossthecity. Leadthewayintheredevelopmentofourownproperties,andworkwiththeprivatesectortoapplythesesame standards. Facilitateandencouragesoughtafterurbanamenities,likeoutdoormoviesandrooftopterraces. How to make it happen AdvancetheredevelopmentofCityownedlandsintheInnovationDistrictandCivicDistrictformixeduseintensification projects. SupportthedevelopmentofStationAreaPlanswithappropriatelanduse,zoning,densityandurbandesignprovisionsto encouragefuturegrowthalongtheIONLightRailTransitline. Workwithbuildingownerstousevacantspaceascollisionspacesforentrepreneursandsupporters. Broadenthelandingpadandfaçadegrantprogramstoencouragethesubdivisionofdowntownretailspacetosupport sustainableretailoperations,andpermitrearaccessofficeorcommercialspace. Embraceandplanfornewurbanamenities,suchasdogparks,popupparks,bistrochairs,cyclingsupersharrows,street treesandfurnishings. Encouragecitywidedoityourselfurbanism(e.g.,guerillagardening,littlelibraries). ContinuetoadvancetheKitchenerMarketastheheartoftheurbanfoodcommunity. Page|11 2. - 16 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. a‰;z·z,©“· {!mindthatisstretchedbyanewexperiencecannevergobacktoitsold7z’;“­zš“­u|OliverWendellHolmes,Jr.,scholar andassociatejusticeoftheUnitedStatesSupremeCourt Experiencesinpublicspacesaffecthowstronglyconnectedwefeeltoourcityandeachother.Withafocuson placemaking,weencouragecreativecommunitiestohelpreflect,shapeandexpressouridentities.Yz·-w;“;©x­artistsand performersplayanessentialroleininvigoratingourcity,givingcharacterandlifetothespaceswheretheyworkand inspiringotherswiththeircreations. Suchexperiencessupportstrongneighbourhoodsandcreateasenseofbelonging.Vibranturbanplacesareessentialto bringingtogetherthemanydifferentcommunitiesthattranscendthebordersofindividualneighbourhoods.Festivals,live music,andKitchenerMarketcookingclassesallhelptobuildsocialties,andstirourcivicpride. Verysimply,ananimatedcitynotonlymakesKitcheneragreatplaceforitsresidents,italsocultivatesapowerfulcultural identitythatwillattractpeoplefrombeyondourborders. Weseethreeobjectives: BuildYz·-w;“;©x­identityasafestivalcity. Encourageourcreativecommunitytousethecityasastage,invigoratingthecitythroughnewprogramsandbyusing unconventionalspaces. Supportstrongcommunitiesandneighbourhoodidentitiesthroughdistincteventsandcreativeexpression. How to make it happen Workwithkeyeventorganizerstodevelopfestivalsthatregionaltourismpartnerscanpromotetoaglobalaudience. Facilitatethecollisionofnichecommunitiesandprogramsintolargercoordinatedeventsandfestivals. SupportYz·-w;“;©x­newneighbourhoodstrategy,whichwillfacilitatecitizenledplacemakinginneighbourhoods,andthe creationofhighlyparticipatoryexperiences. Implementacommunityledpublicartprogramthroughourneighbourhoodmatchingfundgrant. ContinuetogrowtheKitchenerMarketasacherishedcommunitygatheringspace,whileextendingthea©‰;·x­brand beyondthebuildingtoinclude,forexample,popupmarkets,LRTstationbrandingandexternalevents. Invigoratepassiveandunderutilizedurbanspaces(likealleys,parkettes,emptystorefronts)asvenuesforcommunity experiencesandcreativeexpression.StartbyactivatingourCityHallretailspaceforvisualarts. velopandshowcaseemergingandestablishedlocalmusiciansinvenueslike ContinuetheDowntownLiveprogramtode CarlZehrSquare,VictoriaParkandtheKitchenerMarket. Developperformerfriendlypolicieslikeunloadingpermits,andensureDowntownLiveperformershaveaccessto technicians,appropriateequipmentandfaircompensation. Facilitatepoliciesandprogramstoencourageliveperformanceseverywhere,includingvenuedevelopmenttosupport opportunitiesforperformanceexperiencesinvenuesofallsizes. PortraycommunitydiversitythroughequitablerepresentationinprogramslikeDowntownLive. Page|12 2. - 17 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. a‰;z·/š““;-· {L7š“x·knowwhatanyotherindividualshoulddoaboutcrossingherownborders.IonlyknowthatIliveahappier,more adventurouslife,bycrossing,š©7;©­u|ShermanAlexie,Jr.,poet,filmmaker,andawardwinningauthorof TheAbsolutely TrueDiaryofaParttimeIndian Kitchenerisacollectionofdiversecommunitiesandpartofseverallargercommunities“WaterlooRegionandtheurban regionaroundToronto.Tosucceed,Kitchenermustparticipateandcompeteintheglobalcommunity.Weareacitythat doesbusinessfarbeyondourborders.Ourpeopletraveltheglobeandareindemandinthegreatcitiesallovertheworld. Tothriveinthisenvironment,wemustdevelopanddeployallofourassetsandrelationships.Wemustbecomeamore connectedcityandthoseconnectionsmustbesupportedbythebestinfrastructureavailable“transportation,broadband telecommunications,andsocialnetworks. DynamicnetworksandrelationshipsconvergeinDowntownYz·-w;“;©x­InnovationDistrict.Anchoredbythe CommunitechHub,VelocityGarage,theUniversityofWaterlooSchoolofPharmacy,andourfuturemultimodalhub,the districtishometomajoremployerslikeGoogleandsomeofthemostpromisingstartupsintheworld.TheInnovation Districtdemonstratesthatinvestmentsinbuildingacitycanalsosupportthedevelopmentofindustry.Infrastructure, supportsystems,inspirationandexperiences“theInnovationDistrictoffersitall,andtheworldisstartingtotakenotice. Weseethreeobjectives: ChampionthecreationofinfrastructuretodevelopandfortifyaninnovationcorridorbetweenWaterlooRegionand Toronto(GOTrains,fibrenetworks). Buildthepartnershipsneededtosupportit(regionaleconomicdevelopment,Communitech,Torontoclusters). DeveloptheInnovationDistrictastheheartofthesystem. How to make it happen AdvocatefortwowayalldayGOTrains(andfuturehighspeedrail)betweenKitchenerandToronto. ChampiontheadoptionofIONRapidTransitbythebusinesscommunity. SupportKitchener'supcomingdigitalstrategybyadvocatingforbetterfibreandwirelessinfrastructure. Workwithourregionaleconomicdevelopmentcorporation,tourismcorporation,andWaterlooandCambridgeto promoteKitchenerandtheregionabroad. ExtendourKitchenerbrandintothedigitalandphysicalenvironment(e.g.,signs,websites,communications). FormalizethephysicalidentityoftheInnovationDistrictthroughurbandesignelements,andpromotethedistrictasthe centreofthe©;mzš“x­innovationsystem. Page|13 2. - 18 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. a7;,äšÒ©-š’’Ò“z·ä "IfIhaveseenfurtheritisbystandingontheshouldersofgiants."SirIsaacNewton,physicist,mathematician,andauthor of Principia TheCityofKitcheneriscommittedtobuildingagreatcitywithaprosperouseconomy.Butyouhaveanevenmore pen.Yz·-w;“;©x­theatres,incubatorsandbusinessparksareemptywithoutyour importantroletoplayinmakingithap interpretationofwhatcanhappeninthosespaces.Youbringthemalivewithyourvision.Yourtalentsdriveourstrategy andmakeithappen. Withtalentasourpriority,EconomicDevelopmentdecidedtodevelopthisstrategybytalkingtothepeoplewhowilllive it.Weengagedmorethan400citizens,stakeholdersandpartnersthroughour{L7;­ofthe.©Ý;|consultations.You sharedyourvisionforourfuture,andweusedyourinsightsandideastoshapethisstrategy. ftware.Thatthemakerswillconnectusall. Youtoldusthatartistsneedaffordablespace.Thathardwareisthenewso Yousuggestedthatwecanbeaglobalmakerhub.Thattransportationmatters.Thatmusicvenuesmatter.Thatthe intersectionofallthesethingswillsetusapart. Yousharedyourvalues:diversity;collaboration;affordability;sustainability. atz·x­notjustaboutgrowth“thatz·x­aboutbuildingacompletecommunity. Youtoldusth Whenitcomestoeconomicgrowth,thereisagapbetweenwhatwemeasureandwhatwevalue.Howdoweunderstand prosperity?Isitmorejobs?Betterjobs?Amoreinclusiveeconomy? Weneedtomakeacitythatisforeveryone,inwhichwebalanceourprogrammingtoserveadiversecity.Butwemust makechoicesabouthowweallocateourresources.Wemustaskhowwecanmakethegreatestimpact. nandtheworldchange.Wehavealwayspursuedgrowth,but Theanswersarealwayschangingasourcity,ourregio strictlyspeaking,growthaloneisnottheanswer.Economicgrowthsimplymeansproducingmoreofthesame,while economicdevelopmentisthepursuitofdifferentandbetterthings.Ifwe©;“x·growinginawaythatmakesusamore completecommunity,wehavetomakeitbetter. Page|14 2. - 19 a‰;z·Yz·-w;“;©AsofNovember16,2015. ‘w·Þ;’‰;t-z·äEš©;Ý;©äš“; Ourcityandoureconomyarechanging.Theyalwayshave,alwayswill.Todayisnodifferent“newtechnologiesare emerging,industriesareoverlapping,spendingpatternsarechangingandworldeventsarechangingourcontext. ButKitchenerhasalwaysmanagedtothrive.Why?Becausewe7š“x·lament.Instead,wemakethings.Wealwayshave, alwayswill.Andeventhoughweareacityofthousands,withmanymovingparts,wealwaysmakeittogether.‘;xÝ; neverbeenaboutoneindustry,oneculture,oneneighbourhoodoronemeanstoanend.Webuildourcityforeveryone. Andwe7š“x·standpat.Weinnovate.Wemakethings,wefixthem,andwemakethemagain.Wemakebetter,andwe helpourneighbourmakebetter. Wearebrave.Weadaptourcityfortomorrow,nottoday.Fromhorsesandsteamenginestoelectriccarsandrapidrail, xŒŒgrowup,notout,andfillourcitywithlife. wealwayslookforward.We Andwhiletechnologieschangeandourcitychanges,ourreactiontothemdoesnot.Wewillalwaysfearlesslygraspthe nextbraveidea,andMAKEITHAPPEN. Page|15 2. - 20