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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC - 2015-10-22 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 22, 2015 City of Kitchener The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Chair: Melissa Bowman Present: Erin Atchison, Andre Chin, Amina Gilani, David Harmes, Zenia Horton, Dean Knipfel, Jessica Kropf, Councillor Sarah Marsh, Christine Michaud, Kevin Muir, Brian Santos, George Trihenea, Brad Watson, Mallory Wheldon, and Linda Zensner Staff: Hilary Abel, Cory Bluhm, Monika Grau, Janette MacDonald, Justin Watkins and Sandy Curzon 1. New Business 1.1. Digital Kitchener presented by Justin Watkins Digital Kitchener is a new initiative that will explore opportunities using information, technology and digital resources within the community. This could include, but not limited to, having access to Wi-Fi anywhere in Kitchener. After breaking out in group discussions, the following are a few more ideas provided by members. Push App that keeps you informed as things are happening Outdoor Workstations located in parks, arenas, pools App specific to Waterloo Region highlighting business promotions Google capitalize on being the first community to have Google fibre Tech Gallery a tech museum, workshops on how to use newest technology Free Wi-Fi in public spaces including parks and museums Wayfinder businesses 1.2 Make it Kitchener presented by Janette MacDonald The Kitchener Economic Development Strategy, now known as Make it Kitchener th strategy, was presented to City Council on October 5. The draft strategy was supported, however it was suggested that the final document considers economic growth for the entire City, and not strictly on downtown development. J. MacDonald then provided an overview of the strategies within the document that were specific to downtown before asking DAAC members to support a resolution to City Council in November. Members were pleased to see the discussions that DAAC had throughout the process were well represented in the strategy. They asked for clarification on the role and that of Downtown Action & Advisory Committee October 22, 2015 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 22, 2015 City of Kitchener Make it Kitchener. Simply put, the S uses to sell the Region to outside investors. Resolution: Moved by: Brian Santos Seconded by: David Harmes Carried 2. Information Items 2.1 8 Queen St.S. Development presented by Frank & Steve Voisin The Goudies building, located at 8 Queen St.S., was built in 1925 consisting of over 30,000 sq.ft. of retail space. Once Goudies closed in the early THEMUSEUM) and a manufacturing/retail store for Catholic robes. The building was purchased by The building has a two- back end. THEMUSEUM has access through the building to the Ontario Street parking garage. The plan is to remove the stucco façade, replace windows and add rd 3,000 sq.ft. 3 floor glass addition on the front half of the building. The former freight elevator will be kept along with parts of the boiler, vault, and wood paneling econstruction also includes updating elevators, and washrooms. The façade portion is to be completed by February 2016. The majority of the building has already been leased by an existing downtown business that will grow from 78 current employees to a potential 278 occupying this new space by May/June 2016. On the back end (Goudies Lane) additional lighting, and entrance will give it a funky, safe and secure feel. The rear entrance to the building will give access to a retail/commercial tenant (negotiations are underway). It is hoped that once securing a tenant, it will allow the building to become a place for the community to enjoy. On a final note, as they were going through the process, the current owners realized there is demand for them. Downtown Action & Advisory Committee October 22, 2015 DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 22, 2015 City of Kitchener 2.2 Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC) Update Linda Zensner 1. Steven Young, playwright will be performed at the Waterloo Region Museum June 3-10, 2016. th Production coincides with 100 from Berlin in May 1916. Exhibits run June December 2016. 2. Elmira Case This documentary focuses on Community Justice Initiatives (CJI) concept of bringing youth and property owners, in Elmira, together to create healing of relationships in response to conflict and crime. th A free showing will be held at the Apollo Cinema on November 19 7pm donations will be accepted. 2.3 Other rd C. Bluhm reminded members that the 3 annual NightShift is happening Saturday, st October 31 from 7pm-2am in downtown Kitchener. 3. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Downtown Action & Advisory Committee October 22, 2015