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HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Ms. B. Glenn-Graham- Chair
Councillors J. Gazzola and Z. Janecki, Ms. M. Bell, S. Halapija and Messrs. G. Zeilstra, S.
Burrows, S. Miladinovic, B. Page, S. Thomson and M. Timmerman.
Staff: L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Resources
S. Parks, Heritage Planner
D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator
NEIGHBOURHOOD ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY
1.
The Committee considered the Neighbourhood Engagement Strategy, as presented by Mr. M.
May. Additionally, the Committee was in receipt this date of a document entitled “Kitchener’s
Neighbourhood Strategy: Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions” dated December 3, 2015, as
well as the Stakeholder List. Members were asked to review the Heritage Groups Stakeholder
List and provide staff with input on any organizations or groups that may be missing.
Mr. May addressed the Committee advising that similar presentations would be provided to all
Advisory Committees to give an update on the Neighbourhood Strategy, including background
information on the project, and the goals and objectives. He indicated historically Kitchener has
had a disjointed approach to neighbourhoods in that residents were not consulted about
neighbourhoods as a whole. The Strategy takes a holistic approach to engaging residents to
find ways to work together to do great things in their neighbourhoods. Mr. May indicated the
Strategy is one of the largest, most inclusive community engagement processes in the city’s
history and stated the project team attended 27 events and received 1308 completed surveys
from residents regarding what is most important in their neighbourhood. He reviewed the top
three responses in the survey of what is most important to people in their neighbourhoods
which shows 29% find the transportation network most important, 25% natural resources, and
11% heritage. He indicated there will be intensive engagement activities taking place between
May and August 2016, and encouraged members to stay informed and participate by
completing an online survey at www.kitchener.ca/neighbourhoodstrategy.
In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. May noted members can sign up to receive
newsletters and pointed out the engagement process has been expanded to include a creative
approach, such as adult colouring books.
2016 HERITAGE SHOWCASE – REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
2.
Ms. Sandra Parks addressed the Committee advising the 2016 Heritage Showcase is being
held on Saturday, February 10, 2016 at Fairview Mall. She encouraged members to volunteer
to man the booth, noting two hour sessions are required for the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. She
explained the theme is “Distinctive Destinations: Experience Historic Places” and indicated the
Heritage Showcase Sub-Committee could undertake the design and preparation of the display
panels with images of historic places in Kitchener.
Members expressed support for the initiative stating the Heritage Showcase offers an
important opportunity to exhibit the historic places within the City. It was suggested the
Heritage Promotion Subcommittee could investigate options to encourage the public to visit the
booth, such as interactive activities and increased awareness of the Showcase through the
use of social media.
HERITAGE BEST PRACTICES FOLLOW-UP
3.
The Committee considered Heritage Best Practices Follow-up and was in receipt this date of a
document entitled “Heritage Best Practices Recommended Actions: Heritage Kitchener Sub-
Commitees.”
Mr. L. Bensason addressed the Committee advising that staff recently presented a report that
was approved by Council recommending eight heritage best practice measures. He indicated
HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2016 -2- CITY OF KITCHENER
HERITAGE BEST PRACTICES FOLLOW-UP (CONT’D)
3.
several of those measures require the assistance of two subcommittees: the Designation Sub-
Committee; and, the Heritage Promotion Sub-Committee. He reviewed the proposed activities
as detailed in the circulated document and distributed a sign-up sheet encouraging members
to volunteer on the Sub-Committee of their choice.
A discussion took place regarding the organization of each subcommittee and it was
determined that members could send an email indicating their preference for volunteering
email to Mr. Bensason by January 12, 2016.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
4.
Pursuant to Chapter 25 (Procedure) of the Municipal Code, a motion was brought forward by
Ms. S. Burrows to consider the Information Item listed as Educational Programming. Mr.
Carried
Burrows motion was then .
The Committee considered an educational program related to heritage conservation provided
by Mr. Burrows.
Ms. B. Glenn-Graham addressed Ms. S. Halapija thanking her for her valuable contribution to
the Committee and extended congratulations on her new position in British Columbia.
ADJOURNMENT
5.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
Daphne Livingstone
Committee Administrator