HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-23
DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 23, 2017 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00pm.
Present: David Harmes Chair; Brian Gracan; Reuben Grin; Doug Freure; Alexis Hunt
(Co-Chair); Christine Michaud; Stefanie Golling; Councillor, Frank Etherington;
Bryn Ossington; Brian Santos; Scott Thomson; Martin Timmerman
Staff: Emily Robson, Interim Manager Downtown Community Development
Eric Rumble, Downtown Marketing & Program Co-ordinator
Monika Grau, Downtown Development Officer
Janette MacDonald, Economic Development Analyst
Sandy Curzon, Committee Administrator
1. DAAC Terms of Reference
S. Curzon provided members with an updated copy of the Downtown Action & Advisory
Committee Terms of Reference (TOR) GOV-BOA-090. Council amended the TOR on
January 30, 2017 to change the Committee Composition to a maximum of 15 members to
include residents, downtown business owners and building/local developers.
2. Make It Kitchener (MIK)
J. MacDonald, Economic Development Analyst provided an overview of Make it
Kitchener, an Economic Development Strategy that captures the intangible qualities that
make Kitchener an inspiring place to be. She stressed that MIK strategy was not just
about technology, it supports all industries.
Make it Urban:
1. Build a dynamic downtown, and urbanize across the city.
2. Redevelop our own properties, setting high standards.
3. Facilitate urban amenities, like outdoor movies and rooftop terraces.
Make it Vibrant:
1.
2. Encourage our creative community to use the city as a stage.
3. Support communities and neighbourhoods through distinct events and creative
expression.
Make it Connect
1. Develop infrastructure (GO Trains, fibre networks).
2. Build partnerships (regional economic development, Communitech).
3. Make the Innovation District the heart of the system.
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DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 23, 2017 City of Kitchener
How to Make it Happen
Make the most of ION
Facilitate patios, pop-up parks, street furniture, and DIY urbanism.
Develop high profile festivals and niche experiences.
Advocate for two-way all-day GO Trains.
Comments:
Focus is on Economic Development; proposal lacks housing support; all about
driving new age of technology; balanced community is the way to go
3. Kitchener Business Improvement Association (BIA) Grant Program
S. Golling, Manager of Events for the BIA provided an overview of the Downtown
Kitchener Community Development Funding Program. This program focuses on
collaboration of community events within the downtown and offers two levels of funding:
Tier 1 - $5,000 for small events and Tier 2 - $10,000 for larger events. The BIA will match
up to 50% of the total program cost. Groups interested can apply for this grant yearly
providing it meets the requirements: involves a minimum of three downtown businesses
and is accessible and open to the general public. Some of the projects that received a
grant from the program include Tame the Lane, CAFCA, Night Shift, Summer Lights. The
current annual budget for the BIA Grant Program is $78,000.
4. Goudies Lane
E. Rumble, Downtown Marketing & Program Coordinator asked members for their
ideas/comments on animating the Goudies Lane space (off Queen St.N.) as a pedestrian-
friendly area including summer programming.
Ideas:
Close off the lane for an extended period (3 months) at a time
Have table and chairs accessible
Food, drink and entertainment
Add light, planters, market stalls, mirrors for natural light, and water feature
Include festivals with licensed area, musical programming and outdoor evening
dance space including ballroom and modern style dancing
Educational/teaching space - Artist in Residence could hold workshops
Children/Family programming on Saturdays
Make the space available to community groups
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DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 23, 2017 City of Kitchener
Partner with University of Waterloo School of Architecture for an installation that
lasts a couple of weeks at a time
For further ideas, look at the following websites: Pink Road in Lisbon;
Alley in Toronto and; Boules Roses in Montreal
Comments:
Challenge getting people off King Street to see space
Traffic concerns if road is left open
Outdoor evening space would need safety measures in place to make the space
feel safe
neighbouring businesses only
Space is perfect for this concept
Some downtown businesses may see this space as supporting other businesses
who would benefit directly because of the location
Have access to washrooms
This project can be funded through the Community Development Funding Program
(BIA) or partnership with the City of Kitchener
5. Adjournment
meeting adjourned at 5:35pm
S. Curzon
Committee Administrator
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