HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-23
DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 23, 2017 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05pm
Present:
Scott Thomson, Chair; David Harmes Co-Chair; Melissa Bowman; Christine
Clark, Councillor Frank Etherington; Aaron Francis; Doug Freure; Bryan
Gracan; Reuben Grin; Geoffrey Guin; Linda Jutzi; Councillor, Sarah Marsh;
Andrea Santi; Brian Santos; Martin Timmerman
Staff: Emily Robson, Interim Manager of Downtown Development
Eric Rumble, Downtown Marketing & Program Co-ordinator
Janette MacDonald, Economic Development Analyst
Monika Grau, Downtown Development Officer
Sandy Curzon, Committee Administrator
Committee welcomed newly appointed members Geoffrey Guin; Andrea Santi and; Aaron
Francis (ACAC representative)
1. Updates
Using feedback provided from members at our February meeting, E. Rumble has put
together a plan including costs to animate Goudies Lane as a pedestrian friendly area
for the months of June, July & August, 2017. Pending final approvals, some of the
ideas chosen are - closing off the lane for three months; painting a portion of the
laneway; beautifying the space with planters, tables, chairs, additional lighting, a
mural; and music/event programming.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) for the sale of a City-owned property known as 345
King St.W. was awarded to Perimeter Development Corp. at the price of $2.35 million.
The 43-spot parking lot will be redeveloped as a six-storey office/retail building that is
expected to be completed in 3 years.
44 Gaukel the Creative Hub, a centre that supports the arts industry such as music,
film theatre and digital media is currently looking for proposals that would set out a
plan to operate the centre. The second stage of the RFP, which will take place in
April/May will consist of a detailed business plan. A recommendation to City Council
on the preferred operator is expected by the end of August 2017.
rd
48 Ontario St.S. RFP for the former Legion building closes April 3.
nd
JP Grocery has opened its doors at 8 Queen St.S., Kitchener as of March 22.
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DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 23, 2017 City of Kitchener
2. Shape DTK 2020
. In collaboration
with the BIA, three techniques were used to gather the data which included four separate
surveys generating over 1,200 responses; small roundtable discussions with targeted
stakeholders generating over 500 comments and; a public forum attended by 200 people
who provided an additional 1,694 comments.
J. MacDonald reviewed the rankings from highest to lowest priority based on five
categories that emerged from the survey - Vibrant street life; Great shops & restaurants; A
diverse & welcoming community; Well designed and; Innovative.
Theme 1: Expand the Marketplace -
line, independent/local businesses preferred over chain, keep the flavor DT
Theme 2: Encourage Heartfelt Experiences social experiences, events and
programming in unconventional spaces that support community experiences.
Theme 3: Build Community ensure livability for all; make connections; face challenges;
be innovative
Comments of the survey findings that stood out during discussion include:
Census data confirms with survey results
Excited City is already making headway
Neighbourhood associations will rally behind ideas
Everything ties back to food
missed his comments due to interruption
Survey heard the people - keep conversations ongoing
Residents love DTK create signature ideas ie more patios in communal spaces
Private sector plays a significant role
LRT a private/public partnership
Future developments ie Zehr Group lands, are a major influence
How does intersection of King & Victoria get more servicing?
Next Steps: BIA and City staff will review the strategic priorities identified in the report
findings and provide on-going updates over the next few months.
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DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 23, 2017 City of Kitchener
3. New Business
, homelessness and affordable housing for
seniors were brought up as a concern. This item will be discussed at a future DAAC
meeting.
Action: L. Jutzi will provide further information on the homelessness program being
launched in collaboration with the BIA, Working Centre, Outreach Program and police.
4. Adjournment
eeting adjourned at 5:25pm
S. Curzon
Committee Administrator
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