HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-27
DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 27, 2017 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05pm
Present:
Chair, Alexis Hunt; Co-Chair, Scott Thomson; Melissa Bowman; Bryan Gracan;
Geoffrey Guin; David Harmes; Councillor, Sarah Marsh; Christine Michaud;
Bryn Ossington; Masa Raskovic; Brian Santos; Martin Timmerman
Staff: Cory Bluhm, Interim Executive Director Economic Development
Emily Robson, Interim Manager of Downtown Development
Brandon Sloan, Manager Long Range & Policy Plan
Eric Rumble, Downtown Marketing & Program Co-coordinator
Sandy Curzon, Committee Administrator
1. Information Items/Unfinished Business
Arts & Culture Advisory Committee update deferred
Goudies Lane plans for the temporary closing of Goudies Lane into a pedestrian
friendly place are taking shape. A mock-up of the mural was presented; installation is
stst
scheduled for May 31. The launch is planned for Saturday, June 1 from 6-10pm
music and a food truck. Local businesses involved include Vidyard, JP Grocery, and
Adventures Guild. Live musical performances will be scheduled Tuesday &
Thursdays throughout the summer. The space will also be made available for other
th
possible uses i.e. King StrEatery on June 10.
48 Ontario Street (former Legion) the City has received 5 proposals for the purchase
of this site. RFPs will be reviewed based on meeting of the criteria set out. It is
expected that the decision based on the review of the proposals and approval from
City Council, the successful proponent will be announced in June.
2. Discussion Items
Shape DTK 2020 Findings
Members reviewed pages 19-21 of the Shape DTK 2020 findings report to have a
discussion based on two questions: Did we hear the community? Did we miss anything?
At a future meeting, DAAC will be asked for a resolution supporting the document, before
it goes before City Council for final approval in June.
Three prominent priorities kept coming up over and over again during the survey,
roundtable and stakeholder discussions:
1. Ignite downtown as a platform for the next generation of urban shops, restaurants,
businesses & services
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DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 27, 2017 City of Kitchener
2. Foster heartfelt urban experiences
3. Champion a caring & collaborative community
Discussion/Comments:
The document is beautifully done, easily digestible, parallels with neighbourhood
strategy. Great job, lots of ideas.
This document along with current demographics and LRT information would be a
good resource for inquiries from entrepreneurs wanting to setup a business in the
downtown.
Great that the community had a chance to be heard.
A dog park is a community social experience.
Not mentioned in the document is how housing is changing in downtown. Five
years ago housing was more prominent as an action item/priority, however housing
was not as strong a priority during this survey because we can see it happening i.e.
City Centre; 1 Victoria; 100 Victoria; etc. Even though it may not be an immediate
priority at this time, itimportant to note that housing will always remain an on-
going priority in downtown.
The interest in programs such as Tier 1 & Tier 2 grants for community groups,
Small Business grants, and the BIA Community Grant Program, has been
overwhelming. Unfortunately there is more interest than there is funding.
Outside of the community grants, the City offers a façade grant that can be used by
either the building owner, or tenant..
It is reasonable to assume that not all priorities can happen at once. T
position is to review the priorities from this document each year.
facilitate making the priorities happen.
A suggestion was made to soften the wording in the document i.e. your job vs our
job and consider moving the priority pages to a different place in the document.
Action:
Members to provide any additional comments Did we get it right? Did we miss
anything? to sandy.curzon@kitchener.ca prior to next meeting.
3. Queen Street Placemaking Plan
Brandon Sloan presented an overview of this upcoming reconstruction of Queen Street
between Duke and Charles which also includes part of Goudies Lane. To take advantage
of cost efficiencies, the Planning Department will join forces with Engineering for this
project.
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DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 27, 2017 City of Kitchener
This stretch of Queen Street has become a key mobility route between LRT stations and
downtown destinations. DAAC is part of a stakeholder group being asked to provide
feedback which will assist in prioritizing the elements. The City will formulate feedback
received into the Placemaking Plan which will identify design beyond standard treatments
for this area, and budgeted accordingly for future enhancements. It was noted that no
budget has yet been established.
How do we currently use Queen Street including Vogelsang?
Parking, then walking to King
Goudies Lane sketchy, but not so much now since JP Grocery
Pedestrian thoroughfare to get to King Street businesses and Civic Centre (Library,
Centre in the Square, etc.)
Cycling is hard road is very narrow
Used during LRT construction to cut through downtown, however very busy stretch
Sidewalks are horrible
Historical area use distinctive lighting
Close off Queen Street to pedestrian only between King and Charles
To cut-through from parking lot
Sit and eat lunch obtained from Duke Food block businesses
How to make Vogelsang more inviting?
amphitheater Vogelsang
Small pop-up events like Open Mic. It was noted that a pilot project will take place
this summer in Goudies Lane if successful, it perhaps will become a permanent
future idea
Use Goudies Lane for pedestrian only between Ontario and Queen people will be
drawn to use it more
Next Steps:
Planning staff will continue to meet with other stakeholder groups, gathering
conceptual options. A final report based on input will go before Standing Committee of
Council in August 2017.
4. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:30pm
S. Curzon
Committee Administrator
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