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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-17-019 - Downtown Strategic Priorities: Shape DTK 2020 REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 12, 2017 SUBMITTED BY: Cory Bluhm, Interim Executive Director, Economic Development 519- 741-2200 ext. 7065 PREPARED BY: Emily Robson, Interim Manager, Downtown Community Development, 529-741-2200 ext. 7084 WARD (S) INVOLVED: 9 & 10 DATE OF REPORT: May 26, 2017 REPORT NO.: CAO-17-019 SUBJECT:Downtown Strategic Priorities: Shape DTK 2020 ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: That the Shape DTK 2020 Strategic Priorities (as shown in Appendix A) be approved as the guiding document for downtown community development initiatives of the Economic Development division in collaboration with the Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area. That staff be directed to develop an implementation plan based on the Strategic Priorities in collaboration with the Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area. BACKGROUND: Downtown Kitchener is in the midst of a tremendous transformation. The arrival of the ION light rail transit line will accelerate change by attracting more people, more density, new shops, new buildings, and new ideas. The last 15 years has marked a significant shift in the downtown landscape, and the future is poised to be just as revolutionary. Downtown Kitchener (DTK) plays a major role in both pillars development strategy, Make it Kitchener: building a dynamic economy, and cultivating a compelling city in which to live. focus on urban development, anchored by alively urban core, emphasis on downtown revitalization, and the catalytic investments of the Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF). Economic Development and Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area (BIA) staff began the process of informing the Shape DTK 2020 Strategic Priorities in late 2016. This included extensive consultation to provide a guiding document that establishes clear priorities for the next 4 years, a foundation for the development of a collaborative work plan, and ensures alignment with the corporate Strategic Plan, and the economic development strategy Make it Kitchener. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 2 - 1 REPORT: Why Joint Strategic Priorities and Why Now? The City and Downtown Kitchener BIA have a strong history of collaborating on actions and initiatives that guide Downtown’s future - a common understanding that, by working together, we can effect greater positive change than working separately.In 2012, the City and BIA jointly approved the Downtown Kitchener Action Plan 2012-2016 which served as the blue print for how the City (e.g.: Economic Development staff) and BIA would focus their resources during that time. With ION construction nearly complete, and trains expected to be operational in 2018, Downtown will continue to experience significant development pressure over the next 4 years. Today is an opportune time to re-establish community values and priorities, in hopes that we can shape the kind of change our community wants, rather than let changeshape us. Consultation Findings The Shape DTK 2020 Strategic Prioritiesconsultation processfocused on the aspects of DTK that the community loves and doesn’t want to see lost, and ideas about what would make DTK even better. The suggestions and thoughts of nearly 15,000 community members and stakeholders were collected, synthesized and categorized. What emerged was a clear set of values—qualities that people appreciate about DTK and want to see preserved—and three key themes that suggest ways to improveon what already makes DTK compelling. Values: - Local and Unique:The communitylikes findinguniqueproducts, servicesand interestingfoodoptionsthat are local, nurturing personal relationships with business owners, and having a truly “made in Kitchener” experience. - Diverse and Inclusive: DTK should not only be a place for everyone, it should have a little something foreveryone too—it must be welcoming to all people and representative of the community’s many cultures. - Bold and Authentic: Downtown is a place that feels real—buildingssteeped in history,a place rich in character, anda local population made of many cultures and sub-cultures. - Community-centric: Community connections fuel DTK, whether that means bumping into friends on the street, coffee shops and pubs that feel like home, businesses being more collaborative than competitive, or facing complex social issues head on and with empathy. Themes: 1.A Larger Marketplace: Stakeholders want greater diversity and variety in shopping, services, and dining options. 2.Heartfelt Experiences: Downtown Kitchener is a place for discovery, exploration, and there is a lot of interest in experiencingits unique offerings. 3.Community Connections: The supportive, collaborative and inclusive spirit ofthe downtowncommunity will be critical in ensuring DTK, as it continues to grow and change, remains a place for all. 2 - 2 A full description of the findings, values, and themes can be found in Appendix B (Shape DTK 2020 Findings). Strategic Priorities Based on the consultation findingsnoted above, and in response to thesevalues and themes, threestrategic prioritiesare proposed: 1.Ignite the downtown as a platform for the next generation of urban shops, restaurants, businesses & services: Create the runway for businesses to succeed by providing tools to compete in an increasingly disruptive, digital marketplace.Examples of possible initiatives include: retail/food incubator program, retail market analysis, and physical enhancements that improve the customer experience (e.g.,wayfinding signage). 2.Foster heartfelt urban experiences: Support those who are creating meaningful, layered urban experiences today, and those who want to offer new ones tomorrow.Examples of possible initiatives include: shifting programming to evening and weekends, programming laneways, and signature outdoor art installations. 3.Champion a caring and collaborative community: Enable community builders by creating venues, spaces and opportunities for people to unite. Work together to tackle difficult challenges, like supporting those in need.Examples of possible initiatives include: hosting community-building events (e.g.,art crawls), developing urban amenities (e.g.,dog parks, sitting areas), and engaging diverse populations in relevant programming. A full description of the strategic priorities can be found in Appendix A (Shape DTK 2020 Strategic Priorities). Staff sought feedback on these strategic priorities by soliciting comment cards at a public open house, a drop-in BIA event, an information station at the Kitchener Market, and an Engage Kitchenersurvey. In general, the proposed priorities were positively received by the community. Many commentssimplysought further detailand clarity on the initiatives and actions associated with each priority area. For this reason, City staff and staff from the BIA propose to undertake collaborative work planning to identify the specific programs, initiatives, and tasks required to address the strategic priorities. Staff will develop and present a draft workplan and anticipate bringing a report to Council inthe Fallof 2017. Building off the 2012-2016 Priorities The previous plan focused on 4 key areas of focus. Three of these priorities - a vibrant King Street, residential intensification and growth of the Innovation District – are still critical objectives of a vibrant Downtown. However, all three have a degree of momentum behind them. While they still need support, it is possiblefor the City and BIA to turn the attention on a new set of top priorities. In fact, the three new proposed priorities will only help strengthen, support and build off of the previous priorities. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The recommendation of this report supports the achievement of the city’s strategic vision through the delivery of core service. 2 - 3 Downtown plays a critical role in Make it Kitchener, the City’s economic development strategy by developing a dynamic downtown, facilitating and encouraging sought-after urban amenities (Make it Urban), encouraging our creative community to use the city as a stage, and supporting strong communities and neighbourhood identities through distinct events and creative expressions (Make it Vibrant). In particular, Shape DTK 2020 Strategic Priorities supports a strong and resilient economy by nurturing quality of life, supporting job creation and facilitating the ongoing development of Downtown Kitchener (items 2.1, 2.4 and 2.5). As well, Shape DTK 2020 Strategic Priorities supports safe and thriving neighbourhoods, by encouraging people to come together in a public space, supporting health and well-being, and providing a venue for citizen-led events and experiences (item 3.6). FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None at this time. Any disbursementsrequired to support future actionswill be funded through existing Economic Development operating budgets and/or the Economic Development Reserve Fund. Any disbursements outside of existing budgets or outside the parameters of the City’s Purchasing Policywill be brought forward to Council for approval with a supporting business case. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Staff engaged nearly 1,500 people in consultation to inform these strategic priorities. A comprehensive approach was used to try to achieve representation across the community. This included five digital surveys, a community forum, 10 stakeholder round tables, an open house, a BIA member event, a drop-in information booth at the Kitchener Market, and advisory committees. Great detail on the number of participants can be found on page 2 of Appendix 2). The BIA Boardhas been a collaborative partner throughout this process, and greatly contributed toward the development of the strategic priorities.The BIA Board supported the rd strategic priorities at their May 23meetingandis scheduled toformally approve them on th . The Downtown Action and Advisory Committee (DAAC) passed a motion supporting June 28 th the strategic prioritiesat their May 25meeting.The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) also provided feedback on the survey results and strategic priorities. CONCLUSION: Shape DTK 2020 delivers a strongand compellingdirectionfor the future growth of the downtown. The proposed strategic priorities will provide 1)a guiding document for implementation by Economic Developmentand BIAstaff; and 2) a point of entry for the community and future partners to engage with the City on the future growth of the downtown. Economic Development and BIA staff will develop a work plan and resource model to align with the implementation of these strategic priorities. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, CAO 2 - 4 CAO-17-019Downtown Strategic Priorities: Shape DTK 2020 Appendix A: Shape DTK 2020 Strategic Priorities 2 pages 2 - 5 of do we get olders, we’ve been DIVERSITY shops and restaurants which UNIQUE AUTHENTICITY. that they love about DTK. It’s the — of anyone and everyone. It’s the character is proof of its BOLD INCLUSIVE dings, r restaurants or parks that truly defines Downtown Kitchener. It’s where dreamers, creators and makers find like buil — ’s the belief that DKT’s COMMUNITY feel. It LOCAL SHAPING DTK: A VISION FOR 2020 Five years ago, downtown stakeholders challenged us to energize King Street, add more housing in the core, and build out an Innovation District. Thanks to the work of countless partners and stakeholders, this change is happening! And while they remain key priorities, the arrival of ION will only accelerate change. As such, today marks a critical inflection point. With input, thoughts and ideas from downtown stakehable to shape a vision and mantra for the future of DTK that builds on success and positions downtown for the change ahead. Shape DTK 2020 started with 3 simple questions: What do you love about Downtown today? What’s your vision for its future? Howthere? Respondents told us that it’s not just the tangiblespeople, businesses, festivals and community groups that are give downtown a decidedly Simply put, it’s the unwavering sense of neighbours, collaborators and friends. No matter the size, scale or type of change a person wants to champion, if it betters our community, people here will help. And for those who simply want to be part of something, there’s a place in DTK. 2 - 6 it’s – it’s a – to all work Come Shape DTK together. nity. But we need ldy, because we can shape change spaces and opportunities for people to unite. We can help neighbours come together and support collaboration among businesses, residents and community groups. We can work together to tackle difficult challenges, like supporting those in need. Because at the end of the day, it’s not the size of our buildings or wealth of our companies that will define DTK the openness, inclusiveness and authenticity of DTK people that will.DOWNTOWN IS CHANGING.But change doesn’t need to be scary or unwietogether. Remember, Downtown is much more than a physical place community. We will champion positive change through programs and investments that make Downtown Kitchener a destination of choice for our entire commutogether. ing ant to mportant want a support necessarily engaged! or comedy, all t’s the i were also very URBAN often as i is Respondents said that . role to play in ayered urban experience, and are done e can support our community them downtown, might be the events, stores, want the chance to dine at an significant things were clear that doesn’t mean Disney. PRIORITY #2 FOSTER HEARTFELT EXPERIENCESWhen folks are downtown, theymeaningful, ltheyTheyinnovative restaurant, explore interesting shops, visit a gallery or museum, go for a drink and take in live musicin one trip. Respondentclear that you want these experiences all the time, evenings and weekends, designed for all types of audiences.While the City and BIA don’t need to create those experiences, they have those who are creating heartfelt experiences today, and those who woffer new ones tomorrow.PRIORITY #3 CHAMPION A CARING & COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITYHow as what gets donewhile it restaurants, experiences or work that brought community that keeps themTogether wbuilders. We can create the venues, e - but that’s – ital enabling the experience; provide , RESTAURANTS, , partners and agencies, the SHOPS opportunities for those who want Stakeholders want community leaders, stakeholdersBIA and City included, champions of positive change, and creatingto be part of it. These three proposed strategic areas of focus may not be grandiose, transformative ideas the point. They simply set the stage for the kind of positive change our community wants: PRIORITY #1IGNITE DOWNTOWN AS A PLATFORM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF URBAN BUSINESSES & SERVICESStakeholders want more and better shops, restaurants and services. And respondents were clear on what the parameters are unique, local, independent places that offer products, services and an experience that can’t be found at a mall or online. The opportunity is to create the runway for businesses to succeed. Together we can identify and provide the tools to compete in an increasingly disruptive, digmarketplace; enhance the customer shopping and diningspace, opportunity and mentoring for thoswho want to test new concepts; andpromote and amplify all of the amazing experiences DTK has to offer. 2 - 7 CAO-17-019Downtown Strategic Priorities: Shape DTK 2020 Appendix B: Shape DTK 2020 Findings 21 pages 2 - 8 STAKEHOLDER VISIONS OF A NEW SHAPE ACTION PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN KITCHENER FINDINGS DTK 2020 2 - 9 | 1 PHOTO: JOE MARTZ - JOEMARTZ.COM S | by that they ONE VICTORIA RESIDENTIAL CONDO HOW DO WE GET THERE? and DOWNTOWN KITCHENER love about COMMUNITY MAKE THIS PLACE EVEN BETTER, Downtown Kitchener (aka DTK) is in the midst of a tremendous transformation. The arrival of the ION transit line will accelerate change: more people, more density, new shops, new buildings, new collisions and creations. Today is a critical moment in time because we have a chance to shape the change to come. We can shape it to match our collective values and desires. We can make sure we’re all proud of those changes and involved in realizing them. Together as a community, we’ve been considering this opportunity discussing two big questions:What does the don’t want to see lost? What will The thoughts, ideas and answers of nearly 1500 community builders and stakeholders were collected, synthesized and grouped. What emerged was a clear set of core values — qualities that people appreciate about downtown and want to see preserved — and three key themes that suggest ways to improve on what already makes DTK compelling. We’ve While the City of Kitchener and Downtown Kitchener BIA may have undertaken this research, there is only one way to move these strategic priorities forward and into reality: by changing things together. Before we start, we want to check back in with you. Did we capture the community’s thoughts, feelings and desires correctly? Do the proposed hope you’ll continue to Shape DTK with us! SHAPE DTK 2020:CREATING OUR 2 - 10 | 2 AGED 35-59 MALES were of respondents KITCHENER IN DOWNTOWN LIVE OR WORK respondents of survey LESS THAN FEMALES years old of survey respondents were 35 as respondents of survey to PHOTO: MATTHEW WARTMAN - BARNDOORCREATIVE.CA CT | SURVEYS ONLINE DTK 2020 four distinct Shape PEOPLE RESPONDED 2 THE INNOVATION DISTRI and at by DTK and + GATHERINGS SURVEYS captured by stakeholders were COMMENTS ROUND TABLE COMMUNITY a FORUM at DISCUSSIONS their DTK vision locals shared FOSTER HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES DOWNTOWN KITCHENER 2 - 11 | 3 MEG LESLIE’S AWESOME WALL AT THE HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP Kitchener has a heart and grit that everywhere doesn’t. 2 - 12 | 4 B@THEMUSEUM FOSTER HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES We asked stakeholders to explain their attraction to DTK, and four sets of core values emerged. YOU SHARED YOUR CORE VALUES 2 - 13 | 5 CORE VALUES LIVE MUSIC IN VICTORIA PARK DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE DTK should not only be a place for everyone, it should have I want to feel like a gated community. I’m in the world, not LOCAL & UNIQUE 2 - 14 | 6 to CORE VALUES YETI CAFÉ IN THE MARKET DISTRICT BOLD & AUTHENTIC doers. 6 The unique grassroots to move here from Toronto. community vibe compelled us COMMUNITY-CENTRIC FOSTER HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES 2 - 15 INTERESTING FACTOID: Historically, survey respondents have always THE CONUNDRUM: and services. People who live and work wider variety of restaurants LEGACY GREENS ON KING STREET FOSTER HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES Stakeholders want greater diversity and variety stores, restaurants 7 | LOCALS WANT A LARGERMARKETPLACE 2 - 16 8 LIKE OUR of downtown RESTAURANTS. I prefer to shop I prefer power 45% I prefer to shop DTK even if there were shop in Toronto. LARGER MARKETPLACE COFFEE SHOP of survey respondents visit a DTK OR CAFÉ eat at a downtown RESTAURANT ...and with nearly 100 FOOD & DRINK PROVIDERS DOWNTOWN... How do DTK EMPLOYEES CURRENTLY SHOP?care where I shop. If I with the current shops. to locals LIKE STORES. OUR RETAIL IS IMPORTANT of downtown AUTHENTICITY of stakeholders PLEASURE SHOP downtown on DESTINATION SHOP downtown on a 52%independent businesses The public will COME TO DTK FOR MORE/BETTER Shops and servicesFestivals and events 90 RETAIL BUSINESSES DOWNTOWN... MORE/ AS RD RD said FOOD when 3 CHOICE UPSCALECASUAL 243 VOTES MORE 3 CHOICE RARE FIND/ ANTIQUE/ VINTAGE STORES 241 VOTES INVESTMENT SHOPS MORE/BETTER SHOPS do people want to see? ND ND 2 CHOICE ETHNIC 307 VOTES 2 CHOICE CLOTHING/SHOE/GIFT STORES 360 VOTES TWO TIMES AS OFTEN 60% OF DTK EMPLOYEES MORE STST VARIETY & QUALITY Stakeholders chose & SERVICESRESTAURANTS & COFFEE SHOPS Nearly BETTER RETAIL 1 CHOICE DAILY SERVICES 466 VOTES 1 CHOICE UNIQUECONCEPT 321 VOTES WHAT KIND OF do people want to see?WHAT STYLE OF & DRINK 2 - 17 | 9 LARGER MARKETPLACE BLACK ARROW CYCLES ON QUEEN STREET downtown more often. We need more services in order to bring people S A E D I M U R O F K T D E More street food P A passport eats or H S 2 - 18 10 LARGER MARKETPLACE would be lovely. I would also love to see We need to concentrate on cultivating services that you can’t buy online: eating, attract and keep people downtown. 2 - 19 WHAT WE HEARD A LOT: THE OPPORTUNITY: wider audience. CANADA DAY FESTIVITIES IN 2015 FOSTER HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES Downtown Kitchener is a place for discovery and exploration,authenticity, ideally on foot. Shape DTK stakeholders want their 11 | LOCALS LOVE HEARTFELTEXPERIENCES 2 - 20 12 want daily CURIOSITIES SENSES OUTDOORSPACESLIVEMUSICIANSPEDESTRIAN EXPLORATION HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES of survey respondents said theyrestaurants downtownof respondents asked for of public survey respondents festivals to happen downtownof respondants said they want % % %% LOCALS VIBRANCY 32.123.1 STIR THEIR 47.524.1 FEED THEIR 302 votes 230 222 OVER LARGE 203 SPECTACLESAN AUDIENCE OVER BEING PART OF 163 146 PARTICIPATORY NIGHTLIFE 57 A GROUP EXPERIENCES COMMUNAL & BEING PART OF 376 364 328 380 votes such as 287 ACTIVE MORE THAN basketball court EXPERIENCES creating a laneway PREFERRED such as participants to rank their 87 Shape DTK surveys asked SOCIAL LOCALS WANT INITIATIVES EXPERIENCES as hangout spots reimagining laneways where restaurants, patios and pubs 2 - 21 | 13 S A E D HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES I Art crawls every Outdoor winter events M U A Ferris wheel at Victoria Park R O F K PHOTO: MATT SMITH - MATTHEWSMITHPHOTO.NET | T D E P A H S or mysterious in nature. Canadian version of Portland. Keep it weird, keep encouraging experiences that are hard to explain Kitchener could be a kind of smaller, NIGHT\\SHIFT: BALLOON ROOM @ CITS FEATURING FROG IN HAND PRODUCTIONS 2 - 22 14 HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES pedestrian walkways, cafes, outdoor continue to attract crowds. This concept series at DTK businesses that invites the counter and learn about how we do houses into a downtown with personalibeen a place that is for everyone, where food & that it has such an enviable social spaces be experimented with Laneways are hidden gems!! I think the idea of using laneways for seating areas, patios and festivals would greatly increase encourage land owners to let their empty Foster a climate of openness to space usage, 2 - 23 INTERESTING FACTOID: WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN: connections and relationships with others that keep us PHOTO: DEAN LANDRY - DVISION.CA RK | Connecting the people and places that make DTK compellingProviding amenities, services and spaces so locals can do life in DTKThe collison of community-minded people and organizations to create a breeding ground for grassroots innovation YOGA IN VICTORIA PA FOSTER HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES The supportive, collaborative and inclusive spirit of downtown is important and energizing. 15 | LOCALS VALUE COMMUNITYCONNECTIONS 2 - 24 16 339 votes PARK WALK VICTORIA STREET 140 votes DOWN KING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS 131 votes FESTIVAL 227 votes DINNER LUNCH OR (THEMUSEUM, KPL, KWAG) OUT 4 NIGHT 114 votes 9150403827 A 230 votes MARKET KITCHENER – connect & the (40% OF VOTES) VICTORIA PARK COMMUNAL VENUES TAKE A VISITORDOWNTOWN?TOP TWO CHOICES are KITCHENER MARKET local communities and individuals than (with Wi-Fi) or (like Ping Pong) by survey respondents. AND of downtown residents is RANKED 1ST MORE OFTEN Popup Retail/Restaurant shops (ex: shipping container) TOP PRIORITY votes 341 464418 423 DTK’S FABRIC TO STRENGTHEN The “A DIVERSE WELCOMING COMMUNITY”which was “great shops and restaurants”“vibrant street life” INTERVENTIONS SHOULD ENCOURAGE INTERACTION spontaneous activity.108 2 - 25 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS contribute to this place. make me want to do more to here that are really collaborative The businesses and organizations PHOTO: CHRISTINE REID - CHRISTINEREIDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | 17 | S A E D I M U R O F K T D E MANULIFE RED LAB IN THE COMMUNITECH HUB P A H S services and business collaboration foster this kind of creative everyone to Space for 2 - 26 18 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS spaces be experimented with. spaces be experimented with encourage land owners to let their empty encourage land owners to let their empty Foster a climate of openness to space usage, Foster a climate of openness to space usage, infrastructure that we already have collaboration between downtown food & 2 - 27 | 22 PHOTO: JOE MARTZ - JOEMARTZ.COM | Anything is possible and anyone will help you in DTK. BRIDGE TO VICTORIA PARK ISLAND FOSTER HEARTFELT EXPERIENCES City of Kitchener’s strategic priorities for downtown, we need to know how well we’ve captured your thoughts, feelings and desires.Please keep sharing your thoughts on how we Shape DTK at downtownkitchener.ca/ShapeDTK NEXT STEPS 2 - 28 City of Kitchener #SHAPEDTK Downtown Kitchener BIA LINDA JUTZI Questions? CORY BLUHM cory.bluhm@kitchener.ca THE PEOPLE OF BROUGHT TO YOU BY @DTKITCHENER Executive Director, Executive Director of Economic Development, 2 - 29