HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-22
DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 22, 2017 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:09pm
Present:
Chair, Brian Santos; Aaron Francis; Bryan Gracan; Ruben Grin; Alexis Hunt;
Linda Jutzi; Councillor Sarah Marsh; Bryn Ossington; Masa Raskovic; Andrea
Santi; Scott Thomson and Martin Timmerman
Staff: Cory Bluhm, Executive Director Economic Development
Eric Rumble, Downtown Marketing & Program Co-coordinator
Sandy Curzon, Committee Administrator
1. Information Items/Unfinished Business
Announcements
Robert Nyman is our newest member of DAAC, representing the downtown
business/property owner criteria. His grandfather, Michael Fritsch has owned and
operated Fritsch Fragrances in downtown Kitchener since 1959. Mr. Nyman
commended DAAC on actions taken over the last 10+ years. He also expressed how
happy and humble he is to be part of the committee.
Members congratulated the former Manager of Downtown Development, Cory Bluhm
who has been promoted to Executive Director, Economic Development.
Bryan Gracan, on behalf of DAAC, attended a Compass Kitchener meeting that
included all Advisory Committees of Council. The group brainstormed around a
communication process that can be shared to all advisory committees.
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DAAC meeting of July 27 will be cancelled in line with Council summer break.
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Committee will reconvene on Thursday, August 24.
Arts & Culture Advisory Committee
Aaron Francis provided an overview of meeting of June 20, 2017 that included
a joint meeting with the Regional Arts & Culture Committee. Full minutes can be
reviewed here.
Downtown Live
Eric Rumble provided an overview of events run by the Downtown Team which
include:
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o King StrEatery on June 17 included 17 food trucks, became the most
successful food truck event to-date. Some vendors ran out of food before the
end of the day.
o Goudies Lane is now closed off to vehicle traffic, becoming a pedestrian
friendly venue for lunch hour performances and other special events throughout
the summer.
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DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 22, 2017 City of Kitchener
o Queen Street Yoga back by popular demand, held in Victoria Park every
Wednesday from noon-1pm
o Upcoming events include: two movie nights and Shakespheare in the (Civic
Centre) Park
o Local artists did the illustrations for the event flyer
o Members were offered additional flyers to distribute
Summer Lights was well attended; Canada Day; Blues Festival; Multicultural;
NightShift are a few of the larger events also scheduled once again this year.
2. Discussion Items
Queen Street Placemaking Strategy
Brandon Sloan provided an updated summary of public feedback received on the Queen
Street PlaceMaking Strategy. Mr. Sloan requested key messages from DAAC to be
included in the staff report scheduled for August 21 , 2017 Standing Committee.
Elements of a preferred design will be drawn from the feedback on two concepts that
were presented during public engagement over the past two months. Top priorities that
are affordable included living street walls, laneway programming and decorative lighting.
used a few months of the year and maintenance it was not considered to be cost
effective. Key messages/priorities from DAAC members included focusing on Vogelsang
Green and laneway (Goudies/Halls) improvements.
Next Steps:
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2017 a staff report to Council on August 21 will include a preferred design &
cost estimates.
2018 - Detailed design
2019 - Construction
Shape DTK 2020
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Due to time restrictions, this item was deferred until August 24, to allow members
further time for questions and input on the Queen Street Placemaking project.
3. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:25pm
S. Curzon
Committee Administrator
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