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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-28 EDAC Minutes ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 28, 2018 City of Kitchener Economic Development Advisory Committee met on this date, commencing at 11:00 a.m. Members: Councillor Bil Ioannidis, Barclay Whittaker, Barry Lowry, David Billedeau, Jason Malfara, Jeremy Auger, Mark Bingeman, Councillor Paul Singh, Sandra O’Hagan, Councillor Scott Davey Staff in attendance: Brian Bennett, Chris Farrell, Tracey Murray Delegations: Tony LaMantia; Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation Nick Gollan; Manager Storm water Utility, City of Kitchener Hans Gross; Director Engineering Services, City of Kitchener Business Items 1. Tony LaMantia – Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation T. LaMantia provided an overview of:  the work of Waterloo EDC;  the importance of promoting the Region globally and why that matters;  their value proposition for the Region and Kitchener;  what site selectors look for. He also noted the importance of highlighting all of the sectors that we are leaders in. Questions/Comments:  Community size or scale is a significant weakness, as well as not having a research hospital which could eliminate pharmaceutical research.  We have a large amount of companies looking for talent, which is a global problem; locally we have approximately 2000 unfilled technology positions.  Waterloo EDC focuses on client problems as opposed to resolving large regional issues. They also recruit domestically to draw business from other parts of Canada.  What role is Waterloo EDC taking in the provincial election campaigns to push Two Way All Day GO? Currently assessing individual party transit platforms. The Committee thanked T. LaMantia for his presentation. 2. Nick Gollan and Hans Gross – Storm water Policy N. Gollan provided the committee with an overview of storm water management implementation, a project started in 2014. Questions/Comments:  Has this presentation been done for the real estate board? Not to date, but engineering would be happy to.  Why have the small sites been left out? This was the exemption under the 2001 policy, and since it is such a small area, there would be little impact in changing this.  How do you address older neighbourhoods that do not have a storm sewer connection but a weeping tile into the sanitary drains? They are not addressing the issue at this time as there are currently 20,000 homes connected in this way. Changing the connection could cost up to $625M.  They are looking at creating a new incentive program in the future for an enhanced program that could allow for using permeable pavers, irrigation systems, etc. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES March 28, 2018 City of Kitchener  Does remediation fit under this plan? No, but depending on the scope, potentially could fit under the Brownfield program.  Have you done any analysis of the loss of revenue in the downtown due to the DC exemption? Not at this time.  P. Singh complimented staff on the work they have done to this policy and the willingness to be flexible when it comes to these projects.  Are newer developments now not using storm water management ponds? Storm water management ponds are still being incorporated in new developments.  Regarding development infiltration systems in subdivisions, they are trying to do what is most cost effective and efficient. Updates  Mayor’s State of the City – April 17, 5:00 p.m. at Catalyst137  Manufacturing Summit – May 10, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Bingemans  True North – May 29-31 at Lot 42 during the day and Downtown Kitchener at night  Film, Music and Interactive Media Office report – going to Committee in April  Strasburg industrial land going out for tender next week Tracey Murray Committee Administrator