HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2004-05-13May 13, 2004
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
City of Kitchener
The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m., chaired by John
Smola, with the following members present: Vice-Chair, Sally Gunz, Glen Woolner, Doug Hoch,
Christina Weylie, Anita Petsche-Good, Nathan Hallman, Fred Bishop, Mark Stranz and Denis Pellerin
City staff present included Michelle Schurter, Keith Baulk and Sandy Curzon
1. Approval of Minutes
On motion by Denis Pellerin
It was resolved:
"That the minutes of April 8, 2004, as received by the members, be accepted."
Business Arising from Minutes
a. Centre Block Steering Committee - on April 29th, Frank Pizzuto provided DAC members with an
update on the work of the Centre Block Steering Committee based on the following:
· March 29TM, City Council approved $110 million dollars in an investment fund over the next
ten years. This includes $32.5 potential funding for a new main library
· KPL Board of Directors are currently working on a business case for a new main library
downtown - city staff are assisting with this business case which will identify and clarify the
need for a new main library
· Centre Block Steering Committee will be submitting a proposal to the Library Board which
will focus on the Centre Block as the best location for the main library, however Mr. Pizzuto
stressed that the decision to relocate the library to the Centre Block has not been finalized
nor approved - there are steps that need to be taken first before a decision can be made
· With respect to a timeframe, KPL will make their presentation in August/September asking
for $32.5 allocation from the Capital Budget Investment Funds, an Expression of Interest will
follow
· The erosion of retailers is evident in the downtown, however Mr. Pizzuto felt with the current
projects i.e. WLU; U of W; The Record; etc., will increase people traffic which in turn will
stimulate retail growth
· In closing, Mr. Pizzuto reminded DAC members that Kitchener Downtown is a healthier
downtown than most other municipalities
b. Graffiti removal
· Julie Dean, Safe City Co-Ordinator is reviewing the process with KDBA. Since Marry
Schreiter was not available to comment, this item is deferred to meeting of June 10th to
clarify the removal process - who does it, and at what cost
· Action: Michelle Schurter to clarify how the removal process, of graffiti, works
c. New Kitchener Market
· Keith Baulk was in attendance to answer concerns that were raised concerning the change
to opening hours for the New Kitchener Market (changed from 6am to 7am).
· Mr. Baulk advised that this was a business decision to create growth and overlap with the
full-time shops. This time change will be monitored to determine if it affects the 'bottom line'
for vendors
· On May 15th an open house for vendors will take place to discuss the period of time required
to determine the impact of the changed hours
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May 13, 2004
3. DAC Sub-groups
Market/East End
· Approximately 75 business people from the Market District attended an open house at the
Your New Kitchener Market
· Neighbourhood associations have been encouraged to participate in celebrating the Grand
Opening of Your New Kitchener Market
· There are plans to visit Cameron Height Collegiate to encourage youth to get involved with
the opening
· When questioned why a soft opening and a grand opening - permanent shops will not be
opened until September 4, 2004
b. Retail Health
· Nothing to report, deferred to meeting of June 8th
Arts
· Available Space Art Project (ASAP) will host a kick-off May 13th. This project will see vacant
space, store and business fronts transformed into art galleries of work from local artists.
Exhibits will change on a monthly basis and showcase the diversity of talent in Kitchener.
· Councillor Smola was asked why the historical significance of the Farmer's Market is not
incorporated into the New Market. A call for proposal went out inviting local artists - of which
the winning feature is a sculpture entitled "Pea Pod"
· Sally Gunz suggested that schools could be approached to invite students to work on
displays depicting the history of the Farmer's Market.
· An outside mural program could also be initiated
Housing/Neighbourhood Associations
· A housing study is currently underway by Glen Richardson to take advantage of an incentive
package worth $1 million which will see 2nd & 3rd storey's of downtown buildings converted to
residential units. To ensure this follows procedures, the report will come from the
Housing/Neighbourhood Association Sub-Committee, then to DAC for comments/
recommendation before going to City Council for approval
e. Safety Audit group
· Currently looking for an auditor- nothing further to report
4. Committee updates
Minutes of the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee, the Economic Development Advisory Committee,
and the Safe and Healthy Advisory Committee were discussed briefly.
As part of his EDAC report, Glen Woolner reviewed proposed changes to Development Charges as
discussed at the last EDAC meeting and how the intent of balancing the higher cost of green field
development and its required new, expanded infrastructure, against established inner city
communities with existing infrastructure already paid for, is to be played out. This more equitable
approach would help make inner city revitalization more viable and attractive to developers. Nathan
Hallman commented that he was not convinced that inner city intensification was less costly than
green field development. Glen Woolner responded saying that inner city infrastructure already
exists, is largely underutilized, and requires little if any expanded infrastructure, hence the lower
cost.
·Kitchener Downtown Street Outreach Project will receive $20,000 in 2004 from the Safe &
Healthy Community Advisory Committee budget. The Outreach Program links people with
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May 13, 2004
required services, which together with Jobs Cafb and Supports to Housing Outreach Worker
Project, makes up the 3-part plan to improve the safety of the Downtown and helps those who
are in a cycle of instability.
5. Other business
· Anna Haromy, DAC Committee member will be leaving to pursue a career in Saskatoon
On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m
Next Meeting - Thursday, June 10, 2004
4pm-6:00pm, Schmalz Room, 2nd floor, Kitchener City Hall
DAC Minutes
May 13, 2004
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