HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-27 EDAC Minutes
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 27, 2019 City of Kitchener
The Economic Development Advisory Committee met on this date, commencing at 11:09 a.m.
Members: Anthony Zammit, Barclay Whittaker (Chair), Barry Lowry, Councillor Dave
Schnider, David Billedeau, Jason Malfara, Councillor Margaret Johnston, Sandra
O’Hagan
Staff in attendance: Brian Bennett, Chloe Howell, Cory Bluhm, Lauren Nelson, Victoria Boyle
Guests: Dayna Edwards, Senior Planner (Urban Design), City of Kitchener
Information Items
1) Urban Design Manual: Dayna Edwards
Final draft is now available to view online: www.kitchener.ca/udm
Throughout February – March, 2019 there will be additional public, stakeholder and internal
consultation. EDAC members were given a printed copy of the final draft of ‘Industrial Employment
Areas’ as this section is most closely related to their role on EDAC. Members are encouraged to
submit their comments to Dayna Edwards (dayna.edwards@kitchener.ca) by April 1, 2019.
Jason Malfara is part of a subcommittee reviewing the document, especially as it relates to
residential planning. If anyone is interested in joining this subcommittee, contact Jason directly.
2) Updates: Brian Bennett
DC exemption expiry
Downtown DC exemption expired February 28, 2019.
Full Building permit must be received within six months
Erwin Hymer Group lay-offs
Information sessions held at Kitchener City Hall and in Cambridge
Employment Hub open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Kitchener on Mondays and Wednesdays and
in Cambridge on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Job Fair held March 7, 2019.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 27, 2019 City of Kitchener
Economic Outlook 2019
Event held on February 20, 2019 at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics discussing
“Canada’s Competitiveness Challenge.”
Keynote speaker: Craig Alexander, Partner and Chief Economist at Deloitte.
Anticipates a slower economic pace, but not necessarily a big downturn, Canada is still reliant on
the U.S. economy
Discussion Items
Planning the agenda for 2019
Based on feedback, the main objective EDAC members would like to achieve is exposure to
opportunities early enough to be meaningfully engaged and able to influence decisions.
The Chair lead a roundtable discussion based on challenges, threats and opportunities in the sectors
represented and what each member hopes to get from the committee.
Our current economic development strategy, ‘Make it Kitchener’ ends in 2018. Staff are looking for
input from EDAC to help shape the economic development strategy for 2020-2024. Members are
encouraged to help staff understand the areas where we can have the biggest and most meaningful
impact with limited funds and resources.
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