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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-25 DAAC Minutes DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES July 25, 2019 City of Kitchener The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Debbie Chapman, David Harmes, Martin Timmerman, Sandra Castle, Trisha Smith, Tori Mikhnovsky, William Turman, Matthew Morales Guests: T. Ossinga, Carolyn Dawn-Good – The B Box L. Chlumsky – Economic Development Analyst L. Connor – Economic Researcher – Coop Student Staff: Hilary Abel, Mistie Brown, Marzena Rachwal Information Items: 1. Chair & Vice Chair update Ms. H. Abel updates the committee regarding the recent resignation of Bryan Gracan, Committee Chair. Geoffrey Guin, Committee Vice-Chair has accepted the role of Committee Chair on July 22, 2019. Ms. H. Abel discusses the vacant position for a second Committee Vice-Chair; she mentions that Jeannette Makad has expressed interest for the position, and if any committee member is interested to apply, please notify Ms. H. Abel or Ms. M. Rachwal before the next scheduled DAAC meeting in August. 2. Project 220 Update Ms. H. Abel updates the committee on Project 220. Current pop-up vendors, Four All Ice Cream and A Million Elephants will remain until end of August, while Impact Theatre Festival will move in in September. Ms. H. Abel will update the committee in August regarding October’s tenants. She also mentions due to the overwhelming interest, potential retail pop-up space will be available in downtown, location will be announced at later date. She also explains that a report will be prepared to council on long-term plans for Project 220. Discussion Items: 1) The B BoX, New Co-working Space Mr. T. Ossinga introduces and discusses B BoX co-working space at 283 Duke St W. in Kitchener. He explains that the location serves the typical business or not-for-profit an opportunity for a space to work from; dedicated desks, community memberships, access to amenities, office equipment, a mailing address, leadership training and insurance opportunities for employees, as well as event space rental. Recommended for review: https://www.thebbox.ca/ DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES July 25, 2019 City of Kitchener 2) Make it Kitchener – continued consultation Ms. L. Connor presents Make It Kitchener 2.0 to the Downtown Advisory Action Committee, explaining the three main goals of the process; Build a platform that mobilizes city-builders, Identify areas of focus the city can champion, Create long-term, multigenerational impact. MIK objective is to create a “City for Everyone” and “Attract & Retain the Best Talent”. Ms. L. Connor and Ms. L. Chlumsky facilitated the committee through a two-group activity, answering the questions; what are the greatest risk our community may face? What is the most significant shift our community will need to prepare for? What is the greatest opportunity our community could seize? What is the most transformational change we can champion? What role do you see yourself or your organization playing in these opportunities and challenges? • Group 1- Tori Mikhnovsky, David Harmes, Debbie Chapman, Matthew Morales, Facilitated by Lauren Chlumsky • Group 2- Martin Timmerman, William Turman, Sandra Castle, Tricia Smith, Carolyn Dawn- Good (The B Box), Facilitated by Leah Connor Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Next meeting August 22, 2019 @ 4:00p.m.