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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-28 EDAC Minutes ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES August 28, 2019 City of Kitchener A meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee was held at 11:02 am this date, chaired by M. Bingeman, and vice-chaired by B. Whittaker, with all members present, except Councilor Johnson, and S. Weber. STAFF: E. Robson, Manager of Art and Creative Industries V. Boyle, Economic Development Assistant L. Connor, Economic Researcher Information Items 1. Kitchener Complete Streets Program Presentation: D. Kropf, Active Transportation Planning Project Manger D. Kropf gave the committee an overview of the complete street program. Complete streets was described as a model where every street is safe, comfortable for all - designed for safety - no longer just for cars, and aims to enhance sustainability. D. Kropf explained that the main changes from our current model/situation include narrower lanes to encourage slower speed and increase space utilized for cyclists, pedestrians and trees. This regained space will be used to increase the width of sidewalks which will allow for two strollers or wheel chairs to pass by each other comfortably as well as increase the width of boulevards which will allow for more options for transit, allow for more tree space, and increase storm water runoff options. Another change highlighted is increasing bicycle standards. Public consultation has found people to not feel safe riding with their kids on a painted lane so separated options are being investigated and trailed in a few key areas of the city to allow for connection between trails and main arteries. The last change that D. Kropf highlighted was around the classification of streets. Currently there is only one classification that encompasses main roads with heavy traffic. The plan is to like Belmont Avenue, King Street, and Queen Street and other areas that are considered classification would bring about different rules, speeds and standards. provide further input they are welcome to fill out the survey at the link to the right. engagewr.ca/complete-streets 1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES August 28, 2019 City of Kitchener 2. Provincially Significant Employment Zones: B. Sloan, Manager Long Range & Policy Plan B. Sloan presented to the committee about the provincially significant employment zones explaining the list that was put out by the province does not include any lands in our municipality which is problematic if we hope to protect these employment lands which are a finite resource. B. Sloan then presented the proposed delineated boundaries that has been developed in conjunction with the region that will be submitted to the province to consider including. 3. Make It Kitchener 2.0 Engagement Update: L. Chlumsky, Economic Development Researcher L. Chlumsky presented to the committee about the progress on the Make it Kitchener 2.0 Economic Development Strategy community engagement. She discussed the methods of engagement have included round table stakeholder sessions, an online survey, and a community symposium called Ideas of the Brave in October. L. Chlumsky then went through the preliminary survey responses including the demographics of the people who have been engaged thus far as well as the themes that have arisen thus far. Once both the survey closes and the community symposium has taken place in early October the data gathered will be analyzed and a draft strategy will be developed. Discussion Items 4. EDAC Check-in and Schedule Discussion: M. Bingeman and B. Whittaker M. Bingeman put forward that the committee is just over half way through the year and he offered the opportunity to provide input and discuss how committee members have . He also suggested that an updated schedule be sent out for the remainder of the year. The committee went around the table and discussed their likes and dislikes including requests to do a recap of the previous meeting at the beginning of every meeting, getting presentation in advance when possible, and finding out more about where the input and discussion ends up. Meeting adjourned @ 1:10pm. 2