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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1997-08-18 SPED\1997-08-18-SPE PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 18, 1997 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Economic Development Committee held a special meeting this date commencing at 5:00 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy and Councillors John Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Taylor-Harrison, T. Galloway, B. Vrbanovic, M. Yantzi and J. Ziegler. Officials present: Ms. C. Ladd, S. Hucul, S. Frenette, P. Houston, V. Gibaut and Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. McCabe, B. Stanley, J. Shivas, L. Masseo, B. Arnot, D. Corks, T. Clancy, J. Hancock and L.W. Neil. 1. FINAL REPORT OF TEAM KITCHENER - "A STRATEGY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH" Councillor C. Weylie advised that the purpose of this special meeting was to hear a presentation by Team Kitchener and receive their report entitled 'A Strategy for Economic Growth' dated August 18, 1997. Mr. Doug Brock, Chair of Team Kitchener, appeared as a delegation to present the Report. He first commented that the experience had been an enjoyable and challenging one and expressed thanks and appreciation to city staff members, Carla Ladd, Larry Masseo and Sydney Hucul who assisted the Team. He then recognized the other members of Team Kitchener, most of whom were in attendance: James Hailer Frederick Hartstock Wayne Hussey* Michael Johnson** *John Mackenzie (alternate) **Don Drackley (alternate) Linda Kieswetter Joan Sanger Mr. Brock then began his presentation of the report with illustration of major issues being provided by a computer powerpoint summary shown on the Council Chambers overhead screen. He briefly reviewed each of the chapters of the Report which are itemized as follows: 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. The Situation The Context Current Economic Development Practices Stakeholder Consultation Current Market Position The Vision - The Preferred Future A New Model - A New Strategy The Next Step - Where do we go from here? Summary Mr. Brock noted that through the early 1990's, Kitchener's economy could be described as vibrant when compared to most other cities in Ontario. However, he noted that beginning in 1995, this area's local economy began to level off whereas other provincial centres were experiencing significant growth. Mr. Brock commented that the fall-off in economic activity actually represented stagnation locally and suggested that Kitchener re-focus its efforts to achieve economic growth. He made reference to involved stakeholders and to Kitchener's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) Analysis listed as Appendix 'B' in the Report. He pointed out that it was Team Kitchener's Vision that Kitchener could become the most successful economic area in Canada. In reference to a strategy to achieve economic success, Mr. Brock referred to Chapter 7 which is composed of 2 parts. Part 1 Strengthening Our Local Economy lists recommendations for Actions/Initiatives by the City of Kitchener. Part 2 - Establishing our Global Position lists recommendations for Action/Initiatives by the Greater Economic Area (CTT). Mr. Brock then referred to Chapter 8 dealing with the next step which recommends the formation of a sub committee of Team Kitchener to address several actions itemized in the chapter. At the conclusion of his presentation, copies of the Team Kitchener Report were distributed to the Committee. Both Councillor C. Weylie and Mayor R. Christy thanked the members of Team Kitchener for their contribution and commitment to produce the Report in a short time-frame. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 18, 1997 - 138 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. FINAL REPORT OF TEAM KITCHENER (CONT'D) "A STRATEGY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH" Committee members then posed a number of questions to which various Team Kitchener members responded. The following issues were raised: - educational partnerships and the retention level of graduate students within the community as a base toward creation of future businesses - documentation in the Report that emphasizes the regional attributes and the importance of the Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT) - definition of what local really means from an economic perspective and related umbrella organizations - reference to a new project called "Market Ontario" and suggestion that the City receive a presentation of this to understand its collaborative benefits - business retention is a key local activity - city's on-going initiative respecting "one stop shopping" is re-enforced by the Report's recommendation 1.5 dealing with establishment of a "New Business Facilitator" position - the city has all the assets required to achieve economic success but just needs to use its assets more effectively - having a viable downtown core is critically important to the municipality - governance was seen as a major deficiency - need for better facilities to host small to medium sized conventions The recommendation on pages 28 and 29 of the Team Kitchener Report was then considered. Reference was made to continuing activities of the Downtown Development Team as well as the need for an internal departmental staff team group. On motion- it was resolved: "That we approve the following with regard to the Final Report of Team Kitchener entitled 'A Strategy for Economic Growth', dated August 18, 1997: the Downtown Development Team shall continue its role and structure until final recommendations about its future are made within the Team Kitchener Implementation Plan report; the establishment of a subcommittee of Team Kitchener, together with the Chief Administrative Officer and the Administrative Director of Team Kitchener, including any internal departmental team group as required by the Chief Administrative Officer; and, the tabling of the Final Report of Team Kitchener for detailed consideration at a future meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee in Autumn 1997." By general consent, it was agreed the above recommendation be introduced as an addition to the report of the Planning and Economic Development Committee at the evening Council meeting this date. As a concluding remark, Mr. Brock stated that he was impressed by the expertise of staff supplied by the City to assist Team Kitchener and he personally thanked the Team members. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk