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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Action - 1993-02-04DAC\1993-02-04 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEEKITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE February 4, 1993February 4, 1993 The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Alderman Bryan Stortz with the following members present: Lorna Ferguson, David Ryan, Rudy Koop, Gerry Graham, Karen Simoneau, Michelle Morissetti, Karen Taylor-Harrison, Robert Braun, James Richard, Alderman Mark Yantzi, Cam Costley, Doug Marshman and Brian Hunsberger. Others PresentOthers Present:: Bob Arnot, Jim Witmer, Nancy Hackett, Julie Dean, Lori Gove, Grant Nixon, Tim O'Brien, Valerie Gibaut, Trudy Bricker and Staff Inspector Joe MacDonald 1.Approval of AgendaApproval of Agenda On motion by Karen Simoneau it was resolved:it was resolved: That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee Agenda of February 4, 1993, be accepted. CarriedCarried 2.Approval of MinutesApproval of Minutes On motion by Robert Braun it was resolved:it was resolved: That the minutes of the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee of December 3, 1992, be approved. 3.Introduction of New MemberIntroduction of New Member Alderman Bryan Stortz introduced Rudy Koop representing the Physically Challenged. Koop is replacing Paula Saunders. Mr. Koop advised he is a native of Kitchener, has worked in the downtown core and was active in coaching girls softball. He is currently involved with a barrier free group and Project Lift. 4.Database of Community ServicesDatabase of Community Services Karen Simoneau reported the Community Information Services for Waterloo Region has now included a community services directory on database. The database Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 75 - - CommitteeCommittee directory lists three times as many services as listed in the Blue Book, one of their best known publications. The database includes information on government services, and nonprofit organizations located outside the Region, housing for seniors, nonprofit and cooperative housing projects, ethnic groups, recreational opportunities, culture and hobby groups and more. Community Information Services is conducting demonstration sessions at their Centre, 10 Water Street North, Kitchener, February 10th - 9-11 a.m., 12-2 p.m., and 2:30-4:30 p.m. If you care to attend a demonstration you may register by calling 579-0220. 5.Women's Safety AuditWomen's Safety Audit Lori Gove, Manager of Special Needs in the Parks and Recreation Department was in attendance to report on a Women's Personal Safety Audit for Kitchener and Waterloo which was conducted in May 1991. She reported that 35 areas were investigated and the factors evaluated in the physical environment were lighting, signage, sightlines, movement predictors, entrapment sites, nearby land uses, maintenance and isolation which affect safety and security. The basic idea of the audit was to look at a place and note what appears unsafe. The audit questions asked were: "What is the lighting like? Would anyone hear me if I called for help? Is there information that helps me find out how to get where I want to go?" As well, neighbourhoods were evaluated for unsafe areas and the audit provided an opportunity to recommend changes to make the environment safer and more accessible. The results and recommendations of the Safety Audit concerning Kitchener were presented to the municipality in April 1992. The recommendations for Kitchener concentrate on the Downtown Core and areas bordering the core; Victoria Park, Breithaupt Park, Weber Park, the Transit Centre (Charles Street), Country Hills, and the Ardelt/Hanson Industrial Area. Poor lighting and signage appears to be the main concern but lack of alarms, intercoms, security in isolated areas, lack of patrols, poor planning of buildings that obstruct view (recessed doorways, pillars), lack of sidewalks, locations of play structures and bushes and trees that obstruct view were also noted. Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 76 - - CommitteeCommittee At the request of Tom McKay, Chief Administrative Officer, an interdepartmental committee was formed in May, 1992 which included representatives from the Planning and Development Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Transit Centre, Traffic and Parking Division, Public Works and K-W Hydro. The Safety Audit Working Group examined the audit to identify where immediate action could be taken, budget related initiatives that may be required and future guidelines to be addressed by planners, designers, architects and builders which will create a safer public environment. Lori Gove advised on the inspections carried out by the Working Group, with a focus on sexual assault prevention as the key to safer cities. As a result of the review of the safety audit, some site visits and several meetings to discuss realistic concerns were made. Recommendations from the Safety Audit Working Group have been presented to the City's Management Committee and will be presented to the Public Works and Transportation Committee in February. Ms Gove then reported on work that has been initiated at the Market Square, the Transit Terminal and Victoria Park to improve the physical environment. The Committee entered into discussion and many suggestions were brought forward with regard to lighting, such as: - separate lighting for motorists and pedestrians, the possibilty of using the existing poles with pedestrian lighting being situated below the present light and on alternate poles. - uniformity of light to relieve perception of a dangerous situation. - lighting must address the social climate, pedestrian and motorist traffic. - If budget restraints do not allow City wide improvement to street lighting suggest to Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro to consider looking at a pilot area for improvement. The question of whether or not some issues raised in the audit such as derelict cars on abandoned sites, dark stairways could be addressed under the Property Standards By-law was raised. It was reported that changes in policy and legislation , ie., Section 4l of the Planning Act and the Building Code are needed to fully address these problems. In conclusion, the Committee commended Lori Gove and the Safety Audit Working Group on a very comprehensive report. Moved by David RyanMoved by David Ryan Seconded by Karen Taylor HarrisonSeconded by Karen Taylor Harrison Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 77 - - CommitteeCommittee The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee wholeheartedly endorse the recommendations contained in the "City of Kitchener Staff Response Women's Safety Audit" dated November 1992. Recommendations of Safety Audit Working GroupRecommendations of Safety Audit Working Group 1.1. The changes recommended in the "Staff Response to the Women's Safety Audit" with regard to lighting, signage, maintenance, and isolation, should be implemented and incorporated by the relevant department as part of normal maintenance procedures or as funding permits if a capital expenditure is required. 2.2. As personal safety is a major social concern to all sectors of the community, it should be a key consideration in all municipal planning and policies. A review of those municipal policies, planning and design guidelines suggested in the Staff Response should be implemented. 3.3. A training program for City employees, especially planners, engineers and architects with a focus on creating safe urban environments should be developed and implemented. 4.4. A representative from the K-W Sexual Assault Centre should be included in the Barrier Free Working Group to ensure that the safety of women is addressed in the planning stages of City projects (community centres, downtown core, Victoria Park, City Hall, etc.) CarriedCarried 5.Downtown Drug ActivityDowntown Drug Activity Alderman Stortz reported a Community Information meeting was held at Suddaby Public School, January 28th. He noted 400 people attended the meeting where two community/police programs were explained. Staff Inspector Joe MacDonald was in attendance to update the Committee on the programs presented. He reported as part of crime prevention, new programs must be developed. What used to work will not in these times. He believes "crack" cocaine will destroy the social fabric of this country unless dealt with quickly and severely. He explained to the Committee two programs which involve the community and police working hand in hand. "C.O.P." Citizens on Patrol and "C.I.C." Co-operation, Information and Communication. The COP program involves area residents patrolling their streets seven nights a week with note pads to collect plate numbers and information on suspicious traffic. The CIC program is a comprehensive strategy for dealing with property owners in the downtown area. This program requests that a property owner co-operate with the Waterloo Regional Police by signing a form delegating to them the authority to remove undesirables Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 78 - - CommitteeCommittee from their property under the Trespass To Property Act. This enables the police to act as their agent in their absence to order undesirables off the property. If those undesirables choose to return to the property, they can then be charged with trespassing. Staff Inspector MacDonald advised if you are interested in volunteering for these programs, information and an application can be obtained by dropping into Division #1 Headquarters, Frederick Street and speak to ConstableJohn Halliday or you may call the Police Office at 653-7700 Ext. 400. The Committee entered into discussion on the programs as outlined above. It was suggested that the disabled could play a role in these programs as they are perceived as invisible so therefore could assist in reporting incidents they see. 6.K.D.B.A. - 1993 ActivitiesK.D.B.A. - 1993 Activities Robert Braun, Chairperson of the KDBA provided the Committee with some of the activities planned for the coming year downtown. These include: June 17-19 - Arts Fest 93 June 30 - Countdown to Canada Day July 3-4- Multicultural Festival July 7-10- Cruising on King Street Sidewalk Sale Aug. 22- Downtown Employees Picnic Sept. 13-19- Open House for New City Hall Sept. 17-19- Opening Ceremonies and Events for New City Hall Oct. 8-16- Oktoberfest Nov. 19-24- Christmas Promotions 7.AdjournmentAdjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m. Gayle Redgwell, Secretary Downtown Action Committee Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 79 - - CommitteeCommittee