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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-28 DAAC Minutes Downtown Action & Advisory Committee Thursday January 28, 2021 4:00p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting via ZOOM Minutes The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday January 28, 2021 with all members present. Attending City of Kitchener staff included Darren Becks, Cory Bluhm, Mistie Brown and Marzena Rachwal. 1. Introductions & Roundtable: Darren Becks and Marzena Rachwal Each committee member was asked to introduce themselves, and to identify their connection to DTK. 2. Chair & Vice-Chair Selection: Darren Becks, Marzena Rachwal The process for selection of a Chair and Vice-Chair was outlined. If required, online voting within the meeting was available. Jeannette Makad put her name forward for Chair and took the opportunity to provide some personal background and her downtown interests. A call was made for Vice-Chair, and two committee members expressed interest. Brandon Van Dam was acclaimed to the position. Congratulations to the 2021 DAAC Chair and Vice-Chair. 3. Review Terms of Reference: Darren Becks The DAAC Terms of Reference was reviewed and an opportunity to ask questions was made available. There were none. A reminder that online training for committee members was upcoming. Committee members should have received and email with information regarding the required committee training. 4. 2021 DAAC Work Plan: Darren Becks Darren introduced the concept of developing a more formal work plan to map out the Committee’s activities. This would allow the committee to structure its work and bring topics of interest to the group. The work plan would be a guide and would be subject to the committee’s interests and DTK activities. Topics of Interest Identified by the Group Include:  Covid and pandemic relief  Tiny homes  Pop up Retail opportunities  Municipal data (forecasts, development plans etc.)  Placemaking and greenspace  How to engage citizens  Discussion on how to engage places of worship, land holders and what this means for development  Park space, and public spaces  Cycling, active transport  Learning about the actions of other committees, their work and plans  Plans of Arts and Culture, Conrad Centre plans, Museum plans 5. Finalize meeting schedule: Darren Becks Marzena and Darren will meet with the Chair and Vice-Chair to finalize the meeting schedule and workplan. The Chair will bring the working document back to the committee at the February meeting. NOTE: Jeanette Makad took over role of meeting Chair. Current Business 6. DowntownKitchener.ca - Website Update: Mistie Brown Mistie updated the committee on the new Downtown Kitchener website, and walked the group through the main elements. It was highlighted that the site integrates with other communication initiatives, including social media. The business directory, parking sections, AODA compliance, and field guides were highlighted. Significant consultation was done to understand the needs of the users. There is more work to be done as subsequent phases and improvements are planned. Please send your comments and feedback to Mistie. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A huge thank you to Mistie for championing the project under a very tight timeline. The site is co-managed by the DTK BIA and the City. Everyone is encouraged to use the hashtag #dtklove. 7. BIA Update: Linda Jutzi Linda provided a BIA overview and activity update. The PowerPoint slide deck is attached for reference. Generative Discussion 8. Tell the group about your favorite downtown, and what makes your visit there so memorable? What could be pulled from that experience and brought to DTK? Marzena setup breakout rooms for the discussion – 4 groups (total of 4-5 in each group). Groups were asked to discuss the question and be prepared to share one or two highlights. Highlights from break out discussions included:  Areas in Toronto have cluster of shops, split big spaces into small ones, opportunities to have different businesses to come in, pedestrian only areas, laneways  Pedestrian friendly attracted a range of age groups, St. Louis large scale installations of art, Elora is a good example of organized and livable spaces, San Antonio curated arts, Mexico has public squares that are used in interesting ways and attract different events  Stratford, Provence, strong pedestrian first environments  Burlington Vermont, Kingston struggle and consolidated the businesses on High Street and easily can be found by travelers and visitors, Banff, spaces that are secure, event space, pop-up spaces, park should seed the feeling of a DT Meeting Adjourned On motion, the meeting concluded. Next Meeting February 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.