HomeMy WebLinkAboutCompass Kitchener - 2021-04-28COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 28, 2021 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Compass Kitchener Advisory Committee met electronically this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Ms. J. Stephens -Wells - Chair, Ms. L. Gazzola, Ms. E. Duhaime, Ms. R. Lavender, Ms. L.
Terry, Ms. L. Trumper, and Messrs. W. Rahimi and O. Samad.
Staff: K. Cooper, Manager, Strategic & Business Planning
L. Korabo, Committee Administrator
1. STRATEGIC PLAN EVALUATION OF COMPLETED PROJECTS
Compass Kitchener began its' evaluation of completed projects contained in the 2019-2022
Strategic Plan. To assist with understanding the expectations of this evaluation, Ms. J.
Stephens -Wells provided comments regarding the unique `citizen perspective' which the
Committee provides on work accomplished in 2020. She noted that candid thoughts and
comments on the project status details would be valuable. Several returning members shared
personal observations on the value which Council places on previous recommendations and
feedback provided by Compass Kitchener as well as Council's willingness to acting on these.
In response to a question, Ms. J. Stephens -Wells noted the evaluation approach being taken
this year differs from past evaluations as the Committee had determined that only those projects
which are fully completed will be evaluated. However, she noted that some (six) of the 25
projects outlined in the Strategic Plan had been broken down into 2-4 sub -projects each, and in
the context of those, Ms. K. Cooper has suggested that in instances in which a key sub -project
has been completed, the Committee consider also evaluating those completed sub -projects
When considering any projects which had been scheduled for completion by this point, but which
are not yet complete, Committee members could choose to comment on any which it feels
should be given priority moving forward or flag any specific concerns regarding delays, as part
of their report to Council.
There was an opportunity for dialogue and clarifications on project information shared in the
meeting; however, no grading occurred at this time. Sub -committee partners assigned to review
each project were encouraged to have some collaborative discussion either via email or Zoom
as they review and discuss specifics of their projects and bring these observations back to the
full Committee for additional discussions in June. Ms. K. Cooper will summarize all sub-
committee feedback for the Committee's final grading / decisions. A report to Council has now
been targeted for September 2021 to allow for more evaluation time.
Ms. K. Cooper shared a presentation which provided details on the first three Strategic Plan (SP)
projects: Affordable Housing Strategy; Make It Kitchener 2.0; and, addressing social
stigma/supporting safe consumption sites. She provided background information regarding how
the five themes in the SP were developing, using information gathered from citizens via an
Environics survey. Ms. Cooper highlighted that a significant number of respondents indicated
that social issues were the most important ones for the city to address in its Strategic Plan.
Ms. R. Lavender had previously declared a conflict of interest regarding the support for safe
consumption sites component of the social stigma action and did not participate in any
discussion on this matter.
Affordable Housing Strategy
`Housing For All'— Ms. Cooper reviewed the approved principles guiding the Strategy, displayed
a graphic showing the housing continuum, and shared the seven priorities included in the
document. She then provided information on actions currently underway to implement the
`Housing For All' strategy
Committee members asked questions of clarification throughout and had a discussion on how
the term `affordable' is interpreted in the strategy. Ms. Cooper advised that affordability varies
based on housing cost and income, so one definition does not suit all circumstances. The
housing strategy therefore identified priorities and targets to fill housing needs in the community
across different parts of the housing continuum.
COMPASS KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 28, 2021 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER
1. STRATEGIC PLAN EVALUATION OF COMPLETED PROJECTS (Cont'd)
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Information was shared on the new MIK 2.0 Economic Development Strategy which includes
`A Strategy to Guide Economic Recovery & Growth' and will be very helpful post pandemic. Also
included is a new Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF) of $110M to deploy. It is
noteworthy that funding for EDIF will not be coming via a tax increase.
Ms. Cooper noted that the actions outlined in the MIK 2.0 will also support affordability in the
local community.
Addressing Stigma / Supporting Safe Consumption Site
Ms. Cooper advised of the anti -stigma learning programs launched for City staff and noted that
this has now become part of the ongoing training catalogue. It was also noted that the course
content is being customized to meet the diversity of staff needs in the organization.
Ms. E. Duhaime commented that information on harm reduction should be included as part of
the training. Ms. Duhaime also suggested that this training be made available to the public and
Ms. Cooper suggested this form part of the sub -committee's recommendations.
Information was also shared regarding work to reduce social stigma through support of the
Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site in Kitchener. Ms. L. Terry inquired if there
were any evaluation reports on the CTS available and she was advised that, due to the
pandemic, resources of this type are not yet available, although some statistical reporting on
the CTS is available on the Region's website.
Following the conclusion of this presentation, Ms. Cooper identified the following Strategic Plan
projects scheduled for review at the May 5t" Compass Kitchener meeting: Urban Design Manual;
Complete Streets; and, Online Portal.
2. OTHER BUSINESS
The Committee was reminded of the upcoming All Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for
Thursday, May 6t"- A team of city staff have been recruited to facilitate the breakout room
discussions, freeing up committee members to fully participate in the discussions. Ms. Cooper
is finalizing the agenda and will circulate it before the end of the week.
3. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 pm.
L. Korabo
Committee Administrator