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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2021-90 - Downtown Digital Sign Study REPORT TO: Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: June 14, 2021 SUBMITTED BY: Bustamante, Rosa, Director of Planning, 519-741-2200 ext. 7319 PREPARED BY: Pinnell, Andrew, Senior Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7668 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Wards 9 & 10 DATE OF REPORT: May 28, 2021 REPORT NO.: DSD-21-90 SUBJECT: Downtown Digital Sign Study RECOMMENDATION: For Information. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is to update Council on a staff-initiated study regarding digital signs in the Retail Core. The study recommends that digital facia signs continue to be prohibited within the Retail Core of downtown. The Downtown Digital Sign Study (DDSS) was undertaken by Planning staff to evaluate the merits of whether the Sign By-law should be amended to allow digital signs in the Retail Core. The DDSS focused on engagement with the downtown community and included consultation with the Downtown Business Improvement Association, Downtown Action Advisory Committee, downtown community (via an Engage Kitchener survey), the sign industry, and four major downtown landlords / developers. A key finding of the DDSS was that, generally, the downtown community does not want digital signs to be permitted throughout downtown. Planning staff recommends that the Sign By-law not be amended, but rather continue to disallow digital signs in the Retail Core of downtown. This report supports the delivery of core services. BACKGROUND: Currently, digital signs are not permitted in the central part of downtown, designated in the Sign By-law as the Retail Core. In late 2019, Planning staff received a sign variance application to permit a very large digital sign at a prominent intersection within the Retail Core of downtown. a study. Planning staff recognized the potential significant and wide-ranging implications of allowing such a sign both benefits and drawbacks. In response, staff initiated the Downtown Digital Sign Study (DDSS). The purpose of the DDSS was to evaluate the merits of whether the Sign By-law should be amended to allow digital signs in the Retail Core. The study focused on engagement with the downtown community and included consultation with *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. the Downtown Business Improvement Association, Downtown Action Advisory Committee, the downtown community (via an Engage Kitchener survey), four major downtown landlords / developers, and the sign industry.Now that the evaluation is complete, the sign variance application has been resubmitted for review and will be brought forward for separate consideration at a subsequent Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting. REPORT: In recent years, digital sign technology has evolved to allow video, images, and text to be displayed on a screen virtually anywhere. Today, digital signs play a significant role in advertising, wayfinding, entertaining, and informing people in cities across the world. Digital signs can be found at public squares, airports, malls, storefronts, museums, colleges and universities. This report outlines the evaluation of the potential opportunities and drawbacks to opening up the Sign By-law regulations for digital signage in the Retail Core of Downtown Kitchener. Prohibition in Retail Core -law permits digital signs in many areas of the city, subject to regulations. However, digital signs are not permitted in the central part of downtown, designated in the Sign By-law as the Retail Core. The Retail Core is an area that generally extends between Duke Street and Charles Street, and between Francis and Cedar Street and includes key sections of King Street West and King Street East, and consists of those areas zoned D-1, D-2, and D-3 in Zoning By-law 85-1 (see Figure 1, below). Figure 1. Retail Core boundary in the Sign By-law. While the Sign By-law does not specifically define digital signs, they are, nonetheless, prohibited within the Retail Core by Section 680.10.18, which requires that fascia signs are permitted with external downward illumination only (digital signs inherently project light outward in many directions). The only exception is individual channel letters, which may be backlit. In addition, ground supported signs and third-party signs are not permitted in the Retail Core per Section 680.4.1. Applicability Digital signs are permitted in other areas of the downtown (i.e., outside the Retail Core) and throughout the balance of the city, generally, with the exception of residential areas. In these areas, digital signs are regulated because they include what the Sign By-law terms Automatic Changing Copy (ACC)copy or images on a sign, shown by any electronic means, and which may or may not change For example: A sign that includes ACC must be set back 23 metres from intersections, and 100 metres from residentially zoned properties, The ACC component of a ground supported sign is limited to a percentage of the sign face, Text and images must be static for a minimum of 6 seconds, and Third-party signs are prohibited. Prominent examples in downtown, but outside the Retail Core, include the ground supported digital signs at The Galleria building at Weber / Frederick and the Downtown Community Centre at Weber / Ontario. Weber / Queen is an example that is located near, but outside of the downtown boundary. Downtown Digital Sign Study (DDSS) Planning staff initiated the Downtown Digital Sign Study (DDSS) in February 2020 to evaluate the merits of whether the Sign By-law should be amended to allow digital signs in the Retail Core. The study had a focus on engagement with the downtown community. It should be noted that Council did not direct staff to undertake the study; the study was initiated by Planning staff. This report summarizes the findings of the DDSS. Through the study, staff reviewed the current Sign By-law and practices of other cities within the Region and outside of the Region, and conducted several stakeholder consultations, including with the following groups: Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) Downtown Action Advisory Committee (DAAC) The Downtown community via an Engage Kitchener survey (EK) Sign Industry Four major downtown landlords / developers. Overwhelmingly, the feedback received from the DAAC and the BIA was that digital signs should not be permitted in the Retail Core. It must be clarified that while the meeting minutes of the BIA and DAAC meetings identify both benefits and concerns (in accordance with the discussion questions that Planning staff asked), highly engaged discussions and comments received at both meetings were strongly weighted against allowing digital signs throughout downtown. Similarly, the Engage Kitchener survey results demonstrate that, generally, those who live, work, and play in the downtown are against allowing digital signs throughout downtown. Downtown Business Improvement Association and Downtown Action Advisory Committee Consultations Planning staff attended a meeting of the directors of the Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) on September 23, 2020 and a committee meeting of the Downtown Action Advisory Committee (DAAC) on September 24, 2020. At these meetings, Planning staff provided an overview of the study and then engaged the directors / committee members in a discussion, leading them through a balanced set of questions to obtain feedback regarding the benefits, concerns, and limitations / conditions that could be imposed to mitigate any negative impacts. At the BIA and DAAC meetings, the top potential benefits of allowing digital signs within the Retail Core of downtown were identified as: Attract business, Create income for landlords, Display of community information / marketing, Create a vibrant atmosphere, Modernize downtown, In contrast, the main potential concerns were identified as: Concern about third-party advertising and how signs are programmed and controlled, Degrade charm / intimacy of downtown, Take away from the local art aesthetic, Allowing digital signs is not consistent with the C regarding downtown streetscapes and urban design, Digital signs may have mental and physical impacts on downtown residents, Digital signs may cause distractions. The minutes of the BIA meeting are attached as Attachment A, and the minutes of the DAAC meeting are attached as Attachment B. Engage Kitchener Survey In addition, a survey was posted on the Engage Kitchener webpage on October 19, 2020. Through social media tools, citizens who live, work, and play in the downtown were targeted to complete the survey. By the end of the survey on January 8, 2021, there were 177 visits to the webpage and the public had completed 70 surveys. Nearly all respondents that participated either live, work, shop, and/or attend events downtown. Of those respondents who completed the survey, 51% do not support digital signs throughout downtown, 33% support digital signs downtown, and 16% are not sure. Those respondents not supportive of digital signs identified the following main concerns: Visual clutter, Light pollution, Hours of operation, Medical sensitivities to light/motion. Those respondents supportive of digital signs identified the following main benefits: A more modern/vibrant downtown, More flexible advertising space, Revenue for business owners. Those respondents that support digital signs in downtown also identified several concerns, including light pollution, maximum size, traffic distraction, quality of signage. Comprehensive results of the Engage Kitchener survey are attached as Attachment C. Sign Industry Consultation Planning staff invited nine local sign manufacturing / installation companies to attend a sign industry consultation meeting. Despite several attempts to engage the sign industry, only one sign company participated in the event, which was hosted on October 21, 2020 (Westmount Signs and Printing Co.). Through this meeting, staff learned that there are very few manufacturers of digital signs, which makes it challenging and expensive for prospective customers to source. The notes of this meeting are attached as Attachment D. Four Major Downtown Landlords / Developers At the suggestion of Economic Development staff, Planning staff individually interviewed four major downtown landlords / developers. The feedback received was polarized. Two landlords / developers were opposed to allowing digital signs in the Retail Core, while the other two were supportive. A summary of the comments is provided below. The landlords / developers who were opposed to digital signs in the Retail Core expressed the following comments: digital signs, all retailers will have to acquire them, to keep pace. Eventually, downtown may become filled with digital signs. Allowing digital signs would have a negative effect on the character and appearance of downtown. Allowing digital signs would detract from the reasons why people come downtown to enjoy vibrancy, architecture, people. In todays culture, people are exposed to screens all the time. In a Sao Paulo case study, removing signage and advertising from downtown had a positive psychological and sociological effect on people (e.g., people are happier, healthier). The only way digital signs would benefit the city is if they are permitted only on City- operated properties (e.g., City Hall, Centre in the Square, Market), to advertise City events such as speakers, bands, etc. Creating a Times Square in downtown Kitchener is not desirable. If the City decides to allow digital signs, there should be strict limits on the location, size, brightness, and dimming requirements at certain times of day (c.f., iPad vs Kindle). Enforcing standards is also important. Once these strict limits are imposed, what business will want to pay for a digital sign? If the City decides to allow digital signs, an illumination study should be completed to determine how they will affect future development sites (including residential uses). Concern that the main purpose of businesses seeking large digital signs is to monetize them by advertising businesses not located where the sign is located (i.e., billboard advertising / third-party advertising). The only benefits of allowing digital signs are providing community information and advertising for businesses. Recommend that there be updates to the Sign By-law to look at best practices and case studies (e.g., Sao Paulo). One landlord / developer asked the City to not open up digital signs to the downtown landlords because of the negative effect it will have. The landlords / developers who were supportive of digital signs in the Retail Core expressed the following comments: Digital signs would provide businesses with good advertising opportunities and would encourage people to come downtown. Allowing digital signs would contribute to public art. Digital signs have a multi-purpose role, not just advertising (e.g., communicating community events). out start-ups. Allowing digital signs would assist in , since Kitchener is now a metropolis. There are benefits to the city if good quality signs are installed, digital signs are implemented in ways that are complimentary to downtown and implemented tastefully. Poor quality signs are not desirable (e.g., low pixel count, flashing lights). A sub-committee could be formed to review digital sign requests, to ensure digital signs are appropriate (e.g., good quality products, qualified installers). Rules should be established to ensure signs are appropriate (e.g., brightness, hours of operation, interaction with traffic). Consistency in digital sign standards is important to avoid negative aesthetic impacts to downtown. Digital signs may allow for improved public access to information (e.g. via QR codes, interaction with smartphones). Other Cities within the Region of Waterloo Through the DDSS, Planning staff reviewed the digital sign policies of the cities of Waterloo and Cambridge. In the City of Waterloo, digital signs are not permitted in Uptown, Digital signs are permitted in two areas of the city: at The Boardwalk and near Conestoga Mall. The regulations that apply to these signs include requirements to dim the light levels between 11 pm and 7 am, requirements to have a built-in sensor that adjusts lighting levels based on outdoor conditions, and restrictions on brightness. In the City of Cambridge, digital signs are not permitted anywhere in the city. Proposals for digital signs require approval of Cambridge City Council. Third-Party Signage A third-party or non-accessory sign is a sign in which the wording and symbols do not relate to the lot upon which the sign is located. Except for billboards, third-party signs are not permitted anywhere in Kitchener. While DDSS did not specifically study the issue of third- party signage, it was, nonetheless, identified as a significant concern by the BIA, DAAC, and one of the major downtown landlords / developers. In many cases, the high cost of a large digital sign will not justify advertising only the business upon which the sign is located. For profit, owners of digital signs may decide to advertise other businesses to recoup the significant purchase and installation costs. Enforcement of this issue may be challenging due to the ephemeral nature of digitaladvertising.For example, third-party signage may create competition between downtown businesses and businesses outside of the downtown. Planning staff also shares this concern. Analysis and Conclusion Although the Sign By-law is administered by the Planning Division, the Sign By-law does not derive its authority through the Planning Act. Accordingly, the review of the Sign By-law does not necessarily invoke the principles and tests used in the review of Planning Act applications, such as zoning by-law amendments and subdivisions. Instead, the Sign By- law is authorized solely by City Council, as set out in Chapter 680 of the Municipal Code. In this regard, City Council may revise the Sign By-law as it sees fit. In this case, Planning staff has decided to base its recommendation mainly on the feedback received through engagement with the downtown community, specifically that of the BIA, DAAC, the major downtown landowners / developers that were interviewed, and through the EK survey. In general, the downtown community has made it clear that digital signs are unwelcome where they are currently not permitted, because of the concerns outlined in the above sections of this report. In this regard, Planning staff recommends that no changes be made to the Sign By-law and that digital signs continue to not be permitted in the Retail Core of downtown. Notwithstanding, if Council wishes to permit digital signs in the Retail Core, Planning staff suggests that Council direct staff to undertake further review to propose measures to mitigate any negative impacts of digital signs and locational criteria to ensure appropriate placement of digital signs, and that staff report back following further engagement on proposed parameters. Examples of potential mitigation measures and locational criteria include: Appropriate urban design requirements to ensure proper siting and integration with the surrounding context, Appropriate integration with public spaces, Minimum setback between digital signs and dwelling units, Regulating the interaction of digital signs and heritage properties, Limiting the size and hours of operation of digital signs, Regulating digital sign brightness and location to mitigate impacts on traffic. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports the delivery of core services. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget and no impact on the Operating Budget. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM the council / committee meeting. In advance of the Committee meeting, this report will be forwarded to the groups that were originally consulted as part of the Downtown Digital Sign Study stakeholder engagements, including the Downtown Business Improvement Association, Downtown Action Advisory Committee, the four major downtown landlords / developers interviewed, and the sign industry consultation participant. CONSULT As part of the Downtown Digital Sign Study, Planning staff consulted with the Downtown Business Improvement Association, Downtown Action Advisory Committee, downtown community (via an Engage Kitchener survey), four major downtown landlords / developers, and the sign industry. In addition, Planning staff consulted with City departments and Region Corridor Planning staff. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: Chapter 680 (Sign By-law) of the Municipal Code APPROVED BY: Readman, Justin - General Manager, Development Services ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A BIA minutes Attachment B DAAC minutes Attachment C Engage Kitchener survey results Attachment D Sign Industry Consultation notes September 23, 2020 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Zoom Meeting BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES Present: Linda Jutzi, Darryl Moore, Erika Holenski, Phong Tran, Cara Watson, Councillor Debbie Chapman, Kathy Crossley, Councillor Sarah Marsh, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Michael Rederer, Benjamin Mathew, Cory Bluhm, Cst. James Mitchell and Julie Phillips. Guests: Andrew Pinnell, Jeff Young, Richard Kelly-Ruetz. Recorder: Karoline Varin The meeting began at 8:30 a.m., with Darryl Moore as Chair. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/DECLARARION OF CONFLICTS Moved by Cara Watson, seconded by Julie Phillips September 30, 2020 agenda with the adjustments as noted Carried Unanimously APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Kathy Crossley, seconded by Councillor Debbie Chapman August 26, 2020 Carried Unanimously WRPS UPDATE Cst. James Mitchell provided an update on plans for short term affordable housing strategy in the Region: Short term affordable housing will see three locations. o Waterloo Inn will be able to accommodate up to 110 users; 24/7; onsite services and staff; extended hours of stay; meals and storage space provided; opening mid-October. o University Avenue former dormitory will be able to accommodate up to 80 users; individuals found camping out will be offered that location; 24/7; onsite services and staff; controlled entry; opening October 5. o will be able to accommodate up to 40; meant for individuals in need of last-minute accommodation or on probation; shorter stay; storage space provided. Working with Region of Waterloo on long term housing solution. Charles Street location will be used as administrative offices. CITY OF KITCHENER STAFF UPDATE Cory Bluhm introduced two new staff members who joined the Economic Development team: Cameron Dale, manager of Kitchener Market Darren Becks, manager of Downtown GOVERNANCE UPDATE ORGANIZATION BYLAW PROCESS Linda Jutzi outlined the process for members to vote on the approval of the new Organization Bylaw, which was developed by the Governance Committee with council from lawyer, Ross Weber: The new Organization Bylaw document will be sent to the membership in full, with an introductory note. The introductory note will explain in detail why engagement is needed underlining the changes made. Members will be invited via Constant Contact to the November meeting, when voting will take place; they will also be invited verbally at smaller group sessions in October. Voting will take place via Zoom. Once approved, the document will be forwarded to city of Kitchener. Moved by Erika Holenski, seconded by Julie Phillips the voting process as set out by the Governance Committee for the Carried Unanimously Action item: The Governance Committee will share the introductory note with the Board prior to sending to the membership. LARGE SEASONAL STRUCTURE Linda Jutzi took part in meetings with other regional BIAs and OBBIA, where the installation of large seasonal structures was brought up. These structures are sculptural, animate the downtown, can be lit up, re-configured and allow pedestrians to walk through and enjoy. They can also be used throughout the year. Typically, these structures are extremely expensive. However, a local company BOKO can fabricate these structures at a lower cost: Each structure would cost each BIA $25,000. There would be financial backing from RTO4. Each structure consists of series of components. If approved, there would be a total of three structures - one for each BIA interested in participating: Downtown Kitchener, Uptown Waterloo and Preston/Galt. Either the structures or components could be shared between the three BIAs allowing for greater number of configurations and adding additional value. BOKO would provide engineering drawings, which may need to be reviewed by the city of Kitchener a possible additional cost of about $2500. The structure has a five-year warranty, but longevity would depend on how well it is maintained. The design of the structure will be shared with the Board prior to fabricating. Moved by Cara Watson, seconded by Kathy Crossley a spend on a seasonal outdoor structure as part of a collaborative project with the Cambridge and Waterloo BIA. This investment would be backed with funding from RTO4. Carried Unanimously FALL PROMOTIONAL 2020 DOWNTOWN DOLLARS Mark Bingeman approached Linda Jutzi to inquire if the BIA would be interested in participating It will be a one day, drive through event, between 2-6 p.m. 2000 vehicles are anticipated to drive by vendors giving out candy. This presents an opportunity to promote supporting local Downtown. Directors shared the following feedback and suggestions: Could there be one BIA booth set up instead of various vendors? Giving away Downtown Dollars at a single event limits the audience Could the art walk booklet be given away along with candy, instead of Downtown Dollars? Could the Downtown Dollars be included in the art walk booklet? (logistically more complicated, and the booklet is already in print) Can the dollars be tied to the art walk booklet marketing campaign? The motion: Moved by Councillor Sarah Marsh, seconded by Councillor Debbie Chapman the purchase of candy to give away along with the art walk booklet at a BIA booth during the Bingeman event Carried Unanimously Moved by Councillor Sarah Marsh, seconded by Phong Trang BIA staff present new marketing ideas for how to use the Downtown Dollars Carried Unanimously Action item: Look at a plan to use Downtown Dollars in association with the current public art projects and art walk booklet. CHRISTKINDL PROGRAMMING Jeff Young, manager of Events, city of Kitchener, noted that the planning of this event is still in flux. Initial plans included a series of smaller locations, controlled access, storefront displays, King Street activations, some street closures, usage of parking spaces for vendors and using the Victoria Park Pavilion with limited capacity. These met with the support of Waterloo Region Public Health, but no official approval has been given. However, since the most recent changes to provincial guidelines of capacity at public gatherings, planning had to change once more. Here are some possible ideas and challenges the team is considering: Have a virtual component to the event featuring the history of the event and highlighting Christmas celebrations around the world. Projection of pas performances on a downtown wall. Access and capacity need to be controlled to fulfill provincial guidelines at the same time ensuring a positive experience. More passive experiences that also encourage movement around downtown. Following the presentation, the Directors provided the following feedback: The additional ask of $5000 for BIA to spend for the event is likely not necessary as additional staffing and fencing will not be needed. Concern was raised if vendors would be interested to take part with the current 25 capacity at public gatherings. businesses. Decorate downtown instead, to entice visitors to come. Itthe mental wellbeing of citizens especially in the upcoming winter months, so continuing to build awareness of the downtown businesses and to explore safe activations of downtown is crucial. It was agreed to differ the motion to ask for funds till the October meeting. The BIA will continue solutions for safe activations during Christkindl Market. DIGITAL SIGNAGE DOWNTOWN The city of Kitchener is undertaking a Downtown Kitchener Digital Sign Study in order to evaluate the merits of allowing digital sings in downtown. Currently digital signs are not allowed, but the city has seen an increase in requests for these types of signs. Andrew Pinnell from Planning, city of Kitchener, invited the Board to share feedback on the benefits, concerns and limitations on usage. Directors shared the following feedback: Benefits Create a happy vibe. Modernize the downtown. Provide additional lighting. Add excitement. Create opportunity to promote businesses. Concerns Privatization and influx of advertising. Take away form the small-town charm/intimacy of downtown. Take away from the local art aesthetic. Mental static may be challenging for some residents. Limitations To address concerns, the following ideas were suggested by Directors: Limiting the size of signage. Limiting the hours of operation of signage. Providing guidance on type of screen to be used. Limiting the location on buildings. Once a tentative position will be put together by the city, the Board will hear back. Action item: Andrew Pinnell to send an email to Directors to invite further comments. CONSTRUCTION UPDATES Cory Bluhm informed the Board, that most structures are in place in the placemaking renovation of Queen Street with majority of construction on target. There will be a market added to Vogelsang Green acknowledging the contribution of local businesses. Street murals will also be coming soon. The renovation of Carl Zehr square is scheduled to be completed next summer. Updates to Council will be provided soon and will be shared with the Directors. 2021 BUDGET DISCUSSION Linda Jutzi talked about three possible scenarios that would affect the budget: 1) Pre COVID. 2) Experienced after COVID. 3) New scenario in 2021 Directors raised questions and suggestions to consider while discussing the 2021 budget: Would closure of King Street be possible and effective in 2021 as a placemaking intervention? As seen in the example of the closure of side streets in Belmont Village this summer. Work with city of Kitchener to collaborate on a large/spectacular closure. Come back with a plan for making downtown a safe and inviting place including a marketing plan to promote downtown businesses and a downtown experience. Intending to meet with membership to get feedback. If King Street is to be closed in 2021, it is crucial that business and restaurant owners need to seriously commit to participating in that activation. Use monies typically allotted to festivals, to work with downtown businesses to create safe and interesting spaces for visitors. Turn King Street into a one-way street, expand pedestrian space, have shared block parties/dinning experiences. Collectively build partnerships, create ambiance. Downtown lost an audience as offices closed and people are working from home: need to look at what audience to target most likely the condo residents thus make downtown an extension of their living room. Need to consider significant changes that will happen with the introduction of a cycling grid in downtown. OTHER BUSINESS No other business was recorded. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Benjamin Mathew, seconded by Julie Phillips Carried Unanimously DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 24, 2020 City of Kitchener The Downtown Action & Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. Present: Debbie Chapman, David Harmes, Erin Atchison, Jeannette Makad, Linda Jutzi, Sandra Castle, Sarah Marsh, Scott Thomson, Tori Mikhnovsky, Tricia Smith, William Turman Staff: Cory, Bluhm, Darren Becks, Marzena Rachwal, Mistie Brown Chair: Geoffrey Guin, Chairing Information Items: 1. Introduction to Manager Downtown Development & Innovation C. Bluhm introduces the committee to the new Manager of Downtown Development & Innovation Darren Becks. D. Becks provides a brief introduction and states he is excited to learn more about DAAC. 2. Queen Street, Carl Square & General Construction Update C. Bluhm provides an overview of the current construction in downtown Kitchener, with the aid of a visual photo presentation of streets, buildings and construction. 3. Octoberfest Update J. Young provides an update and overview on the upcoming 2020 Octoberfest opening ceremonies. This year Octoberfest will not be operating as traditionally due to the COVID-10 restrictions. For further details, status of halls and reservations, visit the Octoberfest website. 4. Documenting Change A.Clark shares his twitter account with the DAAC members, documenting downtown Kitchener, art, murals, furniture, development, and community. 5. BIA Update L. Jutzi explains that the BIA meets weekly with OBIAA regarding marketing efforts, to learn what other BIAs are implementing and how City of Kitchener compares. She mentions some businesses faced challenges and other were able to pivot quickly. L. Jutzi explains, the BIA sponsored many events, funds where shifted around to focus on marketing campaigns, business sustainability grants, patios, and the DTK Art Walk. She continues, the self-guided field guide to DTKs Art Walk will be a distributed in DTK, available online, and will feature art installations and murals within the DTK core. Art Walk will launch on October 17, 2020. DOWNTOWN ACTION & ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 24, 2020 City of Kitchener Discussion Items: 1. Digital Sign Study A. Pinnell provides an overview of the Digital Sign Study to the committee. He mentions the City of Kitchener is reaching out to the committee for feedback regarding: opportunities/benefits, concerns/potential negative impacts, limitations/conditions could be put in place, and any considerations should the City be thinking about. The committee provided the following feedback: Opportunities & benefits - can attract more eyes on businesses, potential income for landlords, opportunity for community marketing information Concerns or potential negative impacts - potential distraction, may empower the space - intersections are not big in DT, apprehensive about relevant marketing, controlling the messaging, not congruent with what the City is going for, could be negative impact for residents with condos moving in Limitations & conditions could be put in place - time of day, size of the sign, location, height of sign, brightness are potential concerns, geographic limitations Other considerations - content, look of sign, separation from residential areas, flashy does not fit into the DT vision 2. House of Friendship S. Brown introduces herself to the committee and provides a history overview on House of Friendship. She explains that HF serves 42K residents, has 250+ staff, 1.7K+ volunteers, $13M+ annual operating revenue (donations & grants). She states the major focus of HF is prevention and intervention support is changing the odds. She explains that during COVID-19, Radisson hotel offered 80 rooms for the community; the current space provides shelter, 3 meals/day served in rooms, health care services, PPE education, some in-person therapy activities for over 100 individuals experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. She adds, the new model proved successful, no positive COVID-19 cases within the ShelterCare, overdose rates are down by 50%, 75% reduction in Emergency Medical Services visits, and more that 30 men housed over the past 6 months, with none returning to Shelter. 3. MIK 2.0 C. Bluhm explains the MIK 2.0 strategic plan will be ready in October for Council approval. He states the strategic plan will be presented to the committee at the next DAAC meeting. Adjournment On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Next meeting October 22, 2020 @ 4:00p.m. MEETING NOTES Meeting with Local Sign Industry Member October 21, 2020 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Summary of Sign Industry Member Comments Regarding Digital Signs in Downtown There are very few manufacturers of digital signs, which make it challenging and expensive for prospective customers to source. priority. For example, TV screens alone are not ideal. Jumbotrons likely not feasible as they are cost prohibitive. Conditions for automatic lighting adjustments or dimming based on outdoor conditions could be included as regulations for these signs. outside of business hours (evenings & weekends). Do not think that these signs would be distracting to drivers. Possible additional regulations for digital signs: o Limited to ground floor only; o Brightness maximums; o Turned off during certain hours; and, o Consideration of impacts to heritage buildings. Consider that additional encroachment agreements may be needed if signs are located on City land. Њ