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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Action - 1995-05-04DAC\1995-05-04 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE May 4, 1995 The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Mayor Richard D. Christy, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Christina Weylie, Councillor Karen Redman, Councillor Jake Smola, Robert Braun, Nancy Brawley, Karen Simoneau, Brian Hunsberger, Karen Taylor~ Harrison, Sheila Marie Biers, Lillian Kehl, Dave Gowland, Birgit Heilig, Marleen Guttensohn, Lisa DeLeon, Rev. Nell Carver. Others Present: Tom McKay, Tim McCabe, T. Brock Stanley, Sybil Frenette, Terry Boufilier, Grant Nixon, Ken Triby, Beth Chrisfianson, David Corks, George Borovilos, Catherine Heal, Roy Gutermuth, Randy Mattice, Jim Shivas, Tom Clancy, Catherine Thompson, Mary McLaughlin, Mac Voisin, John MacDonald, Rita Westbrook, Debra Rothwell, Stephen Lauer. 1. OPENING REMARKS Councillor Mark Yantzi welcomed everyone, noted that a big task was ahead of the Committee, and called the meeting to order. CARRIED APPROVAL OF MINUTES ~ April 13, 1995 Moved by Councillor Berry Vrbanovic Seconded by Marleen Guttensohn That the Minutes of the meeting of April 13, 1995 be adopted. CARRIED 3. DISCUSSION OF THE MAYOR'S TASK FORCE INTERIM REPORT Councillor Mark Yantzi suggested that the Mayor's Task Force Interim Report (attached) should be taken by section and conclude with the recommendations. In order to give credible input to Council on these recommendations each recommendation would either be affirmed, modified or not recommended. Councillor Yantzi asked Ms. Sybil Frenette, Administrative Director of the Mayor's Task Force on Downtown Revitalization and Renewal to give an overall presentation of this Report. Ms. Frenette stated that this coming Monday, May 8, 1995 Kitchener City Council will receive and discuss the recommendations in the Report. At future meetings delegates will be invited. The Report is intended to be a series of recommendations to be achieved or initiated this year. A final report being a 5 year plan of community action setting out a strategy for the revitalization plan is still to come. The Mayor's Task Force will later address not only the City perspective but other perspectives as well. Ms. Frenette then proceeded with Section A. Bring People Downtown. There were many suggestions and S recommendation as outlined on page 4 of the Report were made. DISCUSSION Ms. Nancy Brawley stated that she especially liked the statement "People come first". Councillor Yantzi referring to recommendation # 1 asked if this was only for a short~term since the contract would only be for two years. Would it then be disbanded? Mr. Mac Voisin answered that it would be revisited. Mr. John MacDonald stated that we need check points to revisit. Ms. Karen Simoneau suggested that the word "initially" be added in after the word Coordinator in recommendation # 1. Mayor Christy referring to recommendation #3 stated that resolution of the issue was for the long~ term and this should be clarified. Referring to recommendation # 1, Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that there is a need to generate new ideas. Mr. MacDonald stated that the Task Force is looking to the City to play this role and not just the K.D.B.A. We need broader coordination and planning of events, not just coordination of a specific event. Referring to recommendation #2, Mayor Richard Christy asked if we should assume that the Farmers' Market will be outdoors. How will it be organized? Will there be awnings & signage? Had the Task Force put anytime into consideration of design issues? Mr. J. MacDonald replied that these tasks will have to get accomplished. Councillor Yantzi asked if there was a Kitchener Market Downtown Plan. Ms. Frenette answered that this should be the Kitchener Market Business Plan. Ms. Brawley asked if other ideas of how to bring other people into the Market would be incorporated into the Final Report? ~ 126~ Mr. MacDonald answered that more criteria for direction will be brought in. People will be rewarded and we need a flexible five year plan. Ms. Mary McLaughlin added that all the recommendations in this Interim Report are interconnected and in a sense deal with bringing people downtown. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee for a Motion to adopt recommendations No. 1, 2 and 3. Moved by Rev. Neil Carter Seconded by Nancy BraMey That this Committee adopt recommendations No. 1, 2 and 3 of the Interim Report of the Mayor's Task Force subject to the italicized changes: That the City hire a Downtown Events Coordinator for at~ it~itial two year contract under the Parks and Recreation Department. The purpose of the position shall be to attract, initiate and coordinate special events and festivals in the entire Downtown area that will encourage economic spin offs and tourism. In the short term, continue the implementation of the Kitchener Market Busitwss Plan to maintain and build upon the revitalization momentum gained in the last 6 months. Proceed with the plans to provide a greater outside presence by expanding the outdoor market onto Scott Street between June and Octoberfest 1995. In the long term, resolve the farmers market as part of the Retail Action Plan. Direct senior management to work with Cambridge Leaseholds to resolve the Market Square parking garage issue For the lot~$ term by July 1995 recognizing the implications for Market Square, the Farmer's Market location and parking needs in the area. CARRIED Referring to recommendation # 1 the following comments were made: Councillor K. Redman enquired if the Events Coordinator would seek community input to facilitate Community based projects and events such as the Murals Project. Ms. N. Brawley stated that she sees the position is to initiate, facilitate and coordinate. Mr. Brian Hunsberger commented that he doesn't wish to see community groups locked out of the process. Councillor Mark Yantzi noted that this is not just a Downtown initiative but a City wide initiative. - 127- Mr. John MacDonald sees this as an initiation of a partnership with groups. Mayor Christy attended the Livable City Conference and noted that many cities have programs all year long from January to December. A coordinator is needed to draw everything together. Ms. Sybil Frenette moved on to Section B. "Safety and Cleanliness". Many questions of safety were raised. Ms. Frenette noted that the perception of an unsafe Downtown has superseded the reality. Cleanliness and safety are addressed together to make the Downtown area look safe. Ms. Frenette reviewed recommendations 4 to 11. Referring to recommendation #4, Ms. Frenette suggested that a Kitchener Safer Community Committee could be set-up similarly to our Environmental Committee. Referring to recommendation #5, City staff should have a broader picture of the priorities and help the City address where money is best spent. Referring to recommendation #7, this is now underway. The focus should be on the main arteries. Referring to recommendation #9 the figure of $15,000. is too low, the Department of Parks & Recreation will get back to the Task Force before Monday's Council meeting with a more accurate figure. Referring to recommendation #10, this would free up resources for the K.D.B.A. and is a more effective way of managing these initiatives. Referring to recommendation # 11, this ties in with the festivals for the Downtown and will draw more neighbourhood communities into the Downtown. Recommendation No. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are outlined on Page 6 and 7 of the Report. DISCUSSION Ms. Sheila Marie Biers referring to recommendation #8 inquired what businesses and the K.D.B.A. were expected to do. Rev. Carver stated that large groups come Downtown on Sunday morning. Businesses should be encouraged to clean-up litter, etc. Ms. Nancy Brawley stated that they have had monthly meetings with the bar owners. The owners will not take responsibility for any damage done by their patrons after they leave the premises. The K.D.B.A. has encouraged them to clean-up the outside of their premises after closing so it looks presentable in the morning. Sgt. Rita Westbrook agreed with this. Mayor Christy stated that some discussion has taken place with the owners regarding forms of advertising (ex. on utility poles). Mr. John MacDonald advised that the Mayor's Task Force wishes the K.D.B.A. to see themselves as a positive force managing success not problems. Encourage businesses to come as players - 128 - cooperating and building partnerships. Then they must be monitored. Ms. Brawley questioned who is to monitor and with what power? Councillor Yantzi commented that there is agreement that dialogue is needed. The City, Police and the Ontario Liquor Control Board's licensing inspector all have roles. Sgt. Rita Westbrook suggested to the Task Force that a formal request be made to the Regional Police to work with the bar owners. Mr. J. MacDonald noted that the Mayor's Task Force has no problem with this. Councillor Jake Smola suggested that Fire Prevention should also be invited. Mr. Robert Braun referred to recommendation #11 and asked if bus routes have been incorporated. Mr. Brock Stanley replied that this has been reviewed at Management Committee and can be reviewed (long4erm) in the context of a proposal and Downtown Transportation Study leading to making Charles and Duke two way systems. Ms. Sheila Marie Biers felt we should have consideration for High Tech and Gouldies as we implement recommendation # 1. Ms. Karen Taylor-Harrison referred to recommendation #4, commenting that a Safety Committee has already been established. Councillor Yantzi replied that this has been recognized and will be built on. Mr. J. MacDonald stated that this Committee would be linked to Council as a Special Committee of Council. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee for a Motion to adopt recommendation 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Moved by Mayor Richard D. Christy Seconded by Karen Taylor-Harrison That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee adopt recommendation No. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. 9, 10 and 11 of the Interim Report of the Mayor's Task Force subject to the italicized changes. That City Council establish a Kitchener Safer Community Committee comprised of a broad community membership, property owners and City staff whose short term mandate shall be to focus on the commercial core and abutting residential areas. The Committee will develop an overall strategy for safety in the city beginning with a program to implement safety audit recommendations and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. ~ 129~ Direct City staff to consult with Kitchener~Wilmot Hydro and the Safer Community Committee to determine priority locations for lighting, tree pruning and clearing of vegetation to increase light levels, to improve the uniformity of light in the core, to improve site lines and eliminate entrapment areas. Have staff report back to Council with a 5 year capital budget proposal for addressing the safety audit priorities. Assign a co~ordinator from City staff to provide resources to the Safer Community Committee to initiate and oversee the implementation of safety audits and to link existing agencies, programs and safety initiatives to mobilize and support community based projects. Begin a targeted property standards cleanup of derelict and unsightly properties in the commercial core and along the main arteries leading into the core namely King Street, Frederick Street, Duke Street, Charles Street, Queen Street, and Victoria Street. Direct staff to identify and take action on all property maintenance problems to send a clear message that neglected buildings and properties will no longer be tolerated. That City Council make a formal request to the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, the Waterloo Re$ional Police and the Liquor License Inspector o£ the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to meet with the owners of downtown entertainment facilities and bars to seek their cooperation in managing patron behaviour and the protection of property outside the confines of their establishments. Add additional suFFicient Funds to the operating budget of the Parks and Recreation Department for the maintenance of downtown furniture to paint, refinish, repair, replace existing street furniture and to rejuvenate the gardens at the entrances to the Downtown. 10. Provide an additional $ 28,500 to the Parks and Recreation Department to assume beautification initiatives currently undertaken by the lC, DBA, namely banners, tree lights and Christmas lights. 11. Incorporate Gaukel Street into the Master Plan for Victoria Park and redesign Gaukel Street to create a tree~lined boulevard street forming a dramatic promenade with visual appeal between King Street and the Clock Tower. CARRIED Ms. Frenette then covered Section C. Arts and Culture, Marketing and Promotions. ~ 130~ Ms. Frenette reviewed recommendation # 12 noting that the Friends of St. Jeromes is a very good organization. Reviewing recommendation # 13 Ms. Frenette felt this would put a different face on how youth is perceived in the Downtown. This will be a good exercise for students to learn how to operate a business in the Downtown. Referring to recommendation # 14 Ms. Frenette noted that to marketing of the Downtown has to be consistent. The City is to take a positive role with news releases giving input to the media and developing a partnership with the media. Recommendation No. 12, 13, and 14 are outlined on Page 9 of the Report. DISCUSSION Councillor Jake Smola asked how the $50,000. figure was arrived at in recommendation # 12. Ms. M. McLaughlin advised that this figure was presented by the Friends of St. Jeromes. Councillor Jake Smola referring to recommendation # 13 questioned what the financial implication will be to refurbish 79 Joseph Street? How will other businesses perceive this? Are we not interfering with the private sector? Ms. Debra Rothwell representing the Arts and Culture Sub~Committee advised that they have spoken with other business owners and they are in support of a student run coffee house. Some of the negativeness students have encountered has given them extra incentive to succeed. The students have business mentors to help them with this project and fund raising for the project. Both the students and mentors are meeting with police and fire prevention. She indicated costs are in the order of $30,000. In addition, she noted that it is suggested that the furnace not be put in until September when the coffee house could be closed for 2 weeks to allow for installation. Mr. J. MacDonald stated that he would like to see a broader range of youth in the Downtown and recommendation # 13 shouldn't only be looked at as a business initiative. The Task Force realizes this is a grey zone. Ms. N. Brawley commented that the students are our future and if we don't tap into them now we'll loose them. Ms. Sheila Marie Biers agreed that the idea of recommendation # 13 is good but this is not the way to do it. She stated that the St. Jerome's Centre, schools, churches or community centres could be used. Aren't there zoning concerns? Isn't City owned property usually put out to tender? There should be a licensed agreement not a lease. Have we spoken to previous owners of student hangouts? Afraid that people in the Downtown will be intimidated by loitering. She noted that High Tech Auto has concerns, they are not able to have a coffee shop. Further, I have a restaurant in Victoria Park and so have concerns with respect to loitering and kids hanging out. Mr. R. Braun inquired if this is a long-term commitment. Are 3 students or an organization going to be running the coffee house. Ms. Rothwell replied that the students are in Grade 11. Younger students will be brought in and it is the intention of the Waterloo Regional Arts Council that this will be a long-term commitment. The mentors will act as Board of Directors and will be meeting with neighbourhood associations. Mr. Rothwell stressed that it should be assumed the students are going to make a positive difference. Alcohol will not be served and the students are also concerned with kids gathering outside. Councillor Jake Smola felt the biggest concern would be that a large group of kids will be hanging out Downtown. The clock tower being constructed will be a Downtown focal point and young families will be encouraged to come Downtown to this area which may conflict with kids gathering in the area. Ms. Rothwell stated that the coffee house would only be able to accommodate 25 to 30 students. Mayor R. Christy commented that recommendation # 13 is a sensitive initiative that will focus on our youth. We as the City have neglected our youth and this should bring our youth and community together. Mayor Christy proposed that we go ahead with this recommendation. It will require control and fine tuning. He stated that he is proposing to set up a Mayor's Advisory Council on Youth to address this neglect and other issues. Mr. Stephen Lauer indicated that the whole issue has to be looked at. The issue of youth in the Downtown comes up constantly and has been a main concern over the last 5 years.. There is a need for green space. The issue isn't why do it, but the best way to do it. The monitoring aspect is important. Rev. Carver stated that this is an exciting recommendation. The concerns expressed are valid but we musn't forget this is a yearly lease and can be monitored. Ms. B. Heilig expressed that she was happy to hear the Mayor's comments. As a parent she feel this is an excellent recommendation. Ms. S. M. Biers asked if this coffee house could be accommodated in the St. Jerome's Centre. Ms. Nancy Brawley stated that this should be done now and not in two years from now when physical space is anticipated to be available at St. Jerome's. Councillor Redman referring to recommendation # 12 expressed her fear that this study is specially for St. Jerome's artist zones. Does it include others as well? Ms. Mary McLaughlin answered that initially there will be one theatre. When discussing the art - 132 - zones only the St. Jerome's property is focused on at this time. Since there seemed to be some opposition to recommendation No. 13 Councillor Yantzi suggested that recommendation No. 13 be voted on separately. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee for a Motion to adopt recommendation No. 12 and 14. Moved by Nancy BraMey Seconded by Karen Taylor-Harrison That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee adopt recommendation No. 1 £ and 14. 12. That City Council in partnership with the Friends of St. Jeromes support the cost sharing for a feasibility study to restore and operate the St. Jerome's Centre for the Arts in the amount of $ 50,000. The initial study should focus on the theatre and ancillary space on the first floor as well as the second, third and fourth floors of the College Street building. 14. Dedicate an existing City employee knowledgeable in marketing, promotions and communications to serve as a communications officer to enhance Kitchener's presence in the community and to position downtown as a tourism destination. This may be achieved by taking a leadership role in getting out the news about downtown and developing marketable tourism packages geared to individual, group and tour markets, developing special events through the Downtown Events Coordinator, supporting proposed tourism related projects, and developing an effective media/communicafions strategy. CARRIED Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee for a Motion to adopt recommendation No. 13. Moved by Rev. Neil Carver Seconded by Karen Simoneau That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee adopt recommendation No. 13. 13. Provide the City owned (P.U.C.) building at 79 Joseph Street (at Gaukel) on a yearly lease of $1.00 for the purposes of a student run coffee house. As landlord, the City should provide basic upgrades such as plumbing, heating, lighting and a barrier- free washroom. The students shall be expected to present a Business Plan to the City and operate within the contractual conditions of a lease agreement. The assistance of the City's Community Development staff should be lent to the - 133- mentoring aspect of this project. Councillor Yantzi then asked who was opposed. Ms. Sheila Marie Biers wished to be recorded as opposed to recommendation No. 13. CARRIED Ms. Sybil Frenette then proceeded with Section D. Attract New Business and Retain Existing Business. Ms. Sybil Frenette stated that recommendation # 15 is the most significant recommendation in this section being part of the disentanglement objective. The K.D.B.A. would be working together with the City. Recommendation # 16 would help the City to quickly respond to rumours and outline the actual facts. Recommendation # 17 will help to alleviate confusion when setting up a business Downtown. Recommendation # 18 endeavours to come up with ways to show businesses that we're open for business. Applies to all kinds of development. Recommendation No. 15, 16, 17, and 18 are outlined on Page 11 of the Report. Mr. T. Brock Stanley stated that "assistance cash indieu of parking" should be added to recommendation # 18. Ms. Heilig expressed that there should be parkland dedication. The Downtown should have green space. Mr. Stanley stated that in the Downtown cash rather than land is dedicated and that this is put into a general fund for the entire City. Ms. Simoneau asked if there was a bonusing provision. Mr. Tim McCabe commented that this is a separate issue from parkland dedication itself. Mr. McCabe outlined the various bonusing provisions for Downtown relating to the arts and public space. Mr. M. Voisin said that we want people Downtown. Let's remove the impediments. Referring to recommendation # 17 Mr. R. Braun inquired if existing businesses are entitled to have access to this process. - 134 - Councillor Yantzi replied "definitely". Referring to recommendation # 17 Councillor Jake Smola inquired if this will give preferential treatment to Downtown businesses. Are other businesses elsewhere in the City subsidizing the Downtown and helping to support these businesses? Are development charges the barrier? We can't waive Regional development charges. Are we creating a false market or a true market? Isn't the real barrier safety? Mr. J. MacDonald clarified that the recommendation does not deal with tax exemption. Mr. Stanley replied that most development charges are going to finance growth related matters on the peripheral of the City. This was elaborated on by Mr. Tim McCabe. Monies foregone by the Municipality should be looked at before Council deals with this. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee for a Motion to adopt recommendation No. 15, 16, 17and 18. Moved by Robert Braun Seconded by Mayor Richard D. Christy That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee adopt recommendation No. 15, 16, 17 and 18 subject to the italicized changes. 15. Provide matching dollars up to $ 20,000 to the lC, DBA to hire a Retail Marketing Consultant to prepare a Retail Action Plan. Staff of the Economic Development Department and the Department of Planning and Development should be assigned to a Steering Committee comprised also of members of the KDBA to oversee the work of the consultant and to help facilitate the implementation of the plan. 16. Assign staff to a business and retail response team reporting to the CAO and Mayor to seek out and welcome new ventures and respond proacfively with strategies to keep businesses that are contemplating relocation from the downtown. This is an interim recommendation. The final report will recommend a structure for ongoing implementation. 17. Create a "one-stop shopping" or one-window procedure for new or expandin$ businesses to facilitate locafional decision making, marketplace data, building and renovation by-law information, and business licensing procedures. Institute a multi-department Continuous Improvement process to work out the details with the objective to provide a streamlined process for the business customer seeking approval to locate a business in the Downtown. 18. Institute a three year exemption on municipal fees for applications, permits and - 135- certificates for businesses and development within the downtown core, provide a three year exemption of parkland dedication under Section 42 of the Planning Act as well as a three year exemption on cash in-lieu-of par~'~s and amend the City's Development Charge Bydaw to exempt all residential and non-residenfial development charges. CARRIED Ms. Sybil Frenette moved on to Section E. Parking and Traffic. Ms. Frenette reviewed recommendation No. 19, 20, 21 and 22 contained on Page 1S of the Report noting that the initiative to remove parking charges from the street has been carried out. Now we have to look at the overall structure for the Downtown. Ms. Frenette also stated that it is important to inform the public by advertising of the changes being made. DISCUSSION Ms. Birgit Heilig and Mr. Brian Hunsberger referring to recommendation #21 stated that they have some reservations regarding putting in two-way traffic on Duke St. between Pandora & Cedar streets. It was suggested that the recommendation be clarified to note that the two way issue be focused on just the Downtown portion of Duke Street. Ms. Sybil Frenette stated that that piece is not in the Regional Road System. Ms. Nancy Brawley commented it might be best to get these initiatives in writing and take them to the Transportation Committee. Will signage be brought up to direct traffic in and out of Downtown Kitchener? Mr. J. MacDonald answered that this will be looked at in the 5 year Strategic Plan. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee for a Motion to adopt recommendation No. 19, 20, 21 and 22. Moved by Nancy BraMey Seconded by Mayor Richard D. Christy That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee adopt recommendation No. 19, 20, 21 and 22 of the Interim Report of the Mayor's Task Force subject to the italicized changes. 19. Integrate the new initiatives of free two hour parking on downtown streets into an overall parking strategy for the downtown that will address equitable fees for surface lots, parking structures and will include an innovative, user friendly enforcement program and will consider the consequences of free parking in all City lots and garages on Saturdays. This work to be completed in time for inclusion in - 136- the final report. 20. Develop and implement an advertising program to publicize and clarify the parking fees in the Downtown. 21. That City Council endorse in principle the return of the Downtown portion o/Duke and Charles Streets to a two-way traffic system and request the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to accommodate the necessary changes to the road network design including removal of the King/Duke connection through private property in the Regional Downtown Road Study. 22. That Traffic and Parking Services be instructed to re-evaluate the function of the one-way local roads in the downtown with the prospect of opening the streets to two-way traffic and providing optimum choice in turning movement and directional flow to the patrons of the Downtown. CARRIED Ms. Sybil Frenette then introduced Section F. Housing. Reviewing recommendation No. 23, 24, and 25 contained on page 15 of the Report, Ms. Frenette stated that there has to be a good understanding of Housing necessitating market research and active promotion to encourage the private sector to come Downtown. The new Zoning Byqaw did not anticipate the need for live-work space. Recommendation #25 will help to facilitate the opportunity to look for government funding. DISCUSSION Mr. Brian Hunsberger commented that he sees a trend for a need for multiple dwelling housing for seniors. The Downtown is obviously the correct choice for this form of housing for the services for seniors is already there. This form of housing should be marketed more aggressively. Councillor Mark Yantzi agreed that this was a good point. The baby boomers are now getting older. Ms. Karen Simoneau inquired if it is possible to have apartments above shops. Ms. Frenette replied that this could be looked at. A recommendation hasn't come up for this type of housing. Mr. John MacDonald noted that recommendation 23 (a) identifies conversion of buildings for housing which would deal with apartments above shops. Ms. Debra Rothwell referring to recommendation #25 stated that it is important to have affordable - 1:37- housing to keep artists in the Downtown. Ms. S. Frenette stated that housing would always be affordable. Councillor Mark Yantzi then asked the Committee for a Motion to adopt recommendation No. 23, 24 and 25. Ms. Birgit Heilig stated that she would abstain from voting because she is employed by the Ministry of Housing. Moved by Nancy BraMey Seconded by Sgt. Rita Westbrook That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee adopt recommendation No. 23, 24 and 25. 23. That the Department of Planning and Development and Economic Development be instructed to actively promote the creation of new housing in the Downtown through: a) the identification of appropriate buildings for conversion to housing, vacant sites and redevelopment sites; b) providing market research into the needs of individuals seeking housing in the Downtown area; c) marketing the lifestyle opportunities of living in the Downtown area; and working with housing developers to ascertain and facilitate inducements to housing development. 24. Direct the Department of Planning and Development to prepare a report outlining the implications of amending the Zoning Bydaw to permit live-work space in the industrial warehouse areas on the western edges of the downtown. 25. Request Kitchener Housing Inc. to consult with the downtown artists interested in establishing a live-work community in renovated downtown space and to explore through the Ministry of Housing the incentive programs and funding options to undertake such a development. CARRIED Ms. Sybil Frenette then concluded with G. Management Structure as outlined on Page 16 of the Report. No recommendation was made. Ms. Nancy Brawley stated that she wished to formally thank the Mayor's Task Force both personally ~ 138 ~ and on behalf of the K.D.B.A. for all their time and effort. Mayor R. Christy thanked the Mayor's Task Force for creating a document that's very stimulating, looking at the Community as a whole and keeping in mind that Kitchener is on the cutting edge for this Project. Ms. Karen Taylor~Harrison expressed her thanks and commented this was a very readable document. Mr. Mac Voisin speaking on behalf of the members of the Mayor's Task Force stated that there is a real spirit of cooperation and the Task Force is taking a prodevelopment attitude. We can effect change and pull down barriers. Ms. Mary McLaughlin added that practical applications have to be considered but we definitely can make this happen with people's goodwill and a willingness to make small sacrifices. Councillor Mark Yantzi stated that we have a very supportive atmosphere and this has been a very good debate. 4. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee will be on Thursday, June 8, 1995. 5. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:5 5 a.m. Sonja S. Tobin Committee Secretary G:b rocks\dacOS-O4.min