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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1998-12-10DAC\1998-12-10 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 10, 1998 The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Councillor Karen Taylor- Harrison, Lillian Kehl, Brigid Loveday, Arli Klassen and Regis Coladipietro. Others Present: Sybil Frenette, Tim Fox, David Corks, Grant Nixon, and Carol Robinson (minutes). Regrets: Mayor Carl Zehr, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Robert Braun, Nancy Brawley, Denise Strong, Anita Petsche Good, Tom Brennand, Peggy Walshe, Martin de Groot, Janice Williams, Edee Schmitt, Myrta Sahas, Trudy Beaulne, Brian Scott, and Staff Sgt. Gary Askin. It was noted that the committee did not achieve quorum at today's meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA- DECEMBER 10, 1998 It was decided to defer this item to the next meeting as quorum was not achieved· APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 12, 1998 It was decided to defer this item to the next meeting as quorum was not achieved· GOUDIES UPDATE Council has given the DDT direction to deal with a local group of people who are interested in the Goudies building. There is an offer on the table and they hope to have everything · th hammered out by December 18th. The offer would then go to Council on January 18 . They would maintain the facade, there would be ground floor retail, and they would build on the vacant property at the side of the building. Mr. Sub does have some concern as it would eliminate access to his upper floor and the patio. The Legal Department is looking after it. DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC PLAN We are under time constraints in getting out the final version as we would like to launch the plan at Celebrating Successes on February 9th. The only comments received from DAC were concerning the definition of the boundaries. Tim handed out 2 maps, one showing the planning communities and one that was used during the Inner City Housing Study. It was decided that we should go by the map used for the Inner City Housing Study as this study will eventually include a marketing package that we can use. We should remain consistent. Tim also handed out 2 additions that were missed in the first draft. If there are any further comments, please get them to Tim ASAP. LAUNCH OF STRATEGIC PLAN AND WORDMARK Both the strategic plan and our new wordmark will be launched at Celebrating Successes on February 9"'. This is an annual event sponsored by KDBA and the DDT to bring businesses together to discuss the successes over the past year. The event gets good media coverage and is well attended. Both items will go to Council either January 18 th or February 1st (preferably February 1st as it is closer to the event). "Downtown This Month" will come out at the same time and will feature the plan and wordmark. Our new wordmark is "The Original City". Kitchener (Berlin) was the original city in the Region. Tim had a sample designed by Bob Wakefield of what the new logo could look like. All members present were very happy with it. Bob has done a lot of research on ads from 1916. It is very nostalgic looking and is a good fit. HOMELESSNESS REPORT Arli wanted to let DAC know that the Social Planning Council has started to work on a Homelessness Report for the Region. The report will involve the Social Planning Council of K-W, the Social Planning Council of Cambridge, and the District Health Council. They have several research students working to gather the information during January, February and March, and hope to have the report completed by middle to late spring. At the present time there are very little statistics available. This would be a statistical report only - no recommendations. The five areas being covered are: 1) Constructural Background; 2) Profile of Homeless People; 3) Analysis of Causes; 4) Needs of the Homeless; and 5) Affordable Housing Available. They will be setting up an Advisory Committee of approximately 20 people consisting of agencies, regional reps, and homeless people. This is a good way to heighten public awareness. Arli will be bringing further information back to DAC and is open for any comments or suggestions. CITY STORE It was asked that this item be deferred to the next meeting. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM Sybil handed out her most recent update and went over some of the highlights. The biggest impact of Manulife moving into the King Centre is on parking. People are being displaced from lots that are now going to be leased for Manulife employees. A parking study will commence in the new year that will hopefully deal with the issue. The "Real Change" brochure is completed and distributed. 5 Michael Street is on the market. It would be a wonderful housing opportunity. It is very expensive and probably won't move quickly. The Call Centre interest continues to be lively. Manfred Conrad is considering demolishing the Eaton's building in the spring if he doesn't have a tenant. He wants to create a corner plaza at King and Scott with street fronting shops and an open air market in the summer months. There have been a number of offers on properties downtown over the last month. Things are moving and we are in for some exciting changes. KDBA REPORT Nancy was not able to attend but did ask David Corks to distribute a few things. Members were provided with a "Downtown Employee Card". There were also pewter Christmas ornaments of the Clock Tower available for $9. These can also be purchased at selected downtown stores, or you can get them from Carol Robinson on the second floor of City Hall. (Please see attached written report from Nancy) The KDBA and DDT are working together to develop a "Neighbourhood Brochure". This would be used by real estate agents involved in the downtown residential market. It would provide potential residents information on living downtown and what the downtown has to offer. We would like to provide names of residents who are currently living downtown to act as neighbourhood ambassadors. People thinking about living downtown could contact these ambassadors and find out what it's like living downtown. If you are willing to have your name on an ambassador's list available through the Economic Development Division, please contact either David Corks (~ 741-2307, or Tim Fox (~ 741-2296. Your phone number would not appear in the brochure. NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION UPDATES Lillian reminded the members that there is a craft sale every Friday at the Victoria School Centre. They have been selling out every week and have a lot of good Christmas gift ideas. The Centre is getting full and they may need more space. She is also concerned that they are planning to close the lunch room. Regis expressed concern over the use of the term "Developmentally Challenged" in the Terms of Reference. This would not include those who were "physically challenged". The Terms of Reference will be changed to read "People with Disabilities." The meeting adjourned at 9:50 am Carol Robinson, Committee Secretary LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Map - Inner City Housing Market Study Map - Planning Communities Additions to Downtown Kitchener Strategic Action Plan Downtown Update KDBA Report