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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1998-09-10DAC\1998-09-10 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 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, Nancy Brawley, Anita Petsche Good, Tom Brennand, Lori Gove, Ruth Tomlinson, Edee Schmitt, Arli Klassen, Brian Scott, and Staff Sgt. Gary Askin. Others Present: Brock Stanley, Terry Boutilier, David Corks, Grant Nixon and Carol Robinson (minutes). Regrets: Mayor Carl Zehr, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Robert Braun, Denise Strong, Peggy Walshe, Lillian Kehl, Martin de Groot, Janice Williams, Marianne Wasilka, Brigid Loveday, Regis Coladipietro, Myrta Sahas, and Trudy Beaulne. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - SEPTEMBER 10, 1998 The Agenda for the September 10th meeting was approved. Moved by: Councillor Karen Taylor-Harrison Seconded by: Edee Schmitt CARRIED APPROVAL OF MINUTES- JUNE 11, 1998 It was moved that the minutes of the June 11, 1998 meeting be approved. Moved by: Edee Schmitt Seconded by: Councillor Karen Taylor-Harrison CARRIED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESTRUCTURING Brock did an update on the reorganization of the Department of Business and Planning Services to include the Economic Development Division. The restructuring was approved by City Council in July and becomes effective as of September 8, 1998. Brock explained that Planning now has 3 divisions: Planning Division, Building Division, and Economic Development Division. There is a co-directorship consisting of Sybil Frenette as Director of Downtown and Market Research, and Jane Jantzi as Director of Economic Development and Business Facilitation. A new position, yet to be filled, will be that of Business Advisor reporting to the General Manager of Planning and City Council. This position will act as advisor to the City. With the restructuring that is taking place in Planning, Sybil will now be taking over the administration of DAC. Terry Boutilier will also be shifted over working on special projects with an emphasis on Downtown and Market Research. The market research will allow for more emphasis on marketing the city, downtown, business retention, attracting business, selling the downtown. Committee members had expressed concerns earlier that the focus would be lost on the downtown. The Downtown Development Team will stay intact ensuring that this will not happen. There will be greater emphasis on the role of this committee, and more emphasis with respect to abutting neighbourhoods and links to downtown. Arli expressed her concern with DAC moving from one division to another, and about getting input into the Planning Division. Brock felt there was no need for concern as bi- weekly staff meetings are held to enable divisions to share information. Nothing has changed in the status or role of the committee. Brian asked for a copy of the reorganization chart with names, positions, and functions of each. This will be available at a later date as hiring is still in progress for some positions. TOP 40 DOWNTOWN INITIATIVES Brock explained that the initiatives were ranked by votes taken at the last meeting and put in order of importance. These initiatives will form part of the strategic plan. These are the initial priority one initiatives. The other initiatives will form part of priority 2 and priority 3 at a later date. Nancy would like to see an addendum attached to the Strategic Plan showing what other groups are working on. DOWNTOWN VISION STATEMENT Everyone had a copy of the Vision Statement that Sybil had prepared which outlines a vision of the downtown reflecting different conversations from different groups. It explains what we're doing, what we're about, where we're going. Everyone felt that it was a very positive statement but it should include a paragraph focusing on the residential component. People who live downtown are very proud of the fact. We have to get the message out regarding living downtown - emphasize pride and support of business. There was some concern expressed about the word "centre" being used throughout the report. It was felt there are many "centres" in the city and downtown is just one of many. It was pointed out that downtown is the hub of all different things that are going on in the City. Any City you visit, the downtown is considered the "centre" of the City. PANHANDLING BROCHURE David distributed a copy of a brochure he has been working on. It was felt that a brochure was needed on how to handle panhandlers when you are approached. We need to educate the public, make them feel more comfortable. This is a very controversial issue - we cannot infringe on the rights of street people, we have to compromise. A lot of the time these people spend any money you give them on their addiction (drugs, alcohol). David worked with the House of Friendship and St. John's Kitchen to help with the wording. He sent copies to OASIS, ROOF and the Food Bank. They are supportive. The brochure, which is a double sided card, would be provided through the businesses downtown. Anita asked if there was a "pat phrase" that people could use such as "1 give to .... ". Some cities provide cards for hand out stating where their donations are going. It was suggested that the word "OFFER" be added at the top, and the words "real change" in the 2® paragraph be put in bold to make it stand out more. Mary's Place and the Betty Thompson Youth Centre should be added to the list on the back. Brian found the photo offensive/controversial. The committee didn't like the use of the words "homeless, hungry". This picture was taken from another brochure and will be changed to something more suitable. Nancy suggested we use graphics rather than a picture. Something generic that doesn't specify, race, sex, age. A motion was made that the Downtown Advisory Committee approve the brochure with different graphics. Moved by: Nancy Brawley Seconded by: Councillor Karen Taylor-Harrison CARRIED UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM Sybil's update was reviewed with the committee. David brought the committee up-to- date on some other items happening downtown: St. Jerome's - Building has been sold. Owners don't want any help from the city. It will be an "arts" type of use, they plan to preserve the fa~;ade. They are doing renovations on a building in St. George that David has visited and he feels is quite good. Brock mentioned that there is a unique zoning on the property restricted to education/institutional use subject to the owners registering an historical easement on the property. Goudies - The deal has not closed, probably won't happen due to timing. The prospective buyers couldn't meet our conditions. Other options are still open. Good Life Fitness -will be opening soon in the Cora Centre (formerly Market Square). Manulife - Sears has vacated the upper floor to make way for Manulife. They have signed a 5 year lease and will be occupying the space in October/November. Dolan's Building - Menswear store opening soon. Victoria & Grey Building - eyeglass store opening soon at this location. Hollywood Diner - will be reopening under new ownership. Adecco -will be opening at Ontario and King in the old Royal Trust location. The Boathouse - a restaurant that has opened in Victoria Park. The DDT has also been doing a lot of work on Call Centres. David explained what call centres are. It is the #1 ~rowth industry in North America. We have 3 downtown now, with the possibility of a 4"'. KDBA REPORT Nancy handed out a copy of her report and reviewed it with the committee (see attached). The meeting adjourned at 10:15 am Carol Robinson, Committee Secretary LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Top 40 Downtown Initiatives Downtown Development Team Update KDBA Update Panhandling Brochure