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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Development - 2000-10-25EDA\2000-10-25 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 25, 2000 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Conestoga Room, Main Floor, Kitchener City Hall Attendance: Staff: Regrets: Glenn Scheels, Acting Chair Lawrence Bingeman Shawky Fahel Paul Britton Scott Baird Jane Jantzi Mayor, Carl Zehr Mike Sully Ray Robinson George Borovilos Brock Stanley Terry Boutilier David Corks Recording Secretary: Sandy Curzon Manfred Conrad Hans Pottkamper, Chair Henrik Noesgaard Councillor, Christina Weylie Peter Benninger Councillor, Tom Galloway 1. Approval of Minutes of September 27th, 2000 Minutes of September 27th, 2000 were approved as written. Moved by Carl Zehr, Seconded by Jane Jantzi, Carried. 2. Downtown Presentation - David Corks, Manager of Downtown Development In 1995, a Downtown Development Team was put together to carry out an action plan developed by the Mayor's Task Force which was made up of individuals and groups concerned about the Downtown. In 1998, the Development Team became a permanent entity within the Economic Development Division. It was during this time a Strategic Plan was developed to expand upon the successful implementation of the Mayor's Task Force and move the City into the next phase of Downtown development - to increase housing; support business; improve the physical environment and bring people into the downtown core. David Corks, with the assistance of a newly designed downtown map, reviewed the initiatives and growth in the downtown during the past two years. There are 6 districts outlined on the map - Warehouse; LiveNVork; Office; Government; Market and Centre District (making up the arts and entertainment segment). Mr. Corks then reviewed current happenings in the downtown some of which are: Poseidon project Kaufman property which is being leased by Colliers King Centre - currently the largest building in the downtown St. Jerome's and the potential re-use Forsyth - possible development of 65 units - available December 2000 Parking Garage - the need at both ends of the core It was agreed that the timing was appropriate with an election approaching to revisit the current Strategic Plan and give it a new look. After some question and answer period, Committee provided the following ideas/concerns: Time for a new Strategic Plan New Vision Statement Advertise the successes Public perception - crime rate is high Bring east and west end of downtown together by developing a cohesive vision Currently too much emphasis on brick and mortar Need more events that bring people into the downtown Develop a consistent communication strategy Include neighbourhood improvements - broaden the picture to include neighbourhoods Show cost of building downtown vs. not building in the downtown Refocus on residential development - not enough emphasis on residential Joint venture with private sector to look at buildings that are retrofitable Improve the four entrances to the downtown Deal with the safety issue Improve amenities such as food and hardware stores Recommendation: Form a Focus Group of the Economic Development Advisory Committee to work with City Staff to formalize a recommendation for next meeting of November 22nd. Motion by: Paul Britton Seconded by: Shawky Fahel Carried Volunteers for this sub-committee are Mike Sully, Paul Britton, Jane Jantzi, Shawky Fahel, and Glenn Scheels. The main task of this Focus Group will be to: explore why housing is not currently being developed develop strategies/joint ventures to put strategy in place ask private sector for financial assistance Action: Focus Group to meet with City Staff and develop recommendations for next Committee meeting 3. Land Strategy Study- Update Terry Boutilier gave Committee an update on the presentation of the Land Strategy Study which was accepted by Planning & Economic Development Committee on October 16th and then City Council on October 23rd. The report was well received by both groups, and all recommendations were approved. Mr. Stanley indicated that by adopting all recommendations, council made a very positive move. Regional Municipality of Waterloo staff has indicated that they will want to meet with City staff to discuss projections. Action: Mr. Borovilos to give a further update at Committee's next meeting 4. Water Resource Protection Strategy- Update A staff report went to City Council on October 23rd. Mr. Borovilos indicated that industry representatives were present to make their concerns known. The owner's main request was the need for additional time to assess the proposed amendments. It was noted that most existing Industries currently practise water protection. The impact the report will have on attracting new businesses is still a concern. The report will go back to the Region's Planning & Culture Committee and then onto Regional Council November 7th. Action: Mr. Borovilos to give a further update at Committee's next meeting 5. New Business a) Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Security Deposit Policy - Due to lack of time, this item will be discussed at Committee's next meeting. b) Business Attraction - When it comes to hosting conventions, it was a concern by some members that Kitchener does not have a convention centre. Kitchener has excellent venues however they need to package what they have. It was discussed that the Visitor and Convention Bureau will be addressing Council for continued funding for 2001. Action: George Borovilos to invite Sandra Millar, K-W Tourism to next Committee meeting of November 22nd to discuss their marketing strategy. Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m. Moved by Scott Baird, Seconded by Ray Robinson. Carried Sandy Curzon, Recording Secretary Economic Development Advisory Committee Department of Business & Planning Services Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 22''~, 2000 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Conestoga Room, 1St Floor, City Hall