HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2004-09-09September 9, 2004
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
City of Kitchener
The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m., chaired by
Sally Gunz with the following members present: John Smola, Glen Woolner, Christina Weylie, Mark
Stranz, Denis Pellerin, Doug Hoch, Jennifer Davis, and Many Schreiter
City staff present included Glen Richardson, Rob Browning and Sandy Curzon
Introduction
J. Smola introduced Rob Browning, Interim General Manager of Strategic Services & Economic
Development. Committee members introduced themselves individually.
°
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Chris Weylie
It was resolved:
"That the minutes of August 12, 2004, as received by committee members be accepted."
o
Unsafe Downtown Properties
Tom Ruggle, Fire Prevention Officer for the Downtown advised Committee that there are
between 30-35 buildings in the downtown that have safety/security concerns. Together with By-
Law Enforcement and the Building Division, the Fire Department share information regarding
these buildings. Should measures need to be taken to secure a building, costs are the
responsibility of the property owner.
Action:
· Fire to provide a list of unsafe buildings in the downtown
Shayne Turner, Director of Enforcement to be invited to a future DAC meeting to discuss
property standards enforcement procedures
4. Town & Gown
· A position paper is currently in the works on student housing, which will identify the issues.
o
Neighbourhood Associations
With the recently opened Downtown Community Centre, it was discussed whether a new
Downtown Neighbourhood Association is required. It was felt that the new Centre would be a
testing ground to determine a need for another neighbourhood association.
e
Downtown Strategic Plan
G. Richardson presented the Downtown Strategic Plan, Volume III- the Implementation Plan to
Committee
Action:
Committee were asked to provide their input by email to G. Richardson before the end of the
month.
e
Downtown Interdepartmental Resource Group (DIRG)
DIRG is a City of Kitchener staff driven resource group that addresses operational issues in the
downtown ie. Trees, lighting, landscaping, etc. G. Richardson gave Committee an update
DAC Minutes Page 1 of 2
September 9, 2004
o
DAC Sub-groups
a. Market/East End
Grand opening date is set for Saturday, September 25th
Post construction issues such as landscaping and garbage
Prostitution concerns have escalated in the Market District
Action: J. Davis to contact St. Clair employees about their concerns
Living Word Community Church, which ministers to addicts, prostitutes, homeless, etc. are
looking for new space. Currently located in Market Lane, they have outgrown their current
facility
· St. John's Kitchen and Job Caf6 will be moving their facilities to St. Vincents
b. Retail Health
· Deferred, however how events impact retail was discussed
Action:
M.Schreiter to provide survey results of the impact that events including the opening of the
New Market, have on retail
c. Arts
156 King Street will be home to Artery, a student art gallery lead by faculty and students of U
of W fine arts department
· various downtown locations have been identified for art placement. Sheila McMath will be
in charge of the installations which are targeted for October, prior to the opening ceremonies
of Oktoberfest
· talks are in progress with St. David's school for the hoarding at Kitchener Market
Action:
· D. Pellerin will contact Cameron Heights to see if there is interest in future projects
d. Housing/Neighbourhood Associations
· Nothing to report
e
Committee updates
· Minutes of the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee, the Economic Development Advisory
Committee, and the Safe and Healthy Advisory Committee were provided for Committee input.
10. New Business
Nathan Hallman has resigned from DAC effective immediately. Sally Gunz, read a letter dated
September 7, 2004 which Mr. Hallman stated "I have decided to resign due to my inability to
commit the time I feel is required to represent my Ward and DAC adequately." Committee
accepted Mr. Hallman's resignation with regret.
· Centre Block Steering Committee - KPL's Business Case to Finance & Corporate Services
Committee September 13, 2004 at 7pm
· Tourism - deferred
Motion
On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m
DAC Minutes Page 2 of 2
September 9, 2004
