HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOR-2025-063 - 2025 Appointments to Heritage Kitchener CommitteeStaff Report
Corporate Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole
DATE OF MEETING: February 10, 2025
SUBMITTED BY: Dianna Saunderson, Manager, Council & Committee Services
PREPARED BY: Mariah Blake, Committee Coordinator, 519-783-8999
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: February 3, 2025
REPORT NO.: COR -2025-063
SUBJECT: 2025 Appointments to Heritage Kitchener Committee
RECOMMENDATION:
That effective February 10, 2025, Preston Arens and Nic E'Silva be appointed to the
Heritage Kitchener Committee for the term ending November 15, 2026, or until a
successor has been appointed, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report,
COR -2025-063.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
• The purpose of this report is to appoint two new members to the Heritage Kitchener
Committee to ensure effective meetings may occur, by addressing concerns related to
committee composition and quorum.
• This report supports the delivery of core services.
BACKGROUND:
On December 16, 2024, Council appointed individuals and members of Council to various
advisory committees, boards and quasi-judicial tribunals for the current term. During the
December 16, 2024, Special Council Meeting, 8 individuals were appointed to Heritage
Kitchener for the term ending December 16, 2026. The following individuals were appointed:
Magda Milosz, Rudi Schweitzer, Laura Wilson, Peter Ciuciura, Jean Haalboom, Grant Eveleigh,
Natalie Pikulski, and Ali Mahmoodi Sahba. In accordance with the current Terms of Reference
for Heritage Kitchener, membership is composed of a minimum of 7 members and a maximum
of 11 members. The Committee also endeavors to appoint 1 representative from each of the
City's designated Heritage Conservation Districts (St. Mary's, Civic Centre, Victoria Park and
Upper Doon). Under -appointment poses concerns with respect to the committee's composition
and quorum. As such recruitment for additional members was initiated.
REPORT:
Recruitment for the Heritage Kitchener Committee was open from January 6, 2025 to January
17, 2025 and posted to the city's website, communicated through social media, existing
committee members and shared on Linkedln. During the recruitment period, 4 eligible
applications were received. The Nominating Committee considered the applications and
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recommended that two applicants, Preston Arens and Nic E'Silva be appointed. The additional
appointments will assist in maintaining quorum and will contribute to committee's composition of
individuals with demonstrated knowledge or expertise related to conservation and/or restoration
of built heritage resources and/or cultural heritage landscapes.
It is staff's intention to conduct a fulsome review of the Heritage Kitchener Terms of Reference
and the amended Terms are anticipated to be brought to Council in Spring 2025.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the
council / committee meeting.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
There are no previous reports/authorities related to this matter. OR
• COR -2024-526 — 2024 Appointment to Advisory/Quasi-Judicial Committees and
Boards (2024-2026)
APPROVED BY: Victoria Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
ATTACHMENTS:
None at this time.
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