HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2025-11-10 S�:T,,,,IE�I' �
Special Council Meeting
Minutes
November 10, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
Council Chambers - Hybrid
City of Kitchener
200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Present: Mayor B. Vrbanovic
Councillor S. Davey
Councillor D. Schnider
Councillor J. Deneault
Councillor C. Michaud
Councillor A. Owodunni
Councillor P. Singh
Councillor B. loannidis
Councillor M. Johnston
Councillor D. Chapman
Absent: Councillor S. Stretch
Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development
S. Roth, Manager, Special Events
J. Dueck, Director, Culture and Entertainment
A. Hallam, Manager, Arts and Creative Industry
M. Mills, Committee Coordinator
M. Blake, Committee Coordinator
1
1. Commencement
A meeting of City Council was held at 3:38 p.m. this date, chaired by Mayor B.
Vrbanovic, with all members in attendance except Councillor S. Stretch. Notice of
this meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City
Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code.
The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor.
Councillor S. Davey entered the meeting at this time.
2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
None.
3. Strategic Session Reports
3.1 Action Plan Review - Special Events, Arts and Creative Industries, DSD -
2025 -459
The Committee considered Development Services Department report, DSD -
2025 -459, regarding the Action Plan Review for Special Events, Arts and
Creative Industries.
J. Dueck, Director, Culture and Entertainment, A. Hallam, Manager, Arts and
Creative Industry and S. Roth, Manager, Special Events provided an overview of
the 2027-2030 Action Plan for Special Events, Arts and Creative Industries,
outlining the vision of Kitchener as an emerging arts city and highlighting
strategic priorities related to spaces for artistic production and presentation
spaces, public art creation and stewardship, local artist and music development
and enhanced communications with residents. C. Bluhm, Executive Director,
Economic Development was also in attendance to respond to questions from the
Committee
Councillor P. Singh and Councillor M. Johnston entered the meeting at this time.
Staff requested Council's feedback on the draft 2027-2030 Action Plan for
Special Events, Arts, and Creative Industries, specifically seeking direction on
priority areas for investment and development, confirmation of emerging
opportunities identified through community engagement, identification of any
additional constituent -driven priorities, and guidance on the measures Council
considers most important in evaluating the success of special events and cultural
initiatives.
Council provided feedback, emphasizing strong support for expanded music
development, improved communication strategies, increased opportunities for
local artists and additional public art. Council emphasized the importance of
accessible information for residents and noted the ongoing need for adequate
spaces to support artistic creation and presentation.
Council also identified several priorities they frequently hear from constituents
that should be reflected in future planning, including more consistent weekend
programming, stronger representation of cultural diversity in events and
installations, increased music activities across the city, expanded neighborhood -
based programming, and additional indigenous public art. Council noted interest
in strengthening partnerships among arts and culture organizations, creating
more facilities to support music production and performance, and increasing
programming that contributes to a vibrant downtown and evening economy.
Councillor A. Owodunni and Councillor D. Schnider left the meeting at this time.
Regarding evaluating event outcomes, Council emphasized attendee experience
and quality life as the primary indicators of success, followed by attendance
levels, tourism impact, local engagement, and business impact, with budget
compliance, community brand and safety as secondary measures.
Councillor A. Owodunni and Councillor D. Schnider entered the meeting at this
time.
Staff advised that meeting future demand will require balancing programming
expectations with calendar capacity and resource limitations. Approaches
identified included reallocating existing resources, increasing operating budgets
and staff capacity in future years and selectively prioritizing initiatives. Staff also
noted the regular occurrence of unbudgeted event opportunities, such as major
community gatherings and high-profile activities, which necessitate flexibility in
annual planning.
4. Mayoral Business and Updates - Mayor B. Vrbanovic
5. In -camera Meeting Authorization
Moved by Councillor J. Deneault
Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud
"That an in -camera meeting of City Council be held immediately following
the special council meeting this date to consider a land acquistion matter
and a land acquistion and position/procedure to be applied to negotiation
matter as authorized by Sections 239 (2) (c) and (k) of the Municipal Act,
2001, respectively."
3
On motlon the meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
. ...... ...
MI- "'a y' 611111-r
Clerk