HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDAC - 2025-11-26 JffHEoTE
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Committee Minutes
November 26, 2025, 11:00 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
Present: M. Johnston, Member
C. Howitt, Member
B. Whittaker, Member
L. Rodriguez Reyes, Member
M. Lam, Vice-Chair
J. Curto, Chair
M. Bingeman, Member
T. Bergsma, Member
L. Luo, Member
P. Salehi, Member
Staff: C. Bluhm
B. Bennett
J. Park, Committee Administrator
L. Feraco
N. Banton
L. Chlumsky
A. Sturgess
Additional Staff: E. Protzer (Minerva's Economics), E. Lariviere (Executive
Director, Centre in the Square), and J. Zunic and G. Khandelwal
(Senior Planners, City of Kitchener)
1. Commencement
A virtual meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee was held at
11:01 a.m. on November 26, 2025. Chaired by Joe Curto.
1.1 Electronic Meeting Access
2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
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3. Delegations
4. Discussion Items
4.1 Kitchener's Economic Trajectory and Diversification Opportunities
• Presentation - E. Protzer (Minerva's Economics)
4.1.1 Data Review
Presentation Highlights:
• E. Protzer presented comparative data on wage growth, showing
Canada's lag behind U.S. cities and the national innovation gap.
• Explained Harvard Growth Lab methodology and use of patent analysis to
identify diversification opportunities.
• Highlighted Kitchener's strong ICT/software patent activity and weaker
performance in biotech and aerospace.
• Outlined algorithmic approach for identifying growth sectors:
instrumentation, medical devices, creative industries, aerospace,
semiconductors, and pharma.
4.1.2 Discussion
Q&A Highlights:
• P. Salehi asked about translating STEM patents into economic value; E.
Protzer noted employment and patent activity as stepping stones.
• T. Bergsma raised population vs. employment metrics; E. Protzer clarified
employment is a better proxy for economic activity.
• Discussion on housing affordability and regulatory barriers; E. Protzer
emphasized expanding supply and reducing zoning constraints.
• J. Curto questioned venture capital sources; E. Protzer suggested
Crunchbase data and local partnerships like Communitech.
• Members debated automation susceptibility and remote work trends
affecting future industries.
4.2 Kitchener 2051 Overview
Draft Official Plan shared; adoption targeted for 2026.
Presentation Highlights:
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• Outlined four project phases and timeline; equity focus emphasized for
inclusive engagement.
• Vision pillars presented: Neighborhoods, Economy, Environment.
• Detailed land use designations: institutional, industrial (general/heavy),
mixed-use areas near transit.
• Grand River highlighted as a key cultural and environmental feature.
• Economic objectives include supporting small businesses, mixed-use
flexibility, and protecting industrial lands.
Q&A Highlights:
• M. Bingeman expressed concern about rigidity; asked for flexibility
examples from Calgary.
• Discussion on provincial guidance protecting industrial lands and its
impact on development.
• Members debated balancing retail/commercial flexibility with employment
land protection.
• Deadline for comments confirmed as December 12; feedback via
EngageWR and email.
Actions and Decisions:
• Members to email responses to SWOT discussion questions for
compilation prior to next meeting.
• Direct comments/feedback on the Draft Official Plan to EngageWR page
(https://www.engagewr.ca/kitchener205l) and emails
(kitchener2051 @kitchener.ca, gaurang.khandelwal@kitchener.ca) by
December 12, 2025.
5. Information Items
6. Adjournment
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 1:03 p.m.
Jessie Park
Committee Administrator
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