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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1999-10-14KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 14, 1999 The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Councillor Karen Taylor-Harrison, Anita Petsche Good, Molly Green, David Corks, Julie Dean, Howard Marr, Mike Peng, David Gowland, Doug Hoch, Ruth Tomlinson, Trudy Beaulne, Peter Walberg, Howard Rotberg, Peggy Walshe, Tom Brennand and Denise Shelbourne Others Present: Brock Stanley, Debbie Schlichter, Chris Cowie Regrets: Mary Drandzyk, Mary Coleman, Regis Coladipietro, Greg Kett, Gary Askin 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA-October 14, 1999 The Agenda for the October 14, 1999 was approved. Moved by: Karen Taylor-Harrison Seconded by: Anita Petsche Good CARRIED th, 2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES-SEPTEMBER 91999 It was moved that the minutes of the September 9, 1999 meeting be approved. Moved by: Tom Brennand Seconded by: Ruth Tomlinson CARRIED 3.98-99 DOWNTOWN MONITORING REPORT BY KATHERINE DEVER Katherine Dever referred to this previously circulated report and reviewed the highlights, which generated the following discussion: Trudy Beaulne wanted to know how hotel vacancy rates, the downtown market share, and industry wage averages compared to the rest of the Municipality. This could let us know if the downtown is growing or shrinking. David Gowland expressed his concern that the report was wildly optimistic and didn’t recognize some serious problems. He didn’t see the growth portrayed in the report and noted that retailing is worse in downtown than it has been in the past ten years. From an economic statistical viewpoint, things look positive in terms of new office employees but not in terms of retailing. He added that employees from 150 King Street East are escorted by security guards to their parking lot on Cedar Street as they are afraid for their personal safety. On a more positive note, the planters and plants in the downtown are beautiful, but the overall concern regarding vacant stores and lots in the downtown area remains. He circulated a number of photos of vacant stores to further expand his concerns and dismay over the downtown area. Brock Stanley responded by acknowledging that from the neighbourhood perspective the downtown still needs a lot of work. However, developers and business people are very positive about economic growth in the downtown. The report shows positive statistics regarding business growth but must be balanced with issues such as retail vacancy rates. Anita Petsche Good stated that her downtown business has increased since 1995 even in face of competition from the phenomenon of “big box” retail. As well, Budds’ has noticed a lunchtime increase in customers recently although more promotion could be used to attract retailers and more parking should also be provided. Karen Taylor-Harrison said she understands both perspectives. She agreed with the report yet understood the downtown needs a commitment from both residential and commercial sectors. David Corks said that he had also taken pictures of vacant retail locations and staff have spent a lot of effort targeting retailers to fill the vacancies on King Street especially. However, these retailers and their agents asked for statistics on the number of employees and other information before making a decision on locating here. There has been an increase in business activity and he was positive about the various economic trends and indicators. In addition, we do need to make an attractive environment for customers and this is done in many ways. Howard Marr suggested putting some time frames on our retail recruitment initiatives implemented by specific actions. Howard Rotberg added that because his new residential building was not strictly within the confines of the established downtown boundaries, he was not eligible for incentives yet his residents will directly benefit the downtown. On another point, he added that the Committee needed representation from various ethnic backgrounds and this was missing. We need to be inclusive towards multiculturalism by making all minorities welcome and encourage them to participate in policies to promote the downtown core. Trudy Beaulne said she wants a stronger connection between residents and the downtown core as a strong residential component does a lot to strengthen the core. The community needs to foster a broad framework that looks at the health of the community from an inclusive perspective. We all need a healthy and safe place to live with schools and social community sources that strengthen downtown. Fear and safety are environmental factors that need monitoring to give an accurate picture of our status. Councillor Taylor-Harrison cited that some school supporters are nervous of the downtown area and this may in turn lead to loss of high schools. For example, KCI has lost 300 students and 10 teachers due to these negative parental concerns. 4.CITY OF KITCHENER COMMERCIAL REVIEW Carla Ladd, Director of Planning, presented this report with the following comments: The new City of Kitchener policy is much more liberal and flexible in its approach to retailing. The old hierarchy approach has been abandoned and protectionism has been reduced to allow the quickly changing market to develop within a general context. As well as the downtown core, retail will be allowed to develop in nodes and corridors, which were developed starting in 1994 to accommodate mixed uses. They will be linked by transit in order to be accessible and near to residential areas. There will now be two primary nodes, the downtown and Fairview Mall area. David Corks asked how this would impact the downtown. Carla responded that it should strengthen the downtown as it increases flexibility and should result in the strengthening of this primary node. Members of DAC are to be involved in establishing details of the plans for the downtown node. Moved by: Trudy Beaulne Seconded by: Tom Brennan CARRIED 5.UPDATE ON HOMELESSNESS Debbie Schlichter gave an update on homelessness in the downtown core. A new program called “In from the Cold” operates a shelter across the Region alternating overnight accommodation. Four of the seven nights available are in Kitchener. The Ontario Ministry of Health has announced that more funding will be available shortly for the mentally challenged. The immediate need is to get people off the street and into temporary housing and she added that as an estimate, 30-70% of homeless people are mentally challenged. A proposed study would determine a more accurate count and need and this would aid in determining the total number of beds required locally. The total cost is in Kitchener is $40-$70 a night per bed, much lower than in Toronto. It is understood that there needs to be an equitable share of hostels throughout the Waterloo regional area. The Committee felt that at present, Social Services responds well to the need and recommends shelter locations but DAC needs to become involved in this process. Karen stated that the problem didn’t start downtown although it has become continual cycle for the core. It is a regional issue and even one involving people from all over Canada. We need to determine why people are attracted to the downtown area. Perhaps the “In from the Cold” program could provide transportation to shelters in other areas outside of the downtown core. She added that Social Services agencies should be more proactive and should be there first to help the homeless. Further discussion is needed. Howard Rotberg proposed a motion to have an equitable geographic distribution of shelter housing throughout the entire Region of Waterloo. Moved by: Howard Rotberg Carried by: David Gowland CARRIED 6. DOWNTOWN LIGHTING EVALUATION STUDY A report and recommendations were presented by Julie Dean on the evaluation of the pilot projects installed as part of a downtown lighting study entitled “On Lighting Downtown.” This is available at a cost of $45.00 from the Business and Planning Services Department. The study was commissioned by the Safe City Committee and was unique in its focus on improving the night environment for pedestrians through both private and public efforts. The lighting consultants took members of the Planning Committee on a walking tour of King and Cedar Streets where the lighting had been installed. This demonstrated how the new lighting criteria had been met (through reduction of glare, consistency of lighting etc.) and where improvements were still required. The study developed specific lighting designs and standards for a variety of street types, functions and particular situations. For example, 2 conceptual designs were developed for Halls Lane. The first was based on the current level of use and simply recommended replacement of the existing “wall pack” lighting (which creates a lot of glare). An alternate concept was also developed, with a more inviting style of lighting, and contributions from both property owners and the municipality. However, it was not recommended for installation until the level of use in the laneways increased. Overall, the study identified a “Family of Lighting Fixtures” which showed how different lighting fixtures would be used on different street types. A motion was made to approve the recommendations contained in BPS 99/158. Moved by: Trudy Beaulne Seconded by: Tom Brennan CARRIED 7. KDBA REPORT Molly Green reported that the KDBA Board decided not to pursue plans to expand the KDBA Boundary this year but would put it off until 2001 to make sure all involved are supportive. She told the Committee that the recent fashion show was a huge success with proceeds of $4400 being donated to local charity. For Christmas this year the KDBA will be featuring a "Spirit of the Season" theme that will promote the downtown as a place for Christmas Shopping. In addition, a new Christmas banner has been designed representing a snowman that fits well into the general established marketing image. Molly went on to say that this year’s Christmas ornament images will feature Zion United church will be selling for $10. She invited all those present to the Fall Networking Social hosted by Schreiter’s Furniture on October 20, 1999 from 5-7 p.m. Ruth Tomlinson from the Mill Courtland neighbourhood reported that they were featuring a Fall Craft Sale on October 23, 1000 from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. And on Tuesday and Thursday nights young people can participate in various activities from 6-11p.m. at the Mill Courtland Centre. Peggy Walsh from Kitchener Public Library reported on an information sharing facility established at the Library offering help concerning networking health information. People from ROOF, CNIB and the Grand River Hospital are involved and they are presently seeking funds from the Ministry of Health. Dave Gowland from the King Street East Association said that prostitution has disappeared recently from their area although this could be because the majority of the women are in prison. Still, there is a constant “john” traffic and the police have been most helpful and are continuing their support. Their next meeting will be next Wednesday October 20, 1999. 8. NEW BUSINESS Meeting times for the year 2000 as follows- Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 9, Apr 13, May 11, Jun 8, July 13, Aug 10, Sept 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 14. The Conestoga Room has been reserved for these dates.