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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1999-11-18KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES November 18, 1999 The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Anita Petsche Good, Nancy Brawley, David Corks, Howard Marr, Mike Peng, Doug Hoch, Ruth Tomlinson, Trudy Beaulne, Howard Rotberg, Chris Cowie, Donna Kohl, Denise Shelbourne, Debbie Schlichter, Neil Carver. Regrets: Tom Brennand, Barrie Zehr, Greg Kett, Denise Strong, Peggy Walshe, Mary Drandzyk, David Gowland, Peter Walberg 1.APPROVAL OF AGENDA – NOVEMBER 18, 1999 It was moved that a standing agenda item on homelessness be added to future agendas. Moved by: Trudy Beaulne Seconded by: Howard Marr CARRIED 2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES – OCTOBER 14, 1999 It was moved that the minutes of the October 14, 1999 be approved. Moved by: Anita Petsche Good Seconded by: Ruth Tomlinson CARRIED 3.AMBASSADOR PROGRAM David gave an update on the Ambassador program idea for downtown Kitchener. He explained that there are similar programs in larger Canadian and U.S. cities that have been very successful. This program requires paid, uniformed staff to function as “ambassadors” of the downtown by providing tourism/downtown information to citizens and tourists, provide some security, cleaning streets, and street entertainment. David solicited the committee for suggestions on any agency or group that would like to take the lead on this project, (applying for funding, hiring, training, etc.) Nancy asked about Safe City’s involvement in the process, as they David were previously committed, but they have since stated they can’t run the program. will follow up with Safe City staff, as this program would be very time-intensive. Trudy suggested that an Ambassador sub-committee be established with other organizations and/or people who would be interested in launching this program. Debbie Schlichter said that previous work could be built upon. David said that due to new funding applications, the work 1 would have to be completely redone anyway. Trudy also suggested that HRDC be involved, as they may be able to speed up the funding process. If this were to be in effect by next summer, than funding proposals/organization must be done as soon as possible. Denise Shelbourne, Deb Schlichter, and Trudy Beaulne expressed interest in being part of the sub-committee. Nancy said Howard that we must figure out how to sustain a program like this. will take it back to KDBA. David will organize a sub-committee as soon as possible. 4.NEXT YEAR’S COMMITTEE MEMEBERS There was some discrepancy with committee membership. David mentioned that 4 Neighbourhood Representatives need be ratified by sending a letter to the City Clerk’s office. Mark thought there was as established list presented to Council and that Greg Kett was the community churches representative. David suggested that Neil Carver could function as an alternate representative for the K-W Council of Churches, which is currently represented by David Greg Kett. will follow up with Greg as to this arrangement. Howard Marr noted that the previous minutes of October 14, 1999 called for ethnic representation in DAC. Neil said that Downtown Churches is a broad group and would like to represent Jewish/Muslim groups as well future agenda item as traditional churches. Trudy called for a to have a complete list of David positions and vacancies. will follow up and bring an updated list to the next DAC. 5.GOVERNOR’S HOUSE AND GOAL Mark Yantzi updated the committee regarding a proposal that the Provincial Offences Act Court, which is in desperate need of space, move into the jail portion of the property which would function as two additional courtrooms. The former woman’s exercise yard maybe be transformed into a “Millennium Garden” 6.UPDATE BY DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM David Corks gave the following updates: · Adaptive Re-use buildings- Forsyth building is the only Adaptive Reuse building left. A demolition permit has been filed recently but demolition will be stayed for 6 months due to the recent Heritage Designation, this will allow time to try to find a potential buyer. There are apparently two offers on the building, one which proposes renovations to the exising building and the other which proposes to demolish it for a new use. · Bell Canada (Nordia) is almost done their hiring for the upper floor of the Eaton’s Store Call Centre. The Sears Outlet store may move into the main floor of the Eaton’s building, but this is currently on hold. · The façade above the Casablanca bookstore is complete. This work was initiated by the City. · Building beside Mayfair Hotel – City has purchased the building to prevent an adult film cinema. Hopefully, a more acceptable use will be found for the building and may be used as 2 a façade example if it is restored. Howard Rotberg said he was very pleased about the City’s action in keeping this cinema out of the downtown. 7.KDBA REPORT Nancy Brawley gave the following KDBA updates: · Zion Church ornaments available for sale for $10. One dollar will go to KDBA and one dollar will go to any downtown merchant’s that sell them. · Festive poster is ready to hang up. Nancy asked if anybody could put them up to please take some with them. · Poseidon project is looking very good. The proposed partners will generate revenue to offset operating costs of an Aquatic centre. · Market Village is looking good, coming back to life. Nancy encouraged people to visit. · Trillium Foundation Murals – the KDBA has applied for a grant from the Trillium Foundation for $75,000 to produce 5 murals in the downtown area. The cost of one mural is $15,000 – 30,000, which is too costly for corporations. The KDBA is seeking $5,000 from 5 corporate sponsors to assist with them. Nancy asked if anyone had any ideas for theme or artist to let her know. · Provincial Millennium Mural – proposal was submitted for this grant. The theme would depict a Conestoga wagon mural. · Postering – In order to get posters off poles, poster display cases must be found that are attractive yet affordable. · Bars/Entertainment Sub-committee of the KDBA will be chaired by Brian Pluth. The first meeting was very successful. · Public Relations/Education: KDBA is going with 2 themes for the public education. 1) Downtown is a safe place, with something for everyone. 2) Target bar patrons to encourage them to drink and party responsibly as the downtown bars without using the word “party.” It was decided that involving existing bars/restaurants in the process would be beneficial · Marketing - 4 seasons of downtown/KDBA has been developed by the KDBA. The first TV commercial for the downtown in a long time has been produced and is very good. Nancy mentioned that 4 different commercials that represent the seasonal themes will be produced and aired over the year. Howard Rotberg emphasized that downtown Kitchener has a very poor reputation with certain neighbourhoods in Kitchener-Waterloo, for example Beechwood West, where he lived for 20 years. He noted the contrast between downtown Kitchener and uptown Waterloo. He stated that Kitchener’s downtown, especially Market Village does not have enough stores to draw a critical mass of shoppers. Howard would like to see the City free up some of the City parking lot that fronts Eby Street in order to build Commercial units, with residences above. David mentioned that Traffic may want to build a parking garage on that site. Neil Carver mentioned that perhaps Market Square parking garage could meet the parking need. Nancy pointed out that with Nordia and Manulife in the downtown, there are long term parking needs. Howard Marr requested that those responsible in the Parking Division give a report of parking/garage needs at the next DAC. Trudy mentioned that Transportation needed should be 3 discussed rather than parking needs to be more inclusive. This should be discussed before the st Transit Division moves to Region on January 1, 2000. There is only one more DAC meeting before the end of the year. There was a motion that the City free up the parking lot space along the front of Eby Street, to augment the shops on the other side of Eby Street to make it a more viable shopping area. There could be mixed commercial/residential units. Moved by: Howard Rotberg Seconded by: Neil Carver CARRIED 8.NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION UPDATES Mount Hope – Breithaupt Neighbourhood Association – would like to update the committee’s programs at the next DAC. On December 18, 1999 there will be the annual Neighbourhood Celebration. (see attached) Chris Cowie stated that he now represents the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association. Nancy asked if anyone would like the KDBA to speak at annual meeting, please let Nancy or Molly know. Civic Centre – Concern about parking issues, turning houses into parking lots. 9.Homelessness Update Deb Schlichter invited the committee to a “Solutions to Homelessness” meeting in February (date TBD). On November 30 at 1 p.m. there will be smaller planning group meetings that will plan: 1) practical aspects of meeting (location/food, etc.); 2) programming; 3) and communications. Trudy said there is a strong invitation for business sector to be involved in the planning process. Current members have mostly come from social, planning and community backgrounds. Deb added that someone who can think in “development terms” from a bigger, regional perspective is needed. Howard Rotberg suggested inviting the City of Waterloo to these meeting is important because it is a regional issue, not an issue that can Chris Cowie just be shoved on Kitchener. will speak to Mike Connelly about being involved. On Tuesday, November 23, 1999 were will be an evening vigil on Child Poverty in Waterloo Region to coincide with the national release of Campaign 2000. All were invited to attend. (see attached flyer) LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Mt.Hope-Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Holiday Celebration 2. Wake Up Call to Child Poverty in the Waterloo Region 4