HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv - 2005-01-26
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
January 26, 2005
11 :00 am - 1 :00 pm
Conestoga Room - City Hall
Attendance: Peter Benninger, Lawrence Bingeman, Bob Denton, Len Carter,
Jane Jantzi, Henrik Nosegaard, Mark Paleczny, Hans Pottkamper,
Councillor Weylie(Co-Chair), Glen Woolner
Rob Browning, Hans Gross, Janette MacDonald,
Rob Morgan, Michelle Schurter, Councillor Smola, Kathy Weiss,
Jeff Wilmer, Silvia Wright, Mayor Zehr
Regrets:
Scott Baird, Ed Brooker, Howie Budd
Absent:
Manfred Conrad, Shawky Fahel
Welcome and Introductions
Hans Pottkamper chaired the meeting.
1. Review and Adoption of Minutes of December 15,2004
The minutes were approved.
Moved by: Bob Denton
Seconded by: Mark Paleczny
Carried
2. South Kitchener Transportation Corridor Study -
Public Consultation Overview
Jeff Wilmer introduced Paula Sawicki, from Transportation Planning, at the
Region of Waterloo. Paula's presentation was an overview of the public
consultation process to date. Public meetings and workshops have been held so
the public can gain information and have input into the process. . People and
business owners understand the need for the road, but want to preserve the
environment. She presented the 4 alternative plans, and indicated timelines: in
March the region will go back to the public to present the preferred plan;
May/June will go to council for approval; the design and construction plan will be
formed with a 2007-2009 target date.
The committee had discussion around this being a Regional decision and
Kitchener's involvement. The City of Kitchener has not made a decision beyond
participating on the planning panel. Some members of the committee had
concerns about leaving it as a fully regional decision. Further discussion around
questions and answers ensued. A detailed handout was included in the
presentation.
3. Brownfield Conference - Terry Boutilier
Terry presented information on a Brownfield Conference, to be hosted by
the City of Kitchener in June. He indicated that a Conference Committee had
been formed, including Peter Benninger, Scott Garrow and Scott Higgins.
The purpose of the conference would be:
. To move homebuilders to a current skill set: Homebuilders would like an
appreciation of who the new re-urbanization customer is. MKI was awarded
$50,000 to do a study, and will release results at the conference. Terms of
reference for the MKI study will be forwarded to the EDAC members.
. To market what City of Kitchener has for sale - both public and private lands
. To put together the incentives.
EDAC members are invited to have a look at the programme and offer any ideas
that would contribute to the program.
4. Follow-up to Retention Strategy - Kathy Weiss /Patricia Bacon
The targeted criteria are based on high risk companies. Participants will
provide approximately 2 hours per week commitment beginning at March end.
Several EDAC members have offered to participate in this program and Amy
Britten from MEDT and their commitment is very much appreciated.
Kathy has met with Laura Garten, Toronto to find out how to structure a survey
and how to best utilize the information gathered. A pilot test of the questions will
take place. Kathy is proposing that a cover letter form the Mayors office be
included with the survey. Administrative staff will make calls to businesses for
appointments. Timelines and schedules will be constructed. Red flag issues from
businesses will be addressed immediately. A quick fact sheet re: government
programmes will be available. A Mayor's Breakfast will be scheduled for
participants at the end of the programme. Media will be involved at the beginning
and the end of the programme. This project has been assigned Valerie Bradford,
the new Business Development Officer.
5. Downtown Incentives Program - Silvia Wright
Silvia presented an overview of the draft new financial incentives for the
Upper Story Program. An objective of this program is the make the downtown
self-sustaining. An effort is being made to spur a lot of activity and momentum
now, in light of the universities coming to the core. Silvia invited comments and
suggestions from the EDAC members that may be incorporated into the final
plan.
6. Cluster Strategy Development - Michelle Schurter
Michelle offered a presentation that described the Cluster Development
Research Project. She covered topics such as cluster definition, current and
developing clusters within the City of Kitchener, identifying the resources for
research, and inventory of current assets and activity, followed by a look to the
future for opportunities, needs and recommendations.
Meeting terminated.
Karen McLaughlin, Recording Secretary
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Next Meeting: February 23, 2005
11 :00 am - 1 :00 pm
Conestoga Room, Kitchener City Hall