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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Adv - 2005-06-09 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES June 9, 2005 City of Kitchener The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:15 p.m., Chaired by Doug Hoch with the following members present: Glen Woolner, Jason Lane, Shelley Gibbs, Tony DiBattista, Marty Scheriter, Markus Stranz, John Smola, Christina Weylie, Michelle Morssetti City staff present include: Silvia Wright, Sandy Curzon, Tracey DeVille, Michelle Schurter, Janette MacDonald, Shelley Adams 1. Business Arisina 1.1 Cluster Investment Strateav Presentation Doug Hoch introduced Michelle Schurter, Urban Investment Advisor. Ms. Schurter provided an in depth overview of the research work on the Cluster Investment Strategy for Kitchener. Ms. Schurter explained the benefits of clusters, noting that clusters can not be created without having a foundation in place, for example; the bio tech cluster can be expanded due to the large number of research and development opportunities currently available region wide. Ms. Schurter presented in great detail the scope of the cluster research which is very important in the development of the downtown, she noted that the importance of luring people to the area and stressed the importance of keeping those people here. She noted that the future is positive with both local universities having a commitment to the downtown and the spin ofts that are associated with that. Ms. Schurter explained the elements of clusters, noting that to be successful it is important to have local champions, remembering that local businesses would benefit by way of expansion. A discussion then took place regarding the need to align these findings with the Downtown Strategic Plan, questions were raised regarding the need to simplify this research so that local businesses know exactly what the future of the downtown looks like, so they too can develop and expand their businesses to compliment the clusters. Ms. Schurter explained that the research shows the people that need to be serviced through these clusters are interested in having things to do, e.g. Outdoor theatres, funky coffee shops etc. Ms. Schurter noted that the cluster research is still in the concept stage and that any information or feedback is greatly appreciated. 1.2 2004 Downtown Monitorina Reoort (Draft) Mr. Hoch introduced Janette MacDonald, Technical Analyst, Business Development. Ms. MacDonald outlined in detail the draft 2004 Downtown Monitoring report, noting that the Page 1 of 4 DAC Minutes June 9, 2005 report coincides with the Economic Development Investment Fund Strategy and the Downtown Strategic Plan. She noted that 2004 saw a lot of decisions and announcement which had a great impact on the results of the survey. Some of the milestones of 2004 are: o Your Kitchener Market o University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy o Arts Programming o Wilfred Laurier University, School of Social Work* *although the WLU announcement was made prior to 2004, final approval was settled in 2004 Ms. MacDonald explained that the population growth the City experience in 2004 was measured through building permit data. She noted that the 2005 outlook is showing a renewed interest in the residential housing market. She also noted that there was an increase in the attendance at events such as Blues Brews and BBQ's, the Multi-Cultural Festival etc. She explained that there is a difference with events and attractions and noted that the participation with local attractions, ego The Children's Museum, were also higher in 2004. Ms. MacDonald noted that construction values for 2004 were also on the rise even though the number of units are down. She noted that the City of Kitchener presented business heritage awards to 87 businesses with several of those located in the downtown core. Ms. MacDonald advised that the future of the Monitoring Reports will be based on the upcoming work through cluster research, the implementation of the action items within the Downtown Strategic Plan, the new education campuses, new residential and the exciting Centre Block project. She asked for the Committee to review the Monitoring Report, and provide any comments to her no later than June 16, 2004. She noted that the report will be going forward to Finance & Corporate Services Committee on June 27 and then to Council for final approval on July 4, 2004. 1.3 Downtown Survey - ImDact events had on downtown business owners The presentation was deferred to the July 14, 2005. 2. Aooroval of Minutes On motion by, Tony DiBattista It was resolved: "That the minutes of May 12, 2005 be approved" 3. Aooointments · Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee Representative Page 2 of 4 DAC Minutes June 9, 2005 No nominations were put forward. It was noted that the request for appointment to the Committee will be on future agendas until such time that the position is filled. Updates from the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee will be done through receipt of the minutes. A question was raised as to the current vacancies on the Downtown Advisory Committee and what representations were needed. It was noted that there is currently 3 vacancies in the following representation categories: o KBDA Chair/Designate o Storefront Retail o Downtown Restaurant o Downtown Arts & Culture Discussion took place regarding the need for another representative from the KDBA, bearing in mind the current membership includes 3 members of the Board of Directors for the KDBA as well as the Executive Director of the KDBA. It was noted that a need for a representative from the education sector would be beneficial. Councillor Weylie also noted that the Economic Development Advisory Committee will be advertising their vacancies in the local newspaper and she thought it would be a good idea for DAC to advertise along with them. Action: Committee Administrator to compile information and report back to the Committee at the July meeting. 4. New Business Discussion took place regarding further thoughts the Committee had regarding the presentation Ms. Schurter presented. The question was raised regarding the Region's support to the downtown. Councillor Smola noted that he was of the understanding that the Region does provide some funding. Several points were discussed in regards to the benefits the Region gains through incentives and developments the City of Kitchener is making within the downtown core. Clarification was requested concerning whether the Region was aware of the concerns that the Committee has. It was noted that this type of concern should be addressed by both DAC and EDAC. It was agreed by the Committee that a joint presentation be made by the Chairs of DAC and EDAC to the Region with the combined concerns and provide information on the current developments within the downtown and the obstacles that the City is facing with funding issues. Parking concerns were raised and the Committee was advised that Mr. John McBride, Director of Traffic & Parking is scheduled for a presentation at the July 14, 2005 meeting. Page 3 of 4 DAC Minutes June 9, 2005 5. Advisorv Committee Uodate Mr. Hoch informed the Committee updates are done through distribution of the minutes and if there is a particular item which needs attention, the representative from that Committee could provide more information. On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Page 4 of 4 DAC Minutes June 9, 2005