HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2001-11-08 DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday, November 8, 2001
The Downtown Advisory Committee met on this date under the chairmanship of
Councillor Christina Weylie, with the following members present: Tom Brennand, Staff
Sgt. Tom Bruce, Karen Taylor-Harrison, Fred Bishop, Marty Schreiter, Donna Kuehl,
Anita Petsche-Good, Howard Marr, Doug Hoch, Deb Schlichter, Mike Peng
Staff: David Corks, Michele Hodgins, Tim Fox, Catherine Heal, Jeff Fielding
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Anita Petsche-Good wanted to clarify in the section discussing the chess tables,
she did not say that these tables seem to attract drug traffickers and criminals,
Anita was in favour of the tables. That statement was what many of the
members felt about the tables, even though they still agreed the chess tables
were a good thing in attracting people downtown.
Moved by: Tom Brennand
Seconded by: Donna Kuehl
CARRIED
Chairman Weylie welcomed Jeff Fielding, the City's new CAO to our meeting,
and each Committee member introduced himself or herself to Jeff.
2. URBAN EVOLUTION
Tim Fox, Senior Downtown Development Officer from Economic Development,
presented the Committee a revised strategic plan for the downtown, which he
indicated is done every 3 years or so. Tim asked for Committee input in
regards to the strategic plan. (See attached report)
The following are suggestions from Committee members regarding the Urban
Evolution proposal.
The Original City:
· statement and logo leads people to think of the past, how better it was then
than it is now
· change the message and logo to something that fits our city, combining the
past and future.
· any logo or phrase you have to explain isn't doing its job
· some have never heard of Original City and/or don't notice the sign
URBAN EVOLUTION cont'd.
· younger generation doesn't know what the "Original" means, but could relate
to "City" aspect
Logo:
· green colour in logo is unattractive
· suggested we focus on the theme, arts and culture
· no defining feature of the downtown
· skyline featured in the logo is not the defining feature of downtown Kitchener
· image needs to be what local residents can relate to
· tie logo to the physical nature of downtown, i.e. clocktower, city hall
· colours are cold looking, boxy and busy, recommended something more
colourful and more flowing
· show past and future in logo
Urban Evolution:
· not completely clear what message means
· staff knew what this meant, but possibly the public might not have had that
clear message
· is part of a bigger plan
· a step in the right direction of where we want to be in the downtown
· it says something is happening here
Vision:
· missing the business component
· over 500 businesses in the downtown, don't want to leave them out
· neighbourhoods need to include in the vision too
· regional commercial centre in downtown should be included
· leave out daytime activity
· be accepting of highs and lows
· downtown is more than arts and culture
· important distinction between marketing plan and strategic plan
· need guiding principles to promote the overall health of the downtown, needs
all aspects, live/work/play and don't leave business out
Art & Culture
· choose atheme
· bring all sectors of culture and entertainment together
· clash- bars vs. housing
URBAN EVOLUTION cont'd.
· people living downtown is what is needed
· lots of different definitions of arts and culture, its different to everyone, must
be inclusive
· comprehensive marketing plan to support it, need money, not just institutional
advertising
· must support attendance
Living Downtown:
· need a better marketing plan of what constitutes the downtown
· residents are important, and not reflected on DAC and other committees, less
evidence of that now more than ever
· downtown must be shown as including neighbourhoods
· neighbourhoods must be included in all changes, i.e. zoning, by-laws, etc.
· don't need more social services in the downtown
· provide balance and variety of housing, different styles, different populations,
i.e. families, seniors, rental and ownership to create an inclusive environment
· continue to promote safety
· keep schools in the downtown at all levels
· need housing to allow people to put down roots
· use convenience and shopping as marketing draw
Working Downtown:
· regenerating a more intense commercial district
· parking, location is important and more of it
· maintain a good relationship with CURA
· hold seminars/workshops with downtown businesses to get their input and
address their concerns
· attract workers out onto the street during lunches, after work to make them
come out to the stores, etc.
· rally businesses and arts and culture to develop a support structure
· get people to mix more, need a cross section of marketing for different types
of people.
· Important to know what is going on in the downtown and businesses could be
more flexible to allow workers to take advantage of activities
3. UP-DATE BY DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM (City and KDBA)
· Two potential housing developments are proposed for the downtown, through the
Region. A 30 unit structure at the Rugged Comfort site, at 19-21 Gaukel St.. The
second development will be at the corner of Cedar and Charles St. with approx. 40
units being developed. Both are part of the Region of Waterloo housing initiative.
UP-DATE BY DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT TEAM (City and KDBA) cont'd.
·
· Market Village will be getting a new restaurant, Mirange, a caf~ bistro style
restaurant.
· Cleaning of facades and windows along King St. is taking place, windows will
display art pieces.
· Barry Grieves (owner of Sammy's Social/Garage, etc.) has sold his
businesses to a Stratford company, however, Barry still owns the buildings in
this "block that rocks" area.
· CURA (Community University Research Alliance) have moved into the old TD
Bank building at King and Benton/Frederick St.
· An advertisement was place in the Record requesting applications for
Council's Special Committees and Boards, i.e. DAC, the deadline is Nov. 9th
(see attached).
· Christkindle Market will take place December 17 - 20th, KDBA has lent much
support for this year's event.
· KDBA's successful receipt program will be introduced again this year from
Dec. 1 - 29th. For every $100 in receipts you collect from downtown
businesses, up to a maximum of $400 the KDBA will return $10 in Downtown
Bonus Bucks.
· Downtown Employee Discount Card, is free this year, KDBA has distributed
over 600 cards in 1 week.
· The Suddaby School Christmas card program will be out in 23 downtown
retail stores.
· Carolers in the downtown will be out every Friday and Saturday during the
holiday season.
· Christmas trees will be in pots located throughout the downtown.
· Santa's Village will be at Market Village once again this year.
· Invitations for Social Networking on December 11th will be distributed shortly.
· KDBA and City staff are involved in the revitalization of the KOR Gallery.
· Banning gang colours in downtown bars has been discussed with bar owners
and will continued to be discussed at the Liquor License Entertainment
Committee meeting in Dec.
· On Nov. 20th Anne McConnell from the Waterloo Regional Police will be
presenting to the KDBA Board of Directors the crime statistic report.
· Free parking in the downtown is available Dec. 2-23, 2001.
4. NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION UP-DATES
Mill Courtland Karen Taylor-Harrison reported that they
recently held a craft sale, which was very
successful.
NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION UP-DATES cont'd.
CedarHills Karen also reported that the next meeting is to
be in November at Eby Village, and they will be
reviewing the Secondary Plan. The large
construction project that has been happening
in the last few months is near completion, the
residents and construction workers all worked
well together, and the residents threw party for
the construction workers with over 70 people
attending.
Civic Centre Donna Kuehl reported that they are having a
Heritage meeting, and will also be reviewing
the Secondary Plan for their neighbourhoods,
they have concerns about zoning issues,
committee of adjustment meetings and notices
to surrounding residents. They will be holding
a Christmas event in early December.
Victoria Park Anita Petsche-Good reported that their general
meeting would be Nov. 20th. The annual pot-
luck dinner is Dec 2nd at Victoria Park Pavilion
and is always well attended.
5. NEW BUSINESS
· Tom Brennand will not be at the December meeting, and wanted to say good-
by to all committee members, and said he enjoyed sitting on this Committee.
On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
1. Urban Evolution presentation