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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv - 2006-04-26ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 26, 2006 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor John Smola, commencing at 11:11 a.m. with the following members in attendance: Sherryl Petricevic, Glen Woolner, Len Carter, Bob Denton, Mark Paleczny, Peter Benninger, Henrik Noesgaard, Kathy Durst, Ian Cook, Dan Piedra, Adrian Conrad The following people sent their regrets: Sunshine Chen, Hans Pottkamper, Ed Brooker, Howie Budd, Lawrence Bingeman Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Hans Gross, Kathy Weiss, Janette MacDonald, Valerie Bradford, Tracey DeVille 1. NEW BUSINESS 1.1 Who Are You Kitchener? Ms. Shelley Adams, Director of Community and Corporate Planning, reminded the Committee that at the March Economic Development Advisory Committee, she had asked for comment regarding the Who Are You Kitchener? consultation process. Due to time restraints, Ms. Adams asked that the Committee members volunteer to attend a breakfast meeting to discuss these issues. She advised the Committee that she would be in touch regarding a date and time. 1.2 South Kitchener Transportation Study Councillor John Smola introduced Mr. John McBride, Director of Transportation Planning. Mr. Peter Benninger noted a conflict of interest therefore he would not be taking part in the discussion. Mr. McBride explained that the South Kitchener Transportation Study will focus on congestion in the Fairway Road, Bleams Rd and King St corridors, as well as challenges in accessing the Provincial highway system, and solutions to address these deficiencies. The intent of improvements in this corridor include the extension of Bleams Rd at Manitou through Hidden Valley, with a full or partial interchange with Hwy 8 and connecting to River Rd at King St. He advised that the Environmental Committee has been asked to provide comments, and that he would also like to have comments from the Economic Development Advisory Committee. The report will be discussed at the Development & Technical Service Committee meeting on Monday May 1, 2006. Mr. McBride noted that the Region and the City have recognized the need for another interchange with the highway; however, there are environmentally sensitive areas that need to be taken into consideration. The study looked at several options, narrowing the alternatives to 2 options through extensive public meetings. The first preferred alternative 4B used Fairway Road to Wabinaki Drive to provide access in a southbound direction to the Hidden Valley area. To access Highway 401, a ramp would be built off Fairway Road. On the north side of the highway, full access ramps would be provided for northbound traffic.. The second preferred Alternative 5A provided more direct ramping options in a southbound direction. Both options provided a roundabout at the ramp terminus with the River Rd extension. The Ministry of Transportation was not in favour of roundabouts do to the lack of experience with the operation of them. To remove the roundabouts, would create a greater impact on the surrounding environment as well as development needs of the area. As a result, alternative 4C was developed that provided 3 of the 4 ramping movements directly to the River Rd extension. Southbound movements would still be via the Fairway Rd ramp to a fully signalized intersection at Wabinaki Dr. Different design speeds will alter the final design and could impact the amount of developable land that will be left. This alternative was fully supported by the project steering committee including the GRCA and the MNR. From a transportation perspective, a secondary means of access must be provided to the Hidden Valley Drive area from the River Rd extension. Both the Region and MTO have agreed with the need for this connection. The second transportation issue is the potential impact on the residents of Stonegate Dr who are concerned about the potential for cut through traffic. During the detailed design of this interchange, residents will be involved to look at options to minimize the potential ability for motorists to short cut through their neighbourhood, while at the same time provide reasonable access. Mr. Brandon Sloan, Planner, advised that from a land use perspective, most of the land is commercial industrial land with some historical residential areas. The old alignment split the area, creating businesses located to the north and residential located toward the south. A large part of the area is zoned Business Park and has a holding provision placed on it. Some of the area could be still developed residential; however, the City needs to review land use designations in this area. Once the Region proceeds with the next phase of the study the future of the lands will be determined. Mr. McBride noted from an environmental perspective alternatives need to be considered for the protection of the lands. The Committee discussed the possible ramp locations, bridge concerns and future costs associated with grading. The Committee raised concerns regarding traffic issues along Fairway Road and asked for clarification regarding a solution to the congestion and ease of access to Highway 401 from the south end of Kitchener. Mr. McBride advised that the preferred Alternative 4C addresses these issues as well as the widening of Fairway Road. It was noted that the preferred alternative also includes a connection from River Road, which will remove congestion from Fairway Road. Mr. McBride asked the Committee to provide comments or a recommendation to take forward to the May 1, 2006 Development & Technical Services Committee meeting. Mr. Glen Woolner put forward a motion to support the preferred alternative, with Mr. Len Carter seconding the motion. The Committee requested a recorded vote; with 3 supporting the motion and 3 being opposed to the motion. It was decided that the motion be dissolved due to the split vote. 1.3 University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy Dr. Jake Thiessen provided the Committee with an overview of the status of the University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy. He advised that the University has been progressing rapidly and he would speak to the Goal, Presence and Magnet of the site. Dr. Thiessen discussed that the Goal aspect of the university is to bring prosperity for both the City and the Region. The groundbreaking ceremony was an exciting opportunity for this and he feels as though it was well received. DMr. Thiessen advised that with any new institution the need to create a Presence exists. He advised that he has been promoting the area through his discussions with companies as well as through the presentations he has done in Ontario, the United States and Europe. He commended the City on their development of the project noting that the connections made now are important to realize the dream of bringing people and students here then to bring the companies, we need to connect, bring a presence. Dr. Thiessen explained that the School of Pharmacy needed to act as a magnet for talent -top faculty and students. Mr. Thiessen discussed the importance of attracting the ideal faculty. He advised that the right faculty are a major part of the plan especially if you are looking to attract businesses. He advised that he has currently received commitments from 2 individuals, one with knowledge in nanotechnology. Both have or are developing start up companies in association with their research. The University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy is committed to developing a competitive institution by building on the strengths of the University of Waterloo in engineering, nanotechnology, mathematics and information systems. In response to questions, Dr. Thiessen provided the following information, namely: ^ The school will accept 120 undergrad students in 2007 ^ Undergrad population will be 450-480 on full development ^ The school will have 50-75 graduate students ^ Total faculty, staff & students will be 700 ^ The school is attracting interest from worldwide companies is starting to develop, CTT has been a working with City staff to develop those relationships ^ This is a stand alone campus of the University of Waterloo and not a satellite school of another School of Pharmacy ^ The undergraduate program will be the first co-op pharmacy program in Canada 1.4 Wilfred Laurier University, School of Social Work Dr. Robert Rosehart, President, Wilfred Laurier University and Mr. Scott Hayter, Assistant Vice-President, University Development provided an update on the School of Social Work. Dr. Rosehart provided a brief history of the School of Social Work. Indicating that WLU has been developing decentralized schools for some time. The City of Kitchener initially approached the university with hopes of a satellite executive training facility; however, the University felt that would be more suited to the Toronto market. Through discussions on the redevelopment of the downtown core and the availability of the St. Jerome's site, the university recognized the opportunity to expand their School of Social Work. The University in partnership with the City of Kitchener has raised the funding necessary and the school is scheduled to open to students in the fall of 2006. They will be hosting a grand opening the week of September 25, 2006. The Committee requested a tour of the facility prior to the opening, to which Dr. Rosehart agreed. Dr. Rosehart advised that approximately 90% of the building is complete on the inside, equipped with modern amenities and an abundance of natural light. The move from the current facility will change the space capacity of the school, taking it from 5,000 sq. ft. to 35,000sq.ft. There will be 300 students -with approx 25 students in aboriginal studies program. The average student would be married, most having families and be an average age of 31. Dr. Rosehart indicated that the project had been challenging and that WLU would think carefully before doing it again. Councillor John Smola thanked them for their presentation. 2. DISCUSSION 2.1 Approval of minutes - The Committee agreed that before they can finialize the minutes of the January 25, 2006 meeting, they would like to see the attendance, regrets and absent people noted on the minutes. This information will be updated prior to the May meeting. The minutes of the March 22, 2006 minutes were approved. Moved by Bob Denton Seconded by Peter Benninger Carried Discussion took place regarding the current issue of hydro and how it is linked to the economic development of the city. It was generally agreed this was an issue and the Committee agreed to look into the issue further. 2.2 Business Visitation Update Ms. Valerie Bradford, Business Development Officer, advised the Committee that the Business Visitation program has been completed and she is currently in the process of analyzing the information for presentation at the June 6, 2006 breakfast meeting. Ms. Bradford thanked all that participated in the program. Meeting adjourned at 1:10