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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv - 2006-06-26ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES June 28, 2006 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Hans Pottkamper, commencing at 11:13 a.m. with the following members in attendance: Councillor Christina Weylie, Glen Woolner, Bob Denton, Peter Benninger, Henrick Noesgaard, Ian Cook, Adrian Conrad, Lawrence Bingeman, Howie Budd, Len Carter, Kathy Durst The following people sent their regrets: Dan Piedra, Mark Paleczny, Don Zehr, Ed Brooker, Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Hans Gross, Kathy Weiss, Valerie Bradford, Chantelle Dixon, Rob Morgan, Silvia Wright, Tracey DeVille 1. NEW BUSINESS 1.1 Approval of minutes - Hans Pottkamper, Co-Chair, advised the Committee that the approval of the April and May minutes will be done at the beginning of the meeting. He also advised that to ensure the minutes are approved at the start of each meeting, future agendas will be adjusted. The minutes of April 26, 2006 be approved. Moved by Henrik Noesgaard Seconded by Howie Budd Carried The minutes of May 24, 2006 be approved. Moved by Glen Woolner Seconded by Lawrence Bingeman Carried A concern was raised that regarding the Committee's role in putting forward motions to Council and the lack of a motion for the South Kitchener Transportation Study. At its May meeting, the Committee had expressed a great deal of interest in this issue however had not been able to come to an agreement on a motion to Council. The Committee expressed an interest in further input into the South Kitchener Transportation Study process. Hans Gross indicated that there would be opportunity to reengage in the issue, if necessary, via the EA process as it unfolded over the next several months. The Committee also discussed the possible use of email to address time sensitive questions that arise from time to time. The group indicated a strong preference for face to face meetings but agreed to participate in email discussion if no other options were available. 1.2 Economic Development Strate_gy - Mr. Rod Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development provided the Committee with an overview presentation of the current status of the Economic Development Strategy. The purpose of the presentation is to: ^ Review the plan with EDAC ^ Obtain feedback from the Committee on the general thrust and direction ^ Form a report to Council in September ^ Help prepare for a presentation to Council in September ^ Assist in the budget process planning for Economic Development The presentation (attached) provided information on such items as: ^ Shared community vision ^ Economic Development Investment Fund objectives and summary ^ Cluster strategy The Committee further discussed the strategy and identified the follow issues: ^ Ensure a balanced strategy that support development of both emerging and mature clusters ^ Ensure broad range of housing demands/needs are addressed ^ Identify and assist with the changing needs of the manufacturing sector ^ Support the Research & Development potential/current activity of local firms 1.3 East Side Lands Update - Mr. Hans Gross, Director, Project Administration & Economic Investment, provided the Committee with an update on the status of the east side lands study. He advised there are 4 scenarios that were initially considered. The recommended approach begins at the north end of Cambridge moving toward Victoria Street. The timing of this approach is approximately 2 years at which time; the first 300 hectare area will be ready for occupancy, the existing 400 acres is currently zoned industrial; however, it is not serviced therefore the intent of this study is to allow those lands to develop as industrial with private services. The total study area is approximately 10,000 gross acres. He advised that the Region is currently looking for comments regarding the report and there is still time to review the report. Since there is no current time table on this issue, the Committee has ample time to review and put forward a recommendation to Council. It was recommended however, that the Committee have a recommendation to Council before the end of the year. A potential presentation at the September meeting will be discussed. Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.