HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2006-10-12DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 12, 2006 City of Kitchener
The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m.,
Chaired by Doug Hoch with the following members present: Councillor John Smola, Tony
DiBattista, Markus Stranz, Marcus Shantz, Denis Pellerin, Phong Tran, Chris Reid, Jim Jansen
and Marty Scheriter
City staff present include: Silvia Wright, Sandy Curzon and Tracey DeVille
1. Business Arising
1.1 Downtown Video Preview
Unfortunately the Downtown video preview was unable to happen due to technical difficulties
with the equipment in the meeting room. It will be previewed at the next meeting.
1.2 Chess Program -Update
Doug Hoch provided the Committee with an update on the Chess program which saw much
success this summer. He advised that the program hosted a Chess Festival in July which
promoted the benefit of the program. He noted that on average approximately 10 to 12,000
people use the chess tables on Civic Square each year. The event was broadcast live on the
Internet and there are plans underway to repeat the event again in 2007 for 9 days. The group
also works closely with the KDBA and there are hopes that local businesses will participate by
setting out chess tables in front of their stores.
1.3 Centre Block RFP Update
An update was provided to the Committee with the following updates on the Centre Block
Request for Proposal:
^ RFP approved by Council
^ Mail out to be done beginning of November
^ Expression of Interest due January 2007
^ Short list by summer 2007
1.4Artscape
A small study is being conducted in cooperation with Artscape on the potential for an Arts &
Culture Cluster in Kitchener from an Economic Development point of view. Updates will follow.
1.5 Upper Storey Financial Incentive Program Update
There are currently 3 major projects in progress and they were highlighted in the K-W Record.
Questions were raised around budget for the program and the possible need for
reconsideration of the original $2M budget. It was advised that if there is a need for more
funding then staff would put forward a recommendation to Council. The current program has
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DAC Minutes
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an end date of 2009 and Councillor John Smola spoke on behalf of Council stating that if there
was a large demand for the program to continue, a recommendation could be put forward to
Council for endorsement of a positive program.
1.6Downtown Tours /Open House
Further to the downtown tours that were done for the new students of the Wilfrid Laurier
School of Social Work, the school has asked that this be put in place for each term since the
feedback was so positive. Ms. Silvia Wright asked for volunteers to sign up if they would be
interested in helping with the next round of tours. She advised to contact herself or Sandy
Curzon.
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the September 4, 2006 meeting were approved.
On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Next Meeting: Thursday, November 9 - 4:00 pm - 6pm Conestoga Room, Ground
Floor City Hall
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DAC Minutes
June 8, 2006