HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2006-11-09DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
November 9, 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: Markus Stranz, Marcus Shantz,
Denis Pellerin, Phong Tran, Glen Woolner and Marty Schreiter
City staff present include: Silvia Wright and Sandy Curzon
1. Business Arising
1.1 Downtown Video Preview
S. Wright presented the Downtown video, which was recently used to promote Centre
Block as a development opportunity. The video was designed so it can be customized for
other marketing projects - as monies come available, a library of resources will be
developed.
1.2 Atria Networks
Messers. Stu Wilson, VP and Mark Piwkowski, Account Representative from Atria
Networks were present today to provide DAC members with an overview of the Company
and steps that are being made to bring wireless network into Kitchener's downtown core.
Atria's pilot project launched 4 square kilometres at University Plaza followed by hot spots
in libraries, the Regional Airport and a local hotel. Currently it is the largest wireless mesh
- a seamless transfer roaming between locations - in Canada. To view the current rollout,
including downtown Kitchener boundaries, go to www.artrianetworks.com
1.3 Upper Storey Update
The 2007 Upper Storey Renovation Program will officially launch on November 15, 2006.
Property owners, within the Community Improvement Area (CIP), will receive a letter
advising them of the project and inviting them to apply before the February 28, 2007
deadline.
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the October 12, 2006 meeting were approved with changes as noted by M.
Schreiter to include the motion made by DAC regarding the Chess Program.
Action: T. DeVille to review the notes taken at the October 12t" meeting and include the
motion made regarding the Chess Program.
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Downtown Advisory Committee Minutes
November 9, 2006
3. Advisory Committee Update
D. Pellerin provided Committee with a brief overview of the recent Artscape Workshop held
October 20t" which looked at identifying whether there was a critical mass within the
downtown for an arts district. Through the workshop exercise, over 100 existing
opportunities within the downtown core were identified.
A new Downtown Advisory Committee will be sworn in after the November 13t" municipal
election for a two year term. First meeting of the new Committee is set for December 14tH
Current members provided feedback of their experience with DAC and reviewed the
successes over the past term which included, amongst others, the Downtown Lighting
Program - a great example of working together for a common goal.
Action: DAC and the KDBA to consider conducting a Business Visitation Program during
the next two year term.
On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Next Meeting:
Thursday, December 14t" - 4:00 pm - 6pm
Conestoga Room, Ground Floor City Hall
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Downtown Advisory Committee Minutes
November 9, 2006