HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2006-03-09DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 9, 2006
City of Kitchener
The Kitchener Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:10 p.m.,
Chaired by Doug Hoch with the following members present: Glen Woolner, Jason Lane, Frank
Wolf, Denis Pellerin, Jamie Hill, Phong Tran, Chris Reid.
City staff present include: Silvia Wright, Sandy Curzon and Tracey DeVille
1. Business Arising
1.1 Introduction of New Members
Doug Hoch informed the Committee that the last vacancy advertising was successful in
obtaining 3 new members. He had each member introduce themselves.
Mr. Chris Reid, representing the Downtown Storefront Retail, advised the Committee that he is
the owner of Cadence Gear clothing store in downtown Kitchener. Mr. Phong Tran,
representing Downtown Restaurant, is the owner of Matter of Taste Coffee Bar and Mr. Frank
Wolf.
1.2 Lighting Working Group Update
Mr. John McBride, Director of Transportation Planning provided the Committee with a brief
update on the approach and options the Lighting Working Group has been discussing. Mr.
McBride noted that the City had completed a study in 1999 regarding the lighting issues within
the core. That study identified key areas and provided solutions. The current Lighting Working
Group has identified that those solutions are now out of date and the needs of the lighting in
the core has changed.
The City has been working with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro to ensure that the current street
lighting is on a by-weekly check for burnt out bulbs. The Downtown core will be on a
relamping program to ensure that all lamps are replaced approximately every 2 years. Mr.
McBride advised the Committee that all decorative lamps will be relamped within 3 weeks with
clear bulbs instead of frosted which will provide 10% more light.
Mr. McBride noted there will be more research done to decide the correct lighting required for
the core and that the Committee will be asked to provide their opinion.
2. Approval of Minutes
On motion by, Doug Hoch
It was resolved:
"That the minutes of February 9, 2005 be approved"
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DAC Minutes
March 9, 2006
3. Appointments
Doug Hoch provided the new members with a background on the reason for having a
representative on the other Advisory Committees and suggested that the new members think
about the current openings that we have.
• Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee Representative
No nominations were put forward. It was noted that the request for appointment to the
Committee will be on future agendas until such time that the position is filled. Updates from
the Safe & Healthy Community Advisory Committee will be done through receipt of the
minutes.
Discussion took place regarding some of the issues that are being discussed at the other
committee meetings. Mr. Denis Pellerin advised that the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee
is currently working on the ASAP -Available Space Arts Project. He advised that they
currently have 10 spaces and are looking for more. He noted that this project is an excellent
use of space for vacant and occupied store fronts in the downtown core.
Glen Woolner advised the Committee that the Economic Development Advisory Committee
has been supporting the Corporate Visitation Program that is currently underway with the
Economic Development Division. He advised that the program is going very well and the
local business owners are providing excellent feedback.
4. New Business
Discussion took place surrounding the current Centre Block issue and the decision that is
going to be made at the March 20, 2006 Council meeting.
It was decided that the Committee put forward the following recommendation to Council
regarding the Centre Block project:
"That the Downtown Advisory Committee reaffirms that the library be a key
consideration of the development of Centre Block in principle; and,
That the Downtown Advisory Committee suggests that the Kitchener Public Library
represent its justification and their vision on a more public basis."
The recommendation was voted on and carried unanimously.
On motion, the meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 13 - 4:00 pm - 6pm Conestoga Room, Ground Floor
City Hall
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DAC Minutes
March 9, 2006