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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 2002-10-10DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 10, 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. chaired by Sally Gunz, with the following members present: Doug Hoch, Councillor John Smola, Anita Petsche-Good, Joan Euler, Glen Woolner, Const. Mark Neill, Marty Schreiter, Mike Peng Others Present: David Corks, Michele Hodgins 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA On motion by Anita Petsche-Good it was resolved: "That the agenda for the October 10, 2002 meeting be accepted." 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion by Anita Petsche-Good it was resolved: "That the minutes from the September 12, 2002 meeting be accepted." Before we started into the agenda items, Chair Gunz read to the committee two letters of resignations, one from Councillor Christine Weylie and the second from Howard Marr. Chair Gunz commented on how they will be missed on this Committee. Chair Gunz also reminded Committee members that applications are due for consideration to sit on the 2003 Downtown Advisory Committee. 3. DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC PLAN D. Corks handed out copies of the Downtown Strategic Plan. He stated that traditionally, the Strategic Plan has been a working agenda with specific work items for staff, whereas the new Plan is different in that it is much more general and is intended to inform the public about the history and vision for the downtown. This new Plan comes in two different formats, a CD version and as a brochure. The launch of the Strategic Plan was first presented to Council on September 30th, with a public meeting launch held October 3rd in the rotunda. A = = = possible city-wide mailing of the Plan is being considered in reaching a larger audience. The Plan is based on four different districts, the Warehouse District in the west end, the City Centre District in the middle of downtown, the Market District in the east end, and the Civic District to the north. The Plan outlines the history of downtown Kitchener, and how it used to be the industrial centre of the city. Present day Kitchener has grown from our proud industry and today we celebrate our past with the industrial artifacts placed in and around the downtown. The Plan also outlines the development of the districts and possible plans for their future. Committee members reviewed the Strategic Plan and positive remarks were made regarding the future plans for downtown Kitchener. M. Schreiter advised that the KDBA has been receiving positive feedback and phone calls on the plan, with the reaction being there is a greater sense of security for the downtown. STREET VENDORS/PEDDLERS In response to A. Petsche-Good's concern from last month's meeting regarding street vendors/peddlers, D. Corks advised that it is illegal for vendors/peddlers to set up shop on the sidewalk or out of the trunks of their cars and sell merchandise. D. Corks advised that when you see this type of activity happening, during regular business hours, please contact the Clerks Department at City Hall, and after hours, please contact the police. This problem arose from someone selling merchandise on the street and out of the trunks of cars. It was mentioned that this is an ongoing issue, that they are not here every day, but show up periodically and sell all types of items, stuff animals, clothing, etc., most likely without a legal vendors permit. KDBA UP-DATE Systemic Racism workshop is coming along well. Jazzy Fashion coming up on Nov. 6th, proceeds going to saving downtown schools. The Kitchener Downtown Collaborative sponsored through the KDBA representing a wide variety of sectors has been working effectively in developing an outreach strategy for the downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods. DAC will receive monthly briefings on the development of this project and will determine whether it maintains a sub-committee role to DAC or independent status at a future date. DOWNTOWN UP-DATE · The Centre Block proposal will be coming out at the end of Oct. · The City announced it purchased properties on Joseph St. and David St. (Goldies Autobody and house on David St.) to be part the plans to extend and enhance the entrance into park. D. Hoch asked whether or not any thought has been given to the renaming of the Gaukel/Young corridor. · D. Corks attended a meeting for the Regional Light Rapid Transit proposal. An application for funding has been submitted to the Federal Government. · The Still has been designated as a credited Oktoberfest festhall site. · Committee members asked what the status of the Margaret Ave. development (open space) is. D. Corks and J. Smola reported that two 8 story buildings were planned for this area, but haven't heard lately of anything happening here. To-date, no permits have been issued. · The Centre Block call for proposal will be released at the end of the month. Broad distribution of corporate proposal, then a tendering process will take place. Probably by spring 2003 we will know who will be developing the Centre Block. Urban Strategies (consultant) will do the reviewing of applications. · Public school board is holding a meeting with DAC and KDBA members to advise that they have no plans on closing any elementary schools in the downtown area, however, they will begin the process of closing 1 of 3 inner city high schools. The School Board is also looking at working with the city to create a positive brochure to promote downtown neighbourhoods and schools. · The upcoming Oct. 15th School Board meeting at Cameron Heights will review which high school might be closed, Cameron, Eastwood and KCI. A sub-committee consisting of M. Schreiter, J. Euler and S. Gunz will keep DAC members up-dated on School Board decisions regarding the closing of schools. 7. EDAC UP-DATE J. Euler advised that EDAC has been discussing the City of Kitchener's Strategic Plan, and the future development lands of the city. EDAC will be discussing in the near future the Tourism Task Force. 8. SAFE & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES UP-DATE D. Hoch reported that the Safe & Healthy Communities Committee were given a presentation by the Ontario Hockey Association, addressing issues of abuse, risk management, etc. and the programs and policies they have in place to help deal with these issues. Safe & Healthy Communities will look at this as a model to introduce programs and policies for agencies who operate with grants from city. The Committee will recommend to council that similar programs and policies be put in place. D. Hoch also mentioned another presentation to the Committee regarding a mentoring program. Mentoring is quite big in the U.S., and it is hoped a similar program can be developed in Canada. ARTS & CULTURE UP-DATE M. Peng reported that CAFKA - Contemporary Art Forum recently held at City Hall was well attended and received excellent media coverage. There was one exhibit (the one displayed outside of City Hall which invited members of the public to spell out words on a large board that was lit with light bulbs) that resulted in some controversy. CAFKA committee members plan to work with Council to address concerns and prepare for next year. The Word on Street event held in Victoria Park was well attended, bringing lots of people to the downtown. Kitchener is the only municipality that had received funding for this event. Volunteer committees organize events such as the one in Toronto. Nicholas Rees gave a presentation to the committee about Kitchener's industrial artifacts, and advised of the purchase made of "Hazel", a steam engine from Kaufman. Nicholas is looking at sites throughout the city to display these artifacts. The Culture Plan had a 5 year span which has come to an end, the Committee is looking at creating a new plan and would like someone from DAC (most likely city staff) to explain the Downtown Strategic Plan and how it relates to the new cultural plan. Discussions turned to the old water tower in the Cedar Hills area and how the Region has plans to dismantle and remove the water tower. On motion by Anita Petsche-Good it was resolved: "That in keeping with the Downtown Strategic Plan recognition of the importance of the preservation of industrial/heritage artifacts as a legacy of our rich past, that City Council be requested to support the preservation of the historic water tower built by the City in the 1920's at 100 St. George Street as an icon of this period. And further, that this resolution be forwarded to the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, current owners of this prominent landmark." M. Schreiter asked M. Peng to advise ACCAC that the KDBA has purchased the old Lyric sign. 10. 11. NEW BUSINESS/AGENDA ITEMS · D. Corks asked that the DAC Goals 2002 be added to the minutes, Committee members to review and a formal review and discussion will take place at our November meeting. ADJOURNEMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 1. Resignation Letters from H. Marr and C. Weylie 2. Downtown Strategic Plan 3. Gaukel/Young Corridor Master Plan 4. Waterloo Regional District School Board Long-Range Plan for Secondary Schools 5. Waterloo Regional District School Board October 15th Meeting Comment Sheets 6. DAC Goals 2002