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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSafe & Healthy - 2007-09-11SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER The Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Chair S. Franzen, C Schneider, P. Doherty, R. Gould, T. Bender, K. Kwiatkowski, M. Haverla, N. Cybulski, T. Beaulne, M. Hogg and P. Ji-Taylor. Staff: Ms. S. Adams, Director of Community and Corporate Planning M. Hildebrand, Interim Director of Community Programs & Services Ms. L. Palubeski, Manager of Program and Resource Services Ms. A. Grafstein, Community and Corporate Planning Associate Ms. L Korabo, Committee Administrator 1. "WILLIAMSBURG. ONTARIO - CREATING A VILLAGE WITHIN A CITY" Dr. Mike Sharratt, Executive Director of the Schlegal - U W Research Institute for Aging (RIA) attended to give a presentation on the development of "Williamsburg, Ontario -Creating a Village Within a City". Also in attendance were: Ms. J. d'Avernas, Associate Director (RIA) and Messrs. V. Bender, R. Schlegel and N. Hill. Dr. Sharratt's presentation provided insight into the current concepts behind the development of continuums of care being developed in Ontario. These multi-use facilities incorporate long term care, retirement and assisted living units in one complex. Concept drawings of new facilities and photos of the Village of Winston Park in Kitchener were shown to demonstrate how creation of a village atmosphere helps to create a community within the complex. As well, integration of non-traditional uses, such as a day care facility and a health centre bring the outside community into the facility and engage the residents, making them feel part of same. This same thought process of creating a community was used when planning began for Williamsburg. Dr. Sharratt gave an overview of statistics indicating the need to focus on a healthier living and physical activity based lifestyle. In order to achieve this, a new approach was taken when planning the Williamsburg development in the south end of Kitchener. As research has shown that people will walk rather than drive if things are located close to their homes, the community was planned with walkability in mind. All amenities are located within a one kilometre radius making them within easy reach for residents. In addition, an abundance of green space was also included thereby also promoting active living and walkability. Planning for Williamsburg began in 1992 with a vision and concept for a viable, healthy community model. A site map showing the layout of Williamsburg was shown. The commercial component of the community is already partially developed with additional buildings scheduled in the near future. A "main street" will be provided for many stores in addition to the larger size stores (grocery, hardware) already on site. In addition, some residences will be built over the stores on the main street but will overlook the green common area instead of the street. Still to be built are three 10-storey senior apartment buildings directly across from the stores and backing onto another green area. Three and four-storey urban villas are also planned, providing a good variation of housing types. All housing around the centre green common area will be high density, with single family residences located farther out. Focus groups were held to obtain feedback on the design concepts for this village within a city. The "small town" feel was welcomed by all age groups as it perpetuated a sense of community (neighbours knowing neighbours) and safety. The development is still awork-in-progress and residents are being kept up-to-date through the use of newsletters and Town Hall meetings. Members of the Committee asked questions of the delegation of the following topics: • The use of only high density buildings for seniors, no bungalows; • Location of schools; and, • Connection with the Village of Winston Park which is located across Fischer-Hallman Rd. SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2007 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. "WILLIAMSBURG, ONTARIO - CREATING A VILLAGE WITHIN A CITY" tCONT'D) Councillor B. Vrbanovic thanked Dr. Scharratt for an informative presentation and noted for Committee members that the City of Kitchener is very encouraging of this type of urban development and has guidelines in place for developers. 2. "CREATING A CULTURE OF SAFETY IN KITCHENER" Ms. S. Adams provided an update on preparations for the "Creating a Culture of Safety In Kitchener" forum to be held at the Waterloo Region Children's Museum on September 20 - 21, 2007. Members of the Safe and Health Community Advisory Committee have been instrumental in organizing this forum. She advised that 120 invitations had been extended and to date, 112 individuals have confirmed their attendance. Representatives will be from all sectors (i.e. political, business, social service, new Canadians, police, etc.) and any recommendations from the forum will be forwarded to appropriate /affected groups or agencies (i.e. neighbourhood and parent councils) for follow-up and action. 3. WORKPLAN A draft of the Committee's Workplan had been circulated with the agenda, and members were asked to review and be prepared to volunteer for items of interest. Mr. M. Haverla reviewed the work done by the sub-committee in formulating this draft Workplan and advised that he was looking for any additional input that Committee members may have concerning this document prior to assigning specific items. Several questions were asked to clarify timelines and staff involvement on some listed items. Ms. L. Palubeski noted that there maybe additional work to be added stemming from the up- coming "Creating a Culture of Safety in Kitchener" forum. Mr. P. Doherty asked that an additional item be included under the "Community Safety" area of focus, being "Investigating the Development of Preventative Services for Community Sports". Councillor B. Vrbanovic asked Committee members to review all of the listed action items and select their top 3 choices for involvement. Prior to the selection process beginning, Ms. A Grafstein advised concerning work she has already begun as part of her secondment position. She will be the staff lead on several of the action items related to the "diversity" area of focus. Members of the Committee then indicated which action items they would like to be involved with. Staff leads will work with these groups and begin work on individual action items and bring information back to the Committee in a timely fashion. The Workplan will be updated to reflect which members have been assigned to each action item. On motion by Ms. S. Franzen - it was resolved: "That the 2007 - 2008 Workplan of the Safe and Healthy Advisory Committee, as amended to include a new action item under the focus area of Community Safety, be approved." 4. NEW BUSINESS Ms. S. Adams advised regarding an upcoming Film and Focus event, running from September 19 - November 30, 2007. Additional information is available upon request or at www.inthemindse ey com. Ms. T. Beauline advised of an Oktoberfest Film Fest with facilitated discussions. She will provide additional information to Committee members. Mr. H. Hildebrand advised that a staff report will be coming forward to the September 24, 2007 Community Services Committee meeting providing an update on the 1 -year anniversary of SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 11, 2007 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. NEW BUSINESS tCONT'D) the 24 / 7 washroom in Civic Square. As this Committee provided capital dollars toward the project, he wanted members to know that statistics indicate usage is continuing to rise. This was a pilot project but staff will be recommending continuation. 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m. Linda Korabo