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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory - 1995-10-12DAC\1995-10-12 KITCFIENER DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 12, 1995 The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Councillor Mark Yantzi with the following members present: Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Chiqstina IVL Weylie, Robert Braun, Nancy Brawley, Karen Simonean, Sgt. Rita Westbrook, David Gowland, Michelle MoHssetti, Peggy Walshe. Others Present: T. Brock Stanley, Sybil l~'enette, Terry Boutilier, Jute Dean, Graham Vincenl~ DOn Da'acldey, Trudy Beau]ne, Lori Gove, Tracy Morency, Hans Schilling. 1. OPENING REMARKS Councillor Mark Yantzi welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order. Councillor Yantzi stated that he had received a letter for the Downtown Action Committee ad(h'essed to his attention from IV[~ Bt'git Heilig. Unlbrtunately IV[~ Heilig is resigning from this Committee due to existing work and family obligations and her advancing pregnancy. IV[~ Heilig suggested that we contact Dave Gowland to arrange for her replacement. IV[r. Gowland accepted Councillor Yantzi's invitation to replace IV[~ Heilig. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - October IQ, 1995 and APPROVAL OF MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 1995 IVI~ Karen Simoneau pointed out a typing error on Page 195 of the KDAC Minutes of September 14, 1995, the word G~e be changed to emata Moved by Karen Simoneau Seconded by Nancy Brawley That the Agenda of October IQ, 1995 be accepted and that the Minutes of the meeting of September 14, 1995 with the above-noted change be accepte& CARRIED 3. UPDATE DOWNTOWN ACTION TEAM Ms. Sybil l~'enette inlbrmed the Committee that a tour was conducted on September 30, 1995. A - 194- busload of artists, planners, real estate agents and others toured a facility in Toronto in the Third Rail Neighbourhood which is an old indust~qal area being converted to an artists' community. This facility was a combination of live/work space. The work space rental was approximately $165.00 a month and the rental for an apartment was $800.00 a monte The group found out what k important to artists such as large windows and good hghting. The floors were concrete and the walls plain white. The overall effect was one of high quality space, very richly decorated. Ms l~'enette noted that certain features of heritage quality couldn't be done e.g. large windows There was a reduction in the parking standard, there wasn't a one to one ratio for parking. The greatest cost involved in developing is gutting the buildings and then using the shell The group went to a second facility in the same area which was enth'ely work space. There were hist,'os, cafes and supporting businesses for the arts community. 1V[s~ l~'enette expressed the desire to go back to this area to do a land use study which would be helpful for business recruitment for the Downtow~ There is a real sense of community in the Third Rail Neighbourhood area~ It is a very safe area due to the habits of the artists At~ts like to work at different times of the day. The buildings are therefore lit up at night. The artists taking part in this tour were given questionnaires to fill out. Ms Frenette stated that she had a meeting with the manager of Eatoffs and learned of the concerns they are having with parking in the Market Square Parking Garage. There k some confusion as to the cost of parking, when repairs are being done to the garage and safety concerns were expressed. These items should be adch'essed. Eatoffs prime customer base is 45 to 75 years old. It would be good business ff other businesses cater to the same clientele. 1Vis l~'enette gave an update on the Events Coordinator positiom The applications have now been reduced to four persons Interviews may have started ah'eady ff not they will start soo~ The Events Coordinator should be working before the New Year. 1Vis Frenette advised that Nh'. George Borovilos reported that the major office vacancy rate N ~8% not 40% as we've been heaxqng. A concept is being developed together with the Department of Parks and Recreation for the Sauders property. One idea thought of was to use the walls on either side of Sauders and break the sides of the building into a series of shops making a ]Views and thereby creating small rental spaces; perhaps even have vendors ~lling from t~'olleys The property is to be nicely landscaped. Retail space is filling up. Active Business recruiting is taking place. They are exploxqng call cent,'es to fill some office space. Looking at getting a small grocery, hardware and fashion store. Councillor Yantzi asked for any questions or comments - 914 - Nh'. David Gowland stated that on York St. in St~'afford httle shops have been put in that are proving to be very successful He suggested that this area could be looked at. Nh'. Hans Schilling added that he has a studio in the Lang Building. After people toured this facility he could have rented this space many times over. IV[~ l~'enette advised that at the Third Raft Arts Festival there was a self-directed tour guide. Perhaps a similar event could be started here. Councillor Mark Yantzi inta'oduced and welcomed IV[~ Peggy Walshe from the Kitchener Pubhc Library to the KDAC. IV[~ Walshe stated that she was new to this area this being her second Anniversary here. She expressed her excitement with the revitalization program and welcomed the opportunity of participating on this Committee. 4. UPDATE RETAIL ACTION PLAN IV[~ Brawley stated that the Retail Action Plan is still in the research stage. The Consultant is looking at gaps and will be doing the following surveys within the next few week~ Telephone Survey (a local Company has been hired to conduct this survey). Tourism Survey being done through the hotel~ Downtown employees survey (~,000 to be circulated). The Retail Action Plan will take three weeks to complete after aH the inlbrmation has been given to Nh'. Richard Talbot. IVh'. Terry Boutilier asked if an Ambassador l:q'ogram will be developed through the Retail Action Pla~ Nh'. Stanley noted that in the City of Baltimore, U.S.A, 35 persons have been hired to work Downtown to give directions and inlbrmation to the public. They also gave a feeling of security to the Downtow~ Nancy Brawley stated that this idea may be acted o~ IVl~ Sybil l~'enette added that this may be of interest to the Safety Committee. The idea shouldn't be forgotte~ 5. UPDATE DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC STUDY - 215- Nh'. Terry Boutilier introduced Nh'. Graham Vincent from the Transportation Division of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and Nh'. Don Ih'acldey of IMC Consulting. Nh'. Graham Vincent stated that the above-noted Study came about due to the Mayor's Task Force and the concern expressed with the x4ugroad systen~ The KDBA also had concerns about the circulation of traffic Lc. people coming Downtow~ For a number of years a number of projects have been on the table such the South Ring Road Connector and Queen Benton Diversiom Residents and businesses are interested in what is happening with these PI'ojects Because of these concerns they are looking at the whole road system in the Downtown and wish to come to a decisiom This is therefore a good time to look at Duke and Charles Street and change them from one-way streets to two-way streets The three main concerns identified are: King, Cedar, Duke Queen Benton Diversion Transportation Network- Parking The Objective is to develop a Plan with a flqendly atmosphere for both the pedest~qans and the bicyclists Ms. Don Ih'acldey then adch'essed the Committee. Nh'. Ih'acldey stated that it is not an easy process to change one-way streets back to two-way streets Capital cost involved has to be minimal The Study shows it is feasible to revert Duke and Charles Street to two-way streets This will calm down the traffic in the Downtow~ What will be done with streetscaping has to be looked at. It is also a matter of showing people how the two-way streets will work. Nh'. Ih'acldey mentioned that they have had a couple of good sessions with Focus Groups The number one goal is to increase retail activity, improve the physical environment~ reduce speed and volume of through traffic, improve the pedest~qan and cycling environment~ look at Transit needs and maintain accessibility to properties on Duke and Charles Street. IMC is looking at the effect of going back to a two-way street from a one-way street. Similar studies are being done with Galt and Brantford. They would like to do a monitox4ug program on how retail k affected. The Ministry of Transportation has expressed interest in this There will be an Open Public Meeting in late November, 1995. 1Vis Peggy Walshe inquired as to what will be done with parking. Parking should be reasonably convenient. Nh'. Ih'acldey rephed that there should be excess space and therefore more space for parking. M~ l~'enette inquired if traffic hghts will be synctu'onized on the two-way street~ 5/h'. Vincent rephed that it will be more difficult to synctu'onize the hghts on the two-way street~ It is simpler on one-way street~ M~ Brawley added that she feels the two-way street system will take the congestion off of King Street. In terms of monitoring will the Ministry of Transportation be involved? M~'. I)a'acldey rephed this is a question as to how much the Ih'ovince wishes to get involved. Vincent added that the Ministry of Transportation's funding situation is up in the ah'. Sgt. Rita Westbrook asked if there has been any input to the Study from the Pohce and Fire Departmenk M~'. Terry Boutilier replied, "At this point no.". Nh'. Graham Vincent added that this was an excellent suggestion and will be followed-up 6. UPDATE PROMOTIONAL BROCHURE "DOWNTOWN LIFE STYLE" Nh'. David Gowland stated that after receiving unanimous agreement to go forward with the l:q'omotion Brochure he an'anged and had a meeting with the Neighbourhood Committees that have status with the lO)AC. Nh'. Mun'ay Diegel from the KW Real Estate Board brought tin'ce colleagues to this meeting. The enthusiasm from the KW Real Estate Board was incredible. They welcomed the idea of a Brochure and are very willing to further participate in this proces~ Another meeting is scheduled for October ~3, 1995. Nh'. Gowland circulated a ch'aft brochure to the Committee and welcomed suggestions that could be incorporated into the promotional brochure. This brochure incorporated the ideas brought forth at the above-mentioned meeting. Nh'. Gowland pointed out the use of the word "Heritage" Neighbourhoods instead of "Core or Downtown" Neighbourhoods as one of the ideas brought forth at their meeting. The lO)AC supported this idex The brochure pointed out the pluses of living Downtown: what heritage neighbourhoods have to offer families; the good location of heritage neighbourhoods; the convenience of being within walking distance of so many amenities such as the Farmexs' Market~ the library, the Centre in the Square, etc. Nh'. Gowland asked the Committee for help with the mapping section of the brochure and suggested that inlbrmation about the Safety of the Downtown should also be included. Peggy Walshe stated that the Neighbourhoods are very supportive of the Neighbourhood Watch program Maybe this message could be incorporated into the brochure. IV[r. Brock Stanley mentioned that one of the things coming out of the IDA Conference was the support of these kinds of brochures~ They have proven to be very effective. IV[r. Stanley passed on to IV[r. Gowland one of the brochures he had picked up in Winnipeg. Ms~ Brawley stated that she has been impressed on how well neighbours work together, perhaps this could be incorporated into the brochure. * Councillor Chtqstina Weyhe entered the meeting. Ms. Trudy Beau]ne suggested that this could be referred to the Safe City Committee for comment` Ms~ Sybil Frenette complimented 1Vh'. Gowland on the content of the ch'aft brochure. This brochure states exactly how she feels about her neighbourhooc[ 1V[s~ Frenette offered 1Vh'. Gowland the use of her staff and suggested he contact 1Vh'. Bob Wakefield, Coordinator of Mapping and Graphics Services~ Nh'. Gowland asked if we should deal with the Neighbourhoods within the peKqmetre of the KDAC or expand beyonc[ IVIs~ Trudy Beau]ne suggested that they may want to look at the demographic profile and decide on what we want to promote. Councillor Mark Yantzi, 1VIs~ Nancy Brawley and 1VIs~ Sybil Frenette will meet to discuss this~ Nh'. Gowland pointed out that there is no budget for a brochure. The pKqnting cost alone amount to appro×imately 50¢ a copy. Ms~ N. Brawley asked if the KW Real Estate Board would be willing to cont~qbute to this brochure. Nh'. Gowland will approach then~ Nh'. B. Stanley suggested that Nh'. Gowland get a fhan figure of cost and talk to the KW Real Estate Boarc[ * 7. Perhaps this cost could be rolled into the Planning Budget, Councillor Berry Vrbanovic entered the meeting. SAFE CITY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE IVh'. Brock Stanley reported that the Safety Committee was formed through the Downtown Community Strategic Pla~ The Safety Committee made presentations to both Management Committee and the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtow~ The Interim Mayor's Task Force recognized the Safe City Committee and Management Committee asked the Safety Committee to prepare Terms of Reference for a Safe City Committee. The Safe City Terms of Reference prepared by the Safety Committee were reviewed by Management representatives from Planning and Development and Parks and Recreation as well as by the City Management Committee. These Terms of Reference will go to Planning and Economic Development Committee on October 16, 1995 and then to Council The Safe City Committee should be fully active by December, 1995. M~ Julie Dean then int~'oduced the other members from the Safety Committee being: Sgb Rita Westbrook, M~ Nancy Brawley, M~ Lori Gove and M~ Trudy Beau]ne (M~ Karen Taylor- Harrison was unable to attend). M~ Dean advised that in terms of membership other groups advised it to be best to have a small Community based Committee. Membership is limited to 12 members~ M~ Dean asked M~ Trudy Beau]ne to go over the Kitchener Safe City Terms of Reference (attached) with KDAC. M~ Beau]ne advised that two general recommendations were made by the Safety Sub-Committee being: If physical improvements are being made they should have safety in rain& There should be a focus on pedest~qan link~ It is important to have the residential areas connected to the Downtow~ Refe~qqng to AppendLx 3 M~ Beau]ne pointed out that one of the major initiatives is to mobilize and support neighbourhood level initiative~ It is important to look at simple and complicated matters and then get working on them~ There is a wealth of inlbrmation and experience out there. Lets ch'aw on these and look at the Studies and Surveys ah'eady made. l:q'esently we are in the process of change. Hopefully the Kitchener Safe City Committee will incorporate the initiatives adch'essed by the working groups and incorporate these ideas and set priorities to carry them out~ It is important to generate interest and participatiom Councillor Mark Yantzi asked ff there were any questions or comment~ lV[~ Peggy Walshe stated that at the hbrary they have found the biggest concern from the business community, seniors, youth and others is safety. Safety is not perceived as a big concern by the pubhc visiting the library. However safety is a concern at the library and the design changes at the library have been made with safety in minc[ The educational role is very importanb On October 23, 1995 from 6:30 p.m~ to 8:00 p.m~ there will be a meeting at Conestoga College to discuss the content for a future t~'aJning course re Community Ground Level Awarenes~ M~ Walshe invited anyone interested to attenc[ M~ T. Beau]ne added that crime issues cannot be effectively dealt with by only one group. Ultimately response comes from the people themselve~ Conmmnity involvement is needed, everyone should take responsibility for theh' own action~ Nh'. Brock Stanley ch'ew the KDAC's attention to a new provision on page 5, 4.0 Membership Review Subcommittee and particularly to 4.~ which states 'The Membership Review Subcommittee will review letters of application received by City Clerks for membership to the Safe City Committee and will provide written comments to City Council to assist it in effecting the appointment~" The Safety Committee has convinced Senior Management that this provision is most important. Councillor C. Weylie added that it was important to make sure people who wish to sit on the Committee have been approached. Ms. Lori Gove asked the Committee to review the Terms of Reference and contact them with the names of people who may be interested in being a member of the Safe City Committee. Councillor Berry Vrbanovic advised that the City Clerk's Department have revised the apphcation forms to assist in the selection of members for the committee~ ~Vh'. Stanley advised that the Safe City Coordinator's tasks will be spht up. The allocation of staff resources amounts to about two thh'ds of a full-time staff resource. He will be playing the same role for the Safe City Committee as he presently does for the KDAC. The Safe City Coordinator will be 5/[~ Julie Dea~ 5/[~ Awfil Tanner will be the Committee Secretary. There will be representation from the Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Transit Department~ This will enable the Safe City Committee to proceed. Community Out~'each and development of Community responses to violence and crime prevention will not get done in the initial stage. Councillor Christine Weyhe brought forward a letter she received from ~Vh'. Jack Leighton asking for support for the White Ribbon Campaign (men's campaign against violence against women) to be held in late November, 1995. Is this Committee interested in organizing and handing out white ribbons? M~ Karen Simoneau stated that there will be a Commemoration Ceremony on December 6, 1995 at City Hall to commemorate the women killed in Mont~'eaL She would like to see a combined effort of the White Ribbon Campaign and this commemorative ceremony. Could this be coordinated? Councillor Mark Yantzi expressed his interest in the campaign~ M~ Trudy Beau]ne suggested that the Safety Committee adch'ess this issue. - 220- 8. REPORT ON THE 41ST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, SUSTAINABLE DOWNTOWNS Nh'. Brock Stanley reported that he attended the IDA Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba from September 16 - 19, 1995. This Conference was attended by appro×imately 385 delegates coming from all count~%s including England, lqYance, Sweden, Aust~'alia~ Jamaica and Trinidad. Delegates came from aH sectors involved with downtowns such as planners, architects, realtors, security professionals, academics, councillors, mayors and DIA F~xecutive I)h'ectors and staff. The IDA has been an active body since 1947. The City of Kitchener was associated with the IDA but let its membership lapse. IV[r. Stanley suggested that the City of Kitchener again become a member of this Associatiom The IDA runs a benchmark program that is measured every year. The people at this Conference are facing the same problems we are here and have found solutions that worl~ Nh'. Stanley felt that as much inlbrmation was gained outside the sessions as was gained in the session~ Everyone was eager to share theh' experiences and what has worked for theh' city. Nh'. Stanley felt that our course of action set out in the Recommendations of the Mayor's Task Force is the right course of actiom Clearly what we're doing will succeed ff we do it right. The conference st~'essed the importance of links between inner-city neighbourhoods and the Downtow~ Our link with the KDBA is most important~ The City of Tampa totally turned theh' Downtown around by actively promoting retail space availability. The City of Baltimore hh'ed 35 people from the Universities, gave them unilbrms, pohce t~'aJning and t~'aJning on how to give dh'ections and work with people. These ambassadors dh'ect people to restaurants, conferences, current events, etc. They are working hand in hand with the police and police backup is always close at hand. This has given a feeling of safety to the area~ The British Downtown experience has reduced crime by 757~ They have ~4 hour camera surveillance in the Downtow~ Nh'. Stanley sta'ongly urged the City to become a full member of IDA and send future staff to theh' conference~ Summary sheets of this conference are available for the asking. Sgt~ Rita Westbrook asked how we can become members of the IDA~ Nh'. Brock Stanley replied that the City can apply dh'ectly to the IDA~ Cost is based on your budget for the Downtow~ If the City bases this on our Downtown Action Team the cost would be $995.00. Councillor Yantzi suggested that we get intbrmation of future conference~ 3/Is. Julie Dean felt that the percentage figures of crime are not always necessax4ly accurate because crimes against women aren't always reported. Councillor Yantzi felt that perhaps unreported crimes are more likely to happen in the home than on the streek Sgt Rita Westbrook, Juhe Dean, Lori Gove, and Trudy Beau]ne left the meeting at this point to have a meeting to discuss the letter from Jack Leighton given to them by Councillor C. Weylie re the White Ribbon Campaigm 9. KDBA REPORT Nancy Brawley stated that there are several new business in the Downtow~ Golden Triangle On l,ine Earth Winds (by Mayan Crafts) Hot Pizza & Wings Specialty Pizza & Pasta (leasing with option to buy) La Costa Restaurant New Eclipse Nails Kitchener This Week Front l,ine Communications Dial- a- Secretary John MacDonald, Architect A meeting has been set up with a person interested in opening an ice cream store. Jay Set and Second Look Books are expanding theh' floor space. Conta'ary to what has been heard Eaton's k not closing theh' store, they have amalgamated onto 3 floors. M~ Brawley reported that there N very good support for the Downtown from the media The new publication Kitchener This Week is very good and has been very well received. The Mural Ih'ogram has been launched. The two murals in progress located on the wall of Braun's Bicycle and the Duke Street parking garage will soon be finished. Three to five murals will be started in the Spx4ug of 1996. The KDBA and the Department of Economic Development took a booth at the Maturity Show. Brawley heard that the seniors are following very closely the progress being made Downtowm There has been a ch'amatic change in attitude. On average there are 10 positive comments to 1 negative. Ms. Brawley wished to commend the Octobe~est Committee for all the work done in increasing the activity in the Downtow~ There has been a real surge of activity Downtown since the start of Octobe~est and Saturday was really bustling. The Business Safety Education PI'ogram is working with the KDBA~ The Curling Hall of Fame will be opening next Fall There will be a seminar on November 2L 1995 at the Valhalla Inn re Theft PI'eventiom }Vis Brawley advised that staff reorganization at the KDBA has taken place. She will be taking over Beth Christensen's duties, 3/[s~ Vanessa Jacobs is the new Marketing Assistant and the secretarial position is now a full-time positiom PI'esently they are looking for funds for a Needs Assessment. Councillor Mark Yantzi asked what was happening at the corner of Scott and King Street~ 5/[~ lqYenette replied that there will be a new business on this corner. 10. NEW BUSINESS M~'. D. Gowland mentioned that prospective house buyers often contact the police before they purchase a home. He felt that pubhc relations is needed on how the pubhc relates to the pohce and vice-versx Could this be discussed in the future? 5/[~ Nancy Brawley asked if this Committee would consider sending letter of recognition of improvements made by businesses in the Downtown e.g. Especially Coffee. 5/[~ Sybil lqYenette suggested that at a future meeting discussion take place re the possibility of Downtown Awards cove~qng a va~qety of themes and perhaps an invitation could be extended to the KW Real Estate Board to give us theh' perspective and suggestion~ Councillor C. Weylie suggested that the Mayor w~qte a letter to all new businesse~ 5/[~ Brawley agreed that this was an excellent idex Councillor Mark Yantzi asked whether we should wait or send a letter to Especially Coffee now. 3/[s~ Frenette suggested it be done now. 3/[s~ Nancy Brawley also suggested that a business could be highlighted every week in Kitchener This Weelc 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a~n~ Sonja S. Tobin Committee Secretary