HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv 2008-06-25
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 25, 2008 City of Kitchener
The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date commencing at
11:10, chaired by Councillor Christina Weylie; the following members were in
attendance: Councillor John Smola, Adrian Conrad, Len Carter, Steven Voll,
Howie Budd, Jeremy Auger, Don Zehr, Dan Piedra, Glen Woolner, Sherryl
Petricevic, Peter Benninger, Bob Denton, Lawrence Bingeman, Paul Singh,
The following people sent their regrets: Willy Heffner, Ian Cook
The following people were absent:
Staff in attendance: Valerie Bradford, Janette MacDonald,
1. Discussion Items
1. Minutes & Agenda
1.2 Approval of Minutes
Minutes approved
1.3 Downtown Advisory Committee – Update
2. Business Arising
2.1 Centre Block – Update
The Committee received an update on the status of the Centre Block project,
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including the next steps in the process since Council approval at their June 23
meeting.
The Committee was advised that Andrin will begin a pre-sales marketing plan
similar to the process they used for the Kaufman Lofts project.
The following comments / questions were received:
Has there been any changes to the overall design and a decision on the Forsyth
material use?
Design changes have been made to the podium buildings on Duke and
Young Streets, the entrance on Young Street has been adjusted to allow
for access to the rear of the buildings that front King Street. Other design
changes are still under discussion as part of the site plan approval
process.
Has the courtyard access for public space been determined?
The proposed arrangement for the public space will consist of 3 entrances
to a courtyard area and access to the underground parking. The condo
corporation(s) will maintain and own gardens surrounding the space and
they will determine the level of public access. Any potential security
issues with the space still need to be discussed.
What is the net gain and / or loss for parking in the downtown?
The Centre Block site currently provides approximately 278 spaces. The
proposal for Centre Block asked for 250 spaces thereby losing
approximately 38 spaces on the site; however, the 278 spaces on the site
at present have only been made available since the demolition of the
Forsyth building. The loss of spaces will be made up with the building of
the new parking garage at Charles and Benton Streets.
2.2 Courthouse
The Provincial government announced that downtown Kitchener will be the home
of the new Courthouse. This courthouse will consolidate the current 3 sites into
one site. The province has committed to building a 350,000 sq. ft public building
with a street presence on Frederick Street. The development of this site has
prompted the development of the parking garage at the corner of Charles and
Benton Streets with the support of provincial funding. The new parking garage
will be complete by the end of 2009.
2.3 Health Sciences Cluster
Rod Regier, Executive Director provided the Committee with an update on the
developments in the Health Science Cluster. He provided a presentation that
outlined the relationship, support and roles within the Region.
The Committee was advised that this discussion would be a feature in the
meetings from September to December in order for the Committee to provide
feedback on the process and approach to the development of the Health
Sciences Cluster.
The Committee asked that the following information be provided:
Summary of status of each cluster strategy currently under development
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Background information including any reports and presentations that
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relate to the Health Sciences Cluster to assist in committee members
preparing for the upcoming discussion series
On Motion, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.