HomeMy WebLinkAboutKPL - Visioning Process for the Civic District - July 30, 2007 1HE Kt[4'SIR9
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Report To: Development and Technical Services Committee
Date of Meeting: August 13, 2007
Submitted By: Centre in the Square, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-
Waterloo Art Gallery, Registry Theatre,
Prepared By: Jamie Grant, Sonia Lewis, Alf Bogusky, Don Bourgeois
Ward(s) Involved: All
Date of Report: July 30, 2007
Subject: Visioning Process for the Civic District
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City of Kitchener support a visioning process, to be lead by staff of the Centre in
the Square, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, and the Registry
Theatre, identifying new opportunities for the programming of, and use of land in, the
Civic District.
BACKGROUND:
The Civic District (aka Mackenzie King Square), was created in the 1960s as a concentration of
civic uses located within acampus-style park setting. It is currently home to civic administration
uses (Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Revenue Canada,
Provincial and Federal Courts), as well as cultural institutions (Centre in the Square, Kitchener
Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Registry Theatre).
REPORT:
The Civic District is a place where people of all ages can discover, learn, play and enrich their
lives. As home to several of the area's cultural and administrative landmarks, it occupies a
critical place in the urban fabric of the city. It also presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Regular re-examination of this block is important. The time is ripe for a close look at this block
and the opportunities that exist for change. The public has a key role to play in helping to define
the vision for the Civic District.
Centre in the Square, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, and the Registry
Theatre propose engaging the public, as well as the arts, education and business communities
in a discussion about the cultural opportunities that could be integrated into the Civic District.
Undertaking this public engagement is consistent with the City's goals in A Plan for a Healthy
Kitchener, CulturePlan 11 and the Economic Development Strategy 2007-2010, as well as with
the Prosperity Council initiative for a creative community.
A Plan for a Healthy Kitchener prioritizes quality of life. The citizens' vision in that plan supports
a community that invests in maintaining basic services, in addition to amenities such as
community centres, museums, theatres, art galleries, and leisure facilities.
In June 2007 Council expressed support for the overall objectives of the Economic
Development Strategy 2007-2010. Developing a vision for the Civic District was identified as
one of the top twelve priorities in that strategy.
Communication Strateav
The Civic District citizen engagement process would include the following phases.
September 6, 2007, Centre in the Square, 4 p.m.
Kick-off -the project champions will hold a public launch and press conference, inviting the
public and business communities to participate in an inspiring visioning process.
September 6 to October 15, 2007
Public Engagement -the community will be invited to view an inspiring video overview and
provide their own ideas of what the possibilities could be.
Arts Community Engagement -the project champions will meet with arts organizations to get
their ideas and ensure their support.
Business and Creative Community Engagement -the project champions will raise the profile of
the Civic District and seek out potential partners or supporters.
Education Community Engagement -the project champions will meet with educational boards
and institutes to explore educational opportunities for the District.
With each of the above stakeholder groups input will be collected through surveys available
online and in print at Centre in the Square, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Art
Gallery and the Registry Theatre.
Late October 2007
Design Charette -using the ideas generated from the earlier engagement process, the project
champions, with support from City staff, will hold a design charette to allow the public an
opportunity to suggest how the district could look in the future.
November 2007
Building aVision -the project champions will summarize the results of the engagement process
and identify key opportunities for enhancing the Civic District.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
No new or additional budget requests are associated with the recommendation made in this
report. Existing resources will cover costs for advertising and the development of a DVD.
CAFKA.TV is lending its support to this project by agreeing to produce the DVD at a very
favourable rate.
COMMUNICATION:
Public meetings and opportunities to participate will be advertised by each of the four
stakeholders on our web sites, in our facilities, through the local media and at community
centres throughout the city. Notification will be sent to residents in the adjacent neighbourhood,
other institutional stakeholders in the block and sector specific stakeholders.
CONCLUSION:
As a hub for civic, arts and cultural activities, the Civic District contributes significantly to the
City's quality of life. Engaging the public to help define a vision for the block will ensure it
remains a vibrant public space and continues to meet the needs of this growing community.
Jamie Grant, General Manager Sonia Lewis, CEO
Centre in the Square Kitchener Public Library
Alf Bogusky, Director General Don Bourgeois, President
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Registry Theatre