HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Advisory 2008-11-13
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
November 13, 2008 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Glenn Scheels with the following members
in attendance: Vince Buhler, Mark Garner, Glen Woolner, Karen Taylor-Harrison, Bernie Niemer, Denis
Pellerin, Rob Davis, Councilor Chris Weylie
Staff in attendance: Sandy Curzon, Kim Feere, Silvia Wright, Kara Harrison, Rod Regier, Cory Bluhm,
Siobhan Delaney
Meeting commenced at 4:10pm
Discussion Items
1. Grand River Transit – King Street Route
Neil Malcolm from GRT provided insight into the plans for a potential King St. route.
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Is there a possibility to have regular runs along King St. without stopping at the terminal, to
improve the amount of customers who shop in and around the downtown?
Historically our transit system is a “hub and spoke” model. All connections are timed
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to arrive at the terminal, to catch connections and continue on to a final destination.
If we have one bus straight into the downtown (up and down King St.) that does not
stop at the terminal, this is not ideal for those passengers who need to connect.
Discussions have occurred in regards to a ‘downtown loop’, but consistency would
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most likely be a problem.
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What can be done in the next few years in terms of public transportation into the downtown?
Rapid transit is a process currently in the works, either bus or light rail, and
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recommendations are under review. When the rapid transit comes into effect, we
then might be able to change our current transit routes (mainline route 7) to act as an
express bus.
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This process could take 3-6 years however, so how to fix the transit problem now?
Rider numbers are currently being tracked, but these numbers do not necessarily
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warrant a change NOW.
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Thoughts on this issue from the committee include the following:
Transit into the downtown would greatly reduce parking infrastructure costs
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Transit would allow for more people to shop and visit the downtown without using a
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lack of parking as an excuse.
We don’t necessarily need to get rid of the ‘hub and spoke’ concept, but if we had a
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rapid transit system, this would encourage more people to visit the downtown.
GRT needs a clearer picture of what is happening downtown, and the City will
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provide them with more information.
Thoughts about a downtown shuttle (especially during the Christmas shopping
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season) so shoppers could get from one end of the city to the other, without using
their cars.
A transit loop perhaps, would be beneficial for seniors so they do not have to walk.
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2. Approval of Minutes
That the minutes of the October 9, 2008 meeting be approved.
Moved by Bernie Nimer
Seconded by Glen Woolner
3. Façade Guidelines
A presentation was made by Cory Bluhm, regarding the King Street Façade, and façade guidelines.
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A certain level of accountability is required in a project of this magnitude, so guidelines
have been created.
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In 2006, design policies were implemented (a contemporary design in the downtown
core, and a traditional design in the market area), based on public input.
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In 2008 a DAC sub-group gave input, along with City staff and others.
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The previous guidelines from 1987 were reviewed, restaurant and retail guidelines were
researched, digital models were created, and a heritage analysis was conducted,
amongst other actions.
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Goals and implementations of this project were created regarding zoning, signage, site
plans, etc.
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Guidelines were created regarding design, storefronts, and signage.
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Digital re-creations of store fronts have been created, along with suggestions for façades,
in terms of signage, window space, architecture, etc.
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DAC sub-group suggestions have been implemented, which include adding green
landscaping to re-creations, etc.
Members of the committee raised the question about the forgotten city blocks
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(Between Cedar and Madison). Can we move the boundary for this project to include
those city blocks?
To include these extra blocks, an amendment from Ottawa would be required. This
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could be timely and if we do amend the boundaries for this project, we would have to
do it for EVERY project.
Information Items/Unfinished Business
4. Your Kitchener Market
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A presentation will be conducted by Kara Harrison, with updates regarding the market, at
the next meeting.
Lang Tannery
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The open house for the Lang Tannery will be held on Tuesday December 9, 2008.
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More information on this event will be circulated to the committee from the Economic
Development department.
Streetscape
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A mock up for the street lighting took place, featuring a contemporary light pole and
downward facing light.
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Comments and discussion followed, and 4-5 options have been chosen to meet the
needs of the businesses.
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Tenders for the lighting will be in next week, and the deadline for making decisions
and recommendations to council, is December 8, 2008.
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Night photos were taken of the lighting, and will be shown at the next DAC
meeting, for those who were unable to attend the mock up demonstration.
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Consistency throughout the downtown in terms of lighting is a concern, however
measures will be taken to ensure the lighting is consistent, and each district will retain their
own style, through façade development.
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The question of building owners and their willingness to participate in the
streetscape revitalization was raised, and since the funding is a grant, not a loan, store
owners can still take advantage, even if building owners are resistant.
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Through digital mock ups, store owners can see what their store fronts will look
like after the project.
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We can also follow Cambridge’s lead in providing recommended companies to
complete the store front renovations, based on what we are looking for.
Fast Facts
Monitoring Report
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Monthly updates can be provided through Silvia Wright. Please contact her if you would
like to receive these updates.
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Can we collect data on business turnover in the downtown?
This information is currently being collected and can be provided through Janette
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MacDonald in the Economic Development department.
Next Meeting
Thursday December 11, 2008.
4:00pm-6:00pm
Conestoga Room, Kitchener City Hall
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Copies of the new GO Transit report will be distributed at this meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 5:40pm