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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv 2008-10-22 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES October 22, 2008 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Adrian Conrad, with the following members in attendance: Bob Denton, Steven Voll, Ian Cook, Councillor John Smola, Jeremy Auger, Howie Budd, Councillor Christina Weylie, Glen Woolner, Peter Benninger, Dan Piedra, Don Zehr, The following people sent their regrets: Len Carter, Lawrence Bingeman, Willy Heffner The following people were absent: Gerry Remers Staff in attendance: Tracey DeVille, Cory Bluhm, Rod Regier, Rob Morgan, Ken Carmichael, John McBride, Tony Konstantinidis, Val Bradford, Janette MacDonald, Terry Boutilier, Silvia Wright Approval of Minutes - On motion by Steven Voll and seconded by Bob Denton, the minutes of the June meeting be approved. Downtown Advisory Committee Update – An update was not provided 1. Discussion Items Parking Strategy 1.1 The presentation is intended to provide the Committee with an overview of the parking strategy, both short and long term. Staff members of the Downtown Parking Steering Committee provided the Committee members with an overview, including background information and proposed alternatives for future development of parking. They advised of pros and cons and advised that the development of the enterprise model is the preferred alternative. The Committee provided the following questions and comments: Is there not an option for additional parking on the University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy lot? We looked at that option and unfortunately they are at capacity Where are the current surplus spaces in the downtown? The current surplus spaces are at the market and the lot kiddy-corner to the market Has anyone given any thought or had discussions with Grand River Transit to resurrect the service along King Street? The transit service is something that we could look into and that is a valid point. If you look at isolated areas there is greater demand in some areas as opposed to others If subsidies are stopped that could be an incentive for people to find an alternative way to work, as well, have you considered through the long term strategy to require future developers to build addition paid parking structures at a cost to the city Some businesses within the downtown provide parking for their staff and therefore staff will not necessarily change their driving habits due to an increase in parking costs since they do not have to pay for their parking We need to be careful that we don’t drive the businesses out of the downtown either With lease rates being less in the downtown then they are in the industrial parks a balance exists with employer paid parking - this may change when the LRT comes into play The downtown is becoming a more attractive place to work – with the development and quality of life will start to offset the increased cost of parking You have to decide where to subsidize. Parking and transit are at odds with one another and if we are trying to promote transit use, we should not be building parking garages downtown. We are doing all of these things to encourage people to come downtown and if we provide an avenue for them to drive they are not going to choose to live here too – there is no balance with growth management strategy we need to be careful with how much we put into new parking and how it is managed We have to watch raising parking rates to the cost of replacement and the competitiveness until the region is enforcing the 40% growth in the core, if parking is increased of course people are going to go to the industrial parks. The City obligation is to supplement or help with the parking not solve the problem. What parking is being delivered by the landlords in the core – if they have no parking for their building is that really the City issue or should that be the building owners responsibility the zoning is there but is it working and will it work for the next 7 years. Chair Adrian Conrad asked the Committee to forward any comments, questions or suggestions to him. The Downtown Parking Steering Committee thanked the Economic Development Advisory Committee for their comments and feedback and advised they will keep them informed. Advisory Committee Changes 1.2 Ms. Shelly Adams provided an overview of the changes that have been made to the advisory committee structure as a result of the review that has been completed over the last year. A comment was raised regarding the communication process when a committee provides ideas and discussion but not a formal recommendation. The concern was that this information may not be making it back to those that are involved in the projects. It was advised that we have revised our minute taking to reflect comments that are provided and that staff do receive that information, as well, there are members of Council on the committee that hear those comments. Clarification was asked on what committees would be considered conflicting and the committee was advised that this only refers to the advisory committees of council and not other special interest committees. 1.3 Façade Update Mr. Cory Bluhm provided background information on the current façade program as well as an update on the improvements to the program. The Committee provided the following questions and comments: Is there going to be a set of guidelines? Yes we are currently working towards updating the 1987 docment Is it one grant per address? Yes, it will be one grant per municipal address; however, since it is going to be a grant program and not a loan program it will be open to business owners and not limited to property owners. What will happen in the case of larger frontages, will there be allowable grants based on frontage size? This is something that we are still working through, we are currently looking at allowing for corner lots to be considered as a two (2) façade grant. Does the funding relate well to the applications that have been submitted over the last couple of years? It has been based on the loans that come back and we are only estimating at this point when the highest demand will be, which we anticipate will be during the reconstruction as a result of the King Street Masterplan. Can this program be combined with another program? Yes, there is opportunity to have this program be combined with other program; however, that is also something that will have to be clearly stated in the guidelines. The adaptive reuse program will be one such program that will not be eligible for combination with the façade program since the adaptive reuse program is not within the downtown boundary. Is there a way to ensure that the grant is used for ‘good’ façade reconstruction, ultimately how will you ensure that a façade is being done to a certain standard? Council can refuse an application for whatever reason they see fit and it will be up to Council to decide on the quality. As for the materials the business / property owner chooses to use we have little authority in that manner. How does city staff plan on communicating this program? The program would be communicated through public consultation processes, constant communication through mail, website and the Kitchener Downtown Business Association. 1.4 GO Presentation The committee was reminded of the GO Transit presentation that they have been invited to at the Environmental Committee meeting on Thursday October 23 at 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers. Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.