HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Adv - 2009-02-12DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
February 12, 2009 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Denis Pellerin; with
the following members in attendance: Bernie Nimer, Jamie Yantzi, Lisa
Polonoski, Bernie Nimer, Mark Garner, Lesley Cooper, Don Zehr
Staff in attendance: Silvia Wright, Kim Feere, Kara garrison, Shelley Adams,
Juliane von Westerholt, Sandro Bassanese, Tracey DeVille, Cory Bluhm
Discussion Items
Minutes & Agenda
Approval of Minutes
December and January minutes approved
Advisory Committee Updates
There were no committee updates at this time.
New Business
Courthouse Update
Planning staff were in attendance to provide the Committee with a brief update
on the status of the Courthouse development.
o Vision Statement has been adopted
o Request for Proposal has been sent out and is awaiting
response from the Province
o Building design release should be released shortly
o Awaiting timeline schedule
The Committee questioned the probability of a public process similar to those
done on City developments and staff advised that although the Province is not
required to do so, it is something they can request during the site plan process.
Committee requested that the lines of communication be kept open.
Market update
Kathy Weiss provided an update on the Market and reminded everyone to vote
for their preference regarding the new branding for the Market.
The committee had the following comments and questions:
When will lease renegotiations be taking place and do you think that you
may loose some vendors due to any changes in lease
o the vendors are aware of the new lease agreements and the cost
associated, those agreements will be signed shortly
These are great ideas, how will programs will be advertised
o we are not at that point just yet we will bring it back to the
committee when we do
Action Item:
Add Kitchener Market update as a standing item to the agenda
Downtown orientation
Silvia Wright provided an overview of the status of the downtown, specifically
where we have been, where we are and where we want to be.
New Business
Mark Garner advised that the KDBA moving will into Karen Redman's old office
at the Delta hotel. They are going to take this opportunity to update their look
and continue to focus on promotion of the downtown.
landlord Subcommitteee -KDBA is leading this subcommittee and has advised
that they have coordinated with some additional landlords downtown and the
outlook for the formation of the group is very positive. The staff contact for the
landlord Subcommittee Group will be Terry Boutilier
Parole Office Downtown -Concerns were raised by the Committee regarding the
recent news of the Parole office opening on King Street. It was advised this is a
temporary location and they are looking at other potential sites outside of the
downtown and the Province has received input from local business. Mark Garner
advised work is being done to clarify the work this particular office does so as to
provide people with the correct information. The provincial government is
seeking a location to serve the west side of Waterloo Region.
King Street Theatre -Clarification was requested regarding the current situation
at the Theatre and the Committee was advised that we do not know any details;
Mark Garner advised they are actively looking through their options.
The Committee asked for clarification regarding the proposed Weber Street
widening as the media has contacted some members that own property in the
affected area. This is a Waterloo Region project though staff will seek more
information.
on motion the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.