HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Adv - 2009-03-12
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
March 12, 2009 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Glenn Scheels;
with the following members in attendance: Peter Hammond, Councillor Christina
Weylie, Don Zehr, Mark Garner, Bryan Larkin, Jamie Yantzi, Lisa Polonski, Denis
Pellerin, Councillor John Smola, Lesley Cooper, and Tamara Minns
Staff in attendance: Kim Feere, Silvia Wright, Don Chapman, Tracey DeVille,
Eric Saunderson, Sandy Curzon,
Discussion Items
Minutes & Agenda
Approval of Minutes
That the minutes of the February 12, 2009 be minutes approved.
Moved by Lisa Polonoski
Seconded by Jamie Yantzi
Advisory Committee Updates
Economic Development Advisory Committee
An update was unavailable at this time.
Safe and Healthy Advisory Committee
Denis Pellerin updated the Committee on the following:
Poverty reduction presentation / discussion
o
Affordable housing
o
Safety at the Market
o
New Business
Library Parking Update
The Committee was provided an update on the new parking structure to be built
at the rear of the Kitchener Public Library. This new parking garage is intended
to provide parking for Region staff, Court House staff and public parking. The
garage is expected to open in 2011 – 2012. It was clarified for the committee
that funding for the garage is being shared by the City, the Region and the
Province.
Safety and Security, You and Social Stakeholder Meetings
An update was provided for the committee to inform them of the
1. Monthly Stakeholders Meeting consisting of all levels of government
(provincial, regional, municipal) to discuss social services, agencies as
they impact Downtown Kitchener
2. BiWeekly Safety and Security Meetings consisting of security, police, fire
prevention, by-law enforcement and Downtown Kitchener BIA to
implement safety strategy and respond to any and all downtown concerns
Please contact Silvia Wright for more information.
.
Terms of Reference Discussion
The committee preferred that a sub-committee begin work on this and report
back to the larger committee.
UW School of Pharmacy
Saturday April 18, students will provide tours. As soon as more detailed
information becomes available, we will forward to the Committee. Saturday April
18, 2009, 10 am at Victoria and King
Subcommittee Formation Update
?
Landlord Group is underway already with Mark Garner, Bernie Nimer and
Don Zehr. There are also other downtown landlords that have come to
the table. Terry Boutilier will be the staff contact for this group.
?
Terms of Reference – Lisa Polonoski
?
Downtown Strategic Plan Update – Jamie Yantzi, Glenn Scheels, Mark
Garner, Alan Doherty, Ingrid Pregel, Joe Mancini, Lesley Cooper
Various Updates
Go Transit
Consulting team has recommended a station in Breslau, and another station in
downtown Kitchener. Go Transit advised they will look at doing this along side
the Via Rail operations and in the long term along side the Light Rail Transit
development.
Information Sheet
The monthly information sheet will be available in April.
Weber Street Construction
The Region has started Environmental Assessment process for reconstruction in
2012 and the increase in rail traffic, resurfacing of Weber street around the new
courthouse site. Updates will be provided as they are made available.
King Street Streetscape
Early April start, complete sidewalk on south side first from Gaukel to Benton
Streets, then work back down other side. Second phase Young to Water Streets
in 2010. Steed and Evans have been awarded the contract and we are working
with them on logistics and schedules. Kitchener Downtown Business Association
is meeting with the King Street chair for clarification on the schedule so as to
allow for the proper communication to downtown businesses.
The Committee had the following comments / questions:
What is the reaction you are getting from membership?
o
The timing and strategy for the construction is important to
o
everyone and depending on who you talk to you will get a different
reaction by business, with the current economic situation there are
some concerns and the KDBA is going to do their best to address
this as well as the events that are scheduled to occur.
Will some businesses use rear access?
o
We are going to look at that, along with garage disposal and we will
o
work with city staff to get these clarified. It is important to focus on
the potential focus this has in the future
The Cube
Don Chapman provided the committee with an update on the cube and provided
an explanation on the project.
On motion the meeting adjourned at 5:00 will break out sessions into respective
sub-committee groups.