HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-09-027 - Downtown Trends & IndicatorsI~TC~~R
Economic Development
Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
Ward(s) Involved:
Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
RECOMMENDATION:
Finance & Corporate Services Committee
June 1, 2009
Silvia Wright, Manager, Downtown and Community Development
Janette MacDonald, Technical Analyst, Business Development
1&6
May 27, 2009
CAO-09-027
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators (formerly Monitoring Report)
That Report CAO-09-027 and attached "2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators" be received as information
only.
BACKGROUND:
The Downtown Strategic Plan Volume 3 provides action items which are intended to guide the process of
creating an environment for sustained and balanced vitality in the heart of the city. It is directed toward
creating authentic community vitality through people living, working, playing and learning downtown. The
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators report monitors activity in these four areas to attempt to measure
progress ensuing from the Downtown Strategic Plan, Economic Development Investment Fund, and 2007
- 2010 Economic Development Strategy. The Trends & Indicators report also includes a "Grow" section
to summarize much of the non-measurable City work to implement the strategies mentioned above.
REPORT:
The results from the 2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators report indicate that the Downtown Strategic
Plan and the catalyst investments realized through EDIF (Economic Development Investment Fund) are
making a positive impact in the urban core.
15-1
Live
• 2,049 residents in downtown core or 19,249 residents in downtown neighbourhoods (including core).
• 1,207 new residential units since 2001; 90 residential units in 2008.
• 1,213 new residential units currently being proposed for future development.
• $86,124,400 in residential construction values since 2001.
• Rental vacancy rate at 6 year low since data became available.
Work
• 11,967 employees in urban core.
• 220 new employees in 2008.
• 52 percent increase in construction value of building permits from 2007 to 2008
Play
• Since 2001, there have been 2,249,432 people attend events in downtown Kitchener.
• 55,000 at Blues Festival over 3 days in downtown core.
Learn
• 3,370 students in the downtown core
• Another 613 students when Health Sciences Campus is fully operational in 2010
• Increase in spaces for School of Medicine students from 45 to 63
Grow
• Approval of key development initiations including the Charles/Benton parking garage, King Street
streetscaping, and final selection of Centre Block developer - Andrin Limited.
• Announcement of consolidated provincial courthouse to be built in market district.
• Began redevelopment of Lang Tannery by private developer Cadan Inc.
• Launch of rebranding study for the Kitchener Market, as well other initiatives to support direction of
the market.
The positive indicators outlined above suggest that the catalyst investments realized through EDIF, the
strategic implementation of the economic development and downtown strategic plans and incentives are
making a difference in downtown Kitchener. To continue to observe revitalization, the imbalance in the
residential population in the urban core should be addressed. Greater residential intensification is
essential to compliment the progress already made in commercial and institutional activity already.
As a summary of activities and work plans throughout the year, the following table represents the Top 10
Action Plans for 2008:
15-2
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15-3
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
COMMUNICATIONS:
As launched last year, this year the City will release two versions of the Trends & Indicators report to
serve two audiences with different needs. Staff have prepared:
1. A detailed statistical version required by investors and developers.
2. A high-level marketing piece formatted for a broad audience.
The use of two formats permits staff to enclose more detail in the background document. This year's
background report shows all results since 2001 -where available - to permit comparison over time. The
marketing report will provide summary numbers, and will be prepared by Communications staff to ensure
consistency with other downtown marketing materials.
Staff will prepare a media release, an article in Your Kitchener, and post results on both
www.kitchener.ca, and www.downtownkitchener.ca
Silvia Wright, Manager
Downtown Community Development
Janette MacDonald, Technical Analyst
Business Development
Attach: Appendix A: 2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
15-4
l
I{~rcr~~R
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Background Report
Released May 2009
City of Kitchener
Economic Development
200 King St W, PO Box 1118
Kitchener, ON Canada N2G 4G7
Phone: 519.741.2292 Fax: 519.741.2722
downtown@kitchener.ca
www.downtownkitchener.ca
15-5
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Manager Downtown Development:
Silvia Wright
Manager, Downtown Development
519.741.2392
silvia.wright(c~kitchener.ca
Report Author:
Janette MacDonald
Technical Analyst
519.741.2760
janette.macdonald@kitchener.ca
Contributors:
Sandy Curzon
Downtown Service Administrator
519.741.2310
sandy.curzon@kitchener.ca
Siobhan Delaney
Kitchener Visitor Information
519-745-3536
siobhan.delaney@kitchener.ca
Kim Feere
Downtown Coordinator
519.741.3445
kim.feere@kitchener.ca
Michelle Riediger
Marketing & Communications Associate
519.741.3400 x 3589
michelle.riediger@kitchener.ca
15-6
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Contents:
Preface 1
Highlights 2
Live 3
Population 3
Residential Developments 4
List of Major Residential Projects 5
Apartment Rental Market 7
Work 8
Businesses and Employees 8
Top Employers (>100 employees) 8
New Businesses 9
Office Market 10
Building Permits 10
Construction Value Detail 11
Play 12
Events 12
Banner Program 13
Downtown E-News 14
Attractions 14
Visitor Inquiries 14
Learn 15
Downtown Universities and Training Facilities 15
Economic Benefits 15
Grow 16
Development Projects 16
Infrastructure and Improvements 17
Transportation 17
Municipal Programs/Initiatives 18
Conclusion 21
15-7
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Preface
At the centre of the City of Kitchener's strategy for its downtown is the belief that it is people that create a
downtown. The Downtown Strategic Plan Volume 111: The Implementation provides action items which
are intended to guide the process of creating an environment for sustained and balanced vitality in the
heart of the city. It is directed toward creating a vibrant community through people living, working, playing
and learning downtown.
Downtown Trends & Indicators is intended to measure change occurring in the downtown. It is organized
into five sections: Live, Work, Play, Learn, and Grow. Unless otherwise specified the indicators within this
document refer to the downtown study area which consists of 7 planning communities or neighbourhoods.
1. Downtown
2. Civic Centre
3. King East
4. Cedar Hill
5. Mill Courtland Woodside Park
7. Victoria Park
13. Central Frederick
The information in this report has been carefully gathered to obtain accurate information. While every
effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, the possibility for error or omission exists.
We would appreciate your assistance by notifying us of any inaccuracies. We can be contacted at
519.741.2292 or at ecodev@kitchener.ca, or by faxing 519.741.2722.
15-8
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Highlights
Over the past year there have been several announcements of major new developments planned for
downtown Kitchener.
Initiatives such as Centre Block and King Street Streetscaping moved forward with Council decisions of
support. 500 new parking spaces were approved for downtown. Private sector developments such as the
Shoppers Drug Mart building, and Lang Tannery began construction in 2008. Residential development of
the InTowns added new units to downtown neighbourhoods.
The Province selected downtown Kitchener as the location for a new consolidated courthouse, and GO
Transit identified the region and downtown Kitchener as the target for its proposal to expand services
west of Toronto. Staff continued improving programs with changes to Brownfield incentives at a regional
level, and facade improvement at a municipal level.
Much has been accomplished, some of which is measurable, and some yet to be realized
Highlights from 2008 include
• 2,049 residents in downtown core or 19,249 residents in downtown neighbourhoods (including core).
• 1,207 new residential units since 2001; 90 residential units in 2008.
• 1,213 new residential units currently being proposed for future development.
• $86,124,400 in residential construction values since 2001.
• Rental vacancy rate at 6 year low since data became available.
• 11,967 employees in urban core.
• 220 new employees in 2008.
• 52 percent increase in construction value of building permits from 2007 to 2008
• Since 2001, there have been 2,249,432 people attend events in downtown Kitchener.
• 55,000 at Blues Festival over 3 days in downtown core.
• 3,370 students in the downtown core
• Another 613 students when Health Sciences Campus is fully operational in 2010
• Increase in spaces for School of Medicine students from 45 to 63
These indicators along with others presented in this report suggest that the catalyst investments realized
through the Economic Development Investment Fund (EDIF) and Downtown Strategic Plan are making a
substantial difference in downtown Kitchener.
15-9
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
V@
Highlights
• 2,049 residents in downtown core.
• 19,249 residents or 8.7 percent of total population in downtown neighbourhoods (including core).
• 1,929 new residents in downtown neighbourhoods since 2001.
• 1,207 new residential units since 2001; 90 residential units in 2008.
• 1,213 new residential units currently being proposed for future development.
• $86,124,400 in residential construction values since 2001.
• Rental vacancy rate at 6 year low since data became available.
Population
Downtown Population Estimate
(Downtown Neighbourhoods and Urban Core)
The residential population of downtown
Kitchener has grown steadily with 1,929
new residents since the 2001 Census.
The estimated population of a combined
7 neighbourhoods including the urban
core was 19,249 for year-end 2008. The
urban core or downtown Planning
Community (1) has a 2008 year-end
estimated population of 2,049. This was
up 261 residents compared to the prior
year, primarily due to occupancies at
Kaufman Lofts.
Source: City of Kitchener AMANDA database, Statistics Canada, 2006
Census, Economic Development Population Estimates
Population Growth Estimate
(Downtown Neig hbourhoods including Urban Core)
3.9%
z.a°i°
~, 2.5% 2.3% 2.4%
1.4% •
1.4%
0.6% 0.5%
0.3%
2001 (Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
End)
Increase Downtown • % Increase City-wide
Source: City of Kitchener AMANDA database, Statistics Canada, 2006
Census, Economic Development Population Estimates
The rate of population growth has
increased since 2005 after an unusual
spike in 2003, and in 2008 exceeded the
growth rate city-wide. The population is
expected to continue to increase in
upcoming years with 1,213 additional
residential units currently being proposed
for the urban core and surrounding
neighbourhoods. Specifically, there are
484 new units proposed for the urban
core, primarily through the
redevelopment of Centre Block.
15 - 10
Census 2001 (Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
(Mid Year) End) ~ Urban Core Population ^ Downtown Neighbourhoods
Census 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
(Mid (Year
Year) End)
Source: City of Kitchener AMANDA database, Statistics Canada, 2006
Census, Economic Development Population Estimates
Residential Developments
Net new Residential Units Since 2001 - By Date Issued
(Downtown Neighbourhoods including Urban Core)
Single Detached
Dwelling
Semi-Detached
Dwelling
Rowhouse
Residential/Com mercia
Lodging House
Group Home
Duplex Dwelling
Apartment
Source: City of Kitchener AMANDA database
Downtown Net Residential Units Permits Issued
(Downtown Neighbourhoods including Urban Core)
Source: City of Kitchener AMANDA database
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
The estimated downtown population of
19,249 represents 8.7 percent of the
city's total population. The proportion of
the city-wide population has fallen from
9.2 percent at the time of the 2001
Census, but has held at 8.7 percent for
the past 3 years which is noteworthy
given the rapid residential growth in the
suburbs.
High density housing in the downtown
results in lower population estimates. In
2008, there were no new singles or
semi's downtown, which have an
average of 2.9 and 3.0 people per unit
respectively. Apartment units have an
average of 1.8 people per unit. This
means that it is necessary to add a
greater number of residential units to
achieve comparable population growth.
Since 2001, growth has been achieved
primarily through the addition of
apartments. Examples include: The
Regency, Kaufman Lofts, Le Marche
Residences, Eaton Lofts.
Another major redevelopment initiative
The InTowns has added 99 new
rowhouses to date. This project is an
example of an award winning brownfield
redevelopment project. (2007 CUI
Brownie Awards for Best Small-Scale
Project)
There have been 1,207 new residential
units approved for construction since
2001, and almost 500 of those were in
2006-2007. After two very high years,
development returned to 2005 levels with
90 new units added in 2008.
There has been $84,124,400 in
construction value of residential units
since 2001.
Future developments include a proposed
1,213 new units including construction of
the Arrow Lofts, Centre Block, and
several large apartment towers.
15-
11
Downtown Population as a Percentage of City-Wide
POIJUIatIOn (Downtown Neighbourhoods including Urban Core)
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
O DT Construction Value of New Units ~-DT Net New Units
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13
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Apartment Rental Market
Apartment Rental Vacancy Rate
(Kitchener Central)
5.1
a.z % ~~
®„~,,..c~~~_,~ 3.8 % 3.60
3.9 % 4.0 % 2.7
3.0
z.o %
7az
7ss $7s
$7a
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
O DT Average Rent O City-wide Average Rent
Downtown -O°City-wide
Source: CMHC, 2008, refers to Central Kitchener area
2008 Inventory of Rental Units by Bedroom Type
ss.s %
sz.o i
39.6
z.z
0 3.0% 2.5%
Bachelor 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3+ Bedroom
^ Kitchener Central ^ Rest of Kitchener
Source: CMHC, 2008, refers to Central Kitchener area
Source: CMHC, 2008, refers to Central Kitchener area
Rental vacancy in Kitchener Central
continues to fall, reaching a new low for
the past 6 years at 2.7 percent. This is a
positive indication of the desirability of
downtown residential living especially
given that new units have become
available in that time, and were quickly
absorbed.
According to CMHC (Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation) a number of
factors including a younger population,
immigration, employment and less
movement of renters to homeownership
contributed to lower vacancy rates in the
Kitchener CMA.
In 2008, the average rent in downtown
exceeded the city-wide average rent.
The mix of rental units in the downtown
favours slightly smaller units in terms of
number of bedrooms. This aligns with
expectations that downtown living will be
more desirable for young singles or
couples, and empty-nesters.
The study area for rental vacancy is
defined as:
Kitchener Central -Victoria Ave. (north),
Highland Rd. West, Mill St. (south),
Conestoga Pkwy (east), Lawrence Ave.
(west).
15 - 14
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
ork
Highlights
• 11,967 employees in urban core.
• 101 restaurants in city centre.
• 220 new employees in 2008.
• 52 percent increase in construction value of building permits from 2007 to 2008
• $48 million in construction at corner of King St W and Victoria St S
Businesses and Employees
Employment and Business Counts
(Urban Core)
say s74
sss sss
636 ~ ~
~ 11,967
11,373 11,437
10,941
10,354
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
O Employment ~ Businesses
Source: City of Kitchener Downtown Database, refers to CIP -
Community Improvement Area only
In 2008, staff undertook an exhaustive
update of the downtown business
database. This resulted in a number of
changes that make it challenging to
compare year to year progress. In
particular the employment increase of
530 is unusually high. There were 220
new jobs added in 2008, and the balance
came from updates to existing
businesses, or the addition of businesses
that had not been counted in previous
years.
A small decrease in the number of
businesses (1 percent) still translates to
business counts higher than 2006.
Top Employers (>100 employees)
Name # of Empl
Manulife Financial 1,200
Arvato Services Inc. 950
Rogers Communications 720
Canada Revenue Agency 550
City Of Kitchener -City Hall 475
Regional Admin. Building 455
Nordia Inc. 450
The Record 350
MCAP 280
Stantec Consulting Ltd 280
continued...
Name # of Empl
City of Kitchener- Operations 200
The Centre In The Square 170
Waterloo Regional Police -Division 1
Kitchener 150
Desire2Learn 134
Delta Kitchener-Waterloo 130
St. Louis Adult Learning Centre 125
Cowling Lafleur Henderson LLP 110
Kitchener Public Library (Main) 109
Ontario Court of Justice, Criminal
and Famil Courts 100
Source: City of Kitchener Downtown Database, Urban Core only (Planning Community 1)
15 - 15
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
New Businesses
The following is a list of
Canterris, and Awasi are
club employing 40 people,
jobs it created, but becau
office use.
new businesses in downtown Kitchener. Three of the top five: IGLOO Inc,
major office users with a combined total employment of 67. Dallas is a dance
and the new Shoppers Drug Mart is a major success story not just for the 24
se of the major investment made in redeveloping this site for commercial and
Name Num Street Employees Subcategory
IGLOO Inc. 22 Frederick St 42 Consultants & IT
Dallas 312 King St W 40 Dance Clubs/DJ
Shoppers Drug Mart 250 King St W 24 Pharmacies
Canterris 55 King St W 15 Media & Communications
Avvasi Inc. 55 King St W 10 Consultants & IT
Spirited Investors Corporation 22 Frederick St 9 Financial Services
Waterloo Region Community Housing
Access Centre
235
Kin St E
9
Or anizations
Kava Bean Commons 24 Gaukel St 8 Cafes and Bakeries
The Hive Eatery and Spirits 200 King St E 7 Casual Dining
Davenport Deli Express 235 King St W 4 Deli
Millsy's Billiards Inc. 29 King St E 4 Entertainment
Parmasters -Golf Training Centre 25 Frederick St 3 Education & Instruction
Phunkee Klippa 301 King St E 3 Beauty
Regus Business Centre 55 King St W 3 Real Estate
Blackwell Bowick Partnership Ltd. 55 King St W 2 Services
Lemon Drop Cafe and Catering 50 Queen St S 2 Cafes and Bakeries
OnTech Computers - Ontario
Technology Services O/A
84
Queen St. S
2
Computers, Electronics
Sproll's Fine German Bakery 300 King St E 2 Cafes and Bakeries
Stages Furniture 188 Joseph St 2 Home & Furnishing
Taste of Philly Cheese Steak 98 King St W 2 Fast Food
The Frugal Decorator 103 Queen St S 2 Home & Furnishing
Yarn Indulgences 300 King St E 2 Specialty Shops
Amy's Services 265 King St E 1 Financial Services
Asian Health Centre 108 Queen St S 1 Health & Wellness
Balancing Elements 300 King St E 1 Specialty Shops
Blue Skies Yoga & Eco Store 55 Victoria St N 1 Health & Wellness
Closet Clothing Co. 206 King St E 1 Apparel, Accessories, Shoes
Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade (DFAIT)
50
Queen St N
1
Organizations
Fergie's Pub 210 King St E 1 Casual Dining
Fusion Bar and Grill 15 Scott St. 1 Casual Dining
Hotto Boutique 32 Ontario St N 1 Apparel, Accessories, Shoes
Kings Beauty Spa 1 King St W 1 Beauty
Love Shop 247 Duke St W. 1 Specialty Shops
Lucky's Wings 312 King St W 1 Fast Food
M&G -West Indies Variety Store 206 King St E 1 Convenience/Discount Stores
Magazza -Taste of Europe 300 King St E 1 Grocery
Nova Era Bakery Inc. 376 King St E 1 Cafes and Bakeries
Oriental Massage 108 Queen St S 1 Health & Wellness
15 - 16
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Name Num Street Employees Subcategory
Rare Funk 8 Duke St E 1 Apparel, Accessories, Shoes
Royal Fashion Boutique 248 King St E 1 Apparel, Accessories, Shoes
Stray Katz Tattoos 24 Charles St W 1 Specialty Shops
The Elegant Consignment Clothing
Store -New and Used Clothing
102
Queen St.
1
Apparel, Accessories, Shoes
The Spiked Olive 300 King St E 1 Specialty Shops
Tres Chic 16 Duke St E 1 Apparel, Accessories, Shoes
Viet Grill 265 King St E 1 Vietnamese
Source: City of Kitchener Downtown Database, Urban Core only (Planning Community 1)
Office Market
Office Vacancy and Lease Rates
13.9% Average Annual Vacancy Rate
12.1% 12.0%
s.s%
" ~-~ 9.9%
10.1% 10.3% 10.4% ~
~~s%
7.0%
Average Annual Asking Lease Rate per sq.ft.
$11.73 $11.40 $11.55 $11.55
$11.11
°__--o---~,~~.-~,~ coo
$10.40 $10.41 $10.62
$9.41 $9.74
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Core City-wide
Source: CB Richard Ellis Market View, refers to core area
(similar to PC 1)
Building Permits
Downtown Construction Value of Building Permits
(Downtown Neig hbourhoods including Urban Core)
0
E
In 2008, vacancy continued to decline in
the core, while rising city-wide. The
average asking lease rate has typically
been lower than the rest of the city.
However, since 2004, the average asking
lease rate downtown has increased 13
percent compared to a 2 percent decline
city-wide.
In 2008, the construction value of
building permits increased by 52 percent.
After an unusually high year in 2006
(attributed to permit activity associated
with the School of Pharmacy and
Kaufman Lofts), 2007 was still a good
year in comparison to 2005 and earlier
years.
In 2008, the dollar value of construction
downtown represented 16.2 percent of
city-wide activity, up from 8.3 percent in
2007, and close to the high of 18.7
percent realized in 2006.
There has been $309,290,120 in
construction since 2001 in the downtown
neighbourhoods including the urban
core, let by Residential and Institutional
development. The urban core alone
accounted for $211,115,748 since 2001.
10
15 - 17
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
O DT Construction Values ^ ~ % of City-wide
Source: City of Kitchener AMANDA database
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Construction Value Detail
Type*
Residential**
Commercial
Industrial
Institutional
Multiple Use
Other***
Total
Type*
Residential**
Commercial
Industrial
Institutional
Multiple Use
Other***
Total
2001 2002 2003 2004
18,090,250 24,970,000 3,827,800 4,793,572
7,992,188 6,284,000 2,551,200 15,455,900
340,000 642,500 40,000 106,000
8,903,000 1,263,000 1,607,500 7,653,000
1,400 1,634,000 10,900,000 192,000
291,850 248,200 1,524,350 102,500
35,618,688 35,041,700 20,450,850 28,302,972
2005 2006 2007 2008 Total
6,824,400 26,024,200 23,962,600 10,276,000 118,768,822
5,543,800 5,754,600 6,830,000 11,051,175 61,462,863
1,987,000 130,000 798,600 870,000 4,914,100
11,976,800 32,211,500 4,228,500 32,243,560 100,086,860
- 6,000,000 31,600 - 18,759,000
1,646,700 258,450 483,600 742,825 5,298,475
27,978,700 70,378,750 36,334,900 55,183,560 309,290,120
*Does not include some permits for temporary structures such as garden tents or portable classrooms
**Reflects total residential construction including finish work
***Other is Non-Res and Res Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC.
Source: City of Kitchener AMANDA database
Construction Value of Building Permits
by Planning Community Minions
1 -Downtown
2 -Civic Centre
3 -King Street
4 -Cedar Hill
5 -Mill-Courtland-
Woodside Park
7 -Victoria Park
13 -Central
Frederick
$211.1
$4.0
$11.9
$~.o
$19.0
$ 9.8
$16.4
Source: City of Kitchener AMANDA database
The majority of activity is in the urban
core -planning community 1 -with the
surrounding neighbourhoods
experiencing stability.
11
15 - 18
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
lay
Highlights
• Since 2001, there have been 2,249,432 people attend events in downtown Kitchener.
• 55,000 at Blues Festival over 3 days in downtown core.
• Launch of Downtown E-News to promote events, and expansion of banner program.
Events
Downtown Event Attendance
Source: City of Kitchener Community Services
Total event attendance in 2008 was
338,865. This represents a decrease of
14.2 percent from 2007 for total
attendance, however the events
occurring in these two years changed.
Two recurring bi-annual events did
not occur in 2008. The Open Ears
Festival and Artworks/MFA CAFKA
both occurred in 2007. (-47,500 in
combined attendance)
Two events were discontinued in
2008 including the Festival of Trees
and Lights, and Your Downtown
Oktoberfest. (-10,000 in combined
attendance)
One event, Car Free Day, was
cancelled due to weather (-500 in
attendance)
Major Events (+5,000 in attendance) 2008
Kitchener Blues Festival 55,000
Tapestry (inc. K-W Multicultural Festival) 55,000
Christkindl Market 47,000
Cruising on King 20,000
The Beat Rocks the Block 15,000
Ribfest & Craft Beer Show 10,000
Kidspark 9,000
The Word on the Street 8,000
New Years Eve in Downtown Kit 5,000
Source: City of Kitchener Community Services
This was in small part offset by a few
special events and new events in 2007:
2008 featured several special one-
time Memorial Cup events (+5,000 in
combined attendance)
New events were offered including
Mela, Hot Summer Pupusas Festival,
and Taste Local Taste Fresh (+3,200
in combined attendance)
The above programming changes account for a combined net decrease in attendance in 2008 of 49,800.
Total event attendance fell by 55,989. The additional difference of 6,189 can be attributed to poor
weather conditions experienced throughout 2008. In 2008, Waterloo Region experienced its third wettest
season on record, since 1915, with Waterloo Region receiving 42 per cent more rain than normal during
the summer. The Blues Festival, Multicultural Festival and Kidspark are outdoor events that coincided
with heavy rains and cool temperatures.
A comparison of event attendance over the core set of recurring events showed a more modest decrease
of 1.8 percent from 2007 to 2008. Since 2001, there have been 2,249,432 people attend events in
downtown Kitchener.
12
15 - 19
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Annual Event Attendance 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Notes
Small Rentals 35,300 26,300 21,784 23,588 27,213
Cruising on King 12,000 14,000 18,000 20,000 35,000
Motorcycle Show and Shine 500 - Discontinued
New Years Eve in Downtown Kit 10,000 10,000 8,000 10,000 5,000
Festival of Trees and Light 10,000 9,000 9,000 9,000 - Discontinued
Christkindl Market 30,000 30,000 35,000 42,000 47,000
Open Ears Festival 3,000 40,000 - Bi-Annual
Artworks/MFA(Started 01)CAFKA 3,000 5,000 7,500 - Bi-Annual
Tooney Tuesdays 3,600 3,600 3,600 3,600 3,600
Dwntn Kit Ribfest & Craft Beer Show 5,000 5,000 5,000 7,500 10,000
K-W Multicultural Festival 60,000 60,000 60,000 63,000 50,000
Tapestry less Multi Cul Fest. 2,400 3,000 5,000 6,000 5,000
Kidspark 18,000 18,000 15,000 18,000 9,000
Block Party 00-02/Unity Jam 03- 800 500 500 500 500
Oktoberfest Opening Ceremony 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,500 3,000
Your Downtown Oktoberfest 2,500 3,500 1,000 1,000 - Discontinued
Kitchener Council's Grillefest 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 2,000
Victoria Park Pavilion Rentals 39,400 38,500 35,229 36,516 39,852
Christmas Fantas in Vic Park 2,000 2,000 2,500 3,000 2,500
Festival de Velo 1,500 1,500 - Discontinued
Kitchener Blues Festival 30,000 45,000 45,000 65,000 55,000
Strong Man Competition 4,000 - Discontinued
Schweinfest 2,500 - Discontinued
The Word on the Street 8,000 8,000 7,000 7,500 8,000
German Pioneers Day - 800 500 500 500
1 Book 1 Community 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,300
Quilt Festival 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 500
Downtown Performances 1,000 - One Time
Market Grand Opening 1,500 - One Time
Songwriter's Festival 500 700 -
Brau & Vinzer 500 -
Mcla 1,000 1,500 2,000
Fire Combat Challenge 5,000 5,000 - Discontinued
Downtown MudPuppy Chase 1,000 1,500 1,500
Antique Road Show 2,500 -
The Beat 10,000 14,000 15,000
Arts & Culture - Downtown 800 950 1,200
Tri Pride Day 3,000 - Cancelled 08
Car Free Day
500
500
- Cancelled
weather
Chess Festival 2,500 3,000 1,000
Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Day 500 500 500
Memorial Cup -Arrival of the Cup 3,500 One Time
Memorial Cup - Appreciaton Day 1,500 One Time
Taste Local Taste Fresh 500
Hot Summer Pupusas Festival 700
Bricklin Car Show 1,000 - One Time
Market Programming 2,000 3,000 4,000 6,500 One Time
Total Attendance 288,700 303,100 308,113 394,854 323,865
Percentage Change 36.8% 5.0% 1.7% 28.2% -18.0%
Source: City of Kitchener Community Services
Banner Program
In 2008 there was a steady parade of colour on King Street throughout the year. For the first time ever,
with the support of the KDBA and Waterloo Regional Children's Museum, the program was enhanced by
multiple vibrant colours promoting the premier event of the Andy Warhol Factory Exhibit, January -May,
2009.
13
15 - 20
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
The banner program is designed to promote all the major events in Kitchener, going through several
colourful cycles as the events are promoted for a period of 4 - 6 weeks. In 2009 the program will continue
to be expanded beyond King Street.
Downtown E-News
In June 2008, the city staff launched Downtown E-News, an electronic newsletter intended to create
awareness of downtown event programming. It is updated and distributed every two weeks, and aligns
with event postings on www.downtownkitchener.ca/things/events/. Visitors to the website can subscribe
to the newsletter, submit qualifying events for publication, and look forward to upcoming events beyond
the two-week publication time frame of E-News.
Attractions
Both the Centre in the Square and Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery experienced declines in attendance
numbers in 2008. The change in attendance for the Art Gallery was modest - 2.2 percent -and 2008
attendance numbers still exceed both 2005 and 2006. However, the Centre in the Square experienced a
13.2 percent decreased in attendance, with total attendance lower than any of the past four years.
The Waterloo Regional Children's Museum had a significant increase of 78.7 percent with successful new
programming such as the 2008 exhibit "Discovering Chimpanzees: The Remarkable World of Jane
Goodall", and Dinosaurs Alive. In 2009, the museum will feature "Andy Warhol's The Factory", another
exhibit expected to increase attendance.
Sample Attractions
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Centre in the Square 172,532 162,600 178,381 182,332 158,313
Waterloo Regional Children's
Museum 68,283 51,255 46,556 47,756 85,321
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery 25,609 24,756 30,541 29,883
Kitchener Market
Saturda Attendance Not available 11,000
Source: Centre in the Square, Waterloo Region Children's Museum, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Kitchener Market
"New measure for 2008 Report.
Visitor Inquiries
In 2008, the Kitchener Visitor Information Services centre was established in Kitchener City Hall. With the
launch of a regional tourism organization, the mandate for Kitchener staff shifted to focus on providing
information via email, phone calls and for walk-in visitors. From June 2008 to December 2008, staff
handled:
• 447 telephone inquiries
• 585 walk-in inquiries
• 12 email inquiries
This will serve as a basis for comparison for the 2009 Trends & Indicators.
14
15 - 21
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
rn
Highlights
• 3,370 students in the downtown core
• Another 613 students when Health Sciences Campus is fully operational in 2010
• Increase in spaces for School of Medicine students from 45 to 63
Downtown Universities and Training Facilities
From 2007 to 2008, Everest College, Trios College and WLU added a combined 158 students. Data for
St. Louis Adult Learning Centre was not suitable for comparison so growth cannot be measured in total.
The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy will begin classes in January 2009 at its downtown
Kitchener location so 2009 student counts will begin to reflect pharmacy students (+203 students).
Current Employees Students
Wilfrid Laurier University Lyle S Hallman Faculty of Social Work 100 325
St. Louis Adult Learning Centre 103 2,500
Everest College 21 200
Trios College Of Business/Technology/Healthcare 10 300
Voila Institute 4 45
Current Total 238 3,370
Future
University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy 50 550
McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine TBD 63
Other
Nexient Learning Inc. 6 20/average/day
Economic Benefits
The Faculty of Social Work and Health Sciences Campus represent two major advances in the education
and knowledge creation sector in downtown Kitchener. The Faculty of Social Work is projected to provide
downtown Kitchener with an economic benefit of $1.48 million annually. It has been operating out of its
downtown location since 2006.
Construction is under way on the University of Waterloo Downtown Kitchener Health Sciences Campus,
which will be home to the School of Pharmacy as well as the McMaster School of Medicine, and the
Centre for Family Medicine. The 120,000 square-foot building is being built at a cost of $78 million. It is
expected to have an annual impact of $28 million from operations, research and expenditures by students
and visitors, $25 million in wages from the creation of employment and $9 million in public revenues for all
levels of government.
15
15 - 22
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
row
Highlights
• Approval of key development initiations including the Charles/Benton parking garage, King Street
streetscaping, and final selection of Centre Block developer -Andrin Limited.
• Announcement of consolidated provincial courthouse to be built in market district.
• Began redevelopment of Lang Tannery by private developer Cadan Inc.
• Launch of rebranding study for the Kitchener Market, as well other initiatives to support direction of
the market.
Development Projects
Centre Block
In 2008, Kitchener City Council approved the selection of Andrin Limited as the successful proponent to
redevelop Centre Block. Andrin proposes ahigh-quality, mixed-use development which includes diverse
residential development, ground floor retail, and combinations of connected public and private outdoor
spaces. It will also create additional underground parking on the block.
Lang Tannery
In 2008, Cadan Inc. began redeveloping the Lang Tannery building into a mixed use facility intended for
restaurants, shops, galleries, and office space for companies ranging from digital and multimedia to
health sciences and research.
Consolidated Provincial Courthouse
In 2008, the Province of Ontario committed to building a new provincial courthouse in the eastern end of
downtown Kitchener, on the block bordered by Frederick, Duke, Scott and Weber streets. The courthouse
will consolidate three of the provinces regional court facilities into the new downtown building; two existing
court houses already in downtown Kitchener and one currently located in Cambridge. Consolidation will
help preserve the employment already in the core, and is expected to attract new jobs to the core for the
courthouse itself and for associated businesses such as law firms and restaurants. Construction on the
courthouse will begin in 2010. It is expected to employ 300 people.
Kitchener Market
In 2008, Kitchener city council endorsed a plan similar to the original vision for the market space. Staff
will pursue leasing out the space to small, independent vendors, while undertaking a rebranding exercise.
Your Kitchener Market is undergoing a strategic plan and review of its governance. During 2008, staff
began work on new initiatives to improve the physical space of the market as well. In 2009, staff will
rollout a new name, logo and look for the market.
Shoppers Drug Mart
Located beside Kitchener City Hall, this multi-million-dollar private-sector redevelopment project includes
a 20,000-square foot Shoppers Drug Mart on the main floor with a large grocery component. According
to the real-estate developer and building owner, Bernie Nimer, the second floor of the project will include
upscale office space with tall ceilings, massive windows and skylights, and mezzanines throughout. A
250-person theatre or lecture space will also be located on the second floor.
Digital Media Convergence Centre
In 2008, Kitchener city council earmarked $500,000 from EDIF (Economic Development Investment
Fund) to be put toward specialized equipment and technical resources to operate a digital media hub in
the core. The $65million project has also received funding commitments from industrial partners in the
Waterloo region, academic institutions, Communitech, the Province of Ontario, the Government of
16
15 - 23
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Canada and the City of Stratford
Kitchener's digital-media convergence centre is expected to be a place for innovation where business
people, researchers, students, artists and entrepreneurs can come together to generate new digital media
products, applications and businesses.
Together, the Kitchener digital media convergence centre and a similar Stratford institute will establish the
first phase in the establishment of a Canadian Digital Media Network, which links Canada's digital-media
clusters from coast to coast - creating a digital convergence corridor and enabling collaboration between
researchers, implementers and entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure and Improvements
Streetscaping
The new streetscape -which was approved by city council in December 2007 -- is a result of the King
Street streetscape Master Plan and environmental assessment conducted throughout 2007 and 2008.
The design focuses on a 'pedestrian first' concept which includes maximized flexible sidewalk area and
provides improved lighting.
The project will be completed in three phases between 2009 and 2011, with a majority of the work to be
completed in the summers of 2009 and 2010. In 2008, Kitchener city councillors awarded the construction
tender for the King Street reconstruction project to local contractor Steed and Evans Limited for the
amount of $7.6 million. The Province of Ontario is contributing $3.2 million toward the project.
The awarding of this tender paves the way for construction on the project to start in April 2009. The
construction will improve the streetscape through the replacement of all surface features on King Street --
from Frederick/Benton streets to Francis Street and Speaker's Corner -- as well as the street lighting.
Victoria Park
In June 2008, the City completed work on the entrance to Victoria Park. The new entrance features
limestone luggage sculptures by Atwood-area artist Ernest Daetwyler, rocky waterfalls, new landscaping
and streetscaping leading up Gaukel Street to City Hall. Anchoring the entrance is the clock tower that
formerly adorned the old City Hall.
The City is focusing attention on the park itself with the approval of staff/citizens working group. The
group will look at issues affecting Victoria Park and to give neighbourhood residents a new venue to
express park-related ideas and concerns to staff.
Transportation
Charles/Benton Parking Garage
At the northwest corner of Benton and Charles streets, the City of Kitchener will build a new six-storey,
500 space, above-ground parking garage. The garage will help meet a growing demand for parking in the
downtown including some of the parking needs of the new downtown courthouse. The garage will also
include new retail space on the main floor of the garage facing Benton Street. The Province of Ontario will
help fund the construction of the parking garage by providing the city with $6.475 million for cash in lieu
for parking.
In 2008, the City of Kitchener concluded an agreement with the Province of Ontario to construct the
garage. Design was completed, and tenders let by the end of 2008. Construction of the parking garage
began in February of 2009 and the grand opening is scheduled for the spring 2010.
Parking Demand and Capacity
The current monthly parking occupancy rate for municipally owned lots in downtown is 91 percent, down
from 98 percent in 2007. In 2007, the average for downtown was high because lots in the West and
Central lots were over capacity on monthly parkers. Both areas fell back below 100 percent on monthly
parkers in 2008.
17
15 - 24
2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Demand is higher in the Centre and West parts of downtown, with longer waiting lists, and near capacity
for the number of permit holders. There are currently 258 people on waiting lists for monthly parking
permits. This decreased by only two people from 2007.
Total # of Limit # of Current # of % Capacity Total Spaces
Lot Waiting List Spaces Monthly Monthly Monthly Available
West (Green to Water)
Lot #3 42 120 87 88 101 % 32
Lot #5 10 26 26 26 100% N/A
Lot #6 36 43 36 36 100% 7
Lot #13 1 156 140 142 101 % 14
Lot #16 28 34 30 30 100% 4
Lot #24 69 69 58 84% N/A
Subtotal 117 448 388 380 98% 57
Lot #8 281 270 251 93% 30
Lot #9 2 30 23 23 100% 7
Lot#15 166 157 154 98% 12
Lot #22 31 25 22 88% 9
Lot #27 16 16 14 88% N/A
City Hall 75 442 400 397 99% 45
D/O 18 403 364 327 90% 76
Subtotal 95 1,369 1,255 1188 95% 179
Lot #1 82 26 20 77% 62
Lot #2 10 36 10 11 110% 25
Lot #7 1 41 33 22 67% 19
Lot #18 124 100 69 69% 55
Lot #19 34 175 60 60 100% 115
Lot #23 1 38 28 28 100% 10
Market 283 230 170 74% 113
Subtotal 46 779 487 380 78% 399
Total 258 2596 2,130 1,948 91% 635
Source: City of KitchenerTransportation Planning
GO Transit
In September 2008, GO Transit announced a proposal to establish service into the Region of Waterloo.
The study area downtown station runs parallel to Victoria Street for about three city blocks, near the Via
Rail station. This would be an urban station, with little parking space and intended for cyclists, pedestrians
and people connecting from other public transit. GO Transit is currently preparing an environmental
assessment report, expected to be complete in early summer 2009.
Municipal Programs/Initiatives
Downtown Strategic Plan Update
The Downtown Strategic Plan creates an action list to attract more people downtown to live, learn, work,
play and invest downtown. Action plans require dedicated staff implementation for financial incentives
administration, cultural vitality support, special events and attraction of investment.
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2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Highlights for 2008:
• Downtown Ambassadors -summer students to add event support, visitor service, tours and security
throughout the downtown area
• Cluster strategies to identify and support bio technology and digital media business
• Continued positioning of positive downtown brand through downtown e-newsletter, digital branding,
print media, database update, project maps, event promotion, personal presentations to business
groups, neighbourhoods
• Develop vitality strategies to attract 'talent' as young professionals, creating safe and comfortable
community for citizens of all ages
Financial Incentives
Since 2001, total incentives issued of $1,698,659 were leveraged by the private sector to generate
$4,340,788 in investment in downtown projects, or 2.6 times the initial investment by the City.
In 2008, there were 2 loans, 7 rebates with a total project value of $31,500. Staff began the work to
transition the facade improvement program from a loan to a grant, which will permit business owners to
access funds, and increase the reach of this program. Under the old loan program, only property owners
could apply for funding. Staff also worked with the region to launch a new regional brownfield program,
which will enhance the viability of brownfield remediation with greater financial support.
Total Incentives (issued) (leveraged)
Number
of Loans Number of
Rebates Rebate
Value Facade
Interior Upper
Store Total Incentive
Pro~ect Value
2001 2 0 45,407 65,407
2002 6 5 84,242 225,000 1,155,000
2003 2 5 200,000 90,000 500,000
2004 4 3 21,230 130,000 605,000
2005 4 4 40,784 75,585 171,881
2006 10 8 61,500 255,000 265,000 1,568,000
2007 4 18 8,370 150,000 244,000
2008 2 7 16,541 30,000 31,500
TOTAL 34 50 32,667 1,000,992 265,000 4,340,788
Source: City of Kitchener Financial Service Department
• Estimated improvements are based solely on loans issued through the downtown financial incentive loan
program
Downtown Interdepartmental Resource Group (DIRG)
In 2004, Council approved the Downtown Interdepartment Resource Group (DIRG) to provide adecision-
making forum to coordinate and implement action items related to:
• Urban design Guideline Implementation
• Parking & Traffic
• Physicallnfrastructure
• By-Law Enforcement
• Events and Vitality Initiatives
• Partnership Development
DIRG is an important forum to implement the Downtown Strategic Plan by bringing together specialists
from different functional areas. There is no one team with expertise in so many areas, therefore the
Downtown Coordinator schedules and prioritizes with managers across the organization to implement
important downtown infrastructure or maintenance such as: sanitation, banners, decorations, lighting,
signage, horticulture, patio encroachment agreement policy, parking, facade improvement, facilities
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2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
management, street and park furnishings and so on.
In 2008, the position of Downtown Coordinator was filled, providing project management of activities in
the public and private realm, working closely with KDBA and all stakeholders to maximize the service
provided by staff and outside organizations.
Web Visitors
Top Ten Pages Visited
1. Services -Beauty (Business Listings)
2. Centre for Family Medicine
3. Home Page
4. Events
5. Bus Transportation
6. New Residential Developments
7. Urban Design
8. Attractions
9. Things to do
10. Performing Arts
Source: www.downtownkitchener.ca
In 2008, web site visitors increased by 13
percent to 92,334. While this was a
more moderate increase compared to
2007 (187 percent), this is more
meaningful data for comparison, because
the website was new at the beginning of
2006, and still not attracting much traffic.
In 2008, the city launched a banner program to drive traffic to the site. This was intended to help create
awareness from the new Downtown E-news launched in 2008. The electronic newsletter is primarily a
tool for communicating event programming on a bi-weekly basis. Web site visitors can view event
information, subscribe to E-news or submit events for publication.
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2008 Downtown Trends & Indicators
Conclusion
Downtown Kitchener has emerged as a centre where the new economy has emerged as a sustained
business presence, fulfilling early cluster development growth in areas such as digital media and bio-
technology.
The return on investment is especially clear through the example of the Health Sciences Campus, which
resulted in over $100 million in investment based on a $30 million investment made possible through
EDIF. The spin-offs from this single project demonstrate the positive impacts of strategic investments in
downtown Kitchener.
Wth a strength in government and business services, we are starting to see residential growth to support
a balanced community. Investment in catalyst projects through EDIF leads to investor confidence, and
corresponding increases in residential construction.
Wth a strong commercial sector and growing residential market, a more sustained, balanced
community framework is being established. As conventional wisdom and research indicates that retail
follows residential, momentum is leading to a sustained, balanced economy that could more easily
sustain economic downturns and set the stage for future sustained healthy community in the heart of the
city.
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