HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Adv - 2009-10-08
DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 8, 2009 City of Kitchener
The Downtown Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Glenn Scheels;
with the following members in attendance: Peter Hammond, Councillor John
Smola, Bernie Nimer, Jamie Yantzi, Lesley Cooper, Mark Garner, Alan Doherty,
Lisa Polonski, Tamara Minns, Denis Pellerin
Staff in attendance: Silvia Wright, Janette MacDonald, Cory Bluhm, Terry
Boutilier, Kim Feere
Discussion Items
Minutes & Agenda
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Alan Doherty, seconded by Jamie Yantzi
The minutes of the September 10, 2009 be approved.
Advisory Committee Updates
EDAC –
Bernie Nimer provided an update on the Economic Development
Advisory Committee meeting advising that the discussions have been
surrounding the long term parking strategy, conflict of interest discussions, and
the local and global economy.
SAHAC –
Denis Pellerin advised that there was a presentation by Tim Beckett
regarding diversity and the effect it has on the community.
New Business
Monthly info sheet
Janette MacDonald provided a presentation / discussion / mini update on the
monitoring of the downtown trends and indicators.
The Committee provided the following questions / comments:
What is the number of students that will come from McMaster to the family
medicine program and where are they reflected in the data?
- They are currently studying in downtown Kitchener in a temporary
location and they are listed under future – we will adjust that figure to
reflect they are here
Terms of Reference Discussion
The Committee was advised that due to the small attendance at the September
meeting, the discussion on the Terms of Reference will continue today.
The Committee provided the following comments and suggestions:
- Keep document uncomplicated
- Is there representation in the core that needs to have a voice
- Would not want to see increased representation just to communicate
The Committee advised they would like to have clarification on the overlaps
between DAC and EDAC. They also suggested that DAC was formed to fill a
need and focus within the core whereas, EDAC was formed to deal with
economic issues outside the downtown.
Action:
Tracey DeVille and Lisa Polonoski to continue to work on revision of the Terms of
Reference document and bring back to the committee at a future date.
Due to time restrictions the following items were deferred:
2.3 Project Updates
2.4 The Cube
2.5 Downtown Real Estate
Downtown Strategic Plan Workshop
Silvia Wright provided an overview presentation of the Downtown Strategic Plan
2004 and the Committee provided the following comments:
The Committee suggested looking into a new incentive for upper storey or other
incentive program.
The Committee was asked for their thoughts on whether or not we are on the
right track with the four themes for the Downtown Strategic Plan for 2010?
- more vitality needs to be done but need more definition / clarification
on that
- attract more residents (Arrow and Centre Block not identified yet)
there are several projects under development and some of
o
those developers are working with the BIA on their marketing
strategies, we anticipate activity will be driven mostly by the
private sector
If we created a more high tech infrastructure to have the talent we need to be
able to provide the means for them to get on the internet fast, get the information
fast, provide that kind of infrastructure.
– That may become a fifth point, it is something we can investigate further
Action:
Tracey DeVille will schedule a special meeting to workshop the strategy
Rod Regier provided clarification on what talent really means and how we need
to focus on being more of a magnetic for talented workers. The building of a
vibrant urban centre is critical to attracting talent. We need to find out how we fit
into this – how do we support the regional issue. He reminded the Committee
that the downtown core has a special role in that.
On motion the meeting adjourned 6:06 p.m.