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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Adv 2009-12-16 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES December 16, 2009 City of Kitchener The Economic Development Advisory Committee met this date, chaired by Adrian Conrad; the following members were in attendance: Bernie Nimer, Steven Voll, Mark Collins, Brian Bennett, Mark Bingeman, Bob Denton, Jeremy Auger, Ian Cook, Peter Benninger, Dan Piedra, Alan Anderson The following people sent their regrets: Rebecca Short The following people were absent: Howie Budd Staff in attendance: Rod Regier, Tracey DeVille, Janette MacDonald, Valerie Machedo, Cory Bluhm, Rob Pettapiece, Jeff Willmer, Alain Pinard, Silvia Di Donato Approval of Minutes On motion, the minutes of November 25, 2009 were approved. 2.1 EDAC Discussion – Year in Review Rod Regier provided an overview of the items the committee discussed in 2009, including the following highlights and observations: - The year started in a recession, which paved the way for monitoring the economy over the year and see the effect that has on local business. - Continues set of economic reality checks provided an opportunity for understanding our local economy and the economy overall, the next step should include plans on how to structure these discussions in the coming year - Centre Block was a large focus this year and it will continue to be a focus in 2010 - Corporate Visitation program focused on the financial industry and included visiting companies in our neighbouring cities along with Economic Development staff from Cambridge and - Continuous updates over the year – including MIN, employment lands review and others The committee provided the following feedback: ? The economic reality checks were helpful through the year, not only in the information they provided but also in clarification of how the information is presented, the understanding of actual figures was helpful to get the message out to the community ? It was a tough economic year and looking back, there were many projects over 2009. Do you feel that a big part of this is due to the commitment from the Federal and Provincial levels of government with funding some of these projects and will you continue to look for funding for projects in the future? Although some of these investment benefits will not be seen right away, it is important to take advantage of every possibility. And are these funding approvals visible to the community? There has been a lot of work involved, but has been very beneficial o to our community, the Federal government has recognized the area and has started to invest in our area. There is a challenge to get the message out there, some will see the surface and not understand that there was funding from all levels of government there. We do work at providing that understanding. 2.2 Discussion 2010 Calendar The Committee was asked to provide a list of items they would like to see included in the 2010 work plan for EDAC. - Arts and Culture and the relationship there is to tourism, talent attraction, employment lands, downtown etc. - Digital media cluster and the opportunities - Bio Tech cluster and the opportunities - Parking and GO Transit and the relationship to the downtown and housing needs within the core, as well as continuous updates on the parking strategy - Communication with the Prosperity Council and there plans so that Kitchener does not get left behind in their initiatives - Light Rail Transit, we need to stay engaged with the Region and review the business plan for understanding and support - Play more of a role for the needs of the immigrants to the community, include cultural discussions, perhaps adding a question to the next corporate visitation questionnaire to help identify those needs - Development and redevelopment of the downtown, 2010 is an election year and we need to ensure that focus is kept moving forward - Health sciences cluster development - Employment lands (inventory and strategy) - Corporate visitation should focus on United States owned industry so we can gain a sense of where it is now - Developing a flow chart of how all outside initiatives are connected (Chamber of Commerce, CTT, and Communitech etc.) - Develop a strategy to take advantage of the recovery of the economy and how to attract the higher paying jobs back - Develop a strategy on how to change the perception of the downtown 2.3 Economic reality check: Janette MacDonald provided an overview of the job loss situation since the start of the recession and asked the committee to comment on what they experienced in terms of these stats. ? Do these numbers include those that may have experience job cut backs (in terms of hours working) It accounts for those that are unemployed not those that are o underemployed, we could look at the possibility of purchasing the data that provides hours worked ? In terms of manufacturing, business is picking up and capital is being spent but there is not a lot of hiring happing, there has been some investment in equipment but it is only what is necessary and most are choosing to get things fixed instead of buying new ? The resale market was strong, the new home market was not as strong until the last quarter, there was no overall drop in pricing, the only real struggle was seen in the small office and industrial sales ? There has been talk that the trucking industry is slowing down and that could be a good indication of how much goods are being shipped The committee was advised that this data represents the week of November 15, 2009. The committee also asked if bankruptcies were tracked and they were advised that there is a publication that outlines that data and it would be forwarded to them for their information. 2.4 EDIF discussion Rod Regier advised the committee that it has been 5 years since the Economic Development Investment Fund was established, providing an overview of the history and direction of EDIF. The committee was asked to provide feedback on what impacts they have observed from the investments made to date, in terms of direct or indirect impacts as well as thoughts on how the remaining funds should be allocated. ? In terms of the development charges and the exemption for the downtown, how is that cash out of the fund? Perhaps we need to look at cancelling this since it could show a lack of confidence in the downtown to lure development. ? In the development of the development charges by-law, there was a change in approach for the downtown. It needs to be covered somewhere. The development charge exemption is an economic development tool for the downtown. ? The move of Shoppers Drug Mart to a larger location was directly related to the investment in the School of Pharmacy. ? The new doctors from the School of Medicine are staying in this community after graduation ? The residential developments in the core may not have been as successful ? We may need to reassess the direction EDIF is taking to align correctly with the economy On motion the meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.