Downtown Action Advisory Committee

Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 4:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

Schmalz Room - Second Floor City Hall

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7

Present:

• J. Leslie, Committee Member
• B. Court, Committee Member
• J. Leasa, Committee Member
• E. Kurian, Committee Member
• C. Stockie, Committee Member
• R. Peers, Committee Member
• J. Wheeler, Committee Member
• D. Chapman, Councillor
• S. Stretch, Councillor

Staff:

• A. Nguyen, Committee Administrator
• N. Nandakumar, Committee Administrator
• M. Blake, Committee Administrator
• A. Hertzog, Manager, Downtown Development and Innovation

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1.

Commencement

The meeting commenced at 4:05 p.m.

The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Chair.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

3.

Delegations

3.1

None at this time.

4.

Discussion Items

4.1

Introduction of Members

4.2

Advisory Committee Training & Orientation

M. Blake, Committee Coordinator, provided an overview of the advisory committee training, outlining the operations and policies governing DAC meetings. The presentation was shared with committee members, emphasizing the advisory committee’s role in providing advice and recommendations to Standing Committees and Council.

No further questions or discussions were raised regarding this item.

4.3

What is DAC?

Downtown Kitchener Vision

• DTK is a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community. Its guiding principles include promoting vibrancy, fostering connections, and creating a sense of belonging for all.

Committee Overview:

• DAC’s primary purpose is to support and advise on developing and implementing the Downtown Kitchener Action Plan and related initiatives.
• Members serve a 2-year term, and the work directly supports the Economic Development Division and informs the City Council’s decisions.

4.4

Honorarium and Reimbursement

The committee was provided with an overview of the Childcare Reimbursement Program, which applies to all volunteer members of advisory and quasi-judicial committees.

The committee was also briefed on the Transit Pass Program, which provides two-fare paper cards to committee members after each meeting, upon request.

4.5

DAC Membership and Recruitment

The Committee put forward nominations for the position of Chair and Vice Chair.

• • Joel Leslie was appointed as the Committee Chair for the term ending December 16, 2026.
  • Brandon Court was appointed as the Committee Vice-Chair for the term ending December 16, 2026.
  Carried

4.6

Open Forum

Safety Concerns:

• Discussed general safety concerns in downtown Kitchener, focusing on personal security, public safety, and the effectiveness of current safety measures.
• Talked about collaboration with local police services, Downtown Ambassadors, and other security liaisons to address rising concerns and improve overall safety.
• Emphasized the need for a collective approach to ensure both residents and visitors feel safe in downtown Kitchener.

Brainstorming for Future Meeting Topics:

• Events & Cultural Initiatives:

  • Discussed events and cultural initiatives happening around downtown, with a focus on the art industry and current art visions, fostering principles of creativity and community engagement.

• Kitchener Market & Public Opinion:

  • Explored the idea of discussing the Kitchener Market and gathering public opinions, contributing to the vibrancy of downtown spaces and fostering community involvement.

• Anti-Racism & Multicultural Initiatives:

  • Proposed inviting the police to discuss their support for anti-racism efforts and multicultural initiatives.
  • Suggested involving the multicultural committee for further insight into these efforts.

• Downtown Operations:

  • A. Hertzog suggested discussing Downtown Operations, along with updates provided by the BIAs during next meetings.

5.

Information Items

5.1

None.

6.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:37 PM.