Downtown Action Advisory Committee

Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 4:00 P.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Grand River Room

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 407

Present:

• S. Castle, Member
• J. Leslie, Member
• W. Turman, Chair
• L. Jutzi, Member
• Councillor D. Chapman, Member
• Councillor S. Stretch, Member

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1.

Commencement

The meeting commenced at 4 p.m.

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

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

W. Turnman shared he is now a certified Planner. No other disclosure of pecuniary interests.

3.

Delegations

None.

4.

Information Items

4.1

Honorarium and Reimbursement Policy update

Katelyn Remus, Economic Development Assistant at the City of Kitchener, shared that the Equity, Anti-Racism & Reconciliation team has created an Honorarium and Reimbursement Policy for Advisory and Quasi-Judicial Committees of the Council. Staff are looking to gain an understanding of committee members that utilize public transport and/or childcare to attend committee meetings. This information will help with the implementation of the policy. 

5.

Discussion Items

5.1

What's new in DTK

The committee discussed new businesses, events and happenings in Downtown Kitchener.

The discussion included, but not limited to:

- New restaurants opening

- BIA updating 12 art pieces curated by KWAG 

- Other committees updating their Terms of Reference

- The Health Innovation Arena progress

- Growing Together and Inclusionary Bylaw Council approvals

- Patio installations beginning in April

- BIA upcoming events 

- City of Kitchener with the BIA and Oktoberfest are launching this years special events on May 24

- Gaukel Block update

5.2

Downtown Placemaking, Programming and Marketing

Kristy Skelton, the Downtown Marketing & Program Coordinator, shared highlights and milestones from 2023 as well as a glimpse into the evolving plans for programming and marketing in 2024. Some programming for summer of 2024 includes:

- Daily games in Carl Zehr Square

- Latin Heat from 6-10 p.m.

- Roller skating in September

- Utilizing spaces we have well (Goudies Lane, Speakers Corner, etc.)

- BIA concerts in Vogelsang Green on Friday's. 

- Square Peg pop up shop in July for DTK swag

6.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned 5:48pm on motion by W. Turman. Seconded by L. Jutzi.