Board of Directors Meeting 8:30 am – 10:30 am Conestoga Room, City Hall *Please note monthly meetings have now moved to the Conestoga Room on the first floor of City Hall.

BIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS – AGENDA Wednesday March 22, 2017

Board Package:

Motion Document

February 16th Minutes

February 28th Minutes

Patio Program 2017 Communication

Canada Day 2017 Update

Blues Festival 2017 Update

Outreach Program 2017 Update

Strategic Priorities Summary

Time Topic Lead and Expectation on Board 8:30 am Call to order / Welcome and

Introductions Darryl Moore Motion

8:32 am Approval of Agenda Declaration of Conflicts

Darryl Moore Motion

8:35 am Approval of Minutes Darryl Moore Motion

8:40 am Committee Progress Update Darryl Moore Information

8:45 am Patio Program 2017 Update Linda Jutzi Information

8:50 am Canada Day 2017 Update Linda Jutzi Information

9:00 am Blues Festival Update Linda Jutzi Information/Motion

9:05 am WRPS Report James Mitchell Information

9:15 am Outreach Program Presentation Joe and Stephanie Mancini Presentation/Discussion

9:45 am Strategic Priorities Summary from February 28th Board Session, selection for Member Town Hall.

Linda Jutzi/Cory Bluhm Discussion/Motion

10:20 am In-camera Session Darryl Moore

List for April Board Meeting:

1. Constant Contact – pros and cons, comparison to other platforms. Presentation by Breanna Crossman, Marketing BIA

2. Downtown Cards – Survey conducted with businesses. Update and recommendation

BIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday March 22, 2017

8:30 am Meeting

Conestoga Room

City Hall

MOTION PACKAGE

Motion: To call the meeting to order

Motion: To approve the Agenda

Motion: To approve the February 2017 Minutes (2 sets of minutes in this package representing

the February Board meeting and the February Board Strategy session)

Motion: That the Board approve the breakdown of the approved Blues Festival Budget

for $35,000 for 2017 as follows: $32,500 to the Blues Committee, $2,500 to be set aside for Vendor Participation expenses. The Blues Pancake Breakfast will be moved to a

Member Event Grant Sponsorship to involve the engagement of more members in 2017.

Motion: That the Board endorse the Strategic Priorities as presented by Cory Bluhm

and Linda Jutzi for the endorsement by the BIA Membership at the April 26, 2017 Town Hall.

Motion: Adjourn the March 2017 Meeting

8:30 am – 10:30 am February 16, 2017

City of Kitchener 200 King Street W Schmalz Room, 2nd fl

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Minutes

Darryl Moore in the Chair.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS

Moved by Paul Walden, seconded by Sarah Marsh

“That the Board approve the Agenda as provided.”

Carried Unanimously

No conflict of interest was declared by any Member of the Board at this time.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Chelsea Cybalski, seconded by Erica Holenski

“That the Board approve the January 19th minutes.”

Carried Unanimously

WRPS Downtown Officer Pilot Program

The new pilot program with WRPS officers in the downtown began in January. James provided a brief

overview, and advised the program is being reviewed quarterly; WRPS is open to feedback and input on

how these officers will engage with the downtown. The program continues to be developed, and BIA

staff are meeting with WRPS to continue to form the roles of these officers. Input from Board can be

provided to Linda to share with WRPS. Although these officers will be focusing on King Street, the side

streets and parallel streets to King will also see additional attention from WRPS Officers.

Community Event Sponsorship Program

To simplify the budget, all community events and arts programming has been grouped into one item

within the budget. Linda is suggesting a tiered approach be considered by the Board, and circulated a

recommendation accordingly. She recommends every event go through this process to ensure clarity and

fairness across all opportunities. Funds may be provided prior to, during or after the event depending on

Present: Darryl Moore, Stewart Barclay, Paul Walman, Shirley Madill, Ryan Lloyd-Craig, Meghan Hawkins,

Chelsea Cybalski, Erika Holenski, Phong Tran, James Mitchell, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Frank

Etherington, Councillor Sarah Marsh, Linda Jutzi, Cory Bluhm.

Regrets: Frank Voisin, Domini Baldasaro.

needs and size. Events must be targeted to many throughout the downtown and residents of the city, not

a specific group.

It was suggested that this program be marketed to BIA members. Linda clarified that this program is

intended to run throughout the year.

Action:

An ongoing summary is to be maintained for Board review and will be housed on the new online portal

for Board content.

Ryan joined the meeting (8:49 a.m.)

Moved by Darryl Moore, seconded by Phong Tran

“That the board approve the community events sponsorship program including tier 1

requests of $5000 and under to be reviewed by BIA staff according to agreed criteria, as

well as tier 2 requests of $5000 and over to be reviewed by BIA staff according to agreed

criteria, further approval by Linda and presentation to the Marketing subcommittee,

followed by ratification at the following Board meeting.”

Carried Unanimously

Vacant Board Positions

Darryl advised Frank Voisin has resigned from the Board. The Nomination Committee has received three

applications to fill the vacancy. He advised that there are currently 2 positions open; the committee is

recommending that one be filled. Darryl provided an overview of each of the candidates along with

information on the criteria for Board representation. The Board discussed the options presented

considering current representation, and ensuring thorough coverage of those that are involved in the

downtown. They further considered tech companies in the downtown that would complement the

current make-up of the board.

Action:

Nominating committee to further consider and return to future meeting.

OBIAA Presentation: Board Governance

Linda provided a brief background on Kay Matthews, who has assisted with BIA development and

establishment of BIAs for a number of years. She is sharing her expertise in BIA governance with this

presentation to the BIA Board. Each member took an opportunity to introduce themselves.

Kay began her career taking minutes for 8 hours a month with the Streetsville BIA. Over many years and a

few shifts in positions, she has returned to the Georgetown BIA. She has 15 years of experience with two

different BIAs. The majority of this time, she has also participated on OBIAA, to learn and grow from

everyone involved. The OBIAA Board currently has 4 Ministers participating including: the Minister of

Municipal Housing and Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Minister of Tourism, Sport

and Culture as well as a new addition, the Minister of Economic Development and Growth. OBIAA is one

of only two groups that have this opportunity to connect with the ministries.

Kay outlined the definition for a BIA: a municipally designated improvement area and a local board of the

municipality with a Board of management which is governed by the Municipal Act. This board is a self-

help group funded through the property tax levy made up of commercially assessed property owners and

their tenants within a defined geographical boundary. She further added that a BIA is integral to

advancing a distinct, livable, vibrant and resilient business district within their local community. She

provided some interesting facts about BIAs: the first was Bloor West Village, legislation was initially

created in 1970, there are now 310+ BIAs in Ontario with 82 active in Toronto, representing $60M+

directly to the community, and 300+ BIA staff province wide. According to the Municipal Act, BIAs

oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and

structures in the area, beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality generally, and promote

the area as a business or shopping area.

Berry Vrbanovic left the meeting (9:29 a.m.)

Kay provided information on how BIAs work, including envisioning the vision, beautification and

maintenance, marketing and promotion as well as economic development. Within each of these, she

provided further information on the work that takes place to ensure success. She shared many examples

of BIA work within communities including banners, innovative public art, entrance signage, decorative

lighting, festivals and events, gateways and kiosks, hanging baskets and planters, marketing and

promotion, patios, public squares, street furniture, and Commercial Façade Improvement programs. She

added, BIAs are now beginning to invest in research to further support community development.

Berry Vrbanovic joined the meeting (9:48 a.m.)

Kay has been working with the Ministry of Municipal Housing and Affairs to develop a Health Check. As a

local Board, all BIAs must have procedural by-law and notice, a procurement policy, a personnel policy,

and a land acquisition/ownership policy. Further, all meetings must be open to the public, and minutes

available to the public for review. An annual audit is performed by the Municipal Auditor, and a

presentation on the annual report to the local Council. BIAs are under legislation to comply with MFIPPA

and Bill 168 for bullying and harassment, similar to the municipality. Kay suggests that governance

documents should be review at minimum every 4 years. Information on becoming a Board member

should be available including roles, participation expectations as a member, stewardship, conflict of

interest as well as a code of conduct. Board members roles includes strategic planning, work planning,

budgeting, ensuring compliance with legal and contract requirements, evaluating the organization’s

work, selecting and assessing the Executive Director and reviewing and authorizing plans and

commitments. As a supporter, Board members are expected to be an ambassador for the Board, support

staff, chair and/or sit on committees and assist with advancing the mandate of the Board through various

personal strengths which may include fundraising, and offering special skills such as social media,

finances etc. She provided members with tips for participating on a Board. She outlined the role of the

Executive Director as well as the BIA support staff.

Cory Bluhm left the meeting (10:11 a.m.)

Performance reviews are also important for the Board to complete. This is an opportunity to take a

critical look back and evaluate how well the BIA is doing. It should be performed frequently for Board and

staff to review effectiveness, organizational purpose, planning, and implementing. Performance

measures should use strategic plans and annual work plans as a baseline. Minutes should be action

oriented, recording why or why not targets have been met, identifying barriers and opportunities, and

setting strategies to move forward. This may also include a review of the strategic plan to ensure it is still

appropriate as well as surveying BIA members to validate the identified actions and obtain feedback as to

the effectiveness and relevance of the plan. Ensure effective meetings by defining roles and preparing

adequately for the meeting through planning of the agenda, ensure all reports and information are

available and notify everyone who needs to be aware of the meetings. Setting of ground rules is also

useful as the meeting begins. Kay provided direction on strong chairing of meetings and decision making.

Record keeping is important for the Board, this includes preparation for the meeting, the minutes and

follow up after the meeting. Consider having a record of present, regrets and absent. She reviewed

contents of the minutes including: meeting type, name of BIA, date, time & location, name of recording

secretary, attendance (confirming quorum), call to order, declaration of conflict of interest, approval of

previous meeting minutes, committee reports, motions, next meeting date and adjournment time. She

outlined a sample motion.

Cory Bluhm joined the meeting (10:23 a.m.)

She outlined the importance of a strategic plan for the BIA, various models that can be used in

development of the strategic plan. Funding of BIAs and how funds are raised was highlighted briefly, as

well as potential sources of funds.

Ryan Lloyd-Craig left the meeting (10:35 a.m.)

She further reviewed how municipalities can support BIAs and outlined who benefits from the work of

the BIA.

Darryl thanked Kay very much for the presentation and Linda for arranging.

Other Business

Nothing at this time.

In-Camera

Nothing at this time.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Phong Tran, seconded by Chealsea Cybalski

“That the meeting adjourn.” (10:39 a.m.)

Carried Unanimously

8:12 am – 8:20 am February 28, 2017

City of Kitchener 200 King Street W Caucus Room, 2nd fl

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Minutes

Darryl Moore in the Chair.

APPROVAL OF NEW BOARD EXECUTIVE REPRESENTATIVE

Darryl reminds the board that the position of Vice-Chair of the executive has been vacant and is integral

to the succession planning of the Board.

Erika Holenski has approached the executive to express her interest in taking on the role of Vice-Chair. A

notice was issued to all board members asking if there were any other applicants for the position. No

additional board members submitted formal interest.

Moved by Darryl Moore, seconded by Paul Walman

“That the Board appoint Erika Holenski as Vice-Chair.”

Carried Unanimously

OTHER BUSINESS

Linda reminds the board that the Mayor’s Dinner will be held on April 8th, 2017. BIA Board members who

are able to attend are encouraged to do so.

Sarah shares with the board about the Summer Games 2021 rally pertaining to the bid submitted by the

Region to host the games.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Frank Etherington, seconded by Erika Holenski

“That the meeting adjourn.” (8:20am.)

Carried Unanimously

Present: Darryl Moore, Paul Walman, Shirley Madill, Meghan Hawkins, Chelsea Cybalski, Erika Holenski,

Phong Tran, Councillor Frank Etherington, Councillor Sarah Marsh, Domini Baldasaro, Linda Jutzi, Cory

Bluhm.

Regrets: Stewart Barclay, Ryan Lloyd-Craig.

Patio Program

What happened in 2016?

Budget $50,000

The BIA Patio Funding Program was created with the vision to provide unified, attractive and clean

patios to restaurants owners in the core. This project was Budgeted under Streetscape Beautification

which aligned with the priority to activate our streets at noon hour and after five creating an amazing

King St. experience.

In 2016 the BIA invested significantly towards 7 new patios with fencing and furniture. Another Seven

businesses applied for new furniture replacing existing faded /broken furniture adding new life to their

patios. Later in the season the BIA purchased 6 market umbrellas branded in our downtown colors to

add even more vibrancy to the core.

Members were sent information outlining all requirements for the 2016 Patio Program through

Constant Contact and were also hand delivered to business owners. The package included the COK’s

licensing form and the BIA Patio Funding Application.

Members were informed that the licensing application for a new patio had to be filled out and sent to

the COK for approval prior to applying to the BIA funding program. This 4-6-week process involved

mapping and measuring out each new patio request followed by approvals from safety/fire

departments. Once each application and licensing fee was approved, the BIA scheduled fencing

installations with the business owners.

Each member that applied to the patio program was required to sign a document stating the following:

o The BIA owns all furniture and fencing

o Members to notify the BIA for pickup of furniture and fencing should a business close or move

outside the boundary

o The BIA to install and dismantle fencing in the spring and fall months (weather permitting)

o Members are required to store all fencing and furniture in the winter months

o Members are responsible for lost, stolen or damaged furniture and fencing

Members who were a part of the Patio Program in 2016 received a hand delivered letter in late

September with a schedule of when the contractor would be removing fencing for the winter season.

Business owners were responsible to store all fencing and furniture once it was dismantled, for the

winter months. This process took place after the Oktoberfest celebrations downtown.

Patio Program Update 2017 Budget $22,000

On February 6th, The COK hand delivered twenty-three businesses information indicating the process for

applying for a patio in 2017. Since then four businesses from 2016 responded to the request and paid

their renewal fee. The due date for renewal applications was February 17th.

Both the COK and BIA will be following up with each member, with a letter, and in person, once intent is

put forward for a patio.

The goal discussed by the BIA and the COK is to have the patio’s open by mid May. We are working from

a schedule that allows for a spring power washing on King Street around the first week of May pending

weather. The installation of fencing can be executed before power washing. It would be optimal not to

put any furniture out until after power washing to avoid missing areas.

2017 will include:

Duke Street Food Block – while this Board package was formulated the patio program on Duke Street is

still unknown pending Regional Road decisions

San Fran Panini -intent for new patio

271 King - intent for new patio

7 installation projects from existing patios 2016 – pending businesses apply and pay their licensing fee

Umbrellas – any funds left over from the overall project will be slated for new umbrellas

2018

Businesses will be notified this year upon installation that they will be responsible for their own install in

2018. The program had all costs covered during ION Construction. The BIA will continue to provide

additional information and communication for businesses. Business owners have to do their part by

getting their application in on time and paying their licensing fee.

Budget will be considered for new patios and umbrellas.

Event timeline

CANADA DAY IN DTK The updates below reflect the plans for 2017.

The event is set to start at 5:00pm on Saturday July 1st, and conclude at 10:30pm following fireworks.

Entertainment

Fireworks have been booked, and logistical aspects are in the process of being approved by all

necessary parties (Mayors Office, and Kitchener Fire).

Headlining Entertainment has been confirmed, however must remain confidential at this point,

and cannot be release due to contractual obligations.

Beer Garden

The licensed beer garden will remain as it has in past years. It is expected that an “Expression of Interest”

letter will be sent out by the City of Kitchener for participation. Details of this are currently being reviewed

by the Purchasing Unit on how this will be done.

Update on Vendor Village

Benefits:

Food Members of the Downtown Kitchener BIA have the opportunity participate in the Vendor

Village again in 2017.

o Vendor occupancy will be in the Downtown Kitchener branded tents - not the huts.

Risks + Observations:

Due to budgetary restraints, the City of Kitchener will not be providing vendors with additional

hydro this year. This was a cost of (approximately) $3,800 in past years.

Electrical updates are being made along King Street in the flower beds. In past years, this has

posed a risk as most vendors would blow a fuse.

o The members highlighted in yellow below typically bring appliances that require additional voltage in order to meet Public Health standards:

1) B@THEMUSEUM 2) Pupuseria Latinos Restaurant 3) Kava Bean Bistro 4) The Yeti 5) Ellison’s Bistro 6) The Adventurers Guild 7) Café Pyrus 8) American Latina Deli 9) TWH Social

10) Amaya Express 11) Goodvibes juice co. 12) Gilt Restaurant 13) R’Chyee’s Frozen Yogurt 14) Pure JBK 15) Waterloo Region Record 16) Kitchener Fire – COPS 17) Kultrun World Music Festival 18) The Feldman Agency

54 Queen Street South, Kitchener Ontario N2G 1V6

www.downtownkitchenerbia.ca

Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area 1

o If a vendor accidentally pulls more electrical than what is supported, it will blow the panel

and leave many vendors without hydro. This impacts their ability to serve food, as they

cannot maintain Public Health Standards.

In past years, the Vendor Village started on King Street at Gaukel Street, and ended in front of

Bobby O’Brien’s. In 2017, the Vendor Village will be moved: starting at Bobby O’Brien’s, and

ending at King/Ontario Street.

In order to accommodate pedestrian volumes vendors will be asked to shut-down at 8:00pm,

rather than stay open for the entire duration of the event. Prior to 2017, all vendors were required

to stay open entire duration of the event, as they needed vehicle access to load their supplies.

This posed as a safety concern navigating in the dark hours within a road closure.

To accommodate vendors in 2017:

All participants to pay a “Vendor Fee”. This will cover the cost of additional electrical.

o Vendors would pay approximately $200. This cost is based off 2016 participation.

www.downtownkitchenerbia.ca

Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area 54 Queen Street South, Kitchener Ontario N2G 1V6

2

BLUES FESTIVAL 2017 The updates below reflect the plans for 2017.

The approved spend for the Blues Festival is $35,000 for 2017.

There is a cost associated with the setup of vendors on King Street. The

Blues Committee covers electrical costs while the BIA pays for tent rentals.

We will need to set aside $2,500 for vendor set up allowing for a

sponsorship amount of $32,500 to the Blues Committee.

The Pancake Gospel Breakfast takes place on the Sunday morning at the

BIA stage just behind Crabby Joes in the parking lot. This event is well

attended and creates an opportunity to raise funds for a charity. It is a

positive experience. Past events involved Board members serving food

along with Councilors and the Mayor. The event cannot be cancelled for

2017 as the Blues organizers have already confirmed talent for that

morning.

I am proposing that the Gospel Breakfast be moved to a Community Event

Sponsorship program and that we create an event in 2017 that involves

more of our members and the community. The event attracted over 1500

people last year. We are investigating new concepts for this event. A few

technology companies have expressed interest in wanting to volunteer.

I believe this breakfast could have more coverage by the media, acquire

new involvement from people that work and live here, and grow into

something that aligns with our new potential priorities.

There will be an update provided at the May 2017 Board meeting regarding

new concepts for the Blues Gospel Breakfast.

54 Queen Street South, Kitchener Ontario N2G 1V6

www.downtownkitchenerbia.ca

Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area 1

DOWNTOWN KITCHENER

DISCOVERY TEAM

WHY

• Kitchener Downtown Discovery Team is based in an approach that is welcoming, engaging and inclusive. We

want to spread the message that everyone is welcome in downtown Kitchener – businesses, shoppers, people

who live in the downtown, our growing tech sector employers and employees.

• Downtown is a place where people who are homeless or at risk of homeless are always present. Many in this

group struggle with mental health and addictions. It takes patience and knowledge to engage this group in

positive ways. When people are counted in they participate more widely than when they are left out.

• Diversity is interesting, complex, and rich. The skills of hosting a diverse downtown can be shared. The

Discovery Team can be part of the conversation.

• The Working Centre brings the added focus of engagement – can we invite people who might otherwise be

left out of a dynamic downtown to be part of the core infrastructure? We are excited to offer paid work op-

portunities for people to act as ambassadors, as part of the clean team, and as part of making downtown

an interesting, engaging and safe place to be.

WHAT

• The Discovery Team spends time on the downtown streets – forming relationships, acting as eyes on the

street, supports businesses, and supporting people of the downtown to get to know each other and share

space in mutually agreeable ways.

• This team creatively problem-solves the issues of downtown businesses, navigating the space between

the WRPS Downtown Proactive Officers, and the Downtown Street Outreach Workers – bringing thoughtful

presence, problem-solving and relationship building – responding thoughtfully, building shared relation-

ships and awareness.

• Once the main Downtown Discovery Team is established, we hope to add Discover Downtown Kitchener

tours (historical tours that also include information about local businesses who are part of the downtown),

lunch-and-learns for downtown business people (building the connection to downtown Kitchener, explor-

ing ways to become involved in/become aware of downtown social services), learning sessions on feeling

safe in downtown Kitchener.

WHERE

• The Downtown Discovery Team will spend their time on the main streets of downtown Kitchener, becoming

familiar with people who spend their time in the downtown and with downtown business people. It is through

these healthy relationships that we can invite a shared vision of an inclusive downtown.

• The “where” will also be decided by our downtown businesses – is there an issue, or a moment where prob-

lem solving help is needed? Businesses can call the Discovery Team cell phone and invite the presence of

this downtown team to creatively problem solve situations. Our goal is to do this in ways that build relation-

ships, which meet business needs, which also build inclusive and diverse spaces in downtown Kitchener.

WHO

The Downtown Discovery Team is composed of:

• One prime team member who holds the relationships and the project focus and commitments – hired by

The Working Centre.

• A Job Café worker, paid for their commitment to downtown Kitchener - people with lived experience who

can bring awareness, understanding, and who can expand the conversation – how do we build relation-

ships rather than focusing on problems?

• Walk-along shifts will be available to downtown people – from businesses, from the neighbourhoods of

downtown, from the community – by volunteering to walk-along with the downtown Discovery Team, we

can help to build relationships and awareness so that we can all understand better the complexities of an

inclusive downtown.

WHEN

• Mon - Fri, from 11:00AM - 6:00PM, the Downtown Discovery Team will be on the streets of downtown Kitchener.

• Businesses can call the cell phone for the Downtown Discovery Team, inviting them to respond together to

situations that emerge.

• Conversation with the Downtown Kitchener BIA continues to evolve – are there ways to support Down-

town Kitchener events and activities?

• We are currently exploring the issues presented by Saturday mornings, when the streets are mostly empty

in downtown Kitchener – can we add presence during those hours?

• Stay tuned – we will be on the streets as of April 18, 2017. Join the conversation!

NEXT STEPS

• Information Open House at the BIA office Wednesday April 5, 2018. An opportunity for businesses to meet

and ask questions to the Outreach Workers, Discovery Team and WRPS.

• Provide Downtown Businesses with easy access contact card with Discovery Team, Outreach and WRPS

phone numbers.

• Design Shirts for Discovery Team

• Lunch and Learn Workshops

DISCOVERY TEAM LEADER

Alfred Rempel is a lifelong resident of Kitchener-Waterloo. Married with three

teenagers, Alfred and his family live and work downtown. Alfred possesses

a strong sense of building community. Examples of this are his involvement

in CAFKA as well as place-making community engagement event organizer

for Barra Castle on Benton Street. Alfred’s gentle, approachable demeanour,

along with his knowledge of historical facts of places in the Downtown Core

will be an asset to the responsibilities of Discovery Team leader.

Safe & Clean

Inclusive

Downtown

Attract Business & Public

Eyes on the Stree't

Presence in the

Downtown

Vision for DTK 2020: Downtown Kitchener is a place where anything is possible!

And we’re all in this together!

Core Values

Local & Unique Diverse & Inclusive Gritty & Authentic Community

Ideas to Reinforce Core Values - Launch a significant ‘Cool Street’ brand building campaign

Strategic Priorities 1. Ignite Downtown as a Platform for the Next Generation of Urban Shops, Restaurants & Services

2. Foster Heartfelt Urban Experiences 3. Champion a Caring & Collaborative Community

ION Opportunity - Greater customer reach (centre of the system) - Continued Intensification

- Growth of the walking experience - Greater emergence of the urban lifestyle

- ‘Urban community’ will be redefined - Nodal identity (‘Small town’ in a big city)

What the Community Wants More and better shops and daily services. Continue growing a vibrant food scene. A preference for unique, independent businesses.

A layering of social experiences (dinner, drinks, culture, shopping, music). An element of discovery. Fun, unconventional experiences.

A spirit where everyone matters. Diversity of people, places and businesses. Collaboration instead of competition.

What the BIA Board Said Foster a vibrant mix of businesses. Communicate & market our assets.

Creative, diverse urban spaces. Animate DTK with after 5pm experiences

Communicate & market our assets

What the BIA and City are currently collaborating on

- Façade Grants - OWN IT Magazine - Shopping & Dining Guide, Flavour Finder, etc. - Social Media/Web Promotion - Small Business Centre programs - Business attraction (responsive)

- Downtown Live (currently daytime) - Patio Program - Community Grant Program - Festival & Event Partnerships - Enhanced beautification (ex: flowers, pole wraps, banners)

- Own It Magazine - On-going Community Development - Partnership Building - Community Grant Programs

What the BIA and City are currently planning

- Food Incubator - Digital Main Street Partnership

- Goudie’s Lane Pilot - Queen Street Placemaking

- Residential intensification of City-owned lands

Assets - Existing network of businesses - Kitchener Market - Small Business Centre - Ground Floor Vacancies - Communitech Hub/Velocity

- 6 Cultural Venues - Apollo Cinema - Dynamic food, coffee & drink scene - Participatory venues (ex: Gr8 Escape) - Live music & comedy venues

- King Street Design/Patios - Festival scene - Victoria Park, Carl Zehr Square, Laneways, etc.

- Existing community & business diversity - Network of Community Builders - 6 Cultural Venues & Community Centre - Social & Community Service Industries - 7 Co-working Spaces

- Communitech Hub, Velocity, SBC - Chamber of Commerce, WR Tourism - Faith Organizations

Inside The Box Ideas - New business attraction strategy - Retail market analysis - Marketing strategy to attract customers - Improve customer impediments (ex: wayfinding, parking, etc.) - Continue beautification & cleanliness efforts

- Continue beautification & cleanliness efforts - Marketing strategy to promote experiences - Laneway & Parkette Activation - More activations in Innovation, Market & Civic District

- Host art crawls - Dog parks/amenities - Better integration of Innovation, Market & Civic Districts

Big Thinking Ideas - Retail/Food Incubator Program (a network of pop-up/incubator spaces, offering a suite of services, integrated with immerging technologies, etc.)

- Shift resources to after 5pm and weekends - Signature Outdoor Installations (ex: Jumbo Letters, Ferris Wheel, Painted Street)

- Community building as a fundamental approach to doing business - Launch a full-sale, ongoing DTKLove campaign

BIA Board

Endorsement MARCH 2017

PROCESS FLOW TO DEVELOP DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 2017-2020

Strategic

Priority #1

Strategic

Priority #2

Strategic

Priority #3

BIA & City

Staff

Develop

Work Plans JULY 2017

City Council

Approval JUNE 2017

BIA Board

Approves

Strategic Plan MAY 2017

BIA Strategy

Session

Survey

Analysis

Expert

Analysis

Public

Consultation APRIL 12/17

Member

Town Hall APRIL 26/17

BIA & City Staff Draft Final Version of 3 Year

Strategic Plan

MAY 2017