DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ROOM, TOWNHALL, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016, 8:30 AM

Transcription

1 DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ROOM, TOWNHALL, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016, 8:30 AM MINUTES Present: Councillor Mike Lauder, Chair Betty Crompton, Vice Chair Maureen Reid Bonnie McLaren Christine Johnston Also Present: Chief Administrative Officer, Jeff Lees Director of Planning and Community Development, Andrea Betty North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation, Lois Irvine Absent: Dale Forget Dorothy Coombs Dave Dusome Michelle Laurin 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a) Minutes of the Downtown Improvement Committee meeting held on Wednesday, July 6, Moved by Member Crompton and Seconded by Member McLaren THAT the minutes of the Downtown Improvement Committee meeting held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 be approved. Page 1 of 5

2 CARRIED 4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES a) Downtown Improvement Committee Workplan 2017 The Committee reviewed the draft Workplan and made comments with respect to: Communication Strategy and whether this is in general or specific to Main Street. Inquired whether the development of a strategy could be prepared by a sub-committee; Inquired whether there were any possible research projects that Georgian College students may assist the Committee with; Add schedule of Events. The Committee requested that the Workplan be discussed at the next meeting. 5. SPECIAL EVENTS AND TOURISM a) Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour The Committee noted the Pumpkinferno event at Discovery Harbour would be held during the month of October. Staff noted that additional banners for Main Street had been purchased by Discovery Harbour and would be installed along Main Street in mid to late September. The Committee discussed how to involve downtown businesses in the event and discussed the possibility of a "pumpkin carving contest". Staff would follow up with Discovery Harbour to see if a trophy could be prepared in keeping with the pumpkinferno event. Other ideas included creation about a fall theme for "What I love about my Town". For Information and Discussion. b) Tale of a Town - September 4th, 7th and 10th The Committee noted that "Tale of a Town" would be in Penetanguishene on September 19th. A question was raised on Page 2 of 5

3 whether the Town would received a copy of the materials and information collected as part of that project. c) Santa Claus Parade The Committee was presented an overview of planned winter events including the Santa Claus parade. The Committee noted that Friday night had not necessarily been a good time for the parade as there were concerns with lighting and safety at night. Further that many businesses were closed at night and therefore didn't benefit from the people attending the parade. These comments would be provided to the Recreation and Cultural Services Department. 6. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND STREETSCAPING a) Winter Decorations The Committee discussed the planning and organization of decorations. Staff will follow up regarding an internal discussion on the matter. b) Downtown Business Directory The Committee discussed the Downtown Map and requested the following changes: That Beck Boulevard and the Museum be identified on the map; Add the Metis Logo to the map; Include the new Amphitheatre on the map; The Committee also inquired whether the map would be available in French. Staff noted that it was the intent to have a bilingual map and that La Cle D'la Baie had agreed to provide the translation once the map was finalized. c) Main Street Streetscaping Plan The Committee noted that special meeting was planned to present the streetscaping drawings to the Committee. d) Main Street construction and Thompson Road West intersection Page 3 of 5

4 The Committee was informed of a recent decision by Council with respect to the timing of construction for Main Street and the Thompson Road West intersection. Council had approved the substantial completion of Main Street in 2017, with the design of the Thompson Road intersection in 2017 and construction upon completion of Main Street. 7. BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION a) Update from North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation Lois Irvine provided the Committee with an updated on the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation activities. The September 26, 2016 event on the "Customer Connection" was noted. 8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION a) 2017 Budget Preparation The Committee noted that budget preparation was underway and a brief overview of the Community Development budget was provided. It was request that an increase to the Conference budget be requested to permit members to attend conferences. 9. NEW BUSINESS ACTIVITY 10. QUESTIONS & INQUIRIES 11. NEXT MEETING 12. ADJOURNMENT CHAIR RECORDING SECRETARY Page 4 of 5

5 Page 5 of 5