Scott Davey – Kitchener City Councillor, Ward 1

It’s been a long time time coming and I hope you can join us at the Bridgeport Community Centre Grand Re:Opening this Saturday May 12th from 11am-2pm at 20 Tyson Dr. Along with Mayor Zehr and myself, MPP John Milloy and MP Peter Braid are expected to attend as each of our levels of government (City, Province and Country) contributed 1/3 of the dollars for this expansion and renovation. Renovated top to bottom with a new meeting room; I must confess that I’m most proud of the outdoor rink.

There will be activities and refreshments so I hope to see you there!

I’ve had some further contacts regarding the former Notre Dame school site. While there has been no material change, I thought I’d update that fact for those wondering. The city has not received a site plan application, so as mentioned previously, there is no plan at all for the site. At this point I can confirm only that it will eventually be developed-residential as it is zoned currently; and that I am committed to maintaining 5% parkland which is the maximum allowable by policy.

As your councillor, I have no authority to affect the residential development of the area, or to increase the final park size by greater than 5%. I have received complaints that developing this site is against our parks-focused masterplans and I completely agree; except that the city had no hand in the sale of the site. It was never our property, it belonged to the school board and was sold to a developer. Regardless, when plans begin to settle I will ensure the residents views are heard by the developer and I will continue to provide updates the moment new information comes to light.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

It’s been a while since my last update. Since the budget, most council issues have been of little significance to our area but it’s now time to update on a few issues.

Bridgeport Community Centre

…is now reopened! Although open, including for rentals, it will take a while to get the level of regular programming and activities to that of other Community Centres. However, I couldn’t be happier that the level of recreational options and service to the Bridgeport area is set to meet or exceed other areas of the city. There will be a grand opening on May 12 with details to follow, but I hope to see you there.

The Boathouse

I understand many of you are tired of hearing about it, but I assure you that the thorough media-coverage exaggerated councils focus on the issue. I will say only that I’m content that, in reconsideration, a public washroom within the building remains an option. For those unfamiliar, the original plan called for the closing of existing public washrooms which would have adversely affected non-Boathouse patrons either in the loss of their use, or in the high expected cost (read: taxation) to build new washrooms elsewhere.

Notre Dame Development

This is my first experience dealing with a major site development as a councillor. I expect it to be challenging as I have mixed feelings on the issue. I completely understand and empathize with our community sense-of-loss of the school and the playground area. I also understand that people will be upset where they once backed on to a green space they will soon back on to other homes. The opportunity to outright purchase the site came before my term on council so there is nothing I, as your elected representative, could have done in that regard. What must be accepted now is that the area will be developed, and all the power of council could not affect that now.

Accepting that history, we need to look at where we are, and where we’re going; looking back will be counter-productive. It is important to remember that the property is now privately owned, and to be frank, the developer has far more power than we do. Having said that, this process does not need to be adversarial. In fact, within the context of the loss, we couldn’t have asked for a better developer and it’s critical we work cooperatively. As I’ve said, for those concerned about intensification (e.g. high-rises, town-homes etc.) or build-quality, we are extremely fortunate with the developer that acquired the property. Upon most recent discussion, the intention is to build about 49 single detached homes; no town-homes or even semi-detached. The lot sizes will conform to modern-day practices but the homes will be upscale and I believe will raise overall property values in the area once the development is complete. Most important to some, I would not accept taking cash in lieu of the 5% green-space, and I understand that our city-staff agree.

Although not required, the developer has initiated a public input session and has relayed sincere concern in working with the community. The details and location have not been set but watch this space in the coming days if you’re interested in attending. The public input session will include a suggested site-plan for feedback. I will approach immediate area residents door-to-door once the date and location are set. If you have any immediate concerns please don’t hesitate to email me at scott.davey@kitchener.ca or call 519.489.9056.

It was only after speaking to some constituents that I realized the grossly inaccurate understanding of what it means when council makes cuts. Suppose for a moment that you make $100,000 per year in your job. Now imagine your boss comes up to you at the end of the year and asks how much of a raise you’d like, and you tell her 5%. If approved, that would equate to a new salary of $105,000. Now if your boss says “no way” and instead gives you a 2% raise (equaling $102,000) would you go home and tell your spouse your salary was cut by $3,000 when it actually went up by $2,000? Of course not. That would be ridiculous, but that’s exactly how it’s reported in the media when council makes cuts. As the city’s chair of finance, I find this an extremely important distinction, and one that everyone needs to understand.

For example, someone asked how I can justify cutting $60,000 from the Library budget. “I couldn’t justify that.” I reply. “That’s why I supported an increase of $127,481 in the 2012 library budget over 2011.” That’s when the puzzled-look comes, and I explain the analogy above. The library asked for an increase of $187,481 or 2.1% over last years budget, but council only approved an increase of $127,481 or 1.4%. However, instead of an increase, it gets reported as a cut of $60,000.

Another more extreme example is the cut from Fire services. The total Fire budget for last year was $28,694,877. The final approved budget this year equated to $29,333,721 for a total increased investment in Fire services of $638,844 in 2012 over 2011. This amounts to a 2.2% increase in the Fire budget year over year. Council trimmed $204,000 from the extra $842,844 requested. Still, the perception is that of a year over year budget-reduction which couldn’t be further from the truth.

It is extremely difficult and often divisive for council to keep costs under control. As a new councillor, I fear that misunderstandings like the above noted, amplify and distort reality to a point that some may begin to avoid every sensitive issue and adopt the dangerous mantra of– when in doubt, spend. Being a fiscally responsible politician comes with negative-connotation because attempting to control cost increases is met with the implication that you do not value whichever area you’re trying to realize efficiency; and this too couldn’t be further from the truth.

Many have contacted me regarding the status of the Notre Dame school site. The property was owned by the school board but was sold months ago to a private company who is seeking development. Upon sale, a school property is automatically zoned residential. There is no mechanism to override that zoning, so residential development is a foregone conclusion.

While there is no approved site-plan as yet, the property is being prepped for development. The good news is that the new owner of the land is well known and respected, and plans to mirror the current community within the confines of modern development. What that means is that the lots will likely be similar in size to newer developments (narrower, but deeper) and there is an expected mix of single-detached and semi-detached. At present some may be relieved to discover there are no plans for any sort of high-rise development or even town-homes. In terms of land, the city can only legally retain about 5% of the land for park/green space and we’re looking into our options in that regard.

There will be public disclosure and involvement when details firm-up, but I intend on going door to door for all neighbours abutting and facing the property to inform them of the changes and gather input. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me at 519.489.9056.

I’m rather happy to relate that my fellow councillors have elected me Chair for Finance for 2012. My previous work experience mirrors the demands of the position, and I plan to use my influence to promote fiscal restraint and frugality in these especially volatile economic times. The balance of my appointments (Economic Development, Safe + Health Communities, Oktoberfest Advisory and Animal Designation) have remained unchanged.

At committee on Monday, council voted to extend a loan of $9.6 million to the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club (KRHC) to fund expansion of the Dom Cardillo arena by 1000 seats. The staff recommendation, although different from council’s decision, was precisely what should have been brought forward as staff attempts to protect us from both debt and risk. The net effect of council’s decision is akin to co-signing a loan. The KRHC will pay both the principle, and the entirety of the interest under the arrangement. The only circumstance under which the City would need to pay (and by extension, you, the taxpayer) is if the Kitchener Rangers were to default on the loan. The Rangers have borrowed and repaid debts in-full many times prior, so a default is highly unlikely to say the least; still, it’s a risk-decision that our staff should (and did) leave to council.

The City of Kitchener owns the auditorium. The Rangers are technically tenants that are paying to expand/improve our facility to our mutual benefit. City staff, rightfully concerned with our rising debt levels, recommended that the Rangers attempt to seek their own financing. The original motion put forward would have seen the loan extended to the KRHC at a higher interest rate and would see taxpayers responsible for the funding shortfall which amounted to approximately $350,000. With a solid business case, I felt the $350,000 was an unnecessary expenditure and amended the motion so that the city extended the financing, saving us that $350,000, assuming that the Rangers fulfill their obligations. I did inquire about potential cost associated with insuring the loan, but saw little support and ultimately withdrew that part of the amendment.

Despite being personally fiscally-conservative and an abhor-er of debt, I believe council made the right decision. Technically we are adding to our debt, but it’s in a way that should be repaid in full without ever affecting taxation.

It wasn’t that long ago that our city was primarily a manufacturing based economy. Looking only at the employment losses in the recent history of this sector, and with the upcoming closure of the Maple Leaf Foods plant in 2014, one would think that we are a city in trouble. The reality is, through a combination of luck and design, our local economy
is still strong. The Kitchener Economic Development Strategy (KEDS) is a high-level document that outlines the direction in which the city and its stakeholders can move to create a diversified, nimble and resilient local economy.

The document itself is succinct and easy to absorb; I recommend reading it if you have an interest in the economic future of Kitchener. KEDS is best taken as a whole; its five core areas intertwine to create new businesses and support existing, while also attracting and retaining talent.

It’s the “Start-up City” component that I find most interesting. Much of the KEDS strategy is focused on shorter-term aspects such as where to house future businesses and how to efficiently transport workers. I think encouraging and supporting start-up businesses has the greatest potential to create jobs directly, and to insulate our economy through diversification long into the future.

A start-up focused approach is the spaghetti analogy to economic development. In this approach we leverage our local educational institutions to “throw” numerous start-ups against the wall and let the market decide which will stick. The key to supporting these start-ups is through shared experiences and connections in innovative centres like the Communitech Hub. They ensure that if a business does fail, it’s not due to an otherwise preventable pitfall. Many start-ups have, and others will continue, to become successful on a smaller scale, but the real return on this investment comes when just one of these businesses becomes the next Desire2Learn or Research in Motion.

Coming off of an amazing summer weather-wise, I’d to bring to conclusion previously-mentioned Public Art issues and provide an update on the community centre in Bridgeport.

Public Art

Council recently reviewed the Public Art Policy which I think needs some future revision to allow for further cost savings. However, I ultimately supported it after successfully amending it twice (remember that amendments are often difficult to pass, requiring a majority of council to vote in favour.) The first amendment is to involve our local educational-institutions in the public art process. This is important for two reasons.

– leveraging a local resource in art benefits by ensuring the culture of our region is embedded in potential works as opposed to preference of late for established art firms out of Toronto.

– to find some savings in partnering with post secondary institutions. Funded-works could be part of existing individual or group arts-programs as a learning/credited experience rather than a purely for-profit scenario where Public Art pieces always suspiciously come in at the exact budget amount.

The second amendment was to separate the ultimate location of installed art from its contributing location where that location might not be ideal in terms of public exposure. I was thinking primarily about the previously mentioned Kitchener Operations Facility (KOF) Public Art at the former Goodrich plant. While the amendment passed, unfortunately the $120,000 art at the KOF was approved by council.

Bridgeport Community Centre

I recently inspected the long-closed community centre in the midst of renovation. I am happy to say not only is it coming in on budget and on time… it’s shaping up quite nicely. I’m rather excited about what I feel will be the signature aspect which is actually located outside the centre. Hint… bring your skates.
While there were significant issues with this project prior to my election, I have to commend our staff on their execution since; from financing, to planning to installation. The centre is set to re-open late this year. I will update you on the exact timing, and the re-opening event, as it approaches.

There’s been a couple of developments of late that I’d like to touch upon. Since 2008, the economy has been floating in a sea of uncertainty, and world markets have been decidedly volatile. Unless you’re following it, you might not be acutely aware of just how bad things are in the world-economy. The reason for this happy-ignorance is that our country and more-so our region, has been insulated from much of the global turmoil. From the U.S. mortgage crisis back in 2009 to the debt crisis in Europe, Canada has been surprisingly resilient.

There’s an old economic saying that goes something like– if the U.S. sneezes, Canada catches a cold. It was a patently true expression; but no more apparently. Canada is top of the G7 and has been for a while, and at present, Waterloo Region is second only to Toronto in economic growth putting us in some pretty elite territory.

With the latest wave of truly-irresponsible politics south of the border regarding the debt ceiling and the consequent credit-rating drop we should all be cautious. In light of the layoffs and uncertainty at one of our largest regional employers we do need to remember that we are not an island, but we are much more secure, and much more independent than we were just a decade ago.