Rutland Vision Report 2013 Web viewRutland's internal and external Image reflects a community that...

Rutland: Vision, Focus and Future(May 30, 2013)

randydiehlconsulting.com

[email protected]

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Rutland Vision, Focus and Future

Table of Contents

Workshop Outline ................................................................................Page 3

Executive Summary ..............................................................................Page 4

Strategic Initiatives ...............................................................................Page 6

Appendix A: Workshop Survey Results...................................................Page 11

Appendix B: Minutes of Meeting ...........................................................Page 13

Diehl Management Page 2


Workshop Outline: May 30th, 2013 (9 am to 4:00 pm)

Workshop: Goals: 1. Agreement on Stakeholder Cooperation and Collaboration Strategy 2. Identify Development Priorities: Short and Long Term 3. Develop Action Plan and Follow Up Strategy

Attendees: Crystal Hansen (President URBIA) Laurel D'Andrea (Executive Director URBIA) Garry Benson (URBIA Member/Lawyer) Ron Vanderbrink (Pastor - Boys and Girls Club/Rutland Residents Association) John Houston (President, Rutland Residents Association) Todd Sanderson (Rutland Park Society) Mike Koutsantonis (URBIA Member/Owner Restaurant) Alan Kirschner (Black Mountain Irrigation & Kirschner Mountain Estates) Frank Pohland (Development Designer - CPP Consultants) Andrew Bruce (Regional Manager - Melcor Developments) Gerry Zimmerman (CoK ,Councillor) Doug Gilchrist (CoK , Acting General Manager Community Sustainability) Alec Warrender (CoK Land Use Management ) Kevin McDougal (CoK Community Policing) Bill Berry (CoK Design & Construction Services) Ron Westlake (CoK Director, Regional Services ) Greg Wise (CoK By Law Enforcement Manager)

Facilitator: Randy Diehl (Diehl Management)

Review Process Review of Current Planning Documents Review of Board Questionnaire Address the Issues that were flagged Identify New Directions



Executive Summary

The Rutland Uptown Business Improvement area (URBIA) has undergone some recent changes with a new Board Executive and a new Executive Director. These changes generated a debate within URBIA that there was a need to engage in a community-wide discussion about issues and concerns for all citizens and businesses. This workshop was the result of that effort.

The Workshop was held on May 30th, 2013 and it included a variety of individuals representing Community Groups, City Officials and Business Owners. This was the first "coming together" of these diverse interests and represented a significant shift towards a new cooperative strategy that would benefit all groups. In essence, what started as a task to create a list of demands for Infrastructure and Program Development for Kelowna City Council and Administration quickly evolved into a "Community Based - One Voice Strategy". The mandate of this Group would be to provide on-going input into the Strategic Planning of Kelowna and Senior Governments.

The Group was called the Rutland Unified Stakeholders Team - RUST which received widespread support from the participants including; City Hall Political and Administrative Representatives. This group would go beyond the short term demands and interests of the community by attempting to reconcile internal differences and presenting a unified front for City Hall and Senior Government Officials. This was welcomed by City Hall Officials as for them, it is much easier to address the needs of one unified group than a myriad of competing interests. This is a unique model of cooperation between business, residents and interest groups that is not typical in B.C.

A key issue was the re-making of the "Rutland Image" as viewed by the outside community and as well as by the residents and businesses within Rutland. The "Image problem" for Rutland was holding back positive efforts needed to move initiatives forward. The group flagged that there was little understanding of the history of Rutland, the roots of its commerce and how/why citizens felt a disconnect with the remainder of Kelowna. To move forward, the group believes that a sort of reconciliation of the '70's Amalgamation Promises' was required. The group expressed a genuine frustration that Rutland had felt ignored by Kelowna City Hall.

Despite this feeling of alienation. it is noteworthy that Rutland had received a tremendous amount of focus on land acquisition strategies, park development strategies, UBCO Survey, land development reviews, design charettes and infrastructure investments from City Hall and the Province in recent times. The prevailing sentiment was that these recent efforts represented a new beginning and focus for Rutland.



The process resulted in developing the following Vision and Goals for the newly formed group:

Vision: What do we want?

To develop a unified community based front on the development and program priorities for Rutland so that a higher level of collaboration and support can be achieved from the City of Kelowna and Senior Governments.

Goals: How do we get there?

Rutland's Initiatives move up the list of priorities for the City of Kelowna and Senior Governments.

Rutland's internal and external Image reflects a community that is attractive to live, work, play and shop in.

Rutland's Town Centre develops into a vibrant and attractive Core Area.

The Group identified the following Strategic Initiatives that needed attention:

Establish One Voice - Immediate Highway 33 Design: Beautification and Business Opportunities - Immediate Centennial Park Land Transfer and Revitalization - Underway Town Centre Revitalization Strategy and Theme - Needs to be Launched Community Beautification - Needs Longer Term Strategy Program and Service Improvements - Short and Longer Term



Strategic Initiatives

Establish One VoiceEstablish Rutland Unified Stakeholders Team (RUST) to work collaboratively with all community groups on issues of common concern and where possible to present a united front to CoK and Senior Governments for infrastructure funding, program development, service focus and development issues.Action Leads Target Review CompletionEstablish RUST- Terms of Reference- Governance- Membership- Strategic Plan

Presentation to Council

Garry B.- Crystal- Laurel D.- Mike K.- John H.

- Gerry Z.

June 15th

July 1st

July 2013

Highway 33 RevitalizationTo work collaboratively with COK &MOTH Designers to ensure that the design of the Highway reflects the needs of business and beautifies the corridor.Action Leads Target Review CompletionDelay project until Community is satisfied with Engagement Process and Design Review.

Advise MOTH (Spencer) about Strategy to delay and involve and MLAs.

Contact MLAs about concerns.

Advise affected Businesses about current design impacts.

- Laurel D.- Garry B.

Immediate June 15th

Review Design w/ City and MOTH: Roxby Dedicated Turn Signal. Review Asher Left - Left to

Church but not Asher? Bus Pullout at Roxby Mall. Bike Lanes Review Banners/Street Trees

Program. Irrigation Conduit/Prep Work

for Street Planting Medians. Electrical Conduit to light up



Blvd Trees. Negotiate with MOTH/COK

regarding Street Tree Planting, Blvd Beautification and Banner cost sharing.

Centennial Park RevitalizationTo work collaboratively with Park Society and CoK to redevelop and improve Park Amenity Area and Hall Improvement.Action Leads Target Review CompletionPrepare Development and Management Agreement

Park Society/CoK 2013 Fall 2013

Conduct Community Needs Assessment and Pubic Meetings

Park Society/CoK/RUST

2013 Fall 2013

Consider the Following Development Options:

Park Amenities (CoK) Outdoor Skating Rink Pond Skateboard & Water Park Small Scale Soccer Fields (Lit) Public Art Opportunities Farmers Market Opportunity Outdoor Movie Screens Outdoor Stage

Hall Re-Development (Society) Review Arts and Culture Ctr.1. Museum2. Banquet Facility3. Black Box Theatre

Park Society/CoK 2013-2014 Fall 2013

Transfer Park Area Ownership to City Park Society/CoK 2014

Re-Develop Park and Hall Park Society/CoK 2014-2015



Acquire and add Post Office Site to Centennial Park

CoK 2015

Town Centre Revitalization Strategy and ThemeTo involve community stakeholders in developing a design theme for the Rutland Downtown Core so that it ultimately becomes an attractive place to work, visit, live and shop.Action Leads Target Review CompletionEstablish Working Group

Review Design Charette Info. Develop Strategy to finalize

designs/themes.

Mike K.- Laurel- GarryPat McCormack (CoK)

July 2013

Develop a renewed Downtown Theme/Image (Revitalization Plan) addressing:

1. Renewed Rutland Image/Theme:

John Rutland Agricultural Rutland Ram Family Orientation

2. Entry and Wayfinding Signage3. Street Lighting Improvements4. Street Trees5. Paving Bricks6. Floral Displays7. Commercial Facade Treatments8. Public Art

URBIA- Mike- Garry- Laurel

Beautification StrategyTo work towards an overall beautification strategy consistent with the renewed



Theme and Image of Rutland.Action Sponsor Target Review CompletionLiaise w/City:

Review Zoning to encourage Sidewalk Cafes

Review Zoning for Residential Conversions (Eyes on the Street) and

Review Development Permit Design Guidelines

Redirect CoK 2013 Budget for Banners, Street Trees and Tree Lights.

Request CoK Funding for Public Art Opportunities

Obtain 21 Floral Planters (CoK)

Bike Linkages1. Houghton (2020 Plan)2. UBCO3. Town Ctr - Mission Cr.4. Black Mountain

URBIA- Laurel

July 2013 July/2013

Revitalize Asher Road Consider Part of Town Centre

Core Link w/ Roxby Park and Transit

Exchange Revitalize w/ Paving Bricks,

Street Trees, Curbs & Parking Consider opportunities for

Student Housing, Sidewalk Cafes, Arts and Cultural Entertainment.

RUST 2014

Revitalize Rutland Road- Link w/Centennial Park Development

RUST 2015

Revitalize Gray Rd. RUST 2015Revitalize Dougall to Houghton RUST 2015



Program and Service ImprovementsTo work collaboratively with the CoK, Agencies and Community Groups to further develop important Community Programs and Services that enhance the Quality of Life for Rutland Citizens.Action Leads Target Review CompletionBiz Patrol (BIA Funded)- Review Grant Opportunities

URBIA- Laurel D.

June 2013 July

By-Law Bike Patrols- Increase Presence 1-2 Days Week

URBIA/CoK- Laurel

July 2013 July 1st

RCMP Bike Patrols- Increase Presence 1-2 Days Week

URBIA/RCMP- Laurel

July 2013 July 1st

Community Event Programs and Promotions- Design Flyer- Agreement to Distribute Flyers through Not for Profit Org.

URBIA- Laurel

July 2013 July 1st

Review Buskers and Mobile Vendors By Laws.

CoK- Kevin M.

July 2013 July 2013

Develop Farmers Market @ Centennial Park/Parking Lot- Contact Farmers Market Groups- Assess Market Potential

URBIA- Laurel

Develop Pop Up Park @ Old Welding Shop Lot-Develop Agreement w/Owner-Prepare Development Scheme-Obtain Grants, Partners & Sponsors

URBIA- Laurel

Aug. 2013

Continue to Provide Special Events:- Scare Crow- Xmas Light Up- Car Show- May Day

URBIA- Laurel

On-Going

Develop New Special Events- Kids Relay (1Km)- Art Walk

Residents Assoc.- John H.URBIA- Laurel D.

Fall 2013 Fall 2013

Appendix A - Workshop Survey Results 2013





Appendix B: Minutes Meeting Uptown Rutland Business Association



Held at 165 Valleyview Road, Kelowna, BC on May 30, 2013

In attendance:

Randy Diehl

Laurel D'Andrea

Crystal Hansen

Doug Gilchrist

Andrew Bruce

Mike Koutsantonis

Gerry Zimmerman

Kevin McDougall

Todd Sanderson

Garry Benson

Ron Vanderbrink

Bill Berry

Greg Wise

Frank Pohland

Al Kirschner

John Houston

Alec Warrender

Feel free to come & go. Email your comments in.

Randy Diehl (facilitator from Kamloops) Mission statement from Kamloops – kill Kelowna, not really going to happen, no lake or orchards. Kamloops has looked to Kelowna to change. He was in planning department in Kamloops for 12 years. Chief Administrative Officer for 12 years (?). Retired last year in May, but didn’t fully retire. Opened his own company, officer of non



profits and small villages, wanted to return something to them. This is his way of giving back and making extra money. Hope you have a great time today.

Laurel – hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Show Kelowna that Rutland is a great place to live, work, play.

Crystal Hansen – Pres of URBA – fantastic to have a unified front so that our projects will be accomplished. Coming together is a beginning, working together is progress & staying

Doug Gilchrist – City of Kelowna – future belongs to those…

Andrew Bruce – Regional Manager with Melcor Developments – working last 4 to 5 years to embrace the Rutland Community (needs to leave at 11 today). Try to get our heads around what the culture of Rutland is, not to change, but to further embrace – to create a new vision for Rutland.

Mike Koutsantonis….- Lived here all his life. Finally going to have a united front in Rutland so we can take to City and accomplish what needs to be accomplished. Get stigma out of Rutland.

Gerry Zimmerman – city Councillor. See a unified front. Kelowna now has the most Rutland friendly council that it has had for a while, let’s take advantage of that. Know what you want, by all the stake-holders, to present a unified front. This group is a fantastic idea. He’s here more to listen than to input.

Kevin McDougall – with City of Kelowna. City employee, works for RCMP. Has a good understanding of Rutland as he’s worked here for 18 years. Put something together to help make changes. See a development here so people will want to come here, walk around here. Safety & security is an issue, so we want to make it safer and more inviting. Warm feeling of where I want to come to do my shopping, etc.

Todd Sanderson, CA,an accountant. Representing Parks Society. Rutland initiatives higher on the agenda for the City Council. It is important to look at our town centre. Setting out our priorities for City, Provincial level. Let’s get good things happening.



Garry Benson. Lawyer practicing in Rutland for 16 years. Thinks there is a lot of potential here. Land owner and business person, we need to do something with Rutland, not sure what. Together there is a realistic possibility that we can change Rutland. If you don’t know where you’re going, you…

Doug Gilchrist. City – planning, development. What the City’s capabilities are. To help make sure some of your recommendations have validity to it. My interest is making sure all of our town centers thrive.

Ron Vanderbrink, pastor of church at the Boys & Girls Club. Representing Rutland Residents Association. John will come for the afternoon. Wants to unify Rutland, trying to pull it together. Parks, walking community, block parties that will bring people in the community wanting them to stay. Really excited that this is possible and to be a part of it. Quote “Think Big”

Bill Berry – City of Kelowna. Support to this group. We build things, so if there is infrastructure needed to revitalize Rutland we can help with info. He is interested in seeing Rutland excel.

Greg Wise, Manager of Bylaw Services Section at City. Was helping Hein Road residents association. Knows about working with various community groups. Whatever we can do with a community standards viewpoint to assist with that.

Frank Pohland, designer with CPP Consultants. I think we’ve got a tremendous amount of potential in Rutland. Starting with a mostly blank canvas and have an opportunity to create something special. Whatever we do has to be done well so we can point to the projects with pride so others will take a look and see that this is what they want. Quote – let’s build it.

Al Kirschner, Black Mountain Irrigation & Kirschner Mountain Estates. We have a lot of good things in Rutland. Need to change our perception of Rutland. Not that it’s bad, but our perception is bad. It has a great community floor – City has gotten rid of Regatta, other festivals, but Rutland still has May days. Quote – “There’s two sides to the story, then there’s the truth”.

John Houston – Rutland Residents Association, President.



I will run you through some of the background information. Randy compiled survey results.

-Unification from a City’s perspective

-Move Rutland’s initiatives up the ladder

-Want Rutland to become a place where there’s a positive image.

-New town centre to give you heart & soul

-Blank canvas to work from

-A lot about perceptions

1. We need to agree on the goals first. Agreement on Stakeholder Cooperation and Collaboration Strategy.

2. Identify Development Priorities: Short and Long Term.

3. Action Plan and Follow Up Strategy.

4. Assess the potential for success. (realty check, most funds come from taxpayers, taxpayers don’t like being taxed. We can put a list down, but let’s be realistic about how long it will take to achieve).

Q. What is the format that’s going to come out of this? Report or Letter? How is this going to be formalized to present to the City.

A. Identify issues, time frame,

Some services are operational in nature, not all about money.

Garry - I don’t see this as a one-off session. We have to look at the other things we can do with existing resources.

Q How are we defining short and long-term goals?



A. I don’t know. We need to look at this individually and look at what is reasonable for each instance.

Laundry list - Randy listed off things already worked on and studies done. Today is just a matter of thinking about what’s been done and asking.

Highway 33 is integral to Rutland Towne Centre.

The BIA info - investment, cleanliness, marketing….

Establish Highway 33 revitalization as priority – September to happen.

City of Kelowna to take over maintenance and responsibility for Highway 33 to City.

The City has put a lot of work into providing tax incentives for façade renovations, only if businesses expand, if $300,000 is spent. Tax break is 100 percent over 10 years.

-this is a concern, no value.

-challenge there is a lot of older buildings.

-There is also a bit of confusion on the part of people, there is no criteria or guidelines for people to work towards.

-Broader urban design principles are in place.

-may be a topic to discuss around developing a theme.

Pandosy was a street-scape program. There was local improvement project. The guidelines are general re: form and function. It worked there, but it took 10 or 15 years before we’re seeing results.

With regard to Pandosy, there was an opportunity during the day that there was a Provincial Grant. Municipal affairs paid 1/3, City paid 1/3 and land-owners paid 1/3. There was a huge incentive at that time to take advantage of that.



The monies available for this project are not available. Pandosy is a great example of how things were done well and are pleasing. It also creates the momentum.

Randy – there are some new buildings here that are very nice that are looking good. The challenge is that we don’t have that program now.

The development that happens in the private sector is also very important.

But the street-scape is the City telling the community that we believe in this project. Then the private sector jumps on board.

A partnership raises the confidence more than the bricks and mortar on the street.

City guy agrees, i.e. Lawrence avenue. How can the community get involved.

Mike - Are we not already putting money toward improvements via tax levies – not really, there is no special levy. The BIA is a self imposed tax that the City just has it flowed through, i.e. for banners, etc.

Comment re: building infrastructure first. City spent millions on Hein Road with the hope that Hein Road would become a better place. It is working, but very slowly. Building the infrastructure isn’t a quick fix. There needs to be a partnership.

There was issues with zoning. Is the zoning in the core area of Rutland amenable to what we need. Yes, but only recently. In the last 5 years no one has been investing.

Highway 33

Roxby Park area – linked

Houghton Road path

Hollywood South



Grey Road

Centennial Park

Presentation showing slides.

TOP SHORT TERM PRIORITIES

Revitalizing Centennial Park

Highway 33 corridor

Beautify Core and Develop Theme

Create one voice in the community

Coordinate land use with City

Complete transit centre

Asher road revitalization

LONG TERM PRIORITIES

Revitalize theme for Rutland

Collaborative Business Groups

Arts & Culture Centre

Upgrade Centennial Hall

TOP OPPORTUNITIES

Cooperation with stakeholders

PRIMARY THREATS

Loss of stakeholder collaboration

Slow market, poor economy



Limited public funding

Stigma of Rutland

Change in government

BREAK

Doug Gilchrist has an update re Centennial Park – this is raised as a priority for City Council. There has been a fair bit of background work done already. Extension of the Rutland Transit Centre. Condition of Rutland Centennial Hall. Condition of adjacent lands. Options will be presented to Council for them to consider. Probably about a month to see what their thoughts are. The Parks Society is the major player. Bringing those option forward to council, but this is a starting point. Once that’s done it will go to Council. A key thing is that this is a priority for Council.

Not understood ownership of Centennial Park – Fireman raised money for purchase of land.

People believe that park is a City Park. It gives the impression that the City doesn’t care about Rutland. The Hall is in need of revitalization. Hall rentals suffer. The Hall needs to be brought up to standard and there needs to be a partnership between the City and the Park Society.

Is there a possibility of acquiring the old post office building? City guy – we are considering the whole area, parking lot, fire hall.

Because of the lack of understanding about the ownership, it is not seen as the gem of an opportunity that I think it is. It is a huge opportunity for a partnership. Many people assume that URBA runs the Park Society. Don’t lose the lawnmowers, giggle.

History – Where Rutland came from. Farming history. Core service centre for the farming community. We are still a farming based community. A lot of the promises that were made never happened. Walking bike path never happened. The community sees promises made by City and haven’t come through. There is disgruntlement between Rutland and City.



What we hope will come out of this is that the City will realize that these things needs to be addressed and we can move forward. We need proper zoning for people to come. We need people in the core, again, proper zoning which City can move forward.

To get stigma out, we need to get people to understand the history.

The part of that stigma is that Rutland sees itself as unimportant to the City. i.e. by-law enforcement, we don’t get the same by-law enforcement. We don’t get the same treatment as other parts of the City. Or policing, we don’t get the same treatment as the rest of the City. Snow removal is one. Fighting with Highways and City re snow removal in front of restaurant.

It is up to us as business owners to report problems. There is now a site on the City’s website that they will respond within 48 hours.

Would we have that problem in Kelowna? No, only in Rutland.

City guy – There is a structured snow removal plan. City needs to communicate snow removal schedule.

Highway 33 is a unique jurisdictional issue.

Just speaking to the history part of it. If you look t the town centres, Rutland as the most equitable diverse town centre. Because of our location to UBCO. We are a hard-working group of families.

We keep talking about Rutland, but it also about Black Mountain, Ellison. When we talk about the needs of businesses, it is also the needs of these other areas. It is a regional centre. It is a satellite City.



Rutland Road does not have side walks. It is a big part of the community. The main arteries don’t have the services they should for these main hub.

Does Rutland have a neighbourhood plan? No. There is just the OCP.

When was the OCP last done? 2012. Is everyone aware of the OCP? Sustainability issues, transit, rec & health, urban parks, etc. Need to move from policies and plans to results on the ground. It is a bit of transition. The council seems to be moving forward. There is an interesting balance with this council. It is almost like a reconciliation between disparities between different areas.

Higher standards that are seen elsewhere in the City are likely a result of private sector building them, especially in the newer areas. City is now going to address because they want to improve the services to Rutland.

There is a sidewalk program. Someone could propose to raise the priority by putting in some money towards it. There is a local area improvement. City will pay up front cost and tax payer will pay back over time.

OCP doesn’t contain a whole lot of changes for Rutland. – you’re right, a lot of zoning were already in place. Transit exchange may have been updated.

Trying to keep density more in the core, to keep people in town, getting them using buses and walking paths.

Re: history and culture. When you’ve got a great ethnic diversity, there is huge potential. It is something to capitalize on. Like Commercial Drive in Vancouver, artsy, eclectic. History is based on agriculture. I don’t think of agriculture at all when I go through Rutland. Maybe moving forward, if you want to portray your history, show it.

City council is very much for involvement, especially with Centennial Park. It is happening already.



City-guy, Doug left as did RCMP guy. Continue to working with Hein Road and by-law enforcement.

The positive effective by-law can have on community. It is about programs, not just capital.

Council is looking at re-prioritizing.

There is a history to Rutland of how it developed as to how it developed as an agricultural centre. There is some tensions around that, feelings around amalgamation, We need to get that on the table.

Work on short-term priorities.

Highways is going to be redoing 33, I think we need to get on board here to discuss what we want to see here. They are going ahead with it. If anything is on this plan that needs to be adjusted, we need to let him know by tomorrow.

There is no longer a left hand turn into Asher Road. It is all just going into Roxby now. Light is insufficient. Losing the left hand magazine is ok, BUT WE NEED FULLY OPERATIONA LIGHT.

WITHOUT A LEFT-HAND SIGNAL, THERE WILL BE PROBLEMS WITH THAT MAGAZINE

We need to have a full working light at Roxby, preferably with a turn signal.



Hollywood, Dougall and Rutland will have advanced left signals. They are going to need one at Roxby.

Dougall is a major bus station.

We are losing the left hand turn to Willow Park Road.

Highways’ is concerned about the flow. It may be good to slow down the traffic, so people can see what’s around them.

Is the Ministry aware of the potential for development around Roxby?

Residents Association re: parking lot – no pull-out.

WE NEED A DEDICATED LEFT-HAND TURN ONTO ROXBY

READDRESS THE LEFT HAND TURN ONTO ASHER

Was there never any talk of land-scaping and street-scaping with all of this?

We need a vision for what happens from Highway 97 to the base of the hill. This is how we announce who we are. This is a town centre. We do have an identity over and above a highway. The road runs through our community.



Highways is opposed to being involved with medians, planting, etc. City needs to come up with funds and long-term arrangements.

Highways will put the conduit in, but nothing further.

Can there be a spot for dirt, and later complete it?

Then the City can take over and put something in Rutland.

Curious as to why we’ve accepted that Highways will not do anything about the landscaping. Highways’ decisions will be based on the numbers, so it’s hard to argue with them. Highways’ mandate is to move vehicles in a safe and efficient manner. They are not concerned with planting trees. We need the City to be onside with us with Highways on this area of land and street-scaping.

We need to develop our response today and then go back to the City to ask for their help.

We talk about things that happen half-ass in Rutland. Why not lobby to stop it until we can do it right?

3 or 4 of us can phone Norm Letnick to say stop it. We’ve just identified 3 or 4 major issues until we get everybody on board. Let’s get them to wait a month

WE HAVE A BUNCH OF ISSUES, LANDCAPING, STREETSCAPING, TURNING LIGHTS, WHAT WE WANT IS TO DELAY THIS SO THAT IT CAN BE DONE PROPERLY.

LET’S CALL SPENCER RIGHT NOW.

LET’S WAIT UNTIL RON WESTLAKE, City guy, who is our main contact with Highways attends this afternoon.



There is no design drawings yet, that will take two months. Although they want it done by the end of September, it is not a big deal if it is delayed say, until spring.

This central concept needs to be done right.

BREAK FOR LUNCH

Recap this morning. Highway corridor is the biggest issue. Request delay to deal with issues on land-scape, street-scape and land owners access onto Highway 33.

Spencer is coming back this afternoon to pick this up.

We need time to look at this. Rather than put more energy into this, what I suggest is that we move on, to deciding theme. Reference to book on History of Rutland.

Centennial Park revitalization is already underway. May want to talk a little about it, but we’re not going to completely hash that out today.

Centennial Park

If I had my way, what would I like to see happen to Centennial Park? Laurel – skating rink? Centennial Centre instead of Centennial Park. In summer it could be used for entertainment, etc.

Skateboard park, right beside RCMP station - pond and walkway.



If we had an ice sheet, it should be bigger than regular size, to have it. There is no ice-plan here, so it will cost a lot to deal with that. $2.7 million for Stuart park development, including statue & everything around it downtown Kelowna.

The thing about that outdoor skating rink, is it is very well used. It is a huge draw.

City department is doing a review of what is needed in the community. A linkage between Ben Lee & Centennial Park. Smaller soccer fields for young kids.

Likes the idea of renaming it as Centennial Centre.

How to we bring the building up to 2013 standards so it can be better used by the community? Rutland pride, there is no museum out this way.

What about a black-box theatre? Not a huge theatre.

From the Park Society, let’s give it to the experts. Let’s have lots of families using the park.

The theatre supports extra expenditures on the park.

Comparing it to Creekside Theatre.

These good ideas need to be forwarded to the Needs Assessment people.

Anything we put here will not be taking away from downtown activities.

If that Centennial Park becomes well utilized, there may need to be more parking.



More public art. Historical artifacts. Agricultural museum. Is there opportunities to partner with the private sector with redevelopment of the park, especially with the building. Program what will happen with the building.

The Parks Society does not want to give up title to the building to the City. The Park Society is willing to give up title to the land to the City, but not the building.

URBA could partner with Parks Society to run building and program. Parks Society would consider this.

THEME for core.

Rutland is Rutland. What we need is a “symbol for Rutland” It is named after John Rutland. Street signs, everything to have symbol of John Rutland. A branding

www.rutlandra.com

What do I identify Rutland with? Animal – strong, independent, tough and in line with. Big Horn Sheep. Proud, strong & powerful. Little bit majestic. Statues are hard. A Rutland Ram.

Downtown Bear on its horns. Giggle giggle.

We are a spin off of the agricultural community, orchards, nurseries, farmers market. It really brands you as somewhat rural. It is a soft-sell. That is not a bad way to brand ourselves. Let’s live within what we really are.

Old Town Market theme, meat market, bakery, that whole theme is really great.

Rutland is now just an extension of Kelowna. If you didn’t know what you were looking for, you wouldn’t know you were there.


http://www.rutlandra.com/


Don’t be something you’re not. You need to be what you are.

I like idea of theme, but more in the line of public art. C’oeur D’Alene comes to mind. It is really nice. Seattle has certain neighbourhoods and you know you’re there because the art changes. That is one way to develop a theme.

Silhouettes with agriculture. Something that when people come up, they see it.

Wrapping art around utility boxes and public fixtures, etching on garbage cans.

Example is Bernard Ave. Heritage Theme, Water Theme, ??? Theme

Wrought iron sign holders which BIA sells to businesses with themes.

Great ideas require some process work. You want to do something with this.

What kind of actions do you need to put in place?

We need these partners, Residents Association, Business Association and City and Parks.

You need a work-shop or design script, i.e. summer of 2013. When we leave here we need some sort of commitment from each of these groups. This meeting has to continue.

We need a working committee – “Rutland Theme Working Group”

This has, to some degree, been done. We need to resurrect all of this stuff so we can get a new impetus and get Gerry on side here and we can get Council on side. It would be good to see these reports.



Stop studying and start doing.

-Who from the City would be best to sit on this group? Pat McCormick, infrastructure planning. Pat is a half artist I think. The two City guys will bring it up and advise.

Dusting off existing plans, look at what’s missing and putting forth recommendations. Mike will be lead with Laurel assisting.

Todd is lead on Centennial Park.

Houghton Road could have public art. If we are wanting to focus on farming, agricultural, shouldn’t the art reflect that? There can be a diversity of styles of art.

Connectivity with pedestrians and cyclists as they enter into Rutland. Greenway linkage between Black Mountain and downtown core. There is no consideration of bike lanes. The idea to be able to connect from town centre to other elements within Kelowna. Houghton Road is part of 2020 plan.

Idea within public art, the notion of light. Six months of the year it is dark from 4 pm on. Opportunities for introducing different types of light. Trees that have lights to border the streets. This can enliven the area. This brings a sense of safety and security during evening.

Under beautification, can we link this back theme? I think it should be?



Garry will joint group as resource support.

Downtown Penticton has a farmers market on Saturdays where 4 or 5 blocks are shut down. It is a huge success. It is an incredible event. Are there are opportunities to create a Farmers Market here? Can Centennial Park be used for that kind of event? Potential for a Farmers Market.

Rutland is a very family friendly place. A lot of people raise their families here. It is a very family place. I hope we don’t lose sight of that.

South East Kelowna sees themselves as the agricultural area of Kelowna. Would there be confusion? It is all interwoven, seems ok. All those areas are intertwined. A good point, you don’t want to be redundant.

Ok to be lead by BIA? It is BIA funded, but I think it should have some sort of designation from the City.

Unified front to present to City. URBA will want an initiative and residents association will not. Who will this new voice be?

The purpose of the group is not to form consensus, but to bring forth ideas to the City. The advantage to having that group, is communication is possible. To date there has been minimal communication with BIA, URBA and PARKS and City.

There are some dragons and snakes whenever you have a new group.

RUTLAND UNIFIED STAKEHOLDERS

Lead – Garry Benson

Resource people – Crystal Hansen, Gerry Zimmerman, Mike, Laurel, John Houston

Time Frame – 2 weeks. Meeting to create process.



Gerry would really like to take this back to council, saying we’re not only doing this, but we’re on our way.

______________

Coordinate land uses with City. Sounds like that is happening.

Asher Road Revitalization. It will remain much as it is. There are only 4 commercial land owners on that road to deal with.

From BIA’s perspective Asher Road is a higher priority than as is presently showing on the list. Asher Road would come up under Highway 33.

Bus loop is there, so we don’t want it to look so bad. One of the ideas for revitalizing of Asher, is café’s spilling out. Vibrancy is going to be, ability to connect with some of your parks.

Rutland Road is also one of our assets. Huge potential.

Asher Road is in conjunction with Highway 33. It will all become commercial. Housing up top, bistros, funky café’s on the bottom.

Once in while there is extra money at the end of the year, so it is possible for this year, but not likely. Put this in front of council saying by 2014 we want this done by.

As Centennial Park is revitalized, the natural progression with be Rutland Road. 2014 to 2015. longer term. Revitalizing the road, curb, gutter, trees.

Todd is leaving….



Small business opportunities on Rutland Road

Relocate and reconstruct Rutland Middle School. We can’t do anything about that? Let’s leave for now.

Have we missed any short term ones? Is there a way we can communicate some of our priorities to Willow Park Mall, Callaghan’s. They have some really ugly parking lots. Maybe they are waiting to see what URBA does? If they could do something for edge treatment of their parking lots.

ENCOURAGE LARGE MALL OWNERS TO LANDSCAPE EDGE. REQUEST CITY SUPPORT FOR THIS. Perhaps by co-funding.

Ron Westlake, from City, liaison with Ministry of Highways representative.

LONG TERM PRIORITIES

Arts and Cultural Centre – we need to create attractions in Rutland to attract people to come. People from outside this neighbourhood; to attract non residents. Concept of the Blackbox Theatre. That came out of the joint work URBA did with City. Particular attraction to students who wants to live here.

Ron has copy of surveys from 4 years ago, study of what students are looking for. Doesn’t remember what is in survey, except Blackbox Theatre.

What is an Arts & Culture Centre? Museum, information service centre, blackbox theatre, hall rental. It would be nice to have the museum on the outside.



Centennial Park building holds 350 people, 225 with a dance.

Old post office building also nearby. If you are going to develop this area, possibly City can acquire the post office building.

Future phases of transit to extend Shepherd Road.

Schools in the area don’t have a place to hold performances. There is not a lot of these bigger banquet sized facilities in Kelowna. The museum would bring the history of the area out. It wouldn’t be quite as big as Rotary Centre. Maybe something that holds around 200 people.

We would want it to look beautiful like the Rotary Centre, but not quite so big, smaller niche market.

Shepherd Road extension, possible for it to come together through transit if budget allows because of other projects coming in under budget.

????Gray Road Revitalization that would eventually tie in with Highway 33????

Dougall Road Revitalization – some of it is already underway – long-term is to join with Houghton corridor. Only one side of street (Pizza Hut) side is being done.

This action will be taken on by the new RUTLAND UNIFIED STAKEHOLDERS TEAM

_________



Policing, by-law enforcement could be better enforced. That is a good step in terms of programming.

SHORT TERM - Close to Shepherd Road would be a good space for public art. Public signage introducing Rutland. Also a specific request going to the City saying we want public art in these locations.

We do have some art coming for this area. Do you know what it is?

Who approves City art? Pat McCormick is chairing that committee. It is a group of 5 or 6, location and the choice of piece.

Banners & floral displays re: beautification theme that got missed earlier on. Poles with banners, but they are outdated. Would Highways allow you to do that? Poles with banners or pole-like art. What about floral displays. These are short term things that the City may already have a budget. We have planters coming in June which the City has approved. Self watering planters. No hanging baskets.

PROGRAMS

Shift in by-law services from being dog catchers to having a sense of safety in the community. A presence on the street. The presence on the street gives the feeling of safety. Working with RCMP in terms of drug-houses. Trucks that are parked in front of people’s houses that have a down-grading effect on what Rutland is. Interaction between by-law people and your new association can be quite effective by reallocating your resources.

Consideration to having part-time business patrol. Bike patrol on occasion, perhaps twice a week. If by-law is going to be out on bikes. Such a great partner. They are always on foot and



having contact with people, greeting them, helping them. Youth are going to be more inclined to contact other youth. More user friendly. Let youth know what is going on so they have stuff to do. Ambassadors as well as eyes on the street. More bike patrols from by-law and police and for special events.

Graffiti is being dealt with fairly adequately now. Do you have a graffiti task force. As soon as there is graffiti, people are painting over it.

Robert Vetter is going to hire a security person for Plaza 33 for 4 hours a day.

How the programs that are being conducted in our community are being communicated to the residents. Is there any way to enhance that communication? There is a YMCA flyer. The Parkinson Rec guide may cover it, but people don’t necessarily associate that with what is going on with Rutland. What about a public automated billboard?

Research tells us that most people still use the printed page, newspaper, for their information.

Event magazine. “I love Rutland” has a community events calendar.

There is a resource downtown for disabled adults that have a flyer service. Laurel will speak with them about if they would come here. They utilize people with special needs. For $30 they will do people contact advertising, delivering flyers.

Who is responsible for making this communication happen? The publisher. Whichever organization is putting on events are responsible.

Media Resource Guide has all the media contacts.

Reader sign at the new Roxby square?



Rutland Road could have banner put up across the road. Perhaps Valley First would partner in. Perhaps Valley First would put up a reader sign.

Send a flyer out to every home saying who Rutland is, URBA, Parks, City. This is who you call/email for other problems.

Who coordinates this? Garry - I think URBA. Laurel. Time frame? July.

What about other programs?

Vacant lot on Highway 33 / Rutland Road to put up a pop up park. Benches and planters. It beautifies the space. Artisans maybe can put up booths. It would be a temporary beautification measure.

There is space near Centennial Hall for a Farmers Market. We need a leader to talk to the farmers about setting up on Sunday morning. Also advertising for it. Laurel will also be a leader for that.

Is there an amateur theatre group in town? Street buskers? Needs to review with City by-law review. Kevin to do that. Time frame ??

Mobile Vendors, Kevin to do that.

Any other items? Special events. May Days. Scarecrow in October, X-mas light-up, Car show. Art in the park at Roxby park, but that wasn’t done last year.

Signature events that happen in communities. Ben Lee park is ideal for a relay race for kids, it is a one kilometer loop. John to follow up on that.

Triple R. Rutland Residential Run. Maybe someone can approach the Y to see if they are interested. They are having Healthy Kids day.



We could piggy-back off of Art Walk in park in Winfield.

An Art Walk is where you invite local artists to put their art in their stores and then have people view.

Partnered media people with local artists where they would work with the artists and art was auctioned off.

Art-walk. Art something.

Build a sense of belonging on the part of residents and business owners so that they will buy-in when we ask about beautification.

Security – improving the general lighting and being creative by lighting up trees.

URBA’s job is to attract businesses for Rutland. City also has a part.

What would draw people? We have beautification problem, but even once we beautify, that won’t necessarily draw people. We have 1/3 of Kelowna’s population, who will stay here.

__________

Laurel spoke with Spencer who just wants to get this done. URBA has concerns to pass on to him.

This should be put on hold until we all have a chance to look at this. There is no point doing half the job. Stop until we’re ready. We’re stuck with this for 20 years. Let’s do it right so we can make sure everybody’s happy.



City is doing the transit project. But it is fully extended right now. It may be time before City can add further $.

Should the City not have looked at beautification of surrounding areas?

Spencer did agree he would put in conduit, and any poles.

I could see the Highway being delayed for some time.

There is not room for plants, 1.3 meters is not enough room. Correct.

Safety issue too because it needs to trimmed, etc. for workers.

Street lights change in style.

Consensus is to stop, rethink it,

SEND ALL NOTES RIGHT AWAY to Randy

Laurel - Take away the left-hand turn lane at Asher. Where is the logic? Lengthy discussion ensued.

There is a formal email that will go out as well as a formal discussion with Spencer tomorrow.

Short and long term priorities.



I don’t think there’s anything else we need to go over.

Just a question on parking from Ron Westlake. Is parking an issue? Employees should not be parking in front of businesses. Problem is with transport trucks parking in there. There is still lots of room at this point, except when there is snow-fall.

You guys did a lot of work today. I would hope that you would continue to work together.

Thank you.


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