Could a ‘Night Mayor’ help Kitchener’s downtown?
Downtown Kitchener may seem quieter than long-time city councillor Scott Davey would like, but there may be a solution seen in some of the major capitals of the world.
Earlier this week, the City of Ottawa gave the greenlight to a plan that would create a new position meant to boost nightlife in the city. It’s dubbed — the Night Mayor. Although, officially known as the ‘Night Commissioner’, it resembles other ‘night mayor’ positions in cities like Amsterdam, Washington D.C., and London.
It’s intrigued Davey.
“I thought it was a bit tongue in cheek in a sense, but probably, maybe, a good way to put a spotlight on something that we’re missing and a way to help some of our downtown restaurants,” said Davey.
In keeping his tongue firmly in cheek, Davey tweeted in April in response to a CTV article on the subject he was “throwing my hat in the ring” for the non-existent position in Kitchener.
Davey says though there are no plans to install someone as Kitchener Night Mayor or create the position, he says there needs to be a renewed focus on the vibrancy of nightlife in the downtown.
“I think a lot of it is getting the word out there,” he said. “I think there’s sometimes a perception that Downtown Kitchener isn’t safe and that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s very, very safe in Downtown Kitchener.”
He’s often discouraged to see many businesses closed at 10 p.m. throughout the week, with some businesses only extending hours until midnight on the busier Friday and Saturday evenings.
“When I was growing up in the city, downtown was maybe too vibrant and had some issues,” said Davey. “The council at the time made some corrections and perhaps over-corrected and then COVID dampened that even further.”
PLANS IN PROGRESS
The Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Association (BIA) has recognized the sluggish nature of nightlife in the city and is working to bring back more activity.
In an email to CTV News, the BIA says it has a new strategic plan to guide resources for the next three years, shifting the focus of events to the evening hours.
“Most of our activities will be in the evening given the new hybrid model of working from home,” reads part of the statement from Linda Jutzi, the executive director of the BIA. “We still endeavour to provide daytime activity, but the focus is certainly shifting to evenings.”
The pandemic has played a significant role in the subdued atmosphere, shifting habits to remote work from home and hollowing out office spaces as companies decide against renewing leases.
“Many technology companies have closed their offices, or terminated their leases and this has resulted in less foot traffic during the day,” says the BIA.
Events like Kitchener Blues Festival and Cruising on King have helped to reignite energy in Kitchener’s downtown, but Davey points to residential construction as a key pillar of bringing life to the heart of the city.
“Every time a tower goes up, that’s that many more people that can be patrons of our downtown restaurants so, anything we can do to enhance that is something that the City of Kitchener is interested in,” he said.
Because what’s a city, without a little excitement at night?
“We really want a city where people are happy. They’re social, they’re not locked away in their homes or apartments, there’s a place from them to go,” said Davey.
FULL BIA STATEMENT
"The Downtown Kitchener BIA is working on a new Strategic Plan that will guide our resources for the next three years. Two years ago, we made a shift towards more funds being used towards arts and culture, live music productions, and free concerts in fun creative spaces that are inclusive to all, and a focus to include families. Most of our activities will be in the evening given the new hybrid model of working from home. Many technology companies have closed their offices, or terminated their leases and this has resulted in less foot traffic during the day. We still endeavour to provide daytime activity, but the focus is certainly shifting to evenings."
- Linda Jutzi, Executive Director, Downtown Kitchener BIA
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.