Attachment 1

 

                                                                                                                           M I N U T E S

KNOWLEDGE COMMUNITY SUB-COMMITTEE

2005-10-26

Meeting No. 2

 

Attendance

 

 

Councillor J. Virgilio

Councillor D. Horchik

Deputy Mayor Scarpitti

J. Livey, CAO

S. Chait, Director, Economic Development

C. Biss, CEO, Markham Libraries

J. Ryerson, Director, Varley Art Gallery

M. Allen, MacViro Consultants

C. Felepchuk, IBM

R. Fox, Markham Board of Trade (via telephone)

R. Alavie, Seneca

D. Lane, Soft Growth Ventures, Inc.

D. Connor, York Region District School Board

C. Raynor, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Knowledge Community Sub-Committee convened at the hour of 4:40 p.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.

 

1.         ADOPTION OF MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 21, 2005

 

THE KNOWLEDGE COMMUNITY SUB-COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

That the minutes of the Knowledge Community Sub-Committee meeting held on September 21, 2005, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         DISCUSSION OF NEXT STEPS

 

There was considerable discussion surrounding the role of the Sub-Committee and the most appropriate next steps. It was suggested that there are four (4) areas a successful program will need to develop: (1) promotion; (2) access to information; (3) a forum enabling substantive discussion of knowledge issues; and, (4) application of knowledge.

 

There was general agreement that part of the Sub-Committee’s role should be to act as an agent for community engagement. There was also considerable discussion as to the merits of developing a mission statement or a definition of “knowledge community” and there was support for participating in Creativity Week in 2006. There was a suggestion that an activity event be held at one of the major Markham malls during the event.

 

It was noted that materials and work generated by the Sub-Committee should be stored in a single location and the Markham Libraries were suggested as a potential solution, as was the Town website.

 

It was stated that a report considering the options for connecting with other knowledge communities will be presented to the next meeting. Additionally, staff noted that a competitiveness study for the Town, including brand positioning, will be undertaken shortly.

 

The Sub-Committee agreed to pursue the following action items prior to the next meeting:

 

  • Mr. D. Lane and Councillor J. Virgilio to draft a charter for the Sub-Committee;
  • Ms. R. Fox to consult with the Markham Board of Trade to determine the steps necessary to develop a knowledge/innovation-based award for 2006;
  • Mr. J. Ryerson to invite Ms. E. Huggins, Organizer of Creativity Week, to present at the next meeting the costs and benefits of varying levels of involvement in the event;
  • Seneca and the York Region District School Board, and the York Catholic District School Board if possible, to collaborate to develop suggestions for speakers and topics for a series of lectures that could be held in the Council Chambers.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Knowledge Community Sub-Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 6:15 p.m.

 

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