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HomeMy WebLinkAboutADMIN 47-83CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE 40 TEMPERANCE STREET BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L7 C 3A6 31.io� TELEPHONE 623-3379 REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING HELD OCTOBER 3 1983 ADMIN. 47 - 83 SUBJECT: COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS GRANT SOCIATED WITH ONTARIO'S BICENTENNIAL RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. That this report be received; 2. That Council endorse the attached resolution with respect to their participation in the Ontario Bicentennial Celebrations; 3. That Council authorize the establishment of a Steering Committee; 4. That the Committee be composed of three or five persons from the community at large; 5. That staff be instructed to solicit through newspaper advertisements names of those interested in participating in such a Committee and such names be presented to Council for selection; 6. That the appointed Bicentennial Committee be given the mandate to develop terms of reference which emphasize the promotion of the Bicentennial and the Town of Newcastle by advertising existing social and cultural events; 7. That the Chief Administrative Officer be designated as Council's liaison person; 8. That the Chief Administrative Officer investigate the availability of additional funding to enhance the program which might be developed, and the possibility of utilizing support staff to co-ordinate the projects; and a That if funds are available through other provincial or federal funds, Council consider the appointment of project staff and a temporary co-ordinator. ..2 ADMIN..47 - 83 -2- BACKGROUND AND COMMENT: Council, at its meeting on Monday, July llth 1983 enacted Resolution C-432-83 which directed: "That the correspondence from the Provincial Secretary for Social Development dated June 17th 1983 be referred to staff and a committee consisting of Mayor Rickard and Councillor Cowman for a review of the grants available through Community Celebrations Grants associated with Ontario's Bicentennial Celebrations; and That the Committee report to the General Purpose and Administration Committee on the possible use of these grant monies in the promotion of the Town." As directed by this resolution, a meeting was held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28th 1983 in the Council Library. In attendance were Mayor Rickard, Councillor Cowman, Chief Administrative Officer, David Johnston, Town Clerk, David Oakes, Tourism Project Co-ordinator, Judi Herson, and representing the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture, Brenda Couch, Bicentennial Co-ordinator, Central Area. Ms Couch explained the basic parameters of the program. Essentially, the Ontario Government, through the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture is interested in promoting the 200th anniversary of the Province of Ontario. In order to enhance celebrations at the local level,, the Ministry is providing financial support to local municipalities to encourage local participation. The Town of Newcastle has been allocated $10,000.00 through this program, which is available to the Town if Council passes the necessary resolution, which is attached. In discussing the nature and scope of the program with Ministry representatives, it was indicated that given the geographic distribution of the population of the Town of Newcastle, it would be difficult to sponsor one or two special events which would involve all of the residents of the Town. It was the conclusion of the special committee that if the Town were to become involved in the Bicentennial project, it would be best to attempt to co-ordinate social and cultural events that currently exist. ..3 ADMIN. 47 - 83 -3- It was felt that there is a role for the Town in promoting, in conjunction with local groups, these events. It was also felt that at the same time we are promoting the Bicentennial of the Province, we could promote the Town of Newcastle and its loth anniversary. There was some discussion on how the Bicentennial funds could be allocated. It was acknowledged by the Provincial representative that a portion of the funds could be used for the hiring of a co-ordinator, however, they suggested looking at alternative funding from Provincial or Federal sources for this purpose. Ms Couch indicated that funding for new specific cultural or heritage initiatives could be sought through applications for Wintario funding. Again, a co-ordinator could serve as an advisor for such groups wishing to initiate specific Bicentennial projects. In discussing the mechanics of co-ordinating the Town's participation in Bicentennial festivities, it was suggested and concurred with by provincial representatives that a co-ordinating committee, small in size, would be the most effective way of promoting the Bicentennial and the Town of Newcastle throughout the Municipality. The Bicentennial project funding provides an excellent opportunity to promote both the Province and the Town. The opportunity presents itself to promote tourism within the Town, and the greater involvement of local residents in a variety of cultural and social events. If possible, it would be desirable to operate the co-ordinating staff through the Tourism and Development office of the Town. Attached is certain information contained in a brochure from the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture, for Council's information. Respectfully submitted, DSJ:nof David ohnston, M.C.I.P. Chief Administrative Officer att. Note: The Bicentennial brochure will be available on Monday prior to the Council meeting. WHEREAS, in 1984,Ontario will celebrate its Bicentennial; AND WHEREAS the Provincial Secretary for Social Development and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, have through a joint communique announced that "Community Celebration Grants" will be made available to lower tier municipalities; AND WHEREAS the sum of $10,000 has been allocated to the Town of Newcastle to assist in funding its bicentennial celebration program; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE advise the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that the municipality wishes to participate in Ontario's Bicentennial Celebrations and respectfully request that the Minister make the funding allocated to this municipality available at the earliest opportunity.