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Report To: Council
Date of Meeting: September 8, 2025 Report Number: PUB-010-25
Authored By: Mariano Perini, Director, Public Works
Submitted By: Lee-Ann Reck, Deputy CAO, Public Services
Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO
By-law Number: Resolution Number:
File Number:
Report Subject: Commemoration of Marie Hubbard
Recommendations:
1.That Report PUB-010-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received.
2.That Council approve the budget from the rate stabilization reserve and provide
direction to staff to undertake one of the following commemoration plans:
a.Staff continue to collaborate with VAC staff to undertake a commemorative
garden as presented in May 2025 report and approve $10,000 to facilitate its
design and construction.
b.That Soper Creek Park be renamed to Marie Hubbard Park, or alternatively,
the Soper Creek Trail to Marie Hubbard Trail; and that $12,000 be allocated
for updated signage in the newly designated areas.
c. That, as part of expanding visual arts programming, staff collaborate with the
Visual Arts Centre (VAC) on the design and construction of a deck to support
summer theatre and related activities; and that the deck be named in
recognition of Marie Hubbard as part of the 50th anniversary in summer of
2026. The estimated cost of construction is $73,500 to $120,750 depending
on materials selected.
3.That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-010-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
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Report Overview
This report outlines design and construction options for commemorating the former Mayor of
the Town of Newcastle and past Chair of the Visual Arts Centre. In May 2025, Council
directed staff to identify a means to formally recognize Marie Hubbard’s significant
contributions to Clarington, particularly within the arts community. The report evaluates
several options and presents four potential approaches for Council’s consideration.
1. Background
Previous Report and Motion
1.1 PUB-006-25 was presented to General Government Committee on May 5, 2025,
recommending a commemorative green space on the grounds of the Visual Arts site to
commemorate Marie Hubbard’s contribution to the arts community in Clarington and
was referred to staff with an amendment and resolution.
1.2 From the report, resolution GG-101-25 was passed. The resolution suggested
consideration for renaming the building after Marie Hubbard. It was recommended that
staff consult with the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington (VAC) regarding the renaming
proposal.
1.3 W ith the recommendation of renaming the building for commemoration, it is important to
note that Council approved Naming Rights and Naming of Facilities Policy in March
2023. Section 4.2 of this policy specifically addresses Dedication, indicating that it is
restricted to amenities within municipal facilities or a feature in a park, such as bench, or
gazebo.
2. Consideration for Renaming Facility
Consultation with VAC
2.1 Staff met with the VAC board on June 11, 2025, at the direction of Council. During the
board meeting, the board suggested that they rebrand to Visual Arts Clarington, as they
are not simply the building, they can provide services anywhere in the Municipality.
While they currently operate at the historic building at 143 Simpson Avenue, they could
operate anywhere. The Board outlined considerations for Council (Attachment 1).
2.2 The board was not explicitly opposed to renaming the facility, and did identify that often
in gallery spaces, naming rights often provide monetary compensation/support to the
gallery for the renaming of the space. This is seen at a variety of locations such the
Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa. VAC also identified that in any agreement, there
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would need to be a clause that explicitly identified VAC’s cultural and artistic fr eedom of
expression, and that it remained separate from any means for the family to influence the
program of the gallery.
2.3 The VAC Board also identified the Heritage constraints be given considerations given
the designation of the building.
Heritage Considerations
2.4 The historic building at 143 Simpson Avenue is currently named the Cream of Barley
Mill after the function it performed in producing cream of barley when it was in operation.
2.5 The property was designated as a heritage property in 1979 through By-Law 79-033.
2.6 To rename the building the “Marie Hubbard Visual Arts Centre” would require an update
to the by-law and to change the name from Cream of Barley Mill, which could remove
the site’s historical significance as it relates to the production of Cream of Barley cereal
and its role in the economic and social development of Bowmanville during the late 19 th
and early 20th centuries.
2.7 The proposition would need to be reviewed by the Heritage Committee before
proceeding.
2.8 Currently, staff do not recommend proceeding with this option.
Other Forms of Commemoration Considered
2.9 Staff explored the option of reclassifying the existing laneway leading to the VAC as a
municipal roadway accompanied by a new civic address. Currently, both the VAC and
Soper Creek Park share Simpson Avenue addresses. Establishing a new roadway
would require the passage of a By-Law. Furthermore, when the municipality initiates a
street name change, nominal compensation is typically provided t o affected parties to
offset associated costs. This change would necessitate updating the addresses for both
the Cream of Barley Mill Building and Soper Creek Park, as well as revising the 911
directory and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.
2.10 Renaming the laneway while retaining the existing Simpson Avenue address introduces
a risk of confusion during emergency situations and may hinder timely response efforts .
2.11 The existing laneway is currently maintained by Public Works but is not classified as a
roadway nor subject Minimum Maintenance Standards (MMS). If the laneway were
designated as a municipal road, it would become subject to MMS requirements,
including routine inspections, maintenance obligations, and associated operational
costs. These costs would vary based on factors such as the surface’s age and current
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condition. Public Works currently provides snow removal services to the laneway and
Soper Creek parking lot. Both services can be absorbed through existing operating
budgets.
2.12 If renaming was directed, a comprehensive assessment of the roadway surface will be
required to determine its current condition and to schedule appropriate rehabilitation in
the capital forecast. Any upgrades or rehabilitation work must comply with current
construction standards and would be incorporated into the existing rehabilitation
program.
2.13 Given the cost and complexity of the required changes to rename the laneway to
roadway, staff do not recommend proceeding with this commemoration option.
2.14 As an alternative to renaming the Laneway, a meaningful option for commemoration
could involve renaming Soper Creek Park or specific features within the park. If
renaming the park is preferred, this should ideally align with its reopening after
construction is complete. It is important to note that any renaming of parks is governed
by the Naming Rights and Naming of Facilities Policy and would require an exception by
Council to the policy.
2.15 Renaming the park or one of its features, such as the trail running through it would be a
feasible and less complex option to consider. This change would involve costs for
updating signage, estimated at up to $12,000 depending on the design and installation
requirements.
2.16 VAC has included in its capital improvement plans the construction of a deck to support
theatre performances and other social events. The draft proposal outlines a structure
approximately 30 by 35 feet (1,050 sq. ft.), which could be built using either pressure -
treated lumber or composite materials. Estimated costs range from $7 3,500 to
$120,750, depending on the materials selected. The construction and dedication of the
deck would coincide with the VAC’s 50th anniversary celebration, scheduled for the
summer of 2026.
3. Financial Considerations
3.1 Staff’s original proposal for developing a commemorative garden and seating area was
estimated to cost $10,000.
3.2 If renaming the facility was contemplated the estimated cost would be between $7,000
and $10,000.
3.3 Renaming of the Laneway to a municipal roadway will incur costs to the VAC, estimated
costs would be between $3000 to $5000 should be allocated.
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3.4 Renaming of Soper Creek park or attributes, such as the trail is estimated to be $12,000
for proper signage.
3.5 The construction of a deck, depending on materials is estimated to at $73,500 to
$120,750, with potential grant opportunities that could be pursued by VAC to offset
construction costs.
3.6 Renaming the laneway and designating it as a municipal roadway will require staff
resources for scheduled inspections to identify deficiencies and perfo rm patch repairs
as needed, these costs will be absorbed through existing budgets. Future capital costs
for rehabilitation and related improvements will be based on prevailing market
conditions at the time of implementation.
4. Strategic Plan
4.1 The recommendation within this report aligns with Council’s objectives to recognize and
celebrate our community and support for the local arts and heritage sectors.
5. Climate Change
Not Applicable.
6. Concurrence
6.1 The Deputy CAO of Planning and Infrastructure and the Deputy CAO/Treasurer have
reviewed the report.
7. Conclusion
7.1 It is respectfully recommended that Council review and consider the options presented
in this report and approve their preferred course of action along with appropriate
allocation of funds for implementation.
Staff Contact: Mariano Perini, Director, Public Works, mperini@clarington.net.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Visual Arts Centre proposal to renaming the VAC building.
Interested Parties:
Dionne Powlenzuk, Executive Director, Visual Arts Centre of Clarington
director@vac.ca
Attachment 1 to Report PUB-010-25
Visual Arts Centre of Clarington – Formal Position on the Proposed Renaming of
the VAC Building in Honour of Marie Hubbard
To: Mayor Adrian Foster, Members of Clarington Council, and Municipal Staff
From: Board of Directors, Visual Arts Centre of Clarington (VAC)
Date: June 12, 2025
Subject: Formal Position on Proposed Building Renaming
The Board of Directors of the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington (VAC) has reviewed the
proposal to rename the VAC building in honour of Marie Hubbard and is pleased to
provide the following formal response for consideration by the Municipality of Clarington.
The VAC Board supports the recognition of Marie Hubbard’s legacy and contributions to
the community and is open to participating in discussions about an appropriate and
meaningful form of commemoration.
Key Considerations from the VAC Board Discussion:
1. Naming Clarification:
We understand, based on discussions with Lee Ann Reck (Deputy CAO, Public
Services Department) and Mariano Perini (Director, Public Works), that the intent
is to rename the municipally owned building only—not the VAC organization
itself.
2. Legal and Administrative Implications:
Should the building name be changed to incorporate Marie Hubbard’s name, we
request support in understanding the legal and administrative implications,
including any costs associated with filing or updating signage, public
communications, or collateral materials.
3. Organizational Identity:
Should the building name change, the VAC could be renamed Visual Arts
Clarington in the Marie Hubbard Centre/Building. This would preserve the VAC’s
current logo, and its public identity could remain unchanged. However, should a
full renaming of the organization ever be considered, we note that this would
require legal consultation and review of our governance documents.
4. Family Involvement and Artistic Autonomy:
In light of conversations regarding the Hubbard family's potential involvement in
Attachment 1 to Report PUB-010-25
artistic decisions, the Board recommends that any role be clearly outlined in
writing to ensure alignment with VAC’s curatorial independence and our
longstanding commitments to public funders such as the Ontario Arts Council
(OAC) and Canada Council for the Arts (CCA).
5. Funding Considerations:
We request information regarding whether any municipal funding would be
available to offset renaming-related expenses, including legal, administrative, or
communications costs.
6. Alternative Recognition Options:
The Board explored additional or complementary options for honouring Marie
Hubbard, such as naming a dedicated performance/outdoor deck, a dedicated
seating area and installing commemorative signage or plaques.
7. Strategic Relationship with the Municipality:
The VAC wishes to explore a strengthened long-term economic relationship with
the Municipality and requests a meeting with Mary-Anne Dempster (CAO
Municipality of Clarington) or Justin MacLean (Justin MacLean, Director -
Strategic Initiatives) to discuss future planning, sustainability, and mutual goals.
8. Heritage Committee Consultation:
We ask whether the Heritage Committee has been consulted and, if not,
recommend that they be included in the process, given the historical significance
of the VAC building and its existing name, Cream of Barley Mill.
9. Timing Opportunity – VAC 50th Anniversary:
The VAC's upcoming 50th anniversary presents an ideal opportunity to unveil the
renaming at a public event or exhibition opening. We welcome collaboration to
align the timing with this milestone, pending Council's decision and
implementation planning.
The VAC Board affirms its support for a respectful and thoughtful commemoration of
Marie Hubbard’s legacy and looks forward to working with the Municipality to determine
the most appropriate and meaningful path forward.
Sincerely,
Dionne Powlenzuk
Executive Director
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Visual Arts Centre of Clarington