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HomeMy WebLinkAboutADMIN 21-86 TOWN OF NEWCASTLE 60 , REPORT � File # Res By-Law # MEETING: General Purpose and Administration Committee DATE: MARCH 3, 1986 REPORT #: ADMIN-21-86 FILE #: SUB.ECT: MUSEUMS RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following:- 1. That Administration Report #ADMIN-21-86 be received; and 2. That Council invite the Chairman and Curator of each Museum Board together with the Chairman of the Newcastle Community Services Planning Board to a round table discussion on the future of museum services in the Town of Newcastle. BACKGROUND AND COMMENTS: As part of the 1986 budget discussions staff were requested to examine the feasibility of museums to the municipality. At the time the resolution was passed considerable discussion took place with respect to the impact of museums on tourism. Mention was also made of the level of service that should be provided by museums within the Town. Staff have contacted appropriate provincial officials with respect to the level of funding provided to museums by municipalities. It was indicated that there is no set formula. The grants to museums by municipalities ranged from no financial support to 95% financial support. Similarly service levels vary considerably across Ontario. Some museums forgo provincial grants as they are unable to meet the stipulated requirements by the Province of Ontario. . ./2 General Purpose and Administration Committee Report No. ADMIN-21-86 Page 2. Ministry officials indicated that they were not aware of any provincial studies that have been conducted on the impact of museums on tourism. Staff did review the Bowmanville Museum program which would in some respects serve to attract tourists . The location of the Clarke Museum (Kirby School House) serves to attract tourists. However, to predict with any certainty the impact of museums within the Town on tourism is very difficult. Usually tourist impact is measured in terms of dollars generated into the local economy. To attempt to generate such figures would be pure guess work. In examining the question of museum feasibility within the Town of Newcastle, it is important to establish what level of service should be provided by the museums. This is largely a political decision to be made in conjunction with the Museum Boards and affected parties. The second matter that is equally important is with respect to the level of funding provided by the municipality for capital improvements. Both museums have indicated a desire to embark upon major capital improvements to their facilities. It is questionable whether the municipality can afford to fund such improvements together with other capital expenditures that are reflected in the five year capital forecast. I When the significant increases in the operational grants to the museums through the 1985 budget were made, Council referred the question of museums to the Newcastle Community Services Planning Board for an investigation and report. The Newcastle Planning Board met with officials from both museums and eventually generated a comprehensive report on the subject. Those recommendations having a financial impact were referred to staff for additional research and verification. Staff reported on the figures generated and a report was subsequently referred to the museum boards for comment. Staff are recommending through this report that Council , together with representatives from both museum boards and the Newcastle Community Services Planning Board sit down and discuss the future of museum services in the Town of Newcastle. Perhaps through this process certain common goals and objectives can be established. . ./3 01 �� General Purpose and Administration Committee Report No. ADMIN-200-86 Page 3. By discussing the matter, it is hoped that both the question of operational grants and capital facility improvement grants will be addressed. Respectful, y submitted, David,/ . Johnston71MI-I. I.P. Chief Administrative Officer.