Improvements are needed for at least three municipal arts, cultural and heritage buildings in Elliot Lake and staff is looking for funding grants for them.
At Monday evening's city council meeting, staff explained how the grant percentage eligibility of the locations varies. Council approves plan to seek grant funding at 40 Hillside Dr. N., the Downtown Arts Centre, and Collins Hall.
Last Monday evening at council, the staff brought forward a recommendation to seek funding from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for improvements needed at three locations: The newly acquired 40 Hillside Dr. N. property – the former United Church building, the Downtown Arts Centre – formerly the Reel to Reel theatre, and Collins Hall.
Addressing the council, museum curator, Amelia D’Amato, said, “The goal of a successful application would be to receive funds to subsidize up to 50 per cent of all eligible costs of equipment and renovations needed in the City’s arts, heritage and cultural facilities.”
“The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund is offered through the Government of Canada and is available to nonprofits and municipalities.”
D’Amato’s recommendation was expected. During a presentation of the museum’s operational plan at the previous regular council meeting, Dec. 11, she advised council, “in particular, one grant we are keen to apply for is the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which renews in March.” The operational plan came to council on recommendation of the Recreation & Culture Standing Committee from their Dec. 4 meeting.
The staff recommendation to pursue the grant was brought to the Recreation and Culture Standing Committee meeting, Monday, Jan. 3, where it received support and a recommendation passing it up to council.
And the intention to pursue grant funding was also included in a quarterly staff report to the Elliot Lake Museum Advisory Board on Jan. 4.
Describing the opportunities to the council, D’Amato said, “Staff has identified needs in each of these facilities, from the major construction and renovations for the 40 Hillside Drive North facility to minor defects like needed track lighting at the downtown arts center. For the most part, the items we will be seeking funding for are mandatory for the city's three arts and cultural facilities to either be opened or just operating to their maximum potential.”
“The standard application processing time is 30 weeks […] we were encouraged in initial stages with our [government program] advisor to seek funding for all three facilities under one application.”
“While we are applying for the maximum contribution, which is up to 50 per cent of total eligible project costs to be covered, it is possible that our application would be approved only in part or for a lower contribution percentage,” she told the public and council.
The grant percentage each facility is eligible for, varies. “For the multidiscipline buildings like the Collins hall and the 40 Hillside Drive north property, the percentage of funding would be determined by the percentage of arts and cultural use that these facilities see so much higher at the 40 hillside Drive north property as most the majority of the building will be allocated towards arts and heritage and then much lower at, say, the Collins hall, which is used predominantly for recreational activities and other events.”
When the council discussion began, rec and culture committee chair, Coun. Rick Bull, spoke first. “At committee, we did discuss this and there are quite a few questions and Ms. D’Amato answered them all in her presentation tonight.” Bull asked D’Amato to confirm the grant lead time of 30 weeks and she confirmed it.
During the following discussion, Coun. Charles Flintoff questioned the impact of the waiting period on the project’s progress. “I actually didn't think I'd have a question until I heard 30 weeks. So, 30 weeks is like, seven months.”
He continued, “Does that mean we're not going to be looking at getting this started down at 40 Hillside, or are we just going to apply, and it may be quicker and we're just going to go ahead? And if we get the grant, that's great. Or are we going to a standstill? That's my question.”
D’Amato responded, “At this time, I can't say a definite timeline. We would hope to go ahead with the project regardless. We will be opening and operating out of the 40 Hillside Drive N. property. So, whether we have plans in place to initiate the project before hearing back, I'm not sure about that timeline yet. But regardless, we will be going ahead with the project, hopefully with funding.”
Just before the vote, Acting Mayor Andrew Wannan commented, “I think this resolution is just being used to start the application process for grants for our cultural buildings. The other plans can still be planned […] this is to allow Ms. D’Amato to start the application process.”
“Okay, let's have a vote. All in favour? None are opposed. That is carried.”
The proposed grant funding will support the museum’s strategic plan and vision. They are:
“The Strategic Plan for the Elliot Lake Museum is intended to set the trajectory for administration and operations for the next five years—2023 to 2027.”
“Vision: The Elliot Lake Museum will be an inviting destination for learning which is accessible to all. It will be the keeper of the community’s stories and collective identity and be the preferred resource for local and historical research.”