Space was to be turned over for museum purposes. We understood the space might be available by May 1st.
Later we had a consultant's report on the museum collection. That too took several months to complete. Mr.Downey was assigned to that project as well..
I am not normally impressed with consultant studies. Most are a compilation of information obtained from talking to staff. Public input is usually provided by the same small group that take an interest in stuff like that.
They are very well-meaning people but their numbers are negligible and as representative of the ccommunity, they are not.
The report on the museum collection was substantial. An inventory was completed. The value of the collection was authenticated. The condition of textile artifacts were determined to be in dire need of attention. Some artifacts were determined to be missing.
Storage was also determined to be inadequate
The building as a suitable repository and exhibition space was determined to be exemplary. Which wasn't surprising considering we spent $2.3 million renovating it for a modern,state of the art home for the Aurora museum.
Good work was done by the consultant, the director and a curator. We were ready for next steps.
We did not take the step. After spending tens of thousands of dollars on a study , we did not act. .
A majority vote, including the Mayor and Councillor Pirri ,decided no action should be taken until after the Culture Master Plan was completed.
It wasn't even started,
Last night we approved reconsideration of that vote . It will happen at the next meeting.
But that's not what I wanted to tell you.
An exhibit was hoped for on July1st. But a problem presented. The Culture Centre does not open on
Statutory holidays wen people are free to recereate.
We learned the space allocated for the museum would not be available until after November. The Culture Centre had accepted a booking in November
The Farmers Market will be accommodated .
Free of cost.
That's what I forgot to tell you.
Jesus wept.
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5 comments:
Bummer!
What exactly is the Culture Master Plan? Presumably this goes far beyond the Centre and even the Historical Society, a town Museum, and the Heritage group thrown into the mix. Add in the Farmers' Market, Canada Day and Santa Claus parades and music in the park.
Does this include all activities that are recreational/educational that occur in our town? Possibly, since Mr. Downey has been involved in negotiation and discussion in most of this, and quite satisfactorily I must state. Were it not for him we might be back in the pre-historic period.
Are youth activities part of our culture, skate-boarding, swimming, hockey, curling, tennis, walking trails, etc.?
It is impossible to form a clear picture or understanding of a Culture Master Plan. Maybe we shouldn't have one.
I can understand the bits and pieces but not how they are supposed to come together.
Once again we come face to face with Aurora's own unelected Senate. They are so like an old dog with a bone. Going to drag the thing out as long as possible. While councillor Ballard does his twittter stuff about loads of ' rich tourists from Toronto coming to the Market & the Centre. '
Obviously if you can pay the freight, you get in the door. Unless you just pay taxes as a resident.
Christopher Watts made a glowing review of the first day of the Market. Can't be that bad.
I believe the Centre had a contract with the town to have that room available early in May. The plans for a display for the Birthday celebration were based upon that belief. Aurora has a right to use the room as and when it sees fit. We have staff capable to dealing with people wishing to view what if shown.
A contract is in place. The waiting has gone on long enough. That room belongs to the use of the historical society & town.
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