Small group? If you want to be upset with a "small group," 16:51, try directing your displeasure at the Aurora Historical Society. They walked away before the "heritage centre" project had reached fruition. They even requested a legal letter from the Town absolving them of any responsibility.
In retrospect, it was a wise, practical decision to give up on the concept. The group was/is indeed small, without the financial wherewithal to complete such a grand scheme, and with no prospect of ever being in a position to see a project of that scale through to completion. The reliance on a small, annual grant from the Town underlines the straits the AHS still finds itself.
Meanwhile, we have a vibrant, Town-owned facility that provides programming and events for a LARGE group - ALL 60,000 Aurorans.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 6 December 2015 at 18:07
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From a group that did not exist before Church Street School was renovated.
They are a board that meets, make decisions and selects members in secret.
The building they use is rent free with maintenance and utilities provided.
Their first mandate was to provide heritage and culture programming. They have been relieved of
heritage responsibility and that's their excuse for demanding higher funding.
Before they bought the grand piano, they rented the museum space to a Regional Culture Organisation. That's the revenue they want the town to replace.
They get Trilium grants. Solicit donations from local business . Fix their own fees with no thought for costs.
Why should they? They get all that free money from the town and more demanded every year.
They have great ads. Costly. No expense spared. Why not? Who's checking?
The Historical Society did decide the work load was too great for their small membership. They withdrew their commitment. The curator appointed, serving as resource person to the ad hoc committee did the same thing and took a job elsewhere.
Council replaced her with the Mayor's friend and paid him while he continued to serve as committee
Member.
The Culture Centre Board didn't have a problem with workload.
They hired a complete staff complement.
The Historical Society had a legal agrement with the town to protect their investment. The agreement had to be ended .Hence the legal reference in the comment.
The fact remains there is nothing admirable or upright in a group in a small community to underhandedly manipulate and maneouver a facility prepared for a particular function to be diverted to their use.
They do seem to forget that their " contribution " to all Aurorans is not unique in any way. It can be replicated in several
ReplyDeletedifferent venues with other sponsors. To use the centre is to pay over the average price in some cases,
But these are all the same old arguments. It will be up to council to decide the outcome.
I think Cllr Abel is had a large glass of Kool-Aid so he will be all over the place.
I think it a hoot that the Centre is complaining about needing more money. Same with the Chamber of Commenrce.
ReplyDeleteCulture and Business are proceeding throughout town as they always have. Both those lots are redundant. What is it about
" Not necessary " that they are unable to understand ?
The chamber hasn't asked for money from the Town. Have they?
DeleteRedundant? Then how do you explain the Cultural Precinct consultants highlighting a proposal to expand the Cultural Centre to a second, adjoining building?
ReplyDelete