Minutes

Building a Creative Markham Advisory Committee

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

August 11, 2010

_____________________________________________________________________

Attendance:

Terry Browne, Markham Little Theatre

John Cabrelli, Markham Arts Council

Jobson Easow, Race Relations Committee

Cheryl Giblon, Library Board

Jennifer Kah, Theatre Board

Councillor Carolina Moretti

Barry Nelson, Heritage Markham

David Tsubouchi, Chair

Councillor John Webster

John Ryerson, Culture Department

Eric Lariviere, Theatre Manager

Carrie Colangelo, Culture Department

Regrets:

Daniel Atlin, Seneca College

Councillor Gordon Landon

Ardy Reid, Friends of the Museum Board

Ernestine Tahedl, Gallery Board

Rob Wells, Markham Concert Band

Francine Perinet, Gallery Manager

Cathy Molloy, Museum Manager

The meeting convened at 4:05 p.m. with David Tsubouchi presiding as the Chair.

1. Meet and Greet and Overview of Plan

The Chair welcomed everyone in attendance and called the meeting to order.

The Chair described the plan as a roadmap for cultural development and congratulated the Town for its vision in developing a cultural plan.

2. Role of the Committee and Terms of Reference

The Chair suggested that Committee members have an opportunity to be further engaged through active participation in the engagement process. He also suggested that the committee determine the priorities of the plan, and to ensure “culture” is widely defined.

3. Integrated Planning

John Ryerson reviewed the integrated nature of planning within the Town. Four areas of planning directly relate to the culture plan. Committee members have received all of the following documents.

a. Neighbourhood planning and community engagement

John Ryerson explained that the Town is working with United Way on a pilot project to complete a community engagement template for our neighborhoods. Culture and Recreation are moving towards a neighbourhood service delivery model.

b. Sustainability

John Ryerson explained that there are 12 priorities in Markham’s Sustainability Greenprint Plan. Several of these priorities relate to culture- identity and culture, education and skills, economic vibrancy and social equity.

c. Markham 2020 Economic Development

John Ryerson explained that the Markham 2020 has a creative city agenda and that the Town attracts people from around the world. The goal is to foster a creative environment and contribute to a high quality of life to attract and keep talent and investment here.

d. Diversity Plan

The committee was advised that we need to apply a diversity lens to everything that we do. We must make attempts to reach everyone through our engagement process.

4. Engagement Plan for Discussion and Presentation

John Ryerson explained that the Culture Staff created a stakeholder list. Discussions took place over the list. It was determined that new stakeholders will be added to this list as we move through the engagement process.

The Chair indicated that he would like to accompany staff on engagements and requested that a list of engagements be provided to the members so that they can volunteer to be involved. John Ryerson offered to send out this list to the members. He indicated that we want to limit the involvement of the consultants in the engagements, because it is important for us to build relationships with our stakeholders.

The Chair requested that Cheryl Giblon speak to the Library staff about their assistance with engagements.

The following were suggestions of additional stake holders that the committee discussed:

Libraries

Tax Payers

Councillors

Aboriginals

Volunteer Groups

Banquet Halls

Law Enforcement

Provincial Organizations

Performing Artists is on the list but it was suggested to break it down into sub categories: Recreational Performing Artists

Professional Performing Artists

Producers

Dance Schools

It was also suggested that we speak to Toronto representatives about lessons learned from their plan. John Ryerson indicated that it would be better to compare our plans from cities that are more reflective of Markham, such as Richmond and Surrey BC. He indicated that the City of London has a very good plan.

The Committee agreed that Tax Payers and Councillors should be added to the stakeholder list.

5. Engagement Strategy

John Ryerson indicated that a consultant will be hired to shape the survey questions and compile the survey data. It will be an online and paper survey.

The Chair suggested that a draw for Theatre tickets be held for people who complete the survey to encourage people to submit their contact information. Eric Lariviere agreed to arrange tickets for the draw.

It was suggested that we consider doing the following types of engagements:

Malls

Markham Festival

Surveys in property tax mail-outs or Markham Green newsletters

Community Centres and Library

The Chair requested that we have a section for comments on the survey.

6. Future Meeting Schedule

A list of meeting dates will be circulated to all members.

7. Adjourn

Chair provided closing remarks.

The Building a Creative Markham Committee meeting adjourned at 5:14 p.m.

Attachment: Power point presentation for the August 12, 2010 meeting.