GENERAL COMMITTEE – FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Barbara M. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services
	PREPARED BY:	Bonnie Armstrong, Manager, Markham Theatre
	DATE OF MEETING:	2006-Jan-09
	SUBJECT:	Markham Theatre Audio System Upgrade Grant

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report titled Markham Theatre Audio System Upgrade Grant Report be received;

And that Council proceed with a grant application that meets the requirements as outlined in the grant application (refer to Appendix A – Grant Application.);

And that Council pre-approve the 2006 Theatre capital project #7005, Theatre Audio System Upgrade in the amount of $165,900 ($82,950 tax funded, $82,950 grant funded) subject to confirmation of grant approval;

And further that the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to sign the Heritage Grant Application, such agreement to be subject to the approval of the Town Solicitor.

PURPOSE:

To seek Council approval to apply for a Heritage Grant to assist with 50% funding of the replacement costs of the Theatre Audio Consoles.

And to obtain pre-approval of the 2006 Theatre Capital Project, #7005 to replace the two analog audio consoles with two digital consoles.

BACKGROUND:

The Theatre has three audio consoles, two of which are due for replacement as determined by the capital life cycle plan and the consoles have exceeded their life cycle expectancy. An audio console is a control board (or panel) from which all sound (audio) for a production is controlled and broadcast.

Staff has drafted an application for funding through Cultural Space Grant Program (CSP) to subsidize approximately 50% of the total cost of the project that is estimated at $165,900. Therefore, the request from the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage will be 50% ($82,950) of the total budget.

For the application to proceed, Council must commit to fund the balance of the entire project.

Staff included a capital budget request for the replacement of two audio consoles as part of the 2006 Capital Budget submission. Staff also recommends applying to the Cultural Space Program which is currently the only grant program available to support project costs for specialized equipment purchases.

The objectives of the Cultural Space Program (CSP) are:

a) Program Objective

The Cultural Spaces Program (CSC) contributes to improved physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. It is designed to increase and improve access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, and to museum collections, heritage displays and exhibitions. CSC supports the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, and the acquisition of specialized equipment as well as conducting feasibility studies for cultural infrastructure projects.

b) Expected Results

The Cultural Spaces Canada Program will allow Canadians to participate in, and benefit from access to, activities provided through increased and improved arts and heritage facilities for creation, presentation, and exhibition. The program will result in the:

· Increased number of cultural facilities and improved infrastructures;

· Improved quality and standards of cultural facilities and infrastructures;

· Enhanced effectiveness of the operations

c) Eligible Costs

Specialized equipment purchases as well as their installation costs and initial training related to their operation. For arts facilities, eligible types of specialized equipment include any piece of specialized technical equipment that is not permanently installed in the space and is specifically related to the artistic purpose of the facility. Examples for creation, production and/or presentation purposes include:

· Sound systems

· Lighting equipment

· Stage curtains

· Staging or rigging equipment

· Multi-media equipment

· Portable dance floors

The audio consoles are over 10 years of age. The average life cycle of an audio console is 7 years of age.

With changes in the industry and technology, the current equipment is not at industry standards or meeting the technical requirements of the artists performing at the Theatre. The performance industry has moved to digital technology.

The Markham Theatre currently supports 340 productions each year. The audio consoles are used for 90% of the Theatre productions.

DISCUSSION:

Service Improvements:

With a digital audio system, the Theatre will be able to provide better audio for the performers and audience, making sound checks faster and patrons and clients happier.

The Theatre will have invested in a digital processing control package to manage our audio system to its potential, up to industry standards and fully compatible as a digital system.

The current live mixing audio consoles are often at maximum use; there are no spare channels to replace failed channels. This has the potential of leaving the Theatre in a precarious position of not making show requirements.

Capabilities

The proposed audio consoles are much smaller and lighter, and have more “built in” capabilities for an improved sound. The new consoles allow for set-ups or mixes to be recorded and saved for a fast recall at the touch of a button. The proposed system will allow for custom sound set-ups for various artists and different bands that can also be recalled for each band at the touch of a button. One of the benefits of the smaller design of the audio console is that it will free-up some space and makes it easier to accommodate wheelchair patrons at the performances.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

To submit the grant application the Town must commit to the unfunded portion ($82,950). This would require the pre-budget approval of the 2006 Capital Budget Project #7005, Theatre Audio System Upgrade in the amount of $165,900 ($82,950 tax funded and $82,950 grand funded.)

The value of the capital project is net of the estimated trade-in value of $15,000 on the existing equipment.

The proposed audio system will reduce the need to occasionally rent an extra console (the Theatre does not budget for these rentals.)

If the grant submission is not successful, a report will be brought forward to consider other funding options.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Finance Department

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A - Cultural Spaces Canada Program Application Guidelines

(Copies available in the Clerks Department)

Barbara M. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services

Jim Sales, Commissioner, Community & Fire Services

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