City hall will soon begin the first phase of a four-phase project to develop a cultural action plan that could help city council use cultural resources to achieve civic goals.
During the May 25 regular meeting, council voted 6-1 to proceed this year with the research phase of a cultural action plan, with funding to come from the Sask. Culture Community Cultural Engagement and Planning Grant. The $5,000 grant will be used to engage the community in the research and development of a cultural resource inventory.
Coun. Dawn Luhning was opposed.
Results from research
Phase 1 this year would focus on the initial community engagement and mapping of resources. Phase 2 would occur next year and focus on community engagement about short- and long-term strategic goals and action items, while phase 3 would focus on the development and adoption of the cultural plan in 2023, a city council report said.
The project would wrap up in late 2023 or early 2024 with the implementation and evaluation of the plan.
The research phase would be expected to produce at least five results:
- Engage the community on the research and development of a cultural resource inventory map and identify important observations and cultural themes
- Research potential links to other planning initiatives
- Bring community groups together with a focus on community spirit, inclusivity and cultural vitality
- Create greater involvement among groups that have traditionally faced marginalization
- Identify opportunities to implement five calls to action that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended for municipal governments
Cost of project
Phase 1 would use the $5,000 grant funding to hire a consultant, while no municipal funding — other than staff resources and in-kind meeting space — is required this year, the report said.
Phase 2 in 2022 would require $5,000 in grant funding and $5,000 in city funding, with the money to help the consultant complete a summary report of findings and create short- and long-term strategic goals and action items.
Phase 3 in 2023 would require $10,000 in grant funding and $10,000 in city funding, with the money to help the consultant complete the final version of the plan.
Phase 4 in late 2023 or early 2024 would require $5,000 in grant funding and an unknown amount in annual city funding. The grant funding would help complete an annual review of the plan and accomplishments, while the municipal funding would go toward action items within the plan and those initiatives that the project planning group had prioritized.
Council discussion
“I am hesitant to support this because now we know there will be future funding down the road,” said Coun. Heather Eby. “We have to be committed all the way. If we support this today, council has to be committed for the four years down the road.”
This is the second time that Moose Jaw has attempted to create a cultural action plan, but what’s exciting is this is the right time and place for it, Coun. Crystal Froese said. The public consultation process was “one of the most well-attended” events, with 40 people participating in the evening meeting.
“The community is ready to go. The committee is committed to the process,” she continued, pointing out Prince Albert’s cultural action plan affected that city’s strategic and community plans in positive ways. “So taking this first initial step is very important, while supporting this whole program is important to the community.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 14.
