City of Barrie - File #: 13-A-014

• File #: 13-A-014
• Version: 1
• Type: Deputation
• Status: To Be Introduced
• File created: 1/23/2013
• In control: City Council
• On agenda: 1/28/2013
• Final action: 1/28/2013
• Title: Damian Lopes provided a deputation to City Council on behalf of the Barrie Arts and Culture Council in opposition to motion 13-G-019 concerning the 2013 Business Plan. He explained that he is a published poet and aspiring novelist who is a fortunate recipient of cultural grants from the City of Barrie, the Ontario Arts Council, Canadian Council for the Arts and the Toronto Arts Council. He provided the mandate for the Barrie Arts and Culture Council and noted that the Council is funded by the City and meets with the Department of Culture on a regular basis. Mr. Lopes indicated that he feels the artists want to work together and collaborate to find a solution to be able to compete in today’s economy. He noted the relationship between arts and culture and the variety, quality and quantity of stores and restaurants in downtown Barrie, observing that arts and culture have made a significant difference to the downtown and the City as a whole. Mr. Lopes indicated that he believes the Cu...

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Damian Lopes provided a deputation to City Council on behalf of the Barrie Arts and Culture Council in opposition to motion 13-G-019 concerning the 2013 Business Plan.  He explained that he is a published poet and aspiring novelist who is a fortunate recipient of cultural grants from the City of Barrie, the Ontario Arts Council, Canadian Council for the Arts and the Toronto Arts Council.  He provided the mandate for the Barrie Arts and Culture Council and noted that the Council is funded by the City and meets with the Department of Culture on a regular basis.  Mr. Lopes indicated that he feels the artists want to work together and collaborate to find a solution to be able to compete in today’s economy.  He noted the relationship between arts and culture and the variety, quality and quantity of stores and restaurants in downtown Barrie, observing that arts and culture have made a significant difference to the downtown and the City as a whole.  Mr. Lopes indicated that he believes the Cultural Plan is in place to develop and support the arts and calls for investment in the community.  He commented that he feels arts and culture is part of economic development, physician recruitment and downtown revitalization.  He provided a quote from Richard Florida and stated that he believes Barrie is positioning itself as a cultural destination.  Mr. Lopes commented that he feels that Barrie is beginning to realize the return on investment it has made towards arts and culture in the last six years.  He noted that he believes the City of Barrie invests less in cultural stimulus that most other municipalities and may start to lag behind.  Mr. Lopes concluded by requesting that City Council restore the $50,000 in the Cultural Grant Program and allow the cultural community to partner with the City to maximize the benefits of a sustainable investment in culture.

Members of City Council asked a number of questions concerning the information provided and received responses from City staff and the presenter.