"Culture plays an increasingly important role in growing local economies and enhancing quality of life in Mississippi Mills" states Mayor John Levi. For this reason the Town of Mississippi Mills is developing and implementing a Municipal Cultural Plan. Phase 1 of the Municipal Cultural Plan is a Cultural Mapping Project that will collect and document information on a wide range of the town’s rich cultural resources.
Cultural mapping is a process to systematically identify, document and analyze the cultural resources or assets of a community. Across the country, more and more municipalities are turning to cultural mapping as an important new tool to support economic development and to enrich the quality of life in communities.
Cultural mapping embraces a broad definition of cultural resources as illustrated in the diagram below. This includes a wide range of tangible resources such as arts and heritage organizations, cultural occupations and industries, cultural and natural heritage – among others. It also explores the areas of intangible cultural assets – the stories, traditions and unique quality of life that shape the town’s identity and sense of place. The broad definition of cultural resources illustrated in this diagram is dynamic. It is, however, a starting point for gathering information on our rich and diverse cultural assets in Mississippi Mills.
The project is being lead by a Steering Committee, a sub-committee of the Mississippi Mills Arts & Culture Advisory Committee, which is comprised of key community residents, planners and stakeholders in establishing a cultural vision for the region, identifying concrete strategies and actions to support cultural development, and creating a Cultural Mapping Project that will help to inform municipal decision-making in the town. The project is being supported by an Advisory Committee of key community stakeholders from around the town who will offer valuable insights into cultural needs and opportunities in the region.
"Arts & Culture in Mississippi Mills plays an essential role in local economic development by distinguishing our community as a vibrant and dynamic place to live and work. The Cultural Mapping project and subsequent Cultural Plan will serve to highlight and support the long-term growth of local creative industries," states Ingrid Kadoke Chair of the Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee and emphasizes that community input and participation is essential to the success of the project.
Further information on the project and how you can participate can be found on the Town’s website at http://www.mississippimills.ca/
There are two ways in which you can participate in shaping the municipal cultural plan.
- A Community Survey will gather input from a wide cross-section of the community. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L7JYJY5 and will take no more than 10 minutes to complete
- Community Visioning Sessions – will be held on:
- Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00pm – Almonte Old Town Hall, 14 Bridge Street, Almonte
- Thursday, May 17th at 7:00pm - Stewart Community Centre, 112 MacFarlane Street, Pakenham
The Town has engaged the services of Millier Dickinson Blais Inc. to lead the planning process. Millier Dickinson Blais has completed more than 20 cultural plans for communities of all sizes and circumstances across Canada. The project is being undertaken with funding support from the Creative Communities Prosperity Fund (CCPF) of the Government of Ontario.
For more information please contact:
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Nicole Guthrie Community Cultural Programmer Town of Mississippi Mills 613-256-2064 ext. 22 |
Ingrid Kadoke Chair Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee 613-794-9884
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