Council approves working group to research cultural centre for Kawartha Lakes

Press Release by City of Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes - At the March 19 Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, Council heard from Dianne Lister and Susan Taylor, representatives from the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC) and the Cultural Centre Committee, who recommended that Council strike a working group to examine the possibility of a cultural centre for the municipality. 

The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council's mission is to “help our community discover, appreciate, and enjoy the work of those who create and express our culture through the arts.” The purpose of a cultural centre would be to introduce an industry-standard  space or spaces that address the needs of our cultural organizations and that provide physical and programming opportunities beyond what is now available for this important sector. It is intended to complement and not replace our existing museums and arts facilities located throughout Kawartha Lakes.

During the March 26 Council meeting, Deputy Mayor Elmslie brought forward a resolution that staff work with the Cultural Centre Committee to establish a working group to prepare an RFP for a cultural centre using a qualified consultant. The resolution was passed and Councillor Seymour-Fagan and Councillor Richardson were added to the Committee. 

In addition to establishing a working group, Council also approved $100,000 in funding for the development of a cultural centre feasibility study to be included as a decision unit in the 2020 municipal budget.