CAN 150 meeting brainstorms ideas

Melissa Strle
Times Reporter

 

The first Canada 150th planning committee meeting was held Aug. 25 at the FCSS office in Strathmore, hosted by the Town of Strathmore’s community services coordinator Tracy Simpson.
The goal of the meeting was to describe the meaning of Canada’s 150th Anniversary and how that pertains to the Strathmore area in terms of planning events to commemorate this important anniversary.
Simpson led discussions to also provide an overview of a possible committee structure and funding opportunities to help commemorate this important event. This was followed by a lengthy brainstorming session and then a look forward at the next steps that will be taken.
Simpson said that in the Canada 150 community program, there is up to $75,000 per community in ‘soft funding’ that can be used towards program development, initiatives and celebrations.
“That’s a huge piece that we’re going to be looking for this committee to apply for, and we’ll even come up with what we’re going to do with that money if we get it,” she said.
Simpson said they will be looking at options in celebrating Canada’s history, culture and people, and how to create a legacy in area communities with this funding.
Heritage Canada is looking to make this a year-long celebration and will set forth rules and regulations. There has already been a Canada 150th logo created by an Ottawa artist.
Simpson said she would be happy with a committee of six to seven people; however, a bigger committee would also be fine.
“One of the big pieces next year will be Canada Day. The town already plans Canada Day, but there’s potential to take that day and grow it into maybe a weekend,” said Simpson. “The other piece is if we want to host other festivals or celebrations throughout the year.”
Simpson said in terms of fund development, they are looking for some people who are really keen to apply for some grants and to solicit corporate sponsorships and build funds.
“The more money we have, the more we can do and the more legacy projects we can do,” she said.
The legacy project will be an important component of planning and the committee will look to see what they want to stay in the town for the next 100 years. A clock was placed downtown in the park for the Strathmore centennial.
The committee will be looking for some really creative people to help promote Canada 150 and Strathmore. Town of Strathmore funding will be provided, and the town typically spends $20,000 on Canada Day.
“I would be optimistic that we could get more funds for next year if we had plans for it and any other initiatives we can put forth for additional funding. I think the town is really keen, especially around those legacy projects,” said Simpson.
At the brainstorming session, attendees came up with many great ideas, including a country market fair and a battle of the local bands. However, it was emphasized that the Canada 150 committee will need to consider both local and national ideas within Canada.
Going forward, formation of a committee and delegating committee positions will be a first priority. Volunteers will have the option of joining the committee or a project, and a leadership body will help direct and organize everything into one big vision.
Ideas will be discussed at the next meeting, which will be set in September.