Group proposes AOTH cultural centre

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Tara Gesner

EMC News - "The Almonte Old Town Hall (AOTH) needs more people walking through it," Saskia Praamsma told Mississippi Mills council at its Feb. 6 Recreation and Culture Committee meeting.

"There is no physical space for culture," she added.

Praamsma addressed councillors on behalf of the Mississippi Mills Community and Cultural Centre Corporation (C4), proposing the town partner with C4 "to improve the use, visibility and profile" of the AOTH.

Pursuing its objectives and serving Mississippi Mills' cultural community, C4 has a desire to use and manage the vacant area at the AOTH - "incubator spaces."

"We would like to establish a one-year trial for use of the Almonte Old Town Hall, at no cost to C4, and with no town funding," said Praamsma. "There would be a memo of understanding, specifying requirements and expectations, and there would be the option to renew."

She noted the timing is right, as culture has a great economic impact, and the town should be seen as working "proactively, collaboratively to answer cultural needs, and addressing key parts of Community Conversation II objective."

A non-profit corporation, C4 was founded in 2002 to tackle the community's need for a facility to further cultural development in the municipality.

"The facility then being considered for re-purposing as a cultural centre was withdrawn/demolished, leaving C4 in stasis," said Praamsma.

MUCH TO OFFER

Praamsma told council C4 could help by:

• improving the occupancy at the AOTH, by way of the corporation's presence,

• boost traffic at the AOTH and expose it to a larger number of people in the cultural sector,

• endorse the visibility of the AOTH within the town by creating relationships with vibrant and up-and-coming cultural groups.

Coun. John Edwards expressed support in theory for C4's pitch. He noted the town has already put a lot of money in the AOTH.

"It is our cultural centre," he continued.

Coun. Alex Gillis complimented Praamsma on her presentation and suggested C4 could join the Almonte Old Town Hall Advisory Committee.

"Do you have any money?" asked Coun. Denzil Ferguson.

"At the moment, Mississippi Mills Community and Cultural Centre Corporation does not have any funds," answered Praamsma.

"Our expenses on the building a very high," said Coun. Garry Dalgity.

Two offices are available for lease on the second floor in the AOTH, and Dalgity noted the municipality depends on rental income from the facility.

Both Dalgity and Ferguson said they would need more information from C4 about its inclusive plans going forward.

Coun. Paul Watters, chair of the Recreation and Culture Committee, suggested the veteran councillors, as well as Gillis and community/cultural planner Nicole Guthrie, meet with C4 to get a better understanding of the group's strategy.

He thanked Praamsma for her presentation.

tgesner@perfprint.ca