Title
Stony Plain Heritage Agricultural Society Budget Request
Proposed Motion
That Council approve the Stony Plain Heritage Agricultural Society request in the amount of $68,700 for the 2020 budget, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
This report is coming to Council to provide direction to Administration on the level of support to provide to the Cultural groups.
Summary
The Stony Plain Heritage Agricultural Society, also known as the Multicultural Heritage Centre (MHC), has been preserving and promoting the history and culture of Stony Plain and surrounding area for over 40 years. The Centre boasts a living museum, which reflects the local agricultural history of Stony Plain, Western Canadian pioneer life and a public art gallery promoting local artists as well as artists from all over Alberta and Canada and is home to the community archives and Wild Rose Library. The centre currently offers a number of agricultural and gardening, heritage, childrens, school and visual arts community programs. The Centre also runs the PERC Gym and has a number of spaces that are available for rent.
Over the past three years, the MHC has been making changes to decrease operational costs and have been reviewing their on-going spending. Although the MHC has made cost saving changes, the costs associated with the daily operation of the MHC are increasing.
The MHC has asked that Parkland County increase its annual contribution of $53,700 by $15,000 plus COLA annually for a 3-year term.
Parkland County’s current contribution to the MHC is one of the few sources of they have that are undesignated funds. The MHC is also able to request capital cost share funding from Parkland County, which is subject to Council approval. This could increase the amount of support they receive from the County.
The Parks, Recreation and Culture department has assigned a staff member to work more closely with the group and support their strategic planning and reporting.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Complete Communities
Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan Implementation Plan Recommendation 8.2 - Enable Easy Access to Quality and Diverse Recreation Facilities
Financial Impact:
Cost: $68,700
Source of Funding: 2020 Operating Budget