Renfrew Council has been given their first briefing on the process behind the town’s new master plan for arts, heritage, and culture.
Council opened their Tuesday night meeting with Janet Kreda and Julie Glaser of DCarr Community Solutions, who have been tasked with developing a plan that creates a supportive foundation for Renfrew’s arts scene by developing, supporting, and growing opportunities for arts, heritage, and cultural events and initiatives.
DCarr says their research has found that while a diverse range of recreational arts, cultural, and community-based programming can be found in town, it lacks vital infrastructure and resources.
While the group understood that Renfrew is facing a number of budgetary challenges, they were quick to point out that most of what the master plan will lay out for the near future will focus on goals and ideas that will benefit the town without needing to open its coffers too many times.
Among the major findings that the master plan is expected to cover is a desire across the board for more indigenous and pride-led events. The research also put a special focus on Renfrew’s young residents, who feel there are too few opportunities to participate in arts, heritage, and culturally themed events with their peers due to distance.
Renfrew Council will get their chance to discuss and debate the full master plan as soon as next week when the document is brought to the Committee of the Whole.
(written by Kasey Egan)