Dear Editor:On February 25, I attended the Annual Culture and Heritage Forum for Municipal Officials: "Cultural Planning for Prosperous Communities", co-presented in partnership by the Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport and SaskCulture Inc.
Yorkton is one of the first communities in the province to develop a Municipal Cultural Plan (a result of funding for a pilot project through SaskCulture and Saskatchewan Lotteries).As chair of the Yorkton Municipal Cultural Planning Steering Committee, I was asked to present an overview of our cultural planning process.
The event featured a keynote address by Gord Hume, one of Canada's foremost experts on cultural planning. An introduction and overview of the Government of Saskatchewan's new cultural policy was given. Followed by a presentation of the Statements of Provincial Interest from the Director of Municipal Affairs, and a workshop on creating a cultural plan.
To most people this likely doesn't this sound like the most exciting way to spend a day.Despite the potential for boredom, it was a very interesting day. Something exciting is happening in Saskatchewan!
The provincial government led the way last March by releasing a much-needed culture policy, 'Pride of Saskatchewan: A Policy where Culture, Community and Commerce Meet'. The City of Saskatoon, Culture Capital of Canada in 2006, is well on its way to completing its first ever municipal culture plan. In 2008, Humboldt's Heritage Project was the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. And there we were, Yorkton, with the province's first officially completed Municipal Cultural Planning document in hand!A move to promote cultural planning to the rest of Saskatchewan's cities, towns and rural mun-icipalities is taking place. For the past several years, urban and rural planners have continued to explore how a community's cultural assets can be used to build economic opportunity, enhance quality of life for residents, increase civic participation and ignite community pride and vibrancy.Much work lies ahead as we all work to develop culture policies, plans and programs. Similar issues seem to resonate around the province such as: How do we ensure we use a model that is accountable, transparent, engages residents' participation and involvement in policy development and goal setting and in the execution of the plan?
Saskatchewan is home to hundreds of cultural organizations, too many of which are only one volunteer away from ceasing to exist. How do we strengthen our cultural offerings while maintaining our prairie resilience and spirit of independence?
As we become more urban, how do we maintain our heritage, agricultural stories and values that make up who we are?
How do we foster a safe community that embraces diversity by providing social, cultural, recreational and educational opportunities for all community members?
How do we develop and maintain facilities that offer a diverse range of sport, recreational and cultural opportunities for youth to seniors?
Gord Hume pointed out that in their quest to survive, some municipalities have realized they must offer more than just infrastructure; they must consider how they can influence quality of life. According to Hume, "cultural planning is about harnessing the assets of a community; celebrating the unique resources, such as heritage properties, natural assets and community spirit; revitalizing downtown cores; honouring and respecting the unique contributions of our artists and artisans; creating diverse and safe neighborhoods; raising the bar for urban design; protecting our green spaces and becoming better stewards of our environment; and the many other elements that make up a community moving forward in the 21st century"
"The link between municipal cultural planning and community economic prosperity is what drives large and small communities in Canada towards a new economic model" - Gord HumeYorkton's Municipal Cultural Plan, approved in 2009, is meant to help guide our community's development, working in tandem with other municipal planning documents. Time will tell how we, as a community, answer these questions.
Lori GlauserChair- Yorkton Municipal Cultural Planning Steering Committee
For further info: www.yorkton.ca/dept/leisure/culturalplan
