By Tyler Kula, from www.theobserver.ca The Observer
A plan to define and enhance Sarnia-Lambton’s cultural assets could improve chances for future senior government funding, says Lambton’s manager of cultural services.
Robert Tremain said that’s one potential benefit of incorporating key assets, like museums, galleries, libraries, parks, tourism and heritage, into all municipal decisions.
“It’s about an umbrella plan that has to serve equally all parts of Lambton County,” he said.
The first of three public forums to gather public input was held at Gallery Lambton this week, with about 25 participants.
Attendees were asked to discuss important cultural resources and ideas, in part, to make Lambton a more attractive place to tourists and immigrants.
“In recent years culture has been brought to the forefront as a means of promoting economic development and promoting tourism,” Tremain said, noting youth retention and leisure options are other benefits.
The $45,000 project, led by a steering committee of community members and political and industry representatives, will present Lambton County council with a plan, followed by an official unveiling July 8.
There will be opportunities for public input before the final draft is sent to council, Tremain said.
Some participants were concerned the plan doesn’t focus enough on sustainability.
“It scares me,” said Shawn McKnight, owner of the Urban Nature Centre.
A cultural plan should incorporate sustainability, land use and natural resources into municipal planning, but he’s not sure this one will, he said.
Funding was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Culture and Lambton County. The goal is to integrate culture into existing municipal plans for everything from economic development to natural trails, said Greg Baeker, senior consultant with Toronto-based AuthentiCity, a consultant hired to assist with the plan.
“A lot of the important outcomes will be economic outcomes, but there will also be things like a more vital downtown,” he said, noting it’s important the community has input.
Sarnia-Lambton’s mix of rural and urban needs to be accounted for in the plan, along with the oil heritage district, a potential world heritage site, Baeker said.
The next public consultations take place March 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia, and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Shores Recreation Centre in Forest
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