An Open Letter To Collingwood Town Council
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"This is a unique site. It's quite likely the only one that
can make this project succeed."
The debate surrounding the future of the
Collingwood Terminals has taken on a new suggestion from a local Collingwood
artist. Ron MacRae of Artwork-Gallery of Contemporary Art, appeared before
Collingwood Council recently to share his vision for the Terminals.
Dear Mayor Geddes and Councillors,
A few months ago, at a regular monthly meeting, the directors of ARTWORK
discussed the feasibility of converting the Collingwood Terminals into a
professional arts and cultural destination. Specifically, we saw utilizing the
superstructure, the area atop the silos. We were informed at that time that
other proposals had been, or were currently being entertained. Subsequently, the
Fram proposal to develop an extensive condominium project on the north side of
the Terminals, out of the public gaze, has come to the council table, and since
this proposal is now up for serious discussion, ARTWORK would like to come to
this same table, with an alternative vision. To be sure, alternative and vision
are the operative words here because we are seeing very different needs for
Collingwood, needs that require creative solutions and extensive partnerships.
Our vision for the Terminals also incorporates a private, residential
(condominium) development onsite as essential to helping fund the cultural
components. The areas assigned to condominium development in our model would be
the tower elements at one or each end - far less intrisive than the current
proposal. Our residences, however, given the spectacular views and their
exclusivity would be very unique and highly coveted. The financial return from
them and other commercial components would then be invested in supporting the
operations of the rest of the facility as a fully functioning arts, cultural and
commercial destination. We think a combination of dedicated, professional arts
programming, unique waterfront industrial architecture along with the mix of
private and government support would generate tremendous attention and high
visibility for Collingwood. Such a facility would put Collingwood on the
Cultural Tourism map at a time when Collingwood is desperately seeking new
industry - a cultural industry where Canadians spend 22.8 billion dollars each
year! We could also expect up front and continuing government grants from both
the provincial and federal governments to help develop and maintain high
quality, arts facilities and professional programming.
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This is a unique site. It's qute likely the only one that can make this project
succeed. It's non-transferable and there is much to be said for maintaining the
integrity of the Terminals as a historic site, functionally renewed, outwardly
undisturbed and the Harbourlands spit as a sustainable, alive space for public
celebration. Look ahead. This cannot be a missed opportunity.
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The model for our vision is neither radical nor particularly new. It is largely
well-tuned urban renewal along the lines of HARBOURFRONT in Toronto.
HARBOURFRONT was set up as a non-profit corporation as just such a partnership
and with similar goals some 30 years ago. What is critical for us is maintaining
ownership of this imposing structure, to capitalize on it's considerable drawing
power and public presence, and to create a unique arts/cultural place for
residents and visitors alike.
As a community we need to develop places that can attract young, creative people
who want both the vibrancy of urban life and a connectedness to nature. It's
precisely the case that Richard Florida states succinctly in The Rise of the
Creative Class, and he ties it directly to communities that can shift from an
industrial base to evolve and prosper in the economy of creative capital.
Successful communities have something special, something that sells them apart.
For Collingwood it is also timing. When we look to our neighbours we see that
they are in front of us. Owen Sound, Barrie, Orillia, Durham - even our most
recent rival for hearts and minds, Intrawest's Village at Blue are investing
seriously in developing cultural institutions or programs that are attracting
attention and moving them into a broader sphere of influence. We need to
acknowledge that Collingwood must move forward to create new infrastructure and
that assets like the Terminals are integral to this strategy. Our community is
also blessed with resourceful, experienced people from many walks of life. It's
time to call them up!
Every four years, near November, municipal politicians carefully unwrap their
arsenals of influence to engage voters. Invariably, one of the most valued is
the "V" word - Vision. Post election, successful councillors quietly put all of
this behind them and get down to the day-in/day-out politics that are the
mainstay of municipal politics. I'm not a cynic! Maybe it's the reality that the
oppportunities to deliver real vision don't come along that often. But it's
vision and leadership we need right now - real alternatives that speak to our
future good health and prosperity. We need to work as one, across all the rich
segments of this community to make choices that will serve us into the future.
Sincerely
Ron MacRae
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