R.M. of Gimli. Heritage Management Plan Gimli Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee

Transcription

1 R.M. of Gimli Heritage Management Plan Gimli Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee

2 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 1 Background to the Gimli Heritage Management Plan... 2 Where is Gimli Now? Where does Gimli want to go?... 5 How will Gimli get there? Strategies and Actions... Implementation Plan Appendix 1: Detailed Analysis of Gimli s Heritage Situation

3 Executive Summary Gimli has an established and evolving heritage sector. A museum, interpretive opportunities, cultural events and several designated heritage sites offer residents and visitors the chance to learn about and to engage with the community s past. A thorough analysis of Gimli s situation, including known heritage resources and the municipality s heritage management framework was also completed, leading to the identifi cation of heritage development opportunities that represent social, economic and environmental value for the entire municipality. In order to focus the strategies and actions proposed in the plan, a heritage vision statement was created for Gimli. This vision takes into account the community s current situation and provides room for heritage partners to participate in a communitywide heritage effort. The vision statement reads: Gimli is a community that: Knows and values its built heritage and the stories associated therewith, is committed to preserving the many layers of its history, and acknowledges and supports local conservation efforts. Briefl y summarized, strategic actions proposed in this plan include: Expanding Gimli s knowledge of its heritage resources through phased research projects and area or neighbourhood character statements, Developing and sharing promotional and educational heritage material for Gimli residents and visitors through tours, web content, interpretive materials and local media, Providing Council with recommendations on places/subjects for heritage commemoration or interpretation and on maintaining an effective municipal heritage management framework, and Supporting and acknowledging local heritage stewards by providing technical advice and resources and developing a recognition program. By completing these actions, the Gimli MHAC will make substantial strides towards achieving the community s heritage vision. By the conclusion of the plan, Gimli will be a municipal heritage leader in Manitoba and continued opportunities will be ensured for social, cultural and economic development using the community s heritage. Based on this vision, a set of seven strategies, each with associated actions to be executed over the next three years is proposed. These strategies were carefully considered and represent signifi cant contributions to Gimli s heritage. The actions proposed for each strategy are those which offer opportunities for community engagement, for community development and for partnership with other heritage organizations and funders. 1

4 Background to the Gimli Heritage Management Plan The Gimli Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee was created by council on March 28, 2007, to consider and advise the Council on any matter related to the powers afforded to Council under the terms of the Heritage Resources Act and, in particular, the committee may make recommendations to the Council respecting the designation of heritage buildings, structures, and lands as Municipal Heritage Sites, and the demolition, preservation, alteration, or renovation of those buildings, structures and lands. The MHAC has had many successes, and feels that creating a plan will help focus activities, engage the community and attract partners. The plan s scope the three years running from , and includes projects and actions to be undertaken by the MHAC. Many of these projects could be strengthened by partnerships with other Gimli heritage organizations, local schools, tourism organizations, business and individual heritage stewards, and the MHAC invites partners interested in working on projects to become involved, and, where appropriate will seek them out. As a volunteer committee serving at the pleasure of Gimli municipal council, the MHAC is grateful for the support and encouragement of council. 2

5 Where is Gimli Now? Gimli has an established and evolving heritage sector. A local museum, interpretive opportunities, cultural events and several designated heritage sites offer residents and visitors the chance to learn about and to engage with the community s past. Many of these opportunities resulted from the work done by the previous (Town of Gimli) MHAC, which supported many projects that are notable in their own right (Lake Winnipeg Visitors Centre, Gimli Public School, designation of Jonasson House and Unitarian Church) and also served as catalysts for additional cultural development Gimli MHAC Accomplishments: Completion of a heritage inventory focusing on four areas in the municipality Erection and dedication of a monument to victims of the smallpox epidemic of Hosting of the 2007 Community Heritage Manitoba conference Development of the If these walls could talk exhibit, launched on Manitoba Day 2008 (May 12) at the New Iceland Heritage Museum Gimli School Gimli Unitarian Jonasson House Gimli Dance Pavilion 3

6 In preparation for developing the heritage plan, Gimli MHAC worked with Manitoba Historic Resources to complete the Heritage Matters worksheet. This worksheet provides a report card on how a community is managing its heritage. While Gimli s solid heritage track record drew a favourable mark, several strategic opportunities were identifi ed. A thorough analysis of Gimli s situation, including known heritage resources and the municipality s heritage management framework was also completed, leading to the identifi cation of heritage development opportunities that represent social, economic and environmental value for the entire municipality. (See Appendix 1) Specifi cally, it was noted that several themes which are important to Gimli and which have not yet been interpreted in Manitoba (Austrian settlement, early cottages, fi shing industry) represent unique heritage education, promotion and tourism opportunities for the community. However, several knowledge gaps exist which must be fi lled; further information is about heritage resources in Gimli, especially those resources in rural areas and from the post-1945 era is a prerequisite to the development of meaningful interpretation or promotion. The overall picture of heritage in Gimli is that of a community that knows and values its heritage. While many of the most impressive and signifi cant places and subjects have been recognized (largely through the work of the previous MHAC), the current task at hand is to expand Gimli s heritage understanding to subtler, less obvious or less traditional subjects and to communicate heritage values to residents and visitors. The next section of the plan places this task into the larger context of Gimli s heritage vision. Sts Cyril RC Church St. Mary s Ukrainian Catholic Church Icelandic Pioneer Cemetery 4

7 Where does Gimli want to go? Gimli MHAC has drafted a heritage vision statement that not only refl ects the mandate of the MHAC, but also provides opportunities for other heritage partners to see themselves and to participate in a larger effort. Gimli MHAC also feels it is important to recognize that most of Gimli s heritage resources are privately owned and are not legally protected, but that they survive (and, in many cases, prosper) because of voluntary conservation efforts by dedicated stewards. Acknowledging and supporting these efforts is important to maintaining the enthusiasm and cooperation of these stewards and ultimately is critical to preserving Gimli s heritage. With this perspective in mind, the following heritage vision statement has been created: Gimli is a community that: Knows and values its built heritage and the stories associated therewith, is committed to preserving the many layers of its history, and acknowledges and supports local conservation efforts. This heritage vision statement is congruent with the direction set in Gimli s draft Strategic Plan (May 3, 2008) and with the current Cultural and Heritage Resources policy statement in the Eastern Interlake Planning District Development Plan. The next section of the plan describes how Gimli will work towards this vision during

8 How will Gimli get there? In order to work towards achieving Gimli s heritage vision, the following strategies and actions are proposed to be undertaken over the next three years. An implementation plan is also provided, indicating the committee member who has volunteered to serve as the project lead as well as a preliminary budget and funding partners. In the past, the Gimli MHAC has been fortunate to receive fi nancial and in-kind support from the Municipality of Gimli. This support has enabled the committee to leverage additional funds and to complete meaningful projects that represent A. Gimli is a community that knows and values its built heritage and the stories associated therewith: contributions to the entire community. Continued support (fi nancial and in-kind) is requested for the completion of specifi c strategic actions; these requested contributions are detailed in the implementation plan. The total fi nancial support requested from council is estimated at $1,000 (2008), $X,XXX (2009) and $X,XXX (2010), with smaller in-kind contributions of skills or services requested in those years. Added to this support, the MHAC will contribute volunteer labour (more than 1,000 hours in 2007) and will endeavour to access funding support from other sources, such as provincial heritage grants. Strategy A1. Expand information on Gimli s heritage resources Action A1.1: Expand Gimli s heritage resources inventory conduct research on additional sites in the rural parts of the municipality in 2008, future phases to include Sandy Hook area (2009) and commercial industrial sites (2010). A2. Communicate heritage values and information to Gimli residents and to visitors A1.2: Develop neighbourhood character statements describing the unique sense of place of various areas and neighbourhoods, and provide information to Council and to the Eastern Interlake Planning District Board for possible inclusion in EIPD Development Plan. A2.1: Develop educational heritage tours (walking and driving) showcasing the diversity of Gimli s heritage. A2.2: Develop educational and promotional heritage material for Gimli s municipal web site (drawing on A1.1, A2.1 and A2.4). A2.3: Arrange for the sharing of the If these walls could talk exhibit with museums, schools, offi ces, other MHACs, etc. A2.4: Develop products (articles/photos) to share with local media showcasing local heritage, stories and/or conservation advice. 6

9 B. Gimli is a community that is committed to preserving the many layers of its history Strategy B1. Advise council re: places and subjects of heritage signifi cance B2. Advise council re: Gimli s heritage framework Action B1.1: Conduct an annual review of places/events/people/subjects suitable for commemoration, interpretation or designation B2.1: Research and recommend an appropriate municipal resolution regarding adoption of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, a benchmark for conservation practices and an eligibility requirement for many funding programs B2.2: Recommend appropriate incorporation of area/neighbourhood character statements (A1.2) into Gimli s planning framework C. Gimli is a community that acknowledges and celebrates conservation efforts Strategy C1. Maintain/enhance local heritage conservation expertise C2. Build and maintain public profi le of MHAC C3. Acknowledge local heritage stewards conservation efforts Action C1.1: Support the attendance of two delegates at the 2008 Community Heritage Manitoba Conference C1.2: Deliver heritage building maintenance planning information (available from Manitoba Historic Resources) to owners of heritage cottages C1.3: Develop tools/advice regarding specifi c preservation strategies for heritage cottages including sensitive additions and increasing energy effi ciency C1.4: Promote the Gimli MHAC as a resource available to the community for heritage planning and conservation knowledge through web site (A2.2) and media materials (A2.4) C2.1: Ensure that communication materials and all MHAC projects reference Gimli s heritage commitment (including creating an MHAC) and the contribution of the MHAC to conserving Gimli s heritage, sense of place and quality of life. C3.1: Develop and implement a centennial building recognition program that would celebrate local conservation efforts and foster community pride. 7

10 Annual Implementation Plan Actions for 2008 Action Lead Notes A1.1: Expand Gimli s heritage resources inventory, Phase 1 sites in rural area. Estimated project budget $7,000, municipal contribution requested $1,000. Wally Johannson Grant application completed, notifi cation anticipated September 2008 A1.2: Develop neighbourhood character statements, for 2008 identify areas to be characterized, conduct research A2.1: Develop educational heritage tours (walking and driving) showcasing the diversity of Gimli s heritage. (Project budget combined with A1.1) A2.3: Arrange for the sharing of the If these walls could talk exhibit with interested museums, schools, offi ces, other MHACs, etc. A2.4: Develop products (articles/photos) to share with local media showcasing local heritage, stories and/or conservation advice B1.1: Conduct an annual review of places/events/people/subjects suitable for commemoration, interpretation or designation B2.1: Research and recommend an appropriate municipal resolution regarding adoption of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, a benchmark for conservation practices and an eligibility requirement for many funding programs C1.1: Support the attendance of two delegates at the 2008 Community Heritage Manitoba Conference. Cost TBD C1.2: Deliver heritage building maintenance planning information (available from Manitoba Historic Resources) to owners of heritage cottages meet with cottage owners associations, develop distribution plan. In-kind printing support requested. C2.1: Ensure that communication materials and all MHAC projects reference Gimli s heritage commitment (including creating an MHAC) and the contribution of the MHAC to conserving Gimli s heritage, sense of place and quality of life (includes C1.4, A2.2 and A2.4). C3.1: Develop for council s approval a proposal for a centennial building recognition program that would celebrate local conservation efforts and foster community pride. 8 Rick Lair Wally Johannson Wally Johannson Andy Blicq Wally Johannson Tammy Axelsson Wally Johannson Andy Blicq Support available from Manitoba Historic Resources Grant application completed, notifi cation anticipated September 2008 Core mandate of MHAC Technical and administrative support available from Manitoba Historic Resources Professional development opportunity for MHAC Support may be available from Manitoba Historic Resources/ Heritage Matters program

11 Annual Implementation Plan Actions for 2009 Action Lead Notes A1.1: Expand Gimli s heritage resources inventory, Phase 2 Sandy Hook area. Estimated project budget $8,000 municipal contribution to be requested in 2009: $TBD Project eligible for funding through Heritage Grants Program or Heritage Matters Support available from Manitoba Historic Resources A1.2: Develop neighbourhood character statements: write and edit statements A2.2: Develop educational and promotional heritage material for Gimli s municipal web site (drawing on A1.1, A2.1 and A2.4). In-kind web programming and hosting support requested. A2.4: Develop products (articles/photos) to share with local media showcasing local heritage, stories and/or conservation advice B1.1: Conduct an annual review of places/events/people/subjects suitable for commemoration, interpretation or designation B2.2: Recommend appropriate incorporation of area/neighbourhood character statements (A1.2) into Gimli s planning framework C1.1: Support the attendance of two delegates at the 2009 Community Heritage Manitoba Conference. Cost TBD C1.3: Develop tools/advice regarding specifi c preservation strategies for heritage cottages including sensitive additions and increasing energy effi ciency identify priority topics and existing information sources C2.1: Ensure that communication materials and all MHAC projects reference Gimli s heritage commitment (including creating an MHAC) and the contribution of the MHAC to conserving Gimli s heritage, sense of place and quality of life (includes C1.4). C3.1: Centennial building recognition program to celebrate local conservation efforts and foster community pride identify sites to be recognized in 2009, plan small ceremony. Cost TBD. Rick Lair Andy Blicq Andy Blicq Rick Lair Andy Blicq Technical support available from Manitoba Historic Resources Project eligible support from Heritage Grants or Heritage Matters. Possible partnership with schools or tourism groups. Core of MHAC mandate Support available from Manitoba Historic Resources Professional development opportunity for MHACSupport may be available from Manitoba Historic Resources/ Heritage Matters program Support available from Manitoba Historic Resources, Manitoba Hydro and other partners Project may be eligible for funding through Heritage Grants Program or Heritage Matters Grants Program or Heritage Matters 9

12 Annual Implementation Plan Actions for 2010 Action Lead Notes A1.1: Expand Gimli s heritage resources inventory, Phase 3 Commercial and industrial sites. Estimated project budget $7,000, municipal contribution to be requested in 2010: TBD. Project eligible for funding through Heritage Grants Program or Heritage Matters A2.4: Develop products (articles/photos) to share with local media showcasing local heritage, stories and/or conservation advice Andy Blicq B1.1: Conduct an annual review of places/events/people/subjects suitable for commemoration, interpretation or designation (see Appendix 2 for results of 2008 review) C1.1: Support the attendance of two delegates at the 2010 Community Heritage Manitoba Conference. Cost TBD C1.3: Develop tools/advice regarding specifi c preservation strategies for heritage cottages including sensitive additions and increasing energy effi ciency identify priority topics and existing information sources. Core mandate of MHAC Professional development opportunity for MHAC Support available from Manitoba Historic Resources, Manitoba Hydro and other partners C2.1: Ensure that communication materials and all MHAC projects reference Gimli s heritage commitment (including creating an MHAC) and the contribution of the MHAC to conserving Gimli s heritage, sense of place and quality of life (includes C1.4, A2.2 and A2.4). Andy Blicq C3.1: Centennial building recognition program to celebrate local conservation efforts and foster community pride identify sites to be recognized in 2010, plan small ceremony. Cost TBD Project may be eligible for funding through Heritage Grants Program or Heritage Matters 10

13 APPENDIX 1 Gimli s Heritage Situation Analysis Opportunities Community interest in heritage Interest in sharing stories Demand for local history books Emotional connection to place (sometimes intergenerational) Icelandic Festival Elvis festival, car events Remote control airplane afi cionados at Air Base Interest in all range of history, not just settlement era Reorganization of how tourism is planned and delivered Upcoming results of strategic plan Centennial of Village of Gimli : Many cottages reach 100 years of age Large number of cemeteries in RM Extensive archival photo record of community Interest in genealogical research Film festival Large number of tourists/visitors CPR line abandonment/reuse Fishermen celebrations Strengths MHAC high level of commitment and of expertise Access to extensive photo archive MHAC connection to museums, business, council Gimli art club Many retired people = potential volunteer base Relatively high number of designations for community size Good relationship with media Strong stewards for designated sites Challenges Loss of living memory Development pressure = demolition permits (hinge on council support for heritage) Threatened health of lake = decline in visitors Dutch elm disease = loss of trees Loss of pine trees in park/no replanting program active Not widespread awareness of heritage values in community No incentives/tools to help owners keep up older buildings Age of buildings many near or beyond intended life expectancy Weaknesses Taxed human resources Busy MHAC members hard to schedule meetings everyone can attend Tourism presence in interlake/gimli is not fully evolved Limited provincial interest in east interlake tourism Little local heritage engagement with schools, especially senior grades Imbalance of representation on past heritage projects (not full community participation) has left some gaps in presentation of local heritage 11

14 Gimli s Heritage Resources APPENDIX 1 Gimli s Heritage Situation Analysis Known Heritage Resources: 55 buildings inventoried ( ) 18 cemeteries inventoried ( ) Interpreted heritage resources: Establishment of New Iceland event of National Historic Signifi cance Vilhjamur Stefansson person of National Historic Signifi cance Canadair T-33 Silver Star commemorating RCAF Gimli, Viking statue Sigtryggur Jonasson- provincial commemoration Settlement of New Iceland- provincial commemoration RM of Gimli Centennial- municipal commemoration Gimli s Community Heritage Management Framework: Item Yes/No Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee Yes Development Plan Heritage Policy Statement Yes By-law protection of heritage sites Yes Municipal adoption of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada Yes Heritage permits used to manage changes to heritage sites Municipal incentives (fi nancial or technical) for conservation of municipal heritage sites No No Protected heritage resources: H.P. Tergeson Store (provincial heritage site) Gimli Public School Gimli Unitarian Church St. Mary s Ukrainian Catholic Church St. Michael s Ukrainian Catholic Church Jonasson House Gimli Dance Pavilion Sts. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church Gimli Icelandic Pioneers Cemetery Other heritage resources: 12 New Iceland Heritage Museum Street names Icelandic Festival (annual event) Lake Winnipeg Visitors Centre

15 Attachment 2008 Recommendations from Gimli MHAC: Places/subjects suitable for municipal heritage commemoration or designation. 1. Recommended Commemorations: Suzanne E.: Recommended council consider conduct public consultation on renaming of 7th Avenue in Gimli townsite, changing name to Suzanne E. Avenue. The sinking of the fi shing vessel the Suzanne E. was. The signifi cance of this event to Gimli is. The naming of town streets for signifi cant boats began in the 1990s, and this would fi t with existing naming scheme. In informal discussions on this topic, the local fi shing community indicated support for the idea of commemorating the Suzanne E (additional input from those most affected by the tragedy will be sought). Budget: Less than $1000 for installation of new street signs. 2. Recommended Interpretations: Community of Berlo: The community of Berlo is a unique cultural landscape, showing the distinctive land use patterns and architectural traditions of the German people who settled in what is now Gimli in the late 19th century. The characteristics of Berlo including a distinct style of log building construction and a distinct land use pattern are unique in Manitoba. An interpretive sign/plaque would explain these unique characteristics and acknowledge the contribution of Berlo to Gimli cultural mosaic. 3. Recommended Municipal Heritage Site Designations: Gimli Park: While the Gimli Dance Pavilion is designated as a municipal heritage site, the Gimli MHAC now recommends that the park setting of the pavilion, along with its other amenities pillars, band shell, picnic sites and historic tree plantings be considered for inclusion in the designation. The site is socially and culturally signifi cant to the community and is a typical example of a style of civic park development common in the early part of the 20th century. Recommendation is to amend the existing by-law # A small tree planting ceremony in the park is envisaged as a possible part of the new designation. Budget: Estimated $250 for publication and filing costs. 4. Other Recommendations: None at this time. Budget: TBD. Eligible for matching funding through Heritage Grants Program. 13