Municipal Cultural Plan
BACKGROUND RESEARCH Background Literature Review Meetings with Steering Committee Tour of Township with Reeve Local knowledge from previous planning work Community Profile Population growth higher than the provincial average Largest component of population is 50-75 yrs of age Shortage of young adults Higher than average portion of population are from another municipality in Ontario 5 years earlier(29% vs 12% for ON) 3.7% of population are employed in Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport, higher than the provincial average (3.1%)
PLANNING CONTEXT
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWEES Dorset Brad Robinson Lee Payne Norm Mackay Roy Mackay Ruth McLennan Stanhope Carol Moffatt Gerald Bain Jim Moore Liz Danielson Norma Godger Sheila Ziman Oxtongue Lake Chris, Jan, Andrea Woods Wilbur & Neil Blackman Scott & Joan Hayden Marnie Brethour Lisa Barry Gord Henderson Fran Gower Joan Lomax & Laurie Hollingsworth Betsy Siegfried
History Present STAKEHOLDER INPUT Historic link to the area pioneers, cottagers, resort guests Growing commitment to the area over time No specific link to the Township as a whole Historical connections very strong Loss of community for long term residents New residents treasure sense of community People are the cultural strength of the area Oxtongue Lake link to the park, attributes of the lake, sense of community Dorset tourism, attractions, natural beauty, the lake Stanhope appreciation for history, logging, link to agriculture, trail system, natural beauty Weaknesses lake of infrastructure, amenities, high speed internet, health services Residents would take visitors to churches, libraries, general stores, local resaurants, and community halls Lack of a school major issue in attracting youth Residents see their area as different from Muskoka and a place with little pretense
Future STAKEHOLDER INPUT Oxtongue Lake enhance Community Hall Dorset Cover community rink, improve access to attractions, revitalize Frost Centre Stanhope Support and improve the airport and trail sytems Overall, improvement focused on existing amenities - landscaping and maintenance Tourism critical to future of all areas of the Township Local residents seen as being most important to the future of culture With proper management, culture can be preserved and promoted to the benefit of all
WORKSHOP RESULTS - CATCH PHRASES Dorset: Close-knit Community Deep Historical Roots Keeping History Alive Honey Pot Picturesque Hidden Gem Volunteer Spirit Home of the Dorset Tower Stanhope: An Area of Natural Open Spaces Rooted in History/Tradition; Caretakers of our History and Cottage Culture Abundant and Diverse Sense of Community Oxtongue Lake: Gateway to Algonquin Unspoiled Natural Beauty A Place to Visit and Stay Forever Group of Seven / Artistic Heritage Strong Sense of Community A History of Generations Algonquin Highlands Common to all communities was the importance of the pristine, natural heritage features and a sense of community
WORKSHOP RESULTS CULTURAL POSTCARD Dorset: Dorset Tower Robinson s General Store Bridge Natural Setting lakes, rock, pines Active Living at all ages canoeing, skiing, hiking, boating, etc. Museum Fall Colours Artists Stanhope: Chute Stone Churches Artists at Work Festivals Heritage Days, Snowball Natural Environment Community Centres Canoes in the mist Oxtongue Lake: Ragged Falls Community Centre AJ Casson s specific work of Oxtongue Lake Regatta Family Resorts Wildlife Recreational Activities in all Four Seasons Seigfried / Lewis Camp; and Tom Parris Algonquin Highlands Images reflect individual communities with little overlap from the forums
WORKSHOP RESULTS SUCCESSFUL RESOURCES Dorset: Dorset Tower Community Centre Dorset Heritage Museum Robinson s General Store Crown Lands Stanhope: Community Centres Water and Land Trails Log Chute Oxtongue Lake: Algonquin Park Resorts and Outfitters Natural Heritage Features The Community
WORKSHOP RESULTS CULTURAL GENIE Dorset: Retain quaint, unique rural charm Enhance collaborative initiatives Revive the Frost Centre Promotional messages to highlight the area Co-operative to assist arts and culture Offer value in experience lecture series, music series, environment/ecology education Develop healthy outdoor activities Bigwin Steamboat Restoration Oxtongue Lake: Community Centre infrastructure & services Emphasize AJ Casson / Group of Seven Revive Social Improve Visual Image Museum / Interactive Art Centre Need own Identity Connectivity via water east to west Stanhope: Utilization of the Frost Build the respect and education for nature Amphitheatre / Music Event or Series Bakery and Community Market Place Expand the Trail System
DRAFT CULTURAL INVENTORY
CULTURAL RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION Stanhope s cultural resources are spread out with clusters at Carnarvon, the municipal offices and at the airport Dorset has a large cluster in the settlement area, with an east west distribution Oxtongue Lake has a concentrated distribution around the lake and towards Algonquin Park on Hwy 60 Overall in Algonquin Highlands, cultural resources form three distinct zones, with the majority of assets located on the water
QUESTIONNAIRE 60 questionnaires collected Affiliation with AH Where do you participate in Culture?
QUESTIONNAIRE Cultural Activity Participation in Past Year Sector Representation
Issues or Challenges QUESTIONNAIRE Cultural Programs Sufficient?
QUESTIONNAIRE Potential Improvements Better definition of culture Increase number of events More books on local history Medical services Partnerships/Cooperation Funding Participation Appeal to Youth Reduce Seasonal Nature
NEXT STEPS Visioning Session October Municipal Cultural Plan
Municipal Cultural Plan