HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 20, 2026
Cultural Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Main Committee Room
January 20, 2026 - 07:00 PM
Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the livestream on
the HTML Agenda or the archived video available on the City's website.
For inquiries related to accessibility, please contact Legislative Services
Phone: 905.420.4611 | Email: clerks@pickering.ca.
Review and Approval of Agenda
Disclosure of Interest
Approval of Minutes
November 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes Page 3
Delegations/Presentations
New Business
Cultural Strategic Plan Presentation
P. Huntsman, Culture & Communication Consultant
Pickering Museum Village - 2025 Review Page 7
V. Karakian, Supervisor, Museum Services, Pickering Museum Village
Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre Building - Update Page 10
V. Karakian, Supervisor, Museum Services, Pickering Museum Village
Public Art - Public Art Jury Selection for Endorsement Page 11
E. Tayles, Curator, Public Art
1.
2.
3.
3.1
4.
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Public Art - Artist Selection for Alcoves at DCHC for Endorsement Page 12
E. Tayles, Curator, Public Art
Public Art - Artist Selection for Greenwood Heritage Library First
Nations Alcove at DCHC for Endorsement
Page 14
E. Tayles, Curator, Public Art
2026 Event Schedule - Review Page 16
C. Farrell, Supervisor, Cultural Services
Council Report - 2025 Achievements and 2026 Work Plan for
discussion
Page 18
J. St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services
Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) subcommittee –
Update
Other Business
Correspondence
Next Meeting
February 17, 2026
Adjournment
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
6.
7.
8.
8.1
9.
Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
January 20, 2026
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1
Present:
S. Almeida - Schroen, Cultural Advisory Committee
J. Baricuatro - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
S. Barillaro - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
D. Jayawardena - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
Z. Kazi - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
A. Palmer - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
S. Ramoutar - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
D. Thompson - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
K. Roberts - Manager, Cultural Service
C. Farrell - Supervisor, Cultural Services
E. Tayles - Curator, Museum
Cultural Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Main Committee Room
November 18, 2025 - 07:00 PM
J. St. Amant - Coordinator, Cultural Services (Staff Liaison)
J. Currie - Legislative Coordinator (Recording Secretary)
Regrets:
M. Nagy - City Councillor, Ward 2
D. Davis - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
M. McFarland - Cultural Advisory Committee Member
1. Review and Approval of Agenda
Moved By S. Almeida-Schroen
That the November 18, 2025 Cultural Advisory Committee agenda be approved.
Carried
2. Disclosure of Interest
No disclosures of interest were noted.
3. Approval of Minutes
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Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2025
2
3.1 October 21, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Moved By S. Almeida-Schroen
That the Minutes of the October 21, 2025, Meeting of the Accessibility Advisory
Committee be approved.
Carried
4. Delegations/Presentations
There were no delegations.
5. New Business
5.1 Pickering Museum Village - Deaccession for endorsement
E. Tayles, Curator, Museum, provided a brief overview of the Pickering Museum
Village Deaccession list, 2025 and noted that the museum subscribes to
accountable collections management standards by following deaccession
techniques as outlined in the Collections Development and Management Policy
(CUL010), Section 12 and in the Deaccession of Artifacts Procedure (CUL 010-
001).
A brief question and answer period ensued between Committee Members and staff
regarding whether any of the items might be saleable and sought clarification
regarding items without documented donors.
Moved By D. Jayawardena
That the Cultural Advisory Committee endorse the Pickering Museum Village
Deaccession list 2025, as proposed by the Conservator.
Carried
5.2 Cultural Strategic Plan - Update
K. Roberts, Manager, Cultural Services, provided an update regarding the Cultural
Strategic Plan and summarized various public engagement events and noted that
the questionnaire was available on Letstalkpickering.ca/culturalsp. K. Roberts
provided that they would attend an upcoming Committee Meeting to update and
receive feedback from the Committee.
A brief question and answer period ensued between Committee Members and staff
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Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2025
3
regarding whether further consultation would be done once a draft plan was
compiled and whether the new Cultural Strategic Plan would follow the same format
as the current Plan.
5.3 Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) subcommittee – Update
S. Barillaro outlined the details of the PACE Subcommittee's November 4, 2025
report which included a plan to create a 2-year Strategic Plan for the Cultural Fusion
Event.
S. Barillaro noted that the Report included the PACE Subcommittee's Objectives,
and that the Plan would contain an Executive Summary, Mission, Vision, Goals,
Priorities, and Strategies.
S. Barillaro encouraged Committee Members to submit ideas and
recommendations for Cultural Fusion.
C. Farrel noted that Saturday, September 12, 2026 was the proposed date for
Cultural Fusion and announced that the new Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre
would be hosting the event.
A discussion between Committee Members and staff ensued regarding:
• whether the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre would accommodate both
indoor and outdoor space for Cultural Fusion;
• when the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre was scheduled to open; and,
• whether there would be parking available.
Moved By Z. Kazi
That the Cultural Advisory Committee endorses the November 4, 2025, Pickering
Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) Subcommittee report as outlined at the
November 18, 2025 Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting.
Carried
6. Other Business
• C. Farrel provided a brief overview of the Winter Nights, City Lights event, held
Saturday, November 15, 2025.
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Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2025
4
7. Correspondence
There was no correspondence.
8. Next Meeting
8.1 January 20, 2026
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Moved By S. Ramoutar
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
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Memo
To: Cultural Advisory Committee January 13, 2025
From: Victoria Karakian
Supervisor, Museum Services
Copy: Director, Community Services
Manager, Cultural Services
Subject: Pickering Museum Village
- 2025 Review
Visitorship and Engagement
Between Victoria Day and Labour Day, 1,384 guests visited the Museum for general admission,
an increase of 48% over 2024.
Throughout the year, 4,307 guests participated in Museum events and programs, including two
new offerings: Fairy Tour After Dark and The Amazing Museum Race. This represents a 9%
increase over 2024.
Education programs engaged 12,307 youth in both French and English.
Highlights include:
- Two new programs for kindergarten to grade 2.
- A new program for youth groups (ex. Scouts and Guides) focused on outdoor skills such as
compass use and fire-laying.
- New summer programming tailored for camp organizations.
This area saw a 20% increase over 2024.
Overall, 22,479 people engaged with Pickering Museum Village in 2025, an increase of 33%
compared to 2024.
Program Highlights
In November 2025, the Museum launched a series of specialized tours designed for bus tour
operators. To promote Pickering Museum Village, and Pickering as a whole, as a premier cultural
tourism destination, the team participated as a vendor at the Ontario Motor Coach Association
Marketplace. Over two days, staff held a full schedule of appointments with bus operators to
showcase our offerings.
Additional new programs introduced in 2025 include parent-and-tot programming and rentable
activity kits.
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Jan 20, 2025 Page 2 of 3
Pickering Museum Village – Site & Program Update
Exhibits
The historical fashion exhibit, Fashion Follies, was featured at The Shops at Pickering Town
Centre during the summer and at the Pickering Public Library in the fall, attracting approximately
25,106 viewers. The exhibit is now on display at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation
Complex.
The Miller-Cole House reopened this fall to coincide
with the launch of the new Farm Friends and Plant
Pals education program. The heritage building now
features interpretive panels and artifacts from the
former traveling exhibit Gather and Grow, along
with interactive elements such as a reproduction
wood stove.
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Jan 20, 2025 Page 3 of 3
Pickering Museum Village – Site & Program Update
Collection
- A donation of archival materials and photographs used in the research and publication of
The Pickering Story by Dr. William A. McKay (1960).
- Regalia from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows associated with the Pickering Lodge.
- A series of commemorative items from the Pickering Historical Society, including 26 plates,
17 cups, and one bell, representing anniversaries of Pickering buildings, festivals,
Confederation milestones, and landmarks.
Site Highlights
The Museum undertook several exciting projects on-site in 2025. The Redman House Program
Centre underwent a major restoration, including new siding, floors, and roof, as well as a
renovated space for staff offices. Additional improvements feature a new accessible ramp, energy-
efficient LED lighting, and exterior wall insulation. This project was supported by the Green and
Inclusive Community Spaces grant. Staff are scheduled to move into the space in February 2026.
In addition, a retro-style outreach trailer was generously funded by the Pickering Museum Village
Foundation this summer. Equipped with a generator and water tank, the trailer supports activities
requiring power and water. This versatile new asset will enable off-site museum programming and
serve as a mobile gift shop, snack bar, or activity station during on-site events.
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Memo
To: Cultural Advisory Committee January 13, 2025
From: Victoria Karakian
Supervisor, Museum Services
Copy: Director, Community Services
Manager, Cultural Services
Subject: Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre Update
The Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre is nearing completion, with staff occupancy expected in
February. The building was enclosed in late summer, and exterior wood cladding is now complete.
The parking lot and driveway have been paved, including a dedicated bus pull-off to support
museum education programs at the DCHC. Most major construction work is finished, and interior
finishing is currently underway.
Once occupancy is granted, teams may begin moving items into the facility as appropriate. The
Museum, Library, and City Archives teams will relocate their collections and repositories
throughout February and March.
Staff are scheduled to move into their office spaces in mid-March and begin setup. This includes
the Cultural Services team, the Library team, administrative staff, and the Museum’s Assistant
Curator. The grand opening of the building is anticipated for April 25, with confirmation expected in
the spring.
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Memo
To: Cultural Advisory Committee January 16, 2026
From: Ellen Tayles-Armstrong
Curator, Public Art
Copy: Director, Community Services
Manager, Cultural Services
Supervisor, Cultural Services
Subject: Public Art Jury Members 2026
- For Endorsement
Background:
Based on a Call for Public Art Jury Members issued on December 4, 2025, and closed on January
9, 2026, Cultural Services received XX submissions from arts and culture professionals.
The received submissions were reviewed by Cultural Services Staff. After deliberations and
careful review of CV’s and Letters of Interest, staff decided to appoint the below five members as
the Public Art Jury for the 2026 term.
1. XXXX
2. XXXX
3. XXXX
4. XXXX
5. XXXX
Funding:
Each Public Art Jury member will be paid a flat rate of $1,480.00* inclusive of HST for the year.
Discussion:
Currently, Cultural Services is seeking endorsement of the five staff selected individuals to be
appointed as Public Art Jury Members for the 2026 term.
ETA/eta
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Memo
To: Cultural Advisory Committee January 16, 2026
From: Ellen Tayles-Armstrong
Curator, Public Art
Copy: Director, Community Services
Manager, Cultural Services
Supervisor, Cultural Services
Subject: Public Art Commission- DCHC Library Alcoves
- For Endorsement
File: [click and add file number]
Background:
The Call to Artists- Request for Proposals Public Art Commission, Dorsay Community and
Heritage Centre- Greenwood Heritage Library Alcoves, was issued on December 16, 2025.
Cultural Services received a total of XX submissions from artists and artist collectives worldwide.
The call was open from December 16, 2025 to January 9, 2026.
As specified in the Call to Artists, this project sought proposals for the permanent installation of
artwork in the Greenwood Heritage Library alcoves at the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre
in Pickering. A total of three (3) artists were to be selected for this project, one for each available
alcove. Submissions were evaluated based on artistic merit, including quality of work, originality,
and artistic excellence in the field of permanent public art; Adhesion to location and expressed
desire in this project; and, Artist’s demonstrated ability and proposal feasibility to meet the artwork
goals and technical requirements, within the set timeframe and budget.
The Public Art Jury met on XXXX, to review the XX submissions. After deliberation, the jury-
including representatives from the Pickering Public Library selected XXXX, XXXX and XXXX to be
awarded the commissions. (TBC) (Attachment 1)
Funding:
There is $24,000.00 including HST available for this opportunity, $8000.00 per artist, from the
502520.10207.9710 Program & Event Supps-Public Art Program.
Next Steps:
The selected artists will be notified and subsequently, the City will enter into an agreement with
the awarded artists for the Public Art Commission of the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre -
Greenwood Heritage Library Alcoves project. The selected artists will attend a technical
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"[Click here and type date]" Page 2 of 2
"[Click here and type Subject]"
specification review meeting with City staff and provided an updated final design It is anticipated
that the selected artists will begin fabrication of the work in February 2026 for installation in April
2026.
Discussion:
Currently, Community Services is seeking endorsement to award the Public Art Commission of
the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre -Greenwood Heritage Library to: XXX, XXX and
XXX.
ETA/eta
Attachment Artist Proposal XXX
Artist Proposal XXX
Artist Proposal XXX
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Memo
To: Cultural Advisory Committee January 16, 2026
From: Ellen Tayles-Armstrong
Curator, Public Art
Copy: Director, Community Services
Manager, Cultural Services
Supervisor, Cultural Services
Subject: Public Art Commission- DCHC Library Indigenous Alcove
- For Endorsement
File: [click and add file number]
Background:
The Call to Artists- Request for Proposals (RFP) Public Art Commission, Dorsay Community and
Heritage Centre- Greenwood Heritage Library Indigenous Alcove, was issued on December 16,
2025. Cultural Services received a total of XX submissions from artists and artist collectives
worldwide. The call was open from December 16, 2025, to January 9, 2026.
As specified in the Call to Artists, this project sought proposals for the permanent installation of
Indigenous artwork in one of the Greenwood Heritage Library alcoves at the Dorsay Community
and Heritage Centre in Pickering. Submissions were evaluated based on artistic merit, including
quality of work, originality, and artistic excellence in the field of permanent public art; Adhesion to
location and expressed desire in this project; and Artist’s demonstrated ability and proposal
feasibility to meet the artwork goals and technical requirements, within the set timeframe and
budget.
The Public Art Jury met on XXXX, to review the XX submissions. After deliberation, the jury-
including representatives from the Pickering Public Library selected XXXX, to be awarded the
commissions. (TBC) (Attachment 1)
Funding:
There is $8,000.00 including HST available for this opportunity, from the 502520.10207.9710
Program & Event Supps-Public Art Program.
Next Steps:
The selected artist will be notified and subsequently, the City will enter into an agreement with the
awarded artist for the Public Art Commission of the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre -
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"[Click here and type date]" Page 2 of 2
"[Click here and type Subject]"
Greenwood Heritage Library Indigenous Alcove project. The selected artists will attend a
technical specification review meeting with City staff and provided an updated final design. It is
anticipated that the selected artist will begin fabrication of the work in February 2026 for
installation in April 2026.
Discussion:
Currently, Community Services is seeking endorsement to award the Public Art Commission of
the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre -Greenwood Heritage Library Indigenous Alcove to:
XXX..
ETA/eta
Attachment Artist Proposal XXX
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Page 1
Event Schedule 2026
Community Services Event Team
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Page 1
Name of Event Location Date
Mayor’s New Year’s Day Levee City Hall January 10
Easter Parade South Pickering April 4
DCHC Greenwood Open House DCHC April 18
Spring Fling Millennium Square April 11, April 18
DCHC Grand Opening* DCHC April 25
Mr. Dressup’s Magic Unveiling East Woodlands Park May 8
Petapolooza Esplanade Park May 9
Civic Awards CHDRC May 11
Artfest Esplanade Park May 23, 24
Duffins Creek Festival * DCHC/PMV May 30
Canada Day Esplanade Park July 1
Canada Day Kinsmen Park July 1
Waterfront Summer Concerts Millennium Square July 2,9, 16,23,30 Aug
6,13,20,27
Esplanade Park Summer Concerts Esplanade Park July 5, 12, 19, 26 Aug
2, 16, 23,30
Rick Johnson Summer Concerts Rick Johnson Memorial Park July 3,10,17,24, 31,
Aug 7, 14, 28
DCHC Movie Night DCHC July 15
PMV Movie Night Pickering Museum Village August 15
DCHC Movie Night DCHC August 19
Rick Johnson Movie Nights Rick Johnson Memorial Park August 21
Cultural Fusion DCHC September 12
Food Truck Spotlight Event DCHC September 17,18
Car Show and Vendor Market DCHC September 19
DCHC Movie Night-Spooky DCHC October 24
Fall Fling Millennium Square October 17, 24
Winter Concert at DCHC DCHC Nov 19 Dec 3, 17
Winter Nights, City Lights Esplanade Park November 13, 14
Inaugural Meeting of Council Council Chambers November 17
Santa Claus Parade Whites Road November 21
Winter Wonderland Millennium Square December 5, 12
New Years Eve CHDRC December 31
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Memo
To: Mayor Ashe and May 26, 2025 Members of Council
From: Jesse St. Amant Coordinator, Cultural Services
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
Director, Community Services City Clerk
Manager, Cultural Services Manager, Community services Administration & Strategic Initiatives
Supervisor, Cultural Services Special Advisor, Community Initiatives
Subject: Cultural Advisory Committee 2024 Year End Report & 2025 Work Plan
File: A-1410-008 Cultural Advisory Committee
The Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) is pleased to submit, for Council’s information, the 2024 Year End Report and 2025 Work Plan.
A. 2024 Year End Report
In 2024, the CAC met eight times prior to the end of term on November 14, 2024. Highlighted
achievements include but are not limited to the following:
Reviewed and provided recommendation and endorsement of the following Public Art projects:
• Gordon’s Guitar - Celebration of Gordon Lightfoot Public Art Commission in Ernie L. Stroud Park in the Steeple Hill Community by artist Geordie Lishman, to be installed in September/Fall 2025.
• Ayukwenodih - Kingston Road Public Art Commission by artist Javid Jah, Alex Akbari
and Catherine Tàmmaro (Wyandot artist). The artwork was unveiled on Friday, November 1, 2024.
• Crimson Inflorescence - Remembrance Day Poppy Markers Public Art Commission in
Esplanade Park along southeast walking path leading towards the Cenotaph, installed on 11 park light posts by artist Linfeng Zhou. The work was unveiled on October 25, 2024.
Reviewed and provided recommendation and endorsement of the following Temporary Public Art
projects:
• Annual Community Banner Series by artists Serene Chan, Zuna Amir, and Sima Naseem
located on Valley Farm Road and Kingston Road installed in December 2024.
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May 26, 2025 Page 2 of 4
Cultural Advisory Committee – 2024 Year End Report & 2025 Work Plan
• Digital Artwork Display at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex of a collection of works by artist Matthew James Catalano installed in August 2024.
• Art Junction - Utility Box Wrap in Rick Johnson Memorial Park by artist Rainier Naomi Magtalas. The work was installed on October 22, 2024.
• Seasonal Window Painting Murals at City Hall and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex by Pickering local artist Jacob Headley. The work was installed on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 as part of Winter Nights, City Lights.
• Migizi (Bald Eagle) Saves The World - Winter Nights, City Lights Art Installation by Nyle Miigizi Johnston at City Hall installed in November 2024. Reviewed and provided recommendations on monthly Pickering Museum Village reports that included, but were not limited to:
• Gather and Grow – an outdoor program areas focusing on the ways food preparation and production has connected people and communities, across cultures and history.
• Log House and Log Barn renovations and new programs.
• Updates on the progress of the Pickering Heritage and Community Centre (PHCC) and
future programming.
Reviewed, consulted and discussed the following corporate projects and priorities:
• Presentations were made to the committee regarding:
o PHCC (construction and program development)
o Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
o Pickering Community Visitor Plan 2024-2027 o 2024 Events Schedule and CAC outreach opportunities o Post Manor Building (at 1970 Brock Road) feasibility study to convert the Heritage Building into an Art Gallery
The CAC initiated their first sub-committee, the Pickering Arts Culture & Engagement (P.A.C.E.), in early 2024. This sub-committee is dedicated to coordinating opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement. Their objective is to engage each of Pickering's cultural communities by showcasing elements of their culture through arts, music, dance and food, to the community at
large through new initiatives, activities and partnerships.
Representatives from the CAC delegated twice at Council in 2024. Members of the CAC presented the CAC 2023 Achievements and 2024 Work Plan Report during the March 25, 2024 Council meeting. The second delegation to Council was in support of the Community Visitor
Plan and Report at the May 6, 2024 Executive Council Meeting.
The CAC was also represented at this year’s Cultural Fusion event that took place on Saturday,
September 14, 2024 in Esplanade Park. The Chair of the CAC volunteered and acted as Master of Ceremony for the event.
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May 26, 2025 Page 3 of 4
Cultural Advisory Committee – 2024 Year End Report & 2025 Work Plan
B. 2025 Work Plan The Cultural Services Unit has several projects and initiatives planned for 2025 that will be
presented to the CAC for consultation which include, but are not limited to:
• Community Visitors Plan 2024-2027 – Progress Report
• Cultural Strategic Plan - Renewal of the Plan
• Pickering Museum Village Strategic Plan – Renewal of the Plan
• Public Art Plan – Renewal of the Plan
The Cultural Services Unit also has ongoing annual planning which will be presented to the CAC
for consultation:
• Public Art Projects, including but not limited to:
o Commemorative Public Art for Sigrid Squire
o Commemorative Public Art for Paul White o Celebration of Ernie Coombs (Mr. Dressup)
o Commission for the PHCC o Commission for the Pickering Civic Complex Council Chambers (Dorsey James Project)
o Commission of Artwork by Indigenous Artists on Metal Pannels at Beachfront Park
• Temporary Public Art, including but not limited to:
o Lest We Forget Remembrance Day Crosswalks
o Community Banner Series
o City Centre Banner Display Program o Digital Artwork Display at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
• Pickering Museum Village Annual Operating Plan, including but not limited to: o Deaccession Lists review
o Provide feedback on Coach Tour business plan o Provide an update on the Miller Cole Gather and Grow Exhibit and related consultation
o Review list of new program offerings
o Provide update on Spine-Tingling Tour
o Update on plans for the Redman House renovations
o Update on Harvey House restoration plans
• Pickering Events Plan Review:
o Review 2025 Event list
CAC participation at the 2025 Cultural Fusion Fair.
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May 26, 2025 Page 4 of 4
Cultural Advisory Committee – 2024 Year End Report & 2025 Work Plan
The CAC has the following projects and initiatives planned to investigate further in 2025 which
include, but are not limited to:
• Continue the work of the P.A.C.E. sub-committee to engage Pickering’s Cultural
Community and investigate their interest in hosting new events and festivals, and/or
partnering with established events and festivals; that would give additional
opportunities to showcase elements of their culture (arts, music, dance, handmade markets, food and drink) to the community at large through those new initiatives,
activities and partnerships.
Work of the CAC also includes:
• Consult on public art and participate on the Public Art Jury to review and consult on
public art submission, including the submission of a Terms of Reference.
• Provide feedback to staff on the development of community engagement initiatives
related to culture and provide feedback on existing cultural programs.
• Act as cultural champions and look for opportunities through community engagement initiatives that focus on celebrating, and highlighting cultural assets, or that bring
heritage recognition, and education to the forefront.
• Connect community partners to the culture team, to deliver on goals listed in the Cultural Strategic Plan.
• Provide feedback to staff on the development of entrepreneurial and economic
development initiatives related to culture and provide feedback on existing
programs.
• Report to Council annually through the committee’s work plan.
:jsa
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