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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 16, 2026 Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Main Committee Room June 16, 2026 - 07:00 PM Present: S. Almeida - Schroen, Cultural Advisory Committee J. Baricuatro - Cultural Advisory Committee Member S. Barillaro - Cultural Advisory Committee Member D. Davis - 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 Services V. Karakian - Supervisor, Museum Services J. St. Amant - Coordinator, Cultural Services (Staff Liaison) J. Currie - Legislative Coordinator (Recording Secretary) Regrets: C. Farrell - Supervisor, Cultural Services M. Nagy - City Councillor, Ward 2 Review and Approval of Agenda Moved By S. Almeida-Schroen That the agenda for the June 16, 2026 Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting be approved. Carried Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. Approval of Minutes 1. 2. 3. 1 May 19, 2026, Meeting Minutes The Cultural Advisory Committee indicated that D. Jayawardena's attendance was incorrectly noted as absent at the May 19, 2026, meeting. Moved By S. Almeida-Schroen That the Minutes of the May 19, 2026, Meeting of the Cultural Advisory Committee be approved with amendments. Carried Delegations/Presentations There were no delegations. City Centre Park – Concept Plan Presentation J. Ng and C. Stevens, MJMA Architecture & Design, appeared before the Committee via electronic connection and provided an overview of the proposed design elements for the Pickering City Centre Park. With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, the delegates outlined the proposed concept, which focused on a year-round destination featuring a refrigerated ice-skating trail, a central gathering space with a water misting feature, and sustainable green space. The delegates provided a summary of public consultation completed to date and anticipated future engagement activities. A question and answer period ensued between Committee Members, J. Ng, C. Stevens and A. Mostert regarding: whether a two-storey structure was being considered, and whether there were opportunities for art-related programming; • the project budget, including whether the development would impact taxpayers and how Development Charges would apply; • whether construction of the amenity building would occur concurrently with the adjacent towers; • seasonal operations of the ice trail, including how the surface would be managed during the summer months and whether fog conditions were anticipated in winter; and, • whether the park would receive a formal name other than “City Centre Park.”• New Business 3.1 4. 4.1 5. Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 16, 2026 2 Pickering Museum Village – June Update V. Karakian, Supervisor, Museum Services, Pickering Museum Village, provided an update on the inaugural H2O Groundwater Festival noting that the event successfully engaged local students in land stewardship, watershed education, and history using hands-on activities, supported by regional conservation authorities. A brief question and answer period ensued between Committee Members and staff regarding whether there were activities for young children. Public Art - Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre West Garden - for endorsement E. Tayles, Curator, Public Art, Cultural Services, appeared before the Committee and provided that 32 submissions had been received and the Public Art Jury had selected a final concept titled "The Story" by the art group Polymetis. E. Tayles noted that the artwork was designed as a unique gathering space, featuring seating and cables that represent personal narratives and community connection. A question and answer period ensued between Committee Members and staff regarding: whether bird nesting may cause issues;• whether connecting, accessible paths would be built; and• the possibility of adding shade structures.• Moved By A. Palmer That the Cultural Advisory Committee endorse the awarding of the Public Art Commission of the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre – West Garden project to artists: Polymetis. Carried Public Art - Community Banner Series Shortlist – for endorsement J. St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services presented the short list of five artists Nicole Bachan, Bau & Cos Studio, Ryan Smeeton, Jason Zante, and Meegan Lim for the community banner series. Moved By D. Jayawardena That the Cultural Advisory Committee endorse the Top 5 Artist Shortlist for the 5.1 5.2 5.3 Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 16, 2026 3 Community Banner Series, as selected by the Public Art Jury, to proceed to Stage 1, including Nicole Bachan, Bau & Cos Studio, Ryan Smeeton, Jason Zante, and Meegan Lim. Carried Cultural Strategic Plan, Museum Strategic Plan & Art in Public Spaces Plan – Update J. St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services, provided an update on the progress of the Cultural Strategic Plan, Museum Strategic Plan, and Art in Public Space Plan. J. St. Amant advised that these reports were shared with the executive council and are scheduled for public feedback via open houses in July. Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) subcommittee – Update None. Other Business The committee discussed the upcoming Cultural Fusion Fair and confirmed the schedule for their final meeting, which will be held virtually on September 15, 2026. Staff clarified the process for the end of the current committee term and the subsequent application process for future advisory committees. Correspondence None. Next Meeting - September 15, 2026 Adjournment Moved By S. Almeida-Schroen That the meeting be adjourned. Carried The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. 5.4 5.5 6. 7. 8. 9. Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes June 16, 2026 4