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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 35-24Report to Executive Committee Report Number: CS 35-24 Date: November 4, 2024 From: Laura Gibbs Director, Community Services Subject: Recognition of Ernie Coombs -File: A-1440-001 Recommendation: 1.That Report CS 35-24, regarding the recognition of Ernie Coombs’ contribution to the community, be received for information. Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Resolution #450/24 regarding the recognition of Ernie Coombs. At the Council Meeting on April 2, 2024, Council directed staff to undertake the following: 1) a commission of public artwork at a location to be confirmed to celebrate the life of Ernie Coombs; 2) that, as per Section 8.01 of CUL 130, Public Art Policy, the artwork be commissioned through the issuance of an open call; 3) that consultation with Mr. Coombs’ family, and community consultation be undertaken for the top three ranked public art jury selections prior to finalizing the artist selection; and 4) that staff report back to Council no later than Q4 of 2024. Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community. Financial Implications: The cost of commissioning an artist to recognize Ernie Coombs with a permanent public artwork is $60,000, which has been included in the 2025 Draft Current Budget for consideration by the Mayor, funded from the Public Art Reserve. This amount will cover artist fees, materials, design drawings, site visits, transportation, insurance, signage, and installation of the artwork. Discussion: The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Resolution #450/24 regarding the recognition of Ernie Coombs. Ernie Coombs starred in Mr. Dressup, one of Canada’s most treasured and long-lasting running children’s programs. Mr. Dressup aired for 29 years, from 1967 to 1996, with over 4,000 episodes produced. It became one of Canada's most beloved children's television shows, leaving a lasting impact on generations of viewers. CS 35-24 November 4, 2024 Subject: Recognition of Ernie Coombs Page 2 Mr. Coombs lived in Pickering for many years until his passing in 2021. Mr. Coombs is regarded as a Canadian children’s media icon who has been acknowledged for a number of prestigious awards and tributes including but not limited to, a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Trent University, appointment as a member of the Order of Canada, a Lifetime Achievement from the Children’s Broadcast Institute, a commemorative Google doodle on the home page for his 85th birthday, and an Amazon Prime Video documentary that premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival which won the People’s Choice Award for Documentaries. 1. Staff have identified a location to install the public artwork in celebration of Earnie Coombs. The recommended location for the artwork is in East Woodlands Park, adjacent to George Ashe Library & Community Centre (GALCC). The choice of location holds significant meaning, as Mr. Coombs, through his character Mr. Dressup, was a strong advocate for early childhood education and literacy. The show often featured story time segments that fostered a love of reading among children. Therefore, placing the artwork near the GALCC creates a meaningful connection to literacy advocacy and community education. This location fulfills several key criteria that link the artwork to Mr. Dressup's legacy: • Proximity to a Playground: Mr. Dressup is fondly remembered for fostering imaginative play, creativity, and fun for children. By situating the artwork close to a playground, this project will serve as a bridge between Mr. Dressup’s themes of play and creativity, offering children and families a space that echoes the spirit of the show and encourages hands-on, imaginative exploration. • High Visibility: The chosen location is in a prominent and accessible area, ensuring the artwork is easily seen by a wide audience. This visibility will allow more people to connect with the artwork and remember Mr. Dressup’s contributions to Canadian children's television and childhood development. It also serves as a gateway for new generations to learn about his influence. • Interactive Design: The artwork is envisioned as an interactive piece, encouraging direct engagement from children and families. Just as Mr. Dressup used costumes and storytelling to inspire creativity, this artwork will invite visitors to participate in activities that spark their imagination. Its interactive nature will allow children to play and explore, forming their own unique connections to Mr. Dressup’s legacy. The interactive nature of this project will be highlighted in the call to artists. 2. Public artwork will be commissioned through the issuance of an open call to artists. The call to artists will follow a two-phased approach: a) Phase one CS 35-24 November 4, 2024 Subject: Recognition of Ernie Coombs Page 3 An artist will be selected through an open call. The open call to artists will be advertised beginning in December 2024 through the City of Pickering website as well as external third- party marketing channels to boost the visibility of this opportunity. Artists will be required to submit an expression of interest (EOI). As per Section 09.01 of the Public Art Policy, a Public Art Jury will be formed. The Public Art Jury will evaluate the artists’ proposals in accordance with the Selection Considerations in Section 11 of the Policy. Staff will invite a member from Mr. Coombs’ family to participate in the Jury process. The Public Art Jury will select the top three artists to develop artists concepts to be considered by Cultural Advisory Committee for endorsement to move to Phase two of the selection process. b) Phase two The top three selected artists will be invited to submit an artwork concept. The three concepts will be shared with Mr. Coombs’ family members for input. Staff will also undertake community consultation on the three concepts with Pickering residents for input in the following ways: 1) an online poll will be shared through social media and communications channels; and 2) Pickering residents will vote for their preferred concept at City Events, most notably Spring Fling. This vote will count as one jury vote. The three artist concepts will be reviewed by the Public Art Jury and one concept will be selected. The recommended artwork will be reviewed by the Cultural Advisory Committee for endorsement. 3. Consultation on the artwork is in progress. Staff have met with Cathie LeFont, Mr. Coombs’ daughter to inform her of this project. Ms. LeFont is fully supportive of the artwork in recognition of Ernie Coombs. Staff will share the top three artist concepts with Mr. Coombs family and hold a community vote on the three selected artist concepts. 4. Project timelines and next steps The Purchasing Policy (PUR 010) requires that the purchase of artwork above $25,000 must be approved by Council so staff will return a return a report to Council in Q2, 2025. Subject to Council’s approval of that Report, the public art is anticipated to be installed and unveiled in fall, 2025. Attachment: None. CS 35-24 November 4, 2024 Subject: Recognition of Ernie Coombs Page 4 Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: Original Signed By Original Signed By Krystal Roberts Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc. Manager, Cultural Services Director, Community Services LG:sb Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Original Signed By Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer