HomeMy WebLinkAboutDiscussion Paper - Focus Group PMV Strategic PlanDiscussion Paper – Heritage Pickering March 22, 2017
4.1) Pickering Museum Strategic Plan Input
K. Pyke appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of the Pickering Museum Village Strategic Plan. She noted the last one was completed in 2015, and they are now in the process
of developing a new one, with plans to develop every four years in order to coincide with the term of Council. She also stated they are looking at overlaps with various focus groups
as well obtaining public input.
K. Pyke referred to the packages which had been forwarded to members electronically, which outlines everything going on in the City, and will be used to help determine the future needs
of the Museum, as well as bringing people together.
K. Pyke canvassed the members for input on a number of categories as follows:
Have you visited the Museum and if so, what were your experiences
participated in a cooking class
As Committee members, what do you see as an overlap in your role?
the Committee could work with the Museum on saving historical properties at risk with the 407 and ensuing development taking place
people’s perception in having a Museum, why the need to preserve anything else
communication - more promotional work with Museum
What do you think the role of a community Museum should be?
Education
Opportunity to experience historical as well as entertainment value
Integration of new residents as Seaton grows
What community needs can a Museum provide?
Identity
Civic pride
K. Pyke noted that the City is taking on an assessment of all buildings to determine the reality of maintaining certain structures or combining. She noted the City is now realizing
a responsibility to better manage how buildings are used.
Discussion ensued with respect to the services being provided in some of the older buildings, what to do with them, and if the Museum could be a part of that. Comments were noted as
follows:
costs involved with maintenance
the need to comply with accessibility
the lack of ability to retrofit older buildings
the drop in usage
being on septic
no security
K. Pyke noted that City owned buildings are very regulated in their permitting system, noting the liability and cost issues with smaller northern ones not regulated by the City, and
whether it makes sense to continue their operation.
K. Pyke stated that the Museum is looking to expand over the next ten years, as they are currently experiencing a serious lack of storage space. She questioned members on alternative
solutions for these smaller buildings if not viable. Comments are noted as follows;
Could smaller buildings be incorporated at Museum?
Incorporate community usage
Display/meeting space
Live performances
Special events
Incorporate diverse groups in one large entity
Multi-functional
Retain old buildings
K. Pyke outlined the strengths and weaknesses in the appendix to the document provided and canvassed members for their input on any additions to the list, with comments being noted as
follows;
Like to see a wider web presence
Utilize technology advances
Like to see a working museum where items can be made and sold
Revenue generating opportunities such as a restaurant on site or a brewery as done in other Museums
Accessible year round
K. Pyke asked members what opportunities are not being capitalized on, and how success can be achieved over the next 6 years. Members commented as follows;
Create a new mandate with the new building?
First Nations is a missing part – would need to partner
Need to partner with various cultural groups
Expand on being more than a pioneer village, as new cultures arrive
Public transportation is a key issue, residents need access to transportation to get to the Museum
K. Pyke passed around a sheet of the Museum’s draft governing statements which outlines their vision, mission and values, and encouraged members to continue to provide input. Discussion
ensued with respect to improving on the wording used, and suggestions were noted as follows;
What are we inspiring visitors to do, such as being more connected to their community?
Do not use “story of Pickering” – replace with “What is now known as the Pickering area”
Wording to describe Museum:
Custodians of artifacts
Truthful
Inclusive
Natural setting
Members also felt the Museum should stay on top of advancements in Museum studies.
In Closing, K. Pyke thanked members for their input, and noted that updates could be found on the City’s website. She encouraged members to continue to provide their input, as they
truly value all comments.