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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 18-24Report to Executive Committee Report Number: CS 18-24 Date: June 10, 2024 From: Laura Gibbs Director, Community Services Subject: Sigrid Squire Commemoration in Bicentennial Garden - File: A-1440-001 Recommendation: 1. That Report CS 18-24, regarding Sigrid Squire Commemoration in Bicentennial Garden, be received; 2. That the Mayor be requested to include funding in the amount of $10,000 in the City’s 2025 Current Budget to enable staff to undertake a Commemorative Public Art Installation, to be funded from the Public Art Reserve; and, 3. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the work carried out by staff in response to Resolution #349/23, the Tribute to Sigrid Squire in the Bicentennial Gardens. On November 27, 2023, Council directed staff to undertake an evaluation of a commemorative plaque or otherwise, recognizing Sigrid Squire at the Bicentennial Garden; and that staff report back to Council with their recommendations no later than Q2, 2024. Staff recommend a small-scale public artwork be installed in tribute to Sigrid Squire in Bicentennial Garden, located in the north parking lot at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (1867 Valley Farm Road). Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan to Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community. Financial Implications: The cost of commissioning an artist to create the Sigrid Squire Commemorative Public Art piece is $10,000, which will be funded from the Public Art Reserve. The amount will cover artist fees, materials, design drawings, site visits, transportation, insurance, signage, and installation of the art piece. CS 18-24 June 10, 2024 Subject: Sigrid Squire Commemoration in Bicentennial Garden Page 2 Discussion: The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the work carried out by staff in response to Resolution #349/23, the Tribute to Sigrid Squire in the Bicentennial Gardens. 1. Sigrid Squire’s Contribution to Pickering Sigrid Squire is a distinguished resident of Pickering who has devoted her time and contributed in many ways to the beautification of the City of Pickering through the Pickering Horticultural Society. Ms. Squire has had a remarkable 20-year tenure as a dedicated member of the Pickering Horticultural Society, during which she held the position of president for four years. Ms. Squire generously donates her time as the editor of Peony Post, a publication affiliated with the Pickering Horticultural Society, also donating her time to the Pickering Blooms Garden Showcase as a judge and mentor. In 2011, Ms. Squire received a Civic Award from the City of Pickering for her significant individual volunteer work. Ms. Squire and the Pickering Horticultural Society designed and planted the Bicentennial Garden (located at 1867 Valley Farm Road in Pickering) in 2011 as part of the City’s Community in Blooms entry and to commemorate Pickering’s 200th anniversary. 2. Commemoration Artwork Sigrid and the Horticultural Society designed the three Bicentennial Gardens to represent plants used in residential gardens 200 years ago,100 years ago and present day. The Staff recommend installing a modest piece of public art and plaque in the Bicentennial Garden. Through consultation with Sigrid Squire, it was determined that the inspiration for the artwork will be Sigrid’s favourite flower, a peony. Pickering Horticultural Society will be consulted on choosing a location for the artwork to ensure it complements their previous work. 3. Timeline and Process Staff will adhere to the Public Art Policy (CUL 130) (“The Policy”) and select an artist through an Open Call to Artists. The Call to Artists will be advertised through the City of Pickering website as well as external third-party marketing channels to boost the visibility of this opportunity. As per Section 09.01 of The Policy, a Public Art Jury will be formed. The Public Art Jury will evaluate the artist’s proposals in accordance with the Selection Considerations in Section 11 of the Policy. Staff will invite representatives from the Pickering Horticultural Society to participate in the Jury process. The Public Art Jury will select the Top Artist based on the received artwork concepts. This selection will be reviewed by the Cultural Advisory Committee for endorsement before officially awarding the project to the Artist. Subject to Council’s approval of this report, and to the Mayor’s consideration to include funds in the 2025 Budget for this purpose, the Sigrid Squire Commemorative Public Art can be installed and unveiled in May 2025. Attachment: None CS 18-24 June 10, 2024 Subject: Sigrid Squire Commemoration in Bicentennial Garden Page 3 Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By Original Signed By Original Signed By Krystal Roberts Laura Gibbs MBA, MSc. Manager, Cultural Services Director, Community Services KR:sb Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Original Signed By Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer