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YORKTON - The City of Yorkton officially has a new version of its Community Cultural Plan after it was adopted unanimously at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council July 29.
The Community Cultural Plan Steering Committee and Prairie Wild Consulting have completed updating Yorkton’s Community Cultural Plan, explained Lisa Washington, Manager of Community, Culture and Heritage with the city.
The Plan was presented and adopted by the Recreation and Community Services Committee June 19.
In terms of background “a municipality is responsible for planning ways to ensure quality of life for its residents,” said Washington.
“According to the Creative Cities Network, municipal cultural planning is a process of inclusive community consultations and decision-making that helps local government identify cultural resources and think strategically about how these resources can help a community to achieve its civic goals. While roads, education and even sewers are a part of these plans, many municipalities are finding that an increased focus on municipal cultural planning can have a huge impact – and give them an extra advantage in future growth and stronger communities.”
The City of Yorkton has generally been proactive in terms of cultural policy.
“In 2009, the City of Yorkton was the first Saskatchewan municipality to develop a Municipal Cultural Plan, which was a pilot project completed with SaskCulture,” noted Washington.
In 2020, a report was presented to Council, asking for support to start updating our 2009 Municipal Cultural Plan. We successfully applied to SaskCulture for a $5,000 Community Cultural Engagement and Planning Grant which was used to hire Prairie Wild Consulting for the first phase of this process, the research phase.
“In 2021, Administration updated Council on the progress being made on, in addition to requesting and receiving Council’s support towards the second phase, Community Engagement. Administration was successful with the $5,000 grant application, receiving further financial support from SaskCulture,” continued Washington.
“In 2022, Administration updated Council on the progress being made on the Community Engagement phase of the process, while also requesting and receiving Council’s support toward the third phase, Development of a Culture Plan, with matching funds of $20,000. We succeeded with our grant application to SaskCulture. Refreshing our Community Cultural Plan has been generously supported through $50,000 of SaskCulture grants. The Community Cultural Plan is now complete.”
Still changes were recognized as being needed.
“Over the past 15 years, our community has experienced changes in our population make up, businesses, services, programs and more,” said Washington. “In 2020, we began creating a revitalized Community Cultural Plan to reflect the changing needs and desires of the community. The process of inclusive community engagement reinforces that the City of Yorkton is not the sole owner of the Community Cultural Plan. We are but one of several.”
The new plan will be a guide for work to fulfill its vision of:
· Yorkton is a place where everyone feels welcome and diversity is celebrated every day. We create inclusive environments ensuring everyone feels like they belong and matter
· Our community is full of life, with events, and spaces that allow people to share their cultures, arts, and foods with each other.
· We work together, learn from each other, and celebrate our differences. Yorkton is a growing diverse community that thrives on its diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
In addition, “the Community Cultural Plan is aligned with Part 4 the City’s Official Community Plan, “Our Healthy Community”. It speaks to our social well-being, a well-designed city, a vibrant city centre, an expandable economy, and balanced strategies for a complete, healthy and livable community, and celebrations of history, culture and diversity,” offered Washington. “It looks at opportunities for learning, faith, recreation, creativity and artistic expression, community identity, citizen engagement, and cooperation. It will help create and design a framework reconnecting our community. This project meets the strategic direction of Recreation and Community Services to ensure these opportunities are available.
Within the near 190-page document it notes “Yorkton is a place where everyone feels welcome and diversity is celebrated every day. We create inclusive environments ensuring everyone feels like they belong and matter.
“Our community is full of life, with events and spaces that allow people to share their cultures, arts, and foods with each other.
“We work together, learn from each other, and celebrate our differences. Yorkton is a growing, diverse community that thrives on its diversity, fostering a sense of belonging, and mutual respect.”
The plan also outlines eight key areas designed to articulate the vision and outline actionable steps for tangible cultural enhancements. These priorities foster collaboration and effective resource allocation towards:
* Inclusive Community Development
* Engaged and Connected Community
* Economic Empowerment through Culture
* Cultural Vibrancy and Heritage Preservation
* Safe and Accessible Cultural Spaces and Events
* Cultural Learning and Innovation
* Cultural Foodscapes and Sustainable Agriculture
* Inclusion of All Ages
