Cultural Advisory Committee

Role

The Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) will identify and coordinate opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement and provide community input on matters relating to the provision of cultural services, including the Pickering Museum Village. The CAC will assist City staff with the development, consultation, and implementation of the Cultural Strategic Plan.

Goals, Objectives and Responsibilities

The City of Pickering Cultural Strategic Plan, approved by Council on June 16, 2014 as per resolution #247/14, sets a vision for the place of arts, culture and heritage in the City and identifies strategic directions for policy, investment, partnerships and programs for the next 10 years. The CAC will work towards building on the success of the 2014 plan, with a focus on assisting City staff/consultants on an updated Cultural Strategic Plan that aligns with current cultural and museum trends.

Committee Responsibilities include:

• Assist and advise staff on the implementation of the Cultural Strategic Plan;
• Assist and advise staff on the development and review of policy relating to cultural development;
• Assist and advise staff on matters concerning the strategic planning, development and evaluation for cultural development in the municipality;
• Advocate for culture and promote community-wide cultural initiatives;
• Provide consultation, research and report findings and make recommendations as necessary on matters of culture within the City of Pickering;
• Encourage and promote effective communication between community cultural groups, individuals and the City;
• Advise and develop working relationships with owners of businesses, Business Improvement Areas (BIA) and Chamber of Commerce;
• Review and recommend actions based on the Pickering Museum Village’s operating plan;
• Review and recommend actions based on the Public Art Policy;
• Advocate and promote the value and benefit of cultural activities for all; and,
• Report annually to Council.

The CAC will not be responsible for the following:

1. Program delivery;
2. Budget approval;
3. Day-to-day operations of City-owned facilities; and
4. Administrative matters including direction given to staff.

Membership (Term ending November 2026)

Member of Council

Councillor M. Nagy

Citizen Members

Samantha Almeida-Schroen
Julian Baricuatro
Samantha Barillaro
Daniel Davis
Dushanthi Jayawardena
Zeynab Kazi
Michael McFarland
Ansonett Palmer
Sasha Ramoutar
Debbie Thompson

Staff Contact

Jesse St. Amant
Coordinator, Cultural Services
Community Services
905.420.4660, ext. 3607
Email Community Services