Last week I attended a very interesting Philosophers’ Cafe on Cultural Planning.
Gord Hume, an author, former municipal councillor and, some would say the “guru” of cultural planning in Canada, was the introductory speaker.
After mentioning that a cultural plan needs a strong economic foundation Hume mentioned a number of things that help animate a downtown; including wider sidewalks for pedestrians that help animate a downtown by encouraging people to socialize outside bistros and coffee shops.
He also mentioned how trees in a downtown can lead to more business and how important it is to animate public spaces.
According to Hume, a Cultural Plan is a holistic process and is not simply something that deals with art galleries and the like. It is part of a package that will improve a community for visitors and residents alike and can have very positive economic impacts.
His comments generated much discussion on how festivals, past and present, have impacted Summerland and how does one attract young people?
As residents and entrepreneurs, how do you develop more entrepreneurial spirit?
How can we build a better connection to the waterfront and Lower Town?
How do we take advantage of our local wineries as part of culture and the economy?
Obviously they are part of both our local culture and our economy, but Gord Hume’s message was, can we do more, and build on the incredible asset of these local family wineries? How do we broaden the shoulder season and encourage chefs to use local food and support local agriculture?
There were many ideas put forward from the table discussions including:
improved landscaping, a wine bar/kiosk on Main Street, Wednesdays on the Water, expanding the hiking, biking trails and providing maps, signage for Centre Stage Theatre, downtown signage about the Kettle Valley Steam Railway, how to take advantage of having four ski hills nearby and how to deal with volunteer burnout. (Remember the Taste of Summerland and other festivals that have gone by the wayside?)
Lots of ideas and lots of opportunities. And while we ponder them why not enjoy the talent of our own high school’s Acting 12 class as they present “Dating for Dummies” at Centre Stage May 21 to 23.
David Finnis is the publicity chair and past president of the Summerland Community Arts Council, P.O. Box 1217, 9908 Main St., Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0.