Candidate’s Info:
Cecile Paquette CROUCHMAN
8475 Baseline Road, RR3 – City of Windsor – NOR 1K0
Ward Ward 9 – WIndsor
519-739-1740
cpcward9@yahoo.ca
Facebook at: Elect Cecile Crouchman
1. Implementing the MCMP:
The Municipal Cultural Master Plan represents a strong commitment by the City to significantly support the arts in a variety of ways that will help to harness the economic and creative potential of the entire arts community, however, there has not yet been a firm commitment in terms of schedule or budget to realize any of the new proposed initiatives in the MCMP. Of the 15 as-yet-unrealized recommendations in the MCMP, which ones would you prioritize and complement with the necessary financial support and political commitment in order to successfully implement them?
Cecile Paquette CROUCHMAN: Cudos to Windsor City Council for having the foresight to commission the Municipal Cultural Master Plan in 2008 during such an economic downturn in Windsor. Windsor can no longer depend on the auto sector for its main economy and we must look at cultural/recreational and tourism sectors for economic recovery.
The development of a Cultural Affairs Office within the City’s Recreation Department would be ideal to start the process of implementing the recommendations set forth in the MCMP.
2. Arts Infrastructure:
Given the substantial economic, cultural, and social successes realized by other North America cities through the development of exceptional arts facilities, given the enthusiasm for multiple arts organizations in the region to work together and the proven track record of such facilities to transform the urban landscape, and given the recently adopted Municipal Cultural Master Plan’s directive to provide capacity-building support for arts organizations, how will you support our region’s infrastructural needs for multi-use, multi-organization arts and culture facilities such as the Capitol Theatre and Armouries-Palace?
Cecile Paquette CROUCHMAN: Capitol Theatre – There is a legal issue regarding the city’s ownership of the asset. I support City Council’s efforts in getting this matter resolved to the city’s benefit.
Armouries-Palace – There has been a feasibility assessment of potential use that has to be dealt with by Windsor City Council. THe need for a performing arts venue is crucial in expanding the arts district we already have. The inevitable spin offs of this project could be a turning point for downtown Windsor and the region as a whole.
3. Economy and the Arts:
Artists and arts organizations across the region bring in millions of dollars every year in revenue through grants, sales, private investment, and donations, infusing additional millions of dollars back into the local economy. Over the last twenty years, across the province, arts and culture industries grew 14% more than the rest of the economy. As the arts are a long-proven driver of economic development in the city and beyond, what will you do to ensure that the arts and culture community can bring even more investment, talent, and dollars to the region?
Cecile Paquette CROUCHMAN: City Council must invest in its art culture on an annual basis. I recommend that City Council implement the Public Art Policy and implement the recommendations in the Municipal Cultural Master Plan, one by one. (with some adjustments as is appropriate, ie. in the event that all concerned agree to such adjustments)
4. Arts and Culture Funding:
Strong financial investment in arts and culture has direct and tangible economic and social returns, as measured by economists such as Richard Florida, Statistics Canada, and the Conference Board of Canada, and as demonstrated in cities around the world. This investment engages residents and draws new talent, assists in fostering new businesses, and creates a healthier and more vibrant community. With that in mind,how much of the municipal budget would you allocate to arts and culture, and how would you justify that spending to your constituents?
Cecile Paquette CROUCHMAN: According to BMA Management Consulting Inc.’s 2009 Municipal Benchmark Study, (Ward 3 Tristan Fehrenbach’s info)
Windsor spent $2,191,142 on cultural services in 2008, representing a net cultural expenditure per capita of $10. By comparison, most mid-sized Ontario cities spent much more: Sault Ste. Marie ($14), Guelph ($20) London ($25) and Stratford (topping the lit at $44).
I believe I can make the case to Ward 9 constituents that an increase in the city’s financial investment in arts and culture is well worth the end product for Windsor. The increase per year is minimal to the taxpayer. Many constituents report that there is nothing to attract them to downtown Windsor.
5. Your vision for our Region’s Arts and Culture:
Please briefly describe your vision for the near, medium, and long-term future for arts and culture in Windsor and/or Essex County.
Cecile Paquette CROUCHMAN: As stated in the Municipal Cultural Master Plan, Windsor should hold a second Municipal Cultural Summit as an educational and collaborative effort for residents of Windsor and Essex Count residents alike.
We must first focus on tourism for Windsor and Essex County residents right here in Essex County. We must invest in promoting ourselves to one another by combining tourism, recreation and the region’s art and culture for all to enjoy. Only then can we expand our sights to other cities/towns.
Windsor City Residents have a stake in this and must take part in solutions to making a full economic recovery.
As an aside, I would champion a regional city-county transit system that has long been under study but which has not managed to come to fruition. This would definitely have a great impact in getting more county residents to city functions.
