Milton Culture Plan is Moving to Stage 3

By: Laura Steiner

Milton’s first ever Culture Plan is moving to closer to reality.  The three-stage process started in September, 2020.

Phase one identified the Strengths, challenges, and opportunities.  Feedback focused on the Town’s strengths as its diverse population, small town character, and cultural programs.  The challenges were identified as including diversity in the Town programming, a tension with development,  and a lack of awareness.  The opportunities include more programming reflective of the diversity, a climate change stewardship, and public art, as well as a one-stop info hub on the Town website.

Phase two included five different working groups held over the month of November, 2020, ending with a Facebook Live presentation.   They included an interactive activity to test the current cultural infrastructure with a dystopian, and utopian visions of the future.

Key findings for Phase Two:

• Culture is resilient no matter the situation, especially in times of hardship.   Opportunities were identified around flagship events, and festivals showcasing the diversity.
• Affordability is a challenge:  Participants emphasized that the arts should offer affordable employment.
• Nature shouldn’t be taken for granted: Participants identified Climate Change as a concern.
• Milton has strong cultural anchors and venues such as the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, and the FirstOntario Centre for the Arts- Milton.

“As Milton grows, culture will tie our community together and create a shared experience for our residents, and visitors,” Director of Culture and Community Development Joy Anderson said,”  Phase three will focus on the draft plan.  There will other opportunities for feedback once it’s complete  For more information visit the Let’s Talk Milton website.