Town of Fort Erie Community & Development Services Our Focus: Your Future Prepared for: Council-in-Committee Report No.: CDS-011-07 Agenda Date: February 5, 2007 File No.: 210401 Subject: FORT ERIE S 150 TH ANNIVERSARY Recommendations: THAT THAT THAT THAT Council adopt the model of a community-wide year-long schedule of events to celebrate Fort Erie s 150 th anniversary as presented in Appendix 1 of Report CDS-011-07; and, all organizations, businesses and individuals be encouraged to participate in Fort Erie 150 th Anniversary; and, a special one-time allocation of $6,700 be considered by Council during budget deliberations to fund the 150 th Anniversary activities outlined in Appendix 2; and, Museum Services be designated as the contact for coordinating Fort Erie s 150 th Anniversary. List of Stakeholders: Town Council Fort Erie Museum and Cultural Heritage Committee Citizens of Fort Erie Prepared by: Original signed by Joe Mrozek for Jane Davies, B.A. Administrator/Curator RM:ggf Submitted by: Original signed by Joe Mrozek for R. Mostacci, MCIP RPP Director, Community and Development Services Approved by: Original signed by Margaret Neubauer for H. Schlange, M.B.A Chief Administrative Officer
Community & Development Services Report No. CDS-011-07 Page 2 of 3 Purpose of Report To adopt a community-based partnership model for celebrating Fort Erie s 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial). See Appendix 1 for the schedule-of-events (as of Jan. 29. 2007). Background Section 11 of the Town s Official Plan states, in part: 1. In recognition of the contribution heritage makes to the character, civic pride, tourism potential, and economic benefits to the community, the Town will actively promote heritage in all municipal activities. 2. The Town shall appoint a Museum and Cultural Heritage Committee (MCHC) who shall advise Council on cultural heritage matters; and In 2005 the guiding principle for Museum Services was endorsed by Council that states (in part) that Museum Services shall be delivered to create a strong and proud community by celebrating our shared heritage. By-law No. 172-06 created a (MCHC) whose duties are (in part): to promote awareness of Fort Erie s cultural heritage within and outside the borders of the Town. Analysis 2007 marks the 150th year since the incorporation of the Village of Fort Erie, and a community celebration of this anniversary would fall within the responsibility of the Town via the MCHC, the guiding principles and duties stated above. A partnership model has been developed to celebrate this anniversary. Each one of us, and our ancestors, have all played a role in creating Fort Erie as it exists today. Therefore everyone should be encouraged to help celebrate this shared heritage. The attached ideas and commitments for this celebration are attached as of January 29, 2007. A broader call for participation will be placed in the Times newspaper on Feb. 3, 2007. This schedule also notes 33 organizations and events that will be celebrating a milestone anniversary of their own in 2007. The intent is to use as many of the community s existing events, programs, funds, etc. and brand them with a Sesquicentennial theme and logo. The Town s role would be to advertise these events through various means outlined in the schedule and to host an Anniversary Party and Open House at the Town Hall on June 10, 2007.
Community & Development Services Report No. CDS-011-07 Page 3 of 3 Policies Affecting Recommendation (s) Attached as Appendix 2 is the budget for the Anniversary celebrations. Due to the approach to leverage existing festivities the additional resources requested are $6,700. Comments from Relevant Departments/Community and Corporate Partners Anniversary celebrations build strong communities by celebrating shared heritage. Anniversary celebrations also build tolerant communities by educating groups about each other and celebrating the achievements of different organizations. The success of the Sesquicentennial events depends upon the participation of Museum volunteers and community partners. The focus throughout the year will be on coordination and collaboration to create a whole greater than the sum of its parts. The content of this report and attached schedule and budget has the full support of the Museum and Cultural Heritage Committee. To date the response from the community has been very enthusiastic and supportive. Alternatives The opportunity for a broad community-based anniversary celebration usually occurs once in a generation. Therefore, the alternative of not involving as many community partners as possible or not celebrating the event at all, is not recommended. Conclusion In recognition of the contribution heritage makes to the character, civic pride, tourism potential, and economic benefits to the community, the Town of Fort Erie will take the lead in promoting community participation in the celebration of its 150 th anniversary. Attachments Attachment 1 - Schedule-of-Events, confirmed as of January 29, 2007 Attachment 2 - Budget
Fort t Erie s Sesquicentennial 2007 Schedule of Events Red entries = Confirmed Blue entries = Will participate, date and event yet to be confirmed Black entries = Yet to be contacted January 13 Unveil the This Week in History column in Times newspaper Unveil the Sesquicentennial Central monthly column in Times newspaper 28 30th anniversary of the Blizzard of 77 (Jan.28-31) -unveil photo exhibit at the Times newspaper office February 19 Heritage Day -display about Lighthouse in Town Hall (90th anniversary of lighthouse construction) 21 All Saints Church Lecture (Historical Society open to public, 7 pm, Crystal Ridge Library) 25 80th of Fort Erie Lion's Club (Feb 25, 1927) -club history display in Lions Seniors Centre March 4 Oral History Collection Kick-Off at Historical Museum 21 Canadian Niagara Power lecture (Historical Society, open to public, 7 pm, Crystal Ridge Library) 23 Distribute Souvenir Calendar-of-Events card 25 Unveil anniversary exhibit at Historical Museum April 2 Unveil photo display at Times newspaper office 13 Town-wide Sesquicentennial School Program -Museum to supply background information package to all teachers -Students view Legacy of Stone movie 18 Land Grants Lecture (Historical Society open to public, 7 pm, Crystal Ridge Library) 25 55th anniversary of Crystal Beach Public School (April 25, 1952) -commemorative tree planting -Museum to copy old school photos/ephemera
May 7 Hospital Tree Planting -35th anniversary of the 1972 tulip tree planting at the Hospital in honour of Bert Miller (tree lost in Oct.06 storm); trees could also be planted at this time in honour of the 140th anniversary of Dr. Douglas treating his first patient (July 1, 1867) -display about Dr. Douglas at hospital 15 Sesquicentennial Museum Newsletter -distribute an anniversary newsletter to each household 16 Sesquicentennial Lecture (Historical Society open to public, 7 pm, Historical Museum) 19 Railroad Museum 25th anniversary of acquiring B-1 Station (May 18, 1982), 65th anniversary of steam engine 6218 -Public open house, display in B-1 station, at Town Hall and Centennial Library -Big Brothers/Big Sisters family picnic in Sugar Bowl park (past and present members) 26 Community Tree Plantings and Bench -commemorative plantings on the Friendship Trail and community parks in honour of the sesquicentennial; dedicate new bench on trail for sesquicentennial June 2 A Day in the Life of Fort Erie -Camera enthusiasts to take pictures of typical 2007 Fort Erie scenes 10 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Fort Erie (June 10, 1857) -party at Municipal Centre Park, prizes for those who dress in period costume - tours of the Town Hall 16 110th anniversary of the first race at Fort Erie Racetrack (June 16, 1897) -special anniversary race and other events dates pending confirmation -25th anniversary of inter track wagering (Sept 11, 1982) 23 Snowbirds Fly-by -family picnic day at the Old Fort to view the Snowbirds; free admission to Fort 26 85th anniversary of the Bridgeburg Chautauqua (June 26, 1922) -Arts Council to host reenactment of the event -- music, lectures, art and comedies 30 Friendship Festival -brand with the Sesquicentennial theme -anniversary display, oral history tent, photo identification display
July 1 35th anniversary of Power-up/NAPA (July 1, 1972) -anniversary display, oral history tent, photo identification tent 1 Family Reunions -families encouraged to share histories/photos with the Museum s archives 6 35th anniversary of Canadian Open (July 6, 1972) -special anniversary golf tournament at Cherry Hill -display of old photos and memorabilia to honour the 85th anniversary of the formation of Cherry Hill Golf Club (Dec 28, 1922) 7 Ridgeway Summer Festival (July 7-8) -celebrating the 160th anniversary of Ridgeway's post office (Mar 1, 1847) and the 60th anniversary of the Ridgeway fire (Sept 25, 1947) -public open house at Historical Museum for its 35th anniversary (July 1,1972) -display of Ridgeway fire photos and oral history tent at 283 Ridge 9 Sesquicentennial Council Meeting -proclamation to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first meeting of the Village of Fort Erie Council on July 13, 1857 -presentation at Council of anniversary certificates, heritage awards and milestone wedding anniversaries -presentations from MP and MPP August 3 150th anniversary of the famous Point Abino boxing match (Aug. 3, 1857) also the 105th anniversary of the World Lightweight Title fight, Fort Erie (May 12,1902) -commemorative fight sponsored by Bland s Gym 7 80th anniversary of Peace Bridge opening (August 7, 1927) -unveil new Peace Bridge history book 11 Crystal Beach Summer Festival -brand festival with anniversary theme/logo -anniversary display, oral history tent 18 150th anniversary of the Fort Erie Board of Health (Aug 18, 1857) -anniversary event/display sponsored by Community Health and Wellness September 7/8 20th anniversary of Celtic Games (1987) -brand event for anniversary 19 Peace Bridge lecture (Historical Society, open to the public, 7 pm, PBA Administration Building) 23 Community-wide Church Service -local churches to hold heritage services; annivesary display at Snyder United Church
October 13 Fort Erie Trivia Night, Fretz Display and Jell-O Contest -local history trivia night featuring displays from Bob Fretz s private collection -Jell-O recipe contest, with entries being served and prizes awarded following the trivia 16 Fleet Goes Public (wholly Canadian owned, 75th anniversary Jan 4, 1932) -Fleet luncheon volunteers to collect oral histories -unveil display at Museum 17 125th anniversary of the Buffalo Canoe Club -lecture, photo display and tours (Historical Society, open to the public, 7 pm Canoe Club) 27 20th anniversary of the Snake Hill Archaeology Dig (Oct 27, 1987) -programming at Old Fort re: 1812 burial and 1987 discovery of burial; U.S. Marines ceremony; brand a reenactment November 19 80th anniversary of F.E.S.S. (cornerstone laid Nov 18, 1927) -students photograph Fort Erie Through the Eyes of Youth - file photos at Museum -display of time capsule contents at school -special school anniversary events 21 Local war heroes lecture (Historical Society, open to the public, 7 pm, Crystal Ridge Library) 28 195th anniversary of the Battle of Frenchman's Creek (Nov 28, 1812) -update community on plans for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 December 1 Spirit of Christmas -celebrating Ridgeway Post Office s 160th anniversary 8 Meteors Sesquicentennial Home Game, also celebrating their 50th anniversary (1957) 15 Victorian Christmas -Doll's House Gallery to brand their Christmas Open House Events that need more input from partners before scheduling dates -145th of Fire Co. No. 1 (1862) -145th of fire that destroyed most of the Village of Fort Erie -50th of East Bertie Fire Company No. 3 (Jan 1, 1957) (something related to fire prevention outreach, buildings lost to fires, LaFrance displays, etc.) -40th of Centennial Branch (Feb 4, 1967) (anniversary theme for Hazel Reinhart s summer scavenger hunt) -140th of the Niagara Plowman's Association (1867) (logos on posters, collect oral histories and photos at plowing match) -Stevensville's fall fair (anniversary display, oral history tent, brand fair with logo) -R.C.B.H.S. history club to take photos of downtown etc. -Stevensville Hall Auxiliary to host fundraising dinner for their 40th anniversary (June 10, 1967) -Ridgemount Quarry 80th anniversary
Branding and year round activities -MP & MPP (Museum will supply a background package for speeches, articles etc.) (brand existing promotional ads with logo) (feature Museum s traveling anniversary display in their offices) -Mayor s Office (Museum will supply a background package for speeches, articles etc.) (brand existing promotional ads with logo) (brand the Mayor s Prayer Breakfast, Hockey Tournament, and other events) -Town Hall (Sesquicentennial logo on all Town correspondence and web-site home page) (schedule of events on Town s web-site) (logo and schedule of events in Leisure Guide/EDTC Summer Guide/Chamber Guide) (brand existing T.E.A.M. events with 150th logo or theme) (events board in Town Hall near Council Chambers entrance) (changing anniversary displays in Town Hall atrium case) -Organizations i.e. Service Clubs, Social Service Groups, War Brides, Casa El Norte, etc. (include a heritage topic for one meeting, encourage clubs to forward or compile history) -Museum and Cultural Heritage Committee (achieve the final step in sustainable funding from Town Council) -Souvenirs (Town to sponsor commemorative coin and distribute to dignitaries throughout year; sell during events to help off-set costs) -Fort Erie Multi-Cultural Centre (unveil their new display, camera project with school, collect oral histories of refugees) -Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre -brand an event
APPENDIX "2" TO ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT CDS-011-07 FEBRUARY 5, 2007 Fort t Erie s Sesquicentennial 2007 Budget Event/Exhibit Group Responsible Amount Partnership Events To date, the costs involved in adding anniversary components to existing events, or hosting new programs or events total $23,000 and will be borne by the partnering organization. As more organizations become involved this amount will increase. By branding the Sesquicentennial logo on existing partnership promotion material this event will garner approximately $7,000 in free advertising as well. $23,000 Printing schedule cards (20,000) Town Council Sesquicentennial grant $2,800 Printing background packages (churches, schools, organizations) Town Council Sesquicentennial grant $700 credit at Town copier 150th anniversary at Town Hall (tent, cake, refreshments, program) Town Council Sesquicentennial grant $3,200 Total Event costs to date $29,700 Town Council Sesquicentennial grant $ 6,700 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additional Option If the Town wishes to print a souvenir commemorative bronze coin this would cost $3,300 for 1,000 coins. The Town could sell these coins for $5 each, with a potential profit of $1,700 if all 1,000 are sold.