Collingwood Arts Centre Feasibility Study

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Consultation has concluded

The Public Engagement Component for this project is now complete. For information on this project please visit: https://www.collingwood.ca/culture-recreation-events/arts-programs/arts-centre-feasibility-study


The Town of Collingwood is pleased to be partnering with Nordicity Group and Giaimo Architects in the undertaking of an Arts Centre Feasibility Study for the Town of Collingwood.


THE GOAL

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the needs of the arts and cultural sectors in the community, and to determine if and to what degree an arts and cultural centre would be feasible in Collingwood. 


THE PROCESS & RESULTS

The process included a market and audience assessment, stakeholder and public consultation, a design and location analysis, and finally, recommendations on financing and governance. The final report has been completed and was presented at the Strategic Initiatives Committee (SIC) meeting on October 4th and at the Council meeting on October 18th. 


The results of the study suggest that there is indeed demand for an arts and culture centre in Collingwood and that it would be feasible, “provided certain design, development, and start-up conditions can be met and the overall implementation executed capably”. Nordicity advises that “success depends on many factors from ensuring continued community buy-in, strong leadership particularly related to market attraction, programming and promotions, as well as a commitment from the Town towards the annual subsidy.” 


To move forward, Council approved staff to proceed with the following next steps:

  • Staff to review findings and work with community stakeholders to rationalize the options presented in the study 
  • Staff and community stakeholders to research potential funding options and an overall funding strategy 
  • Staff to refine business analysis indicated in the study to include the potential requirements of debenture funding over and above operating costs 
  • Staff to return in late 2022/early 2023 with recommendations regarding a targeted approach for Council to consider 

Access the Documents widget to view the:

  • Final Report as delivered by Nordicity
  • Staff Report that accompanied the report to the SIC
  • Presentation provided by Nordicity, also presented at the SIC meeting 

NOTE: As this project progresses past the formal feasibility study phase, this Engage Collingwood project page will close and the details will instead be shared on the Town of Collingwood website. Please watch for those updates here. 

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

The public survey regarding the Arts Centre Feasibility Study is now closed. Thank you for your participation and feedback. Your responses will be kept confidential and will help shape the vision for a potential arts centre in Collingwood. The public engagement phase also included a focus group and additional stakeholder interviews. The results from each consultation method is helping inform a user needs assessment and audience market analysis.  

ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS

Nordicity is a leading international consulting firm providing solutions in research, economic analysis, strategy, and policy across multiple sectors including Arts, Culture & Heritage. For this project, Nordicity has partnered with Giaimo, a Toronto-based architectural practice that integrates design with conservation. Giaimo brings with it unique expertise in working with heritage buildings. 

The Public Engagement Component for this project is now complete. For information on this project please visit: https://www.collingwood.ca/culture-recreation-events/arts-programs/arts-centre-feasibility-study


The Town of Collingwood is pleased to be partnering with Nordicity Group and Giaimo Architects in the undertaking of an Arts Centre Feasibility Study for the Town of Collingwood.


THE GOAL

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the needs of the arts and cultural sectors in the community, and to determine if and to what degree an arts and cultural centre would be feasible in Collingwood. 


THE PROCESS & RESULTS

The process included a market and audience assessment, stakeholder and public consultation, a design and location analysis, and finally, recommendations on financing and governance. The final report has been completed and was presented at the Strategic Initiatives Committee (SIC) meeting on October 4th and at the Council meeting on October 18th. 


The results of the study suggest that there is indeed demand for an arts and culture centre in Collingwood and that it would be feasible, “provided certain design, development, and start-up conditions can be met and the overall implementation executed capably”. Nordicity advises that “success depends on many factors from ensuring continued community buy-in, strong leadership particularly related to market attraction, programming and promotions, as well as a commitment from the Town towards the annual subsidy.” 


To move forward, Council approved staff to proceed with the following next steps:

  • Staff to review findings and work with community stakeholders to rationalize the options presented in the study 
  • Staff and community stakeholders to research potential funding options and an overall funding strategy 
  • Staff to refine business analysis indicated in the study to include the potential requirements of debenture funding over and above operating costs 
  • Staff to return in late 2022/early 2023 with recommendations regarding a targeted approach for Council to consider 

Access the Documents widget to view the:

  • Final Report as delivered by Nordicity
  • Staff Report that accompanied the report to the SIC
  • Presentation provided by Nordicity, also presented at the SIC meeting 

NOTE: As this project progresses past the formal feasibility study phase, this Engage Collingwood project page will close and the details will instead be shared on the Town of Collingwood website. Please watch for those updates here. 

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

The public survey regarding the Arts Centre Feasibility Study is now closed. Thank you for your participation and feedback. Your responses will be kept confidential and will help shape the vision for a potential arts centre in Collingwood. The public engagement phase also included a focus group and additional stakeholder interviews. The results from each consultation method is helping inform a user needs assessment and audience market analysis.  

ABOUT THE CONSULTANTS

Nordicity is a leading international consulting firm providing solutions in research, economic analysis, strategy, and policy across multiple sectors including Arts, Culture & Heritage. For this project, Nordicity has partnered with Giaimo, a Toronto-based architectural practice that integrates design with conservation. Giaimo brings with it unique expertise in working with heritage buildings.