By Doug Draper
When it comes to government, there is a good deal to criticize. And certainly I’ve done my share of criticizing.
At the same time, there are moments when governments work to fulfill their potential when it comes to acting for the common good.
The recently restored Welland Mills in Thorold - one of the largest flour mills in the lower Great Lakes when it was built in the first half of the 19th century - is one of numerous historical assets Niagara has to offer its residents and visitors to the region. Photo by Doug Draper.
I believe I saw one such moment this February 24 when a majority of members on Niagara, Ontario regional government’s Integrated Community Planning Committee voted in favour of a milestone plan for developing and promoting culture – Niagara’s arts and entertainment, our history, and natural and manmade heritage – as a more enriching part of the quality of life for those of us who live for, and as an economic tour de force for those who may want to visit our region.
“Nine-per-cent of the employment in our region is in this (cultural) sector and we have taken it for granted,” said Patrick Robson, the regional government’s commissioner of integrated community planning. “We have taken (our region’s culture) for granted and this is a watershed moment.”
We have taken it for granted, indeed. But thanks to Judy Casselman, a regional councillor for St. Catharines, who began spearheading the development of a culture plan for all of Niagara more than four years ago, we are on the verge of finally getting our act together as a region when it comes to supporting and promoting cultural activities.
“This has been a long journey,” said Casselman of all of the public consultation, meetings with cultural groups across Niagara and others that finally resulted in the plan coming together. “We are breaking new ground and breaking new ground is never easy. … (But) I think that this is going to be amazing, contributing to our quality of life in Niagara.” Continue reading
