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Kincardine councillors are a little less than enthusiastic about
bringing the American Wind Symphony to the area, given the $30,000 price
tag.
In committee-of-the-whole Dec. 10, chief administrative officer John
deRosenroll brought forward the report from the tourism committee, which
urged council to grant pre-budget approval for this unique event. The
symphony would dock its barge in the harbour and provide a concert for
all who could attend.
A committee would be required to organize the event, including a finance
person to solicit additional funds; a grounds person who is familiar
with the waterfront and securing large vessels, obtaining all permits
and insurance and providing the audience area safe access to the vessel
for the public and the orchestra; and a hospitality person to arrange
billeting and transportation for the 45-member orchestra, and arrange
interviews with the local media. Overnight security may also be needed,
and additional washrooms will be required.
A decision by council is needed quickly in order to book the orchestra.
Mayor Larry Kraemer urged council to support this event as a unique
summer attraction for Kincardine. He had been approached by the
orchestra's music director, Robert Austin Boudreau, who wants to bring
the "short tall ship" to this area. Besides Kincardine, the symphony
would be stopping at Windsor, Sarnia and Sault Ste. Marie. The stop in
Kincardine would be around the third week of July, with the ship
arriving on the Wednesday, performing Thursday to Saturday and then
leaving Sunday.
(next column)
13/01/2009 04:17 PM
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(continued)
"It would be a great opportunity," said Kraemer. "They
would do a concert around the harbour, plus, they could do a concert at
Knox Presbyterian Church with the money going to community groups.
Boudreau does this to bring music to people who need symphony. They go
on a five-and-a-half-month voyage, providing a musical adventure for the
young people who take part."
The cost would cover the $25,000 fee for the concert and $5,000 for
washroom facilities and miscellaneous items.
Councillor Marsha Leggett objected to the cost, saying money is going to
be tight in the 2009 budget. "I wouldn't like it if $30,000 came out of
my budget to accommodate this," she said. "Perhaps if we could do it on
a cost-recovery basis, that would be fine," said councillor Guy
Anderson.
"Who is to take charge of this?" asked councillor Kenneth Craig. "It
would be a great opportunity for the Kincardine Summer Music Festival
because it ties in with their theme," said Kraemer. "Or Bruce Power
could make it part of their annual beach party."
"I like the idea," said councillor Ron Hewitt. "When do they need to
know?" "By the end of the year," said Kraemer.
"I support it," said Hewitt. "It's an opportunity we'd not have
normally. We just need to ask around and find out how it would work
out."
"I'd like a week to consider this," said Craig. "I support it provided
the cost is not just off the tax rate."
"Staff could 'orchestrate' the gathering of more information," said
deRosenroll. "The event is better run by community groups, which would
then get the money, rather than by staff."
The event will be discussed at the council meeting Dec. 17.
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