The South Georgian Bay Cultural Mapping Project is an ambitious project being undertaken collaboratively by the Towns of Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township. The project is a component of a Regional Economic Development Strategy being funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade through its Communities in Transition Initiative.
Over June 9-10, 2010, public workshops were held in each community to introduce the project and present preliminary maps and findings. Images from the four workshops are shown below followed by a summary of discussion at the meetings. More detailed workshop findings are set out on the Project Findings page.
There were about 70 participants in the 4 workshops and really great energy, feedback and suggestions for gathering more data and continuing the project. The maps displayed at each workshop were covered with “sticky” notes to mark the location of additional cultural assets, places and stories of cultural significance.
In response to what was the most valuable part of the workshop, responses included: “coming together for a common goal”; “meeting with other cultural enthusiasts and ambassadors in the area”; “hearing stories and posting cultural assets on the map”. As to the benefits of attending the workshops, participants said: “learning first hand about cultural mapping”; “the opportunity to grow and thrive economically while embracing our past and our various cultures”; and “understanding the project and how to participate.”
Participants wished we’d encouraged them to visit the website before the workshop to learn more about cultural mapping prior to attending and that we’d provided more information about the maps as well as time to review the interactive map and discuss its future potential. It was felt that more time for the workshops would have been helpful as well as smaller discussion groups and increased opportunity to provide input. Participants expressed that more attendance from various cultural groups is important and some would have liked to have more discussion about next steps and expectations for active work in the future.
“The most exciting thing about the project was the opportunity to celebrate the area’s cultural diversity”; “collaboration amongst the communities”; “authentic building of community identity and sense of place” and “consolidation of information and efforts”.
Participants expressed that the greatest opportunity for the region is “cultural mapping as an integral component of cultural planning”; “an interactive map to engage and attract youth and visitors”; “linking stories together”; “to promote the incredibly creative local artist collectively”; “creating an opportunity to talk about culture in each community and regionally”; gathering information and statistics to better understand culture in each community and the region.”
Among the suggestions for the project were to make sure that the cultural mapping project in ongoing and supported, reduce duplication of materials and use existing vehicles such as recreation guides to promote culture. Creating a “cultural mapping information booth” at events was suggested as a means to gather local stories from residents, particularly those who may not attend meetings or use the web. It was also expressed that continued effort be made to make the project known to the wider community.
Media Coverage
Culture an Economic Driver Says Expert – The Enterprise Bulletin June 16, 2010