It is not too early to consider plans for activities and events for 2017. That year will see Canada commemorate the end of World War I – the 100th anniversary and the Birthday of Canada – 150 Years Strong. The previous Federal Government announced the significant outlay of funds to honour these milestones and the ‘new’ government has pledged to honour those commitments in a number of ways. Funding for some of these are dependent on community level groups putting together local events that tie in to these. What plans are underway in your neighbourhood? What are you doing to tap into this support? THA will be monitoring what avenues for financial support may be available to heritage groups and can support your effort to access these for publicity and development.
Don’t forget, as well, that Mayor Tory and the City Government announced that they are planning to support these events through special funding in the range of $5 million to $15 million. We are checking to see what, if any, of this money makes it through the budget process.
HELP WANTED
2016 marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Lorne Scots [Peel, Halton, Dufferin] Regiment. They have a number of community and regimental events planned, including a visit from their Colonel-in-Chief, Prince Michael of Kent. As part of their anniversary, the Regimental Association is trying to refurbish their regimental museum. A large amount of remedial work is required to remove lead paint and asbestos from the building. They are appealing to the community, military associations and the larger heritage community for support. They need to raise a minimum of $25,000 for the work. Any assistance the THA groups can give would be appreciated and publicizing the need would be a great help. Detailed information is available through the THA President, Paul Federico – the3rdeastkent@hotmail.com
ISSUES
There are still a number of outstanding issues within heritage in Toronto that continue to worry THA individuals and groups. The Board is tracking those that we can and will report on them in the next newsletter or in special notices as required. Additional updates will be made at the AGM.
We are continuing to develop new means and avenues to present our concerns to relevant bodies and individuals within the community and government and are always in need of support for the many meetings, presentations and other public access opportunities that are made across the GTA by various groups, organizations and agencies.
SPEAKERS
As was mentioned earlier, people are reaching out to the THA and offering their services and expertise in various areas to help inform the public of many aspects of history across the city. The THA is compiling a list of Speakers willing to come out to groups to present lectures, backgrounds to books they have written and other topics of interest. If your group would like to contact any of these or are interested in checking into their offers further, contact the THA for the latest list of people.
CULTURAL HISTORY ON THE MOVE
The Grand Scottish Diaspora Tapestry is coming to Canada after a receiving great response in Australia and New Zealand. Travelling the world to wherever Scots emigrated, this reflection in fabric of the history of the Scots is more than worth the look. As always, you need to check out the website and their Facebook page for full details, but clear your calendars to make sure you can visit this magnificent effort when it shows up in Guelph, Kitchener and Scarborough –soon!