Museum Highlights from Minister MacLeod's Townhall March 12
Mar 12, 2021
Friday, March 12 Update
MHSTCI provides sector update
In a tele-townhall this afternoon with 800 representatives across the Ministry's portfolio, the Honourable Lisa MacLeod shared some details on funding and additional plans for the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries' sectors.
The newly-announced Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force is expected to provide a report back to the Ministry by April 15. The Task Force will focus on the $150 million travel incentive program announced previously.
The Minister informed the sectors of announcements to come daily next week, including the opening of the Community Building Fund through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, with Ontario's Budget 2021 to be released on March 24. Grants for the Resilient Communities Fund are yet to be released. The 2021 Celebrate Ontario program--potentially renamed the Reconnect Ontario Festivals and Events program--will open for applications on March 17 to distribute $20 million in funding. Dates of informational webinars will be announced.
Specific items of interest to museums, like plans for summer camps, facilities rentals, and outdoor events, are being discussed with the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Minister MacLeod reiterated the $2 million investment in digital capacity for CMOG-recipient museums announced yesterday.
The Minister also expressed her continued interest in modernizing museums. The OMA will continue to work with the MHSTCI toward a Renewed Ontario Museum Funding Model that includes program and funding enhancements.
The Minister's Office is looking ahead to a possible Summer Tour of Ontario's tourism sites and invites suggestions and invitations from sites across the province by email at minister.macleod@ontario.ca. The OMA encourages members to keep us informed of your interest in hosting Minister MacLeod at your site. Please email community@museumsontario.ca.
The OMA will work with members and Regional Museum Networks to advance the sector and make the most of all opportunities linked to museum recovery.
Stay tuned for next week's announcements from the Ministry.
For any questions or comments, please contact Marie Lalonde, Executive Director, (mlalonde@museumsontario.ca) or by phone at: 416-348-8672 or toll free, 1 866 662 8672.
Ontario Museum Association Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm Toll-free in ON: 1-866-662-8672 Phone: 416-348-8672 Fax: 416-348-0438
