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ONmuseums: ON TODS and Budget

Dec 13, 2018

Your monthly source for museum advocacy from the Ontario Museum Association.
In this Issue:
 
Need to Know
Ontario Government Budget Consultations
 
In advance of the Ontario Budget 2019, the Ministry of Finance is undertaking budget consultations to hear from members of the public.

The Government is looking for "innovative and cost-effective ideas that can":
  • cut red tape for businesses and people who access government services
  • improve the delivery of government programs or services
  • save taxpayers’ money

Read more about 2019 Budget Consultations HERE. 

There are three ways for museum staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters to participate:

  1. Online at https://www.ontario.ca/form/2019-ontario-budget-listening-to-the-people-survey 
  2. Attending a regional in-person session (details still to come)
  3. Sending in (500 words or shorter) written submissions to submissions@ontario.ca

The OMA will be presenting to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, and the Association will share our documents and talking points as we prepare for coordinated action in January. We encourage members to focus on our sector's impact:

  • E conomic Development
  • E mployment
  • E ducation

And to highlight their work towards the goals of Ontario's Museums 2025 for :

  • Vibrant & Vital Museums;
  • Relevant & Meaningful Collections;
  • an Effective & Collaborative Workforce; and 
  • a Strong & Successful Sector

To support member submissions, see our summary document Ontario's Museums HERE.

The OMA encourages members to complete the Museum Impact Survey, as data and stories of impact are essential to building a strong case for support. 

Read more about 2019 Budget Consultations HERE.
 
Provincial News
Action on changes to the TODS (Tourism-Oriented Directional Signing) Program 
Provide your feedback on TODS HERE
In response to concerns about substantial and unanticipated price increases in the TODS program raised by members and Regional Museum Networks (RMNs), OMA Executive Director Marie Lalonde is meeting with staff from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport alongside Attractions Ontario and representatives from Ontario's tourism industry. 
 
Additionally, letters expressing concern about the substantial price increases in the TODS program will be sent to the Ministers of Transportation and Tourism, Culture and Sport. 

The OMA is interested in collecting information from our sector on the TODS program and the impact of these changes. To date, a good number of museums report they will not be renewing their signage agreements due to the high and unanticipated increase in costs. 

Please answer a two-minute survey about your participation in the TODS program HERE. 

Read more about the impact of changes to the TODS program in the London Free Press HERE.

The TODS signs in Ontario have been contracted to Canadian TODS Limited, a subsidiary of an American company, Interstate Logos LLC., since 1997.
  • Read more on the Canadian TODS Limited website HERE.  

A review of the program was done by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport in consultation with participants from 2013-2015, which included mentions of a contract renewal in 2018. 
  • Read the 2013-2015 review of the TODS program HERE.
Provide your feedback on TODS HERE
 
Celebrate Ontario 2019
Deadline January 9, 2019

Celebrate Ontario supports programming improvements at new and existing festivals and events that attract tourists for longer stays, create great experiences for visitors and support communities across Ontario.

Read more HERE. 
 
Museum and Heritage Programs Advisor: 
Changes at MTCS
Shannon Todd left her position as the Museum and Heritage Programs Advisor on November 30 to go to Regional Services Branch as the Regional Advisor for Toronto Central.
 
Dr. Elka Weinstein returned as the Museum and Heritage Programs Advisor December 3 after her secondment at the Department of Canadian Heritage in the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund program. 
 
Provincial government confirms support of Massey Hall Revitalization

In a News Release dated December 10, the Ontario Ministries of Infrastructure and Tourism, Culture and Sport confirmed investment of $30 million for the revitalization of Toronto's Massey Hall. The project is being equally supported by the Government of Canada. 

In the News Release, the government included facts about the impact of cultural tourism in Ontario:
  • In 2016, 12.9 million visitors to Ontario participated in cultural activities, such as attending a museum or art gallery, an historic site, a play or concert, a festival or fair, and/or an Indigenous event. Visitor spending associated with these trips totalled $7.7 billion.

Read the News Release from the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure HERE.

Read the full ONmuseums HERE.