REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: August 31, 2021 Report No. P&R-21-003
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation Services
SUBJECT:
Title
The Landscapes of Injustice Collective request for resources and a letter of support for the grant application “Past Wrongs Future Choices” (PWFC)
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council direct staff to provide a letter of support including approval of the following commitments:
1. Provide Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion display wall for a 10-year term.
2. Provide temporary shared public space for exhibition displays in or around Esquimalt recreational facilities and/or around the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion.
3. Provide space for 3 Japanese garden interpretive display areas in Gorge Park.
4. Provide staff support for the above including initial consultation, program consultation, facilitate setup and marketing support.
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RELEVANT POLICY:
None
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Healthy, Livable and Diverse Community:
Support the arts, culture, and heritage community.
Enhance Opportunities for Parks & Recreation.
Work with Esquimalt community groups to advance economic, cultural, social, and environmental opportunities.
BACKGROUND:
The Landscapes of Injustice collective presented a proposal for historical displays at the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion to honour Japanese Canadian contributions to the region and to engage the public with the history of the site. The Esquimalt Parks Advisory Committee received this presentation on May 20th, 2021 and endorsed support for the project. On June 28th, 2021 Council also received this presentation for information.
Council received a formal written request from Landscapes of Injustice for Stage 2 of the Past Wrongs Future Choices grant application on July 21st, 2021 (Appendix A). The letter identifies required commitments towards the project from the Township for phase two of the grant application by late September.
The proposed grant will fund:
• Research, design, fabrication, and installation of an interpretive panel on the ‘Display Wall’ in the Lobby of the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion (Appendix B).
• Research, design, fabrication, and installation of 3 temporary interpretive displays for program exhibitions (3-6 months) in or around Esquimalt recreational facilities and/or around the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion.
• Research, design, fabrication, and installation of 3 Garden Interpretive Panels for installation in the Gorge Park Japanese Gardens.
• Support a commitment to participate creatively to find opportunities for programming and events to enhance the above noted physical installations.
All interpretive materials will be developed by an expert committee convened by the PWFC project, including a representative of the Takata family, a representative of the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society, representatives of the Township of Esquimalt and research staff of the PWFC project.
Project timeline: Spring 2022 (approx. March) to Spring 2029. Total 7-year active commitment, plus maintenance of long-term installations.
Should the PWFC grant application be successful, the Township would enter into an agreement with the collective and provide Council’s approved commitments.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The request for support aligns with the Township’s strategic priorities.
2. Organizational Implications
This project has been incorporated into existing staff work plans.
3. Financial Implications
Provision of space has no direct financial implications.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
None.
5. Communication & Engagement
A multi-phased engagement process was undertaken by the Township through the McLoughlin Amenity Funds. This process identified the desire for both First Nations and Japanese historical reflection in the new pavilion.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council direct staff to provide a letter of support including approval of the following commitments:
• Provide Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion display wall for a 10-year term.
• Provide temporary shared public space for exhibition displays in or around Esquimalt recreational facilities and/or around the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion.
• Provide space for 3 Japanese garden interpretive display areas in Gorge Park.
• Provide staff support for above including initial consultation, program consultation, facilitate setup and marketing support.
2. That Council provides alternative direction to staff.