To support the needs of the local arts and culture community, the municipality is excited to announce that consultant Nordicity, in partnership with Giaimo Architects, is conducting a feasibility study for a cultural centre(s) in Kawartha Lakes.

“Kawartha Lakes has a vibrant arts, culture and heritage sector and our cultural assets are central to our quality of life,” commented Donna Goodwin, Arts and Culture Economic Development Officer, City of Kawartha Lakes. “Home to a variety of talented artists, musicians, performers and cultural spaces, we attract people and new investments each year. But just as our municipality evolves and changes, so too does our arts and cultural community. To support that growth, we need to ensure we have the appropriate infrastructure and programming in place.”

The feasibility study will include community consultations, a market assessment, operations modelling and location analysis. Future community needs will be identified and there will be an assessment of existing cultural infrastructure and financial resources.

Get involved in the project on our online engagement platform Jump In, Kawartha Lakes at jumpinkawarthalakes.ca/culturalcentre. Check out the additional resources and fill out the online survey which has been extended until January 14, 2022. More information and updates about the project will be posted as they become available. Specific questions about the study or requests for a hard copy of the survey can be sent to Donna Goodwin at dgoodwin@kawarthalakes.ca and/or Julie Whelan, Associate Director with Nordicity, at jwhelan@nordicity.com.

All feedback will be compiled and considered for the final feasibility study report to be presented to Council by summer 2022.

This project has been generously funded by the Corporation of the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC) and the Kawartha Lakes Culture and Heritage Network (KCAN).

About the Consultants
Nordicity is a leading international consulting firm providing Research, Economic Analysis, Strategy and Business and Policy support for the Arts, Culture & Heritage sectors as well as the Creative Industries. For this engagement, Nordicity has partnered with Giaimo Architects, a Toronto-based architecture practice, integrating design, sustainability, cultural heritage, placemaking and conservation.