Support to Theatre Museum Canada towards the Development of Cultural and Museum Space - by Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam

the world to explore and be inspired by the past, present and future of Canadian theatre", and vision: "Our vision is a Canada that values all shared expressions of theatre by all people as essential and enriching elements in our social fabric." Securing space for Theatre Museum Canada would help to preserve Toronto's heritage as a major theatre centre while also creating a new cultural tourism amenity for the city. Theatre Museum Canada will develop a renovation proposal, sustainable, long term funding (capital and operating) and fundraising plan for the potential space, architectural plans, and a long term programming and events plan. In order to do this in a timely fashion, the Theatre Museum requires the support of the City. Funding is required before the end of 2021 to support Theatre Museum Canada's funding applications to other orders of government, and to enable the organization to proceed with planning. The proposed support is consistent with Recommendation 18 to "preserve existing and create new, affordable spaces for culture across the City" of the "Building Back Stronger: Report of the Economic and Culture Recovery Advisory Group" adopted as amended by City Council in Item EC18.15 on December 16, 17 and 18, 2020. Theatre Museum Canada's pursuit of public cultural programming space meets the City's policies and priorities consistent with Item EC8.6 - Establishing Strategic Priorities for Culture Investment (2020 - 2024) adopted by City Council at its meeting on October 29 and 30, 2019 and supports Toronto's arts, heritage and culture community at large. Any delays in securing Council approval may result in financial hardship to Theatre Museum Canada. The proposed one-time financial contribution for Theatre Museum Canada is $80,000 and funding will be accommodated within the 2021 Approved Operating Budget for Economic Development and Culture.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to negotiate, enter into and execute a funding agreement on behalf of the City with Theatre Museum Canada on such terms deemed necessary and appropriate by the Acting General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.