A clear theme emerged Monday night from residents and community groups about the upcoming 2027 municipal budget: preserving arts and culture in the region is more important than ever, and rising costs are making it harder.
Council heard 13 presentations at Monday’s special council meeting dedicated to letting community members and groups tell council how they would like to see the municipality’s money spent.
Struts Gallery’s interim director Michelle Cieloszczyk was the first to present and opened with a statement that set the tone for the evening.
”Many studies have shown that engaging with the arts enhances mental wellbeing, reduces stress and anxiety, builds community, increases economic activity, supports tourism, and creates jobs. Before I ever moved to Sackville, I knew about the art scene here. Its reputation preceded it. As such, I believe it’s of utmost importance that the town supports arts organizations that have built such a cultural legacy.”
Listen to the audio below:
Cieloszczyk went on to talk about her fears about the toll the necessary but costly renovations will put on the non-profit and the need for continued financial support from the municipality.
Later in the night, Levee on the Lake co-founder Shelley Chase also spoke about the importance of government funding for the not-for-profit festivals across the country, particularly those that don’t rely on big-name American artists to drive ticket sales.
Though she is thankful for the support the festival receives from local groups and various grants, her ask to council was for a policy change that would benefit more than just Levee on the Lake: between $10,000-15,000 for professional not-for-profit festivals with more than 1,000 participants, five years in operation, a budget over $50,000 and measurable cultural and economic benefits to Tantramar.
“ And I’ve spoken to my colleagues at SappyFest and they do support this ask as well. We are happy to be here. It is rare to have two festivals like us in New Brunswick. It doesn’t exist anywhere else with this kind of profile and awards.”
Other arts-centred organizations that presented included Sue Rose on behalf of the Tantramar Arts and Culture Center, a non-profit association of artists and organizations; along with Magali Charron and her daughter Alaska Cacchione, who asked for $5,000 to help fund a $12,000 program called Drama Queenz, which sees preteens write, direct and produce original plays and musicals.
On the culture side, presentations from Shiretown Festival organizer Debbie Shea and Susan Spence, of the IODE Shepody Chapter, spoke about the need for more funding due to rising costs. For the IODE chapter, Spence hopes council will approve an additional $500 dollars in funding over the $1,000 it received last year.
As for Shiretown, Shea asked for an additional $1,500 over last year, for a total of $4,000 to help the festival celebrate an important milestone.
“ It’s 50 years for Shiretown. We’d like to do a lot more, bring a lot more stuff in, but with what little funding we get—which we appreciate, everything we get—but with $2,500, it’s hard to do a lot of stuff.”
Local historical groups, the Tantramar Heritage Trust and the Westmorland Historical Society, are also seeking support to help maintain operations and expand programming.
Outside of arts and culture, there was a request from residents to cost an extension of the sidewalk on Queens Road by an additional kilometre, as well as an ask from the Tantramar Outdoor Club to increase the budget to the municipality’s Active Living and Culture department by $15,000 to assist in further upgrades to the Quarry Park.
The Tantramar Seniors College is also asking that its funding be maintained around $3,200.
Rounding out the evening were two two-minute presentations. One from Dorchester Moving Forward, asking for $15,000 for upgrades to their building, and another from the local Scouts troop asking for $6,000 to purchase two canoes.
Residents looking to participate in the process can complete an online survey before 4:30 pm on Oct. 12. Paper copies are available at the Tantramar Municipal Building at 31c Main St. in Sackville.
The first draft of the budget is expected to be presented about a week after that closing date.
