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BE lu i el Rina le 16 - "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2001 iL J SUBS ® SWINGS 80 Wasa St, [7 SRI LO | 1.1 a i, i. . RYSANS Embers )- v3 lent N | indsay On QQ THINK BIC THINK BIGFOOT HC ( 4: 4 + Fev ey Marilyn ANS Town Hall boar turns to council for funding From page 1 "I'm trying to paint a picture of how important this (building) is. A lot of people got their start at this building as a per- former. It's added some- thing to all our lives. This building does need some changes," he said. "Every amateur per- former from this township has dreamed of walking onto the stage there... We have a building that's the crown jewel of jewels, and now is the time to take it further." It is estimated that renovations will cost $1 million. Town Hall board members are looking to form a three-way partner- ship to raise the money. A public fundraising campaign is being held, and federal and provin- cial grants will be sought, said Mr. Smith. To date, the Town Hall has received funding from the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, and has also applied for $75,000 from the Trillium Foundation. The board is looking to the municipality to pro- vide the remaining third of the needed funds. "We don't need the cheque today," said Mr. Smith. "Just an agree- ment that maybe in 2003 you can start setting aside money to be the third partner." Councillors replied that there's no way the municipality can commit to that kind of funding. But Ward 2 'Councillor Pearce, who chairs the finance com- mittee, suggested that a portion of the develop- ment charges levied by the township could be earmarked for cultural facilities. And there may be money to be found in the ORE AoA f ; 'a ; Pearce township's Community Enhancement Fund, funded by proceeds from the local casino, the councillor suggested. "When we get down to dollars and cents, I hope we will support this pro- ject - to the extent of which I'm not sure," said Councilldr Pearce. She asked that the Town Hall board break down the costs of each segment of the renova- tion project so that costs can be determined. Ward 4 Councillor David Dietlein warned against earmarking funds for such projects. He said Pickering has made an application for a charity casino, which he suggests could significantly cut into casino traffic on the Island. Councillor Pearce asked that the request be forwarded to the finance department for consider- ation. "I don't want anyone to walk away from this think- ing that we could find $350,000, We'll look and see if we can find some funding but the amount... we'll.have to look at costs and user numbers," said the Ward 2 rep. "We'll provide you with some financial sup- port, but the amount will have to be decided." KL reviefaic e[Gicroor $999 BIGFO oT, sor | $1399 BIGE or Te 3 SC | "fGag Al Le To ol, JOON