Item - 2024.EX19.26

The Executive Committee:

1. Received the Item for information.

I am writing to express my support increase the Parks, Forestry, and Recreation Capital Budget as I believe that reinvesting the revenues generated from the Guild Inn Estates sublease back into Guild Park and Gardens is a sustainable approach to ensuring the long-term vitality of this cherished community asset.

Guild Park and Gardens is a significant cultural and historical landmark that offers numerous benefits to our community, including:

- Preservation of Heritage: The park preserves important historical buildings fragments and landscapes.
- Environmental Stewardship: It provides essential green space and supports biodiversity.
- Community Engagement: It hosts a variety of cultural events and educational programs.
- Economic Benefits: It attracts visitors and contributes to local tourism through the Clark Centre for the Arts, Guild Inn Estates and Significant photography and park permits. 
 

By reinvesting the sublease revenues, we can:

- Fund Critical Repairs and Improvements: Provides a dedicated funding source for future projects, including the construction of public washrooms, the implementation of Parks, Forestry, and Recreation's three-year plan for Guild Park's trails, gardens, and management, and the installation of wayfinding signage.
- Arts Services - Public Art: Additional funding will accelerate plans to restore the log cabin, assess the Greek Theatre's structural integrity, remediate public art and architectural features, install surplus stones, and advance preparations for the Guild of All Arts' 100th-anniversary celebration.

- Enhance Visitor Experience: Improving the performance and backstage facilities at the Greek Theatre to match contributions to future provincial and federal performance funding.
- Protect Natural Environment: Invests in ecological restoration and conservation efforts by securing sustainable funding for increasingly popular urban parks.

Thank you for your time and consideration in considering this recommendation as you develop the 2025 budget. By doing so, you will not only strengthen Guild Park and Gardens but also demonstrate a commitment to preserving our city's heritage and fostering vibrant public spaces.