Susan Myers fights to save M.S. Norgoma

Myers' plea cites 'cultural vitality' recommendations that are part of the council-approved Future Sault Ste. Marie Plan

The M.S. Norgoma is pictured in this file photo. Michael Purvis/SooToday

Ward 2 Councillors Susan Myers and Sandra Hollingsworth are planning to put up a fight to save the M.S. Norgoma.

As SooToday has previously reported, City Council will vote Monday on a resolution calling for the rusting former passenger ship to be seized by the city and sold to a Chicago businessman.

The two councillors have placed the following motion on the agenda for Monday's council meeting.

The meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m. Monday.

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Council resolution

Mover: Councillor S. Myers

Seconder: Councillor S. Hollingsworth

Whereas the City Council-approved 2016-2020 City Corporate Strategic Plan under 'quality of life' does identify four areas of strategic focus, one being to promote and support arts and culture; and

Whereas in the introduction of the Corporate Strategic Plan it does state “The priorities identified in this plan will guide our corporation through the next five years”; and

Whereas in the City Council-approved recommendations from the community adjustment committee and included in the City Council-approved Future Sault Ste. Marie plan, cultural vitality is identified as one of four key pillars; and

Whereas on October 3, 2017 the Future SSM plan was presented to an invited group of 19 heritage arts and culture groups including the St. Marys River Marine Heritage Centre; and

Whereas at that time six recommendations were presented under the cultural vitality pillar including:

CV-1 Create a full-time city staff position to act as an advocate and catalyst for the arts and cultural sector
CV-2 Update the city cultural policy and develop a cultural plan
CV-3 Develop a sustainable funding model incorporating both public and private support to further develop cultural facilities, organizations, and events
CV-4 Market our city as a preferred location for film and digital media production
CV-5 Assist and coordinate efforts to develop and market our artists
CV-6 Foster a culture of creativity and excellence by celebrating arts and culture and providing diverse opportunities for creative expression and professional development

Whereas the Future SSM plan does state: “Sault Ste. Marie celebrates its history, natural and cultural heritage, and

diverse identities, transforming the city into a global centre of cultural excellence through inclusive, broad-based, meaningful participation in the sector with continual renewal and growth of its creative economy”; and

Whereas two City Council-appointed advisory committees, cultural advisory board and municipal heritage committee have reported and recommended to City Council the following:

Ongoing preservation of the Norgoma and that a location be maintained in the city’s downtown neighbourhood
While recognizing that The Marys River Marine Heritage Centre is an independent not-for-profit corporation over which committees of council have no authority, we suggest that the centre complete a new strategic plan that responds to the opportunities and challenges outlined in this report
The St. Marys River Marine Heritage Centre be considered the appropriate site for interpretative features that may accompany any UNESCO designation of the St. Marys River; and
The development of a cultural plan for the City of Sault Ste. Marie to take into account the cultural value of the Norgoma as outlined above

And whereas the NORDIK Institute has come forward to the St. Marys River Marine Heritage Centre Board with a contract to provide pro bono work and develop a new strategic plan for the Norgoma; and

Whereas the Norgoma Museum Ship has seen attendance averaging more than 5,000 annually for the past four years (2017 – 5370; 2016 – 5547; 2015 – 4797; 2014 – 5445) including a special event held for 10 days in October; and

Whereas the original mandate of the St. Marys Marine Heritage Centre was to operate as a museum and tourist attraction as outlined numerous times in the 1981 agreement with the City; and

Whereas informal discussion with local tourism industry and business leaders indicates there is agreement that while the Norgoma vessel needs refreshing, there is indeed potential to expand its role as an important marine heritage tourist attraction especially with the burgeoning cruise ship visits and said leaders are willing to participate as an advisory focus group in the development of a new strategic plan; and

Whereas four summer students including special needs are employed by the St. Marys River Marine Heritage Centre,

Now therefore be it resolved that City Council not take any action towards removal of the Museum Ship Norgoma; and

Further be it resolved in consideration of CV-1, CV-2 and CV-3 above that City Council direct the appropriate staff to work with the Norgoma Board and NORDIK Institute to develop an achievable plan to enhance and sustain the Norgoma as a marine heritage culture attraction and report back to City Council on said plan.

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