October 28, 1997

Mayor Doug Holyday and

Members of Council

City of Etobicoke

399 The West Mall

Etobicoke, Ontario

M9C 2Y2

Dear Mayor Holyday and Members of Council:

RE: COMMUNITY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Recognizing that Council will be meeting for the very last time on November 17, 1997, the members of the Etobicoke Municipal Arts Commission have asked me to convey to you our sincere appreciation for your understanding, co-operation and support.

All of you deserve credit for recognizing that in spite of times of financial constraints, arts and culture play an important role in our daily lives.

As we reflect on the past, we recall that with one exception, you supported our every request. That speaks volumes.

Although there will not be an Etobicoke Council in 1998, if the Transition Team's recommendations are approved, there will be an Etobicoke Municipal Arts Commission. As you may have noted, we were specifically named in the report to continue to act regarding the arts and culture grants. While we will continue to function, it will permit us to continue our pursuit of a Community Performing Arts Centre.

Towards this end, the Commission has one final request to set before you.

May we suggest that you review the balances in the reserve funds and contingency funds. On the assumption that the financial feasibility study, now under way, is favourable, we request that any surplus or portion thereof be allocated to embarking on the actual fund raising for the Community Performing Arts Centre. An amount of between $15,000 and $25,000 would see us through. Should the feasibility study prove negative, this grant would be turned back. This can be done before December 31, of this year as we expect the first phase report by mid December.

Recognizing that you usually deal with recommendations, may I be so bold as to offer the following:

Yours very truly,

Silvio Sauro, Chair,

Etobicoke Municipal Arts Commission

/lh