Research has begun for the HHACF and feasibility of building an arts centre in Haliburton County. U-Links Centre for Community Based Research, headquartered in Minden, ON, accepted our application for research. In this, it had paired the foundation up with Fleming College and a graduate class out of their Frost Campus in Lindsay, ON. The entire class of students from the Advanced Environmental Planning Case Studies course (ENVR 122) will prepare a Needs Assessment Report for the HHACF. Subjects covered will include:

state of the arts in Haliburton County

comparative case studies with similar arts facilities

land requirements, in-town vs out-of-town placement

facility design needs - facility size, functional features

infrastructure needs - storm and waste water management, parking and traffic requirements, green and renewable energy features

provincial and municipal permit requirements, zoning

recommendations and next steps

We’re very excited about this research as it will be the first step in focusing the scope of the project. From here, the HHACF will be able to make informed decisions on subjects for more in-depth research.

The report is slated to be completed in March with a Celebration of Research happening on Saturday March 28th from 1-4pm at the Minden Hills Community Centre. All are welcome to attend. This report will also be made public and available via U-Link’s website.