The St. Catharines Standard, March 2008
by Samantha Craggs
Niagara's council for the War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations has $189,000 to spend and a full-time manager to hire. The Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council Corp. presented a budget Wednesday to co-ordinate and market the area's 1812 celebrations, which will range from concerts to candlelit walks.
The $189,000 - $100,000 of which is regional tax dollars - will promote the Niagara-wide party as a tourist attraction and pay for a full-time director, said Rosemary Hale, co-chairwoman of the Region's culture committee.
The marketing will draw visitors to the "1,000 days of celebrating," which include celebrations planned by each municipality, Hale said. Plans have been in the works for two years and already include a documentary and permanent landmarks and memorials.
The Niagara Parks Commission committed $12,000 to the $189,000 budget, while $75,000 came from various foundations. The Niagara Economic Development Corp. contributed $2,000.
The largest budget item - $80,000 - is to hire the director. The position is currently being advertised, Hale said.
With Canada, the U.S. and First Nations involved, the successful candidate will appreciate that it is "a multinational event," Hale said.
"There's a celebration to co-ordinate, and its success will rest on this person's shoulders," she said.
Hale presented the budget to the Region's corporate services committee Wednesday.
Source: St. Catharines Standard