Brian Dumas

The committee reviewed the outcomes of the Tree Lighting, Santa Skate, and Business Decorating Contest events, discussing potential future partnerships and enhancements. Regarding upcoming events, the committee recommended setting a $25 vendor fee for the annual Downtown Celebration and requested the use of theatre equipment for the event. Additionally, the committee confirmed coaching staff for the ball hockey program and coordinated the organization of a new storage space at the arena.

The Tri-Council meeting agenda included reviews of the Armour, Ryerson and Burk's Falls Memorial Arena Managers Reports, encompassing 2025 budget actuals and 2026 draft budgets, along with a review of the 2026 Arena Capital Budget. Other primary discussion points involved the TRI R Landfill and Recycling report and its 2026 Draft Budget, the 2026 Draft Fire Budget for Ryerson Township, the Library Lease Report for Burk's Falls, and updates regarding the Fire Chief Report on First Due Software and the Fire Hall Build status. The meeting also addressed the next quarterly meeting date.

The council agenda for March 17, 2026, includes discussions on Indigenous land acknowledgments, delegations regarding the Mag River Nature Hub and Rural Youth Group, various staff and committee reports, items concerning the Almaguin Highlands Health Centre deficit, arena and landfill budgets, and numerous municipal correspondence items. The February 17, 2026, meeting minutes cover reports on arena operations and budget, council remuneration, basement repairs at the health centre, and various committee draft minutes. Council resolutions addressed street sweeping contracts, the approval of several by-laws, financial support for school bus safety measures, and budget revisions.

The committee meeting focused on several operational and planning items for the theatre. Key topics included the 2026 plan of events, the 2026 budget, a logo update, and downtown celebration planning. Additionally, the agenda covered new business regarding N.I.C.E. distributor updates, which involve flexible booking and programming opportunities for the Bluebird Theatre, and plans for lobby painting.

The committee reviewed financial and programming reports for the Bluebird Theatre, discussing rental fee structures, programming adjustments, and cinema operational costs. Members explored logo update concepts and received updates regarding potential lobby renovations. The committee also analyzed takeaways from an independent Canadian exhibitors' meeting, which provided insights into regional programming trends, such as themed annual events and family-friendly content. Additionally, plans were discussed to integrate theatre activities into the annual downtown celebration, including live music and public access to theatre facilities.