Ottawa’s plan to tighten access by community groups to public space at Library and Archives Canada has been shelved until 2013 following concern from local arts and culture organizations that the move would squeeze them out of the popular venue.
Control over the use of the library’s auditorium and two ground-floor meeting rooms will be transferred from LAC staff to Public Works and Government Services as of Jan. 1. Though public groups will still be allowed use of the building, some new restrictions will be put in place.
A new policy will require approval from Public Works before groups, such as local film festivals, can host events at the library – which filled its 2011 bookings calendar a mere two months into the year. Those looking to use the venue will also have to pay to rent the space.
The changes were set to go into place next year, but a spokeswoman for Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose now says the fee-charging shift has been pushed back to 2013 to let community groups “adapt” to the move.
“There will be no changes to the charging arrangements for the remainder of 2011 and for 2012 – we will not introduce new fees – in other words, no changes this year or next year,” Michelle Bakos said in an email.
She said Public Works will “phase in” the changes at the beginning of 2013.
“This will ensure the best service and value for Canadian taxpayers,” Bakos said, adding the policy is in line with rules set by the Treasury Board.
The new fees may force out the One World Film Festival, which has been held at the LAC, program director Pixie Cram told Centretown News in September.