Contributing Departments
Community Services 53% City Clerks 39% Museums 6% CAO Secretariat 1% Corporate Accounts 1% Arts, Entertainment and Culture 2007 Budget: $12.8 million
Includes: • Arts, Entertainment and Culture Grants • Arts, Entertainment and Culture Events • Zoo • Conservatory • Museums
Service Overview
DESCRIPTION KEY GOALS 1. Facilitate the transition from civic operations To provide citizens and visitors with attractions, to a new Council approved not-for-profit entertainment, arts and cultural events that governing body expected to assume contribute to a dynamic urban image, economic management of Assiniboine Park. development and a vibrant city lifestyle through: 2. Maintain and improve Assiniboine Park as • Assiniboine Park, a 400 acre manicured the City’s premier green space and English landscape style park featuring a zoo destination of choice. with one of Canada’s largest animal 3. Enhance the Zoo by expanding its role as a collections, a conservatory with ever- leader in animal conservation and a centre changing botanic displays and unique for family recreation and education. shows, outdoor gardens, theatre, 4. Develop and market the Conservatory as a performance and art displays, annual vibrant centre of horticultural excellence, community events, trails, meadows and education and conservation. athletic fields for year-round leisure activities; 5. Support film, culture and special events by • Grant support to museums and arts, working cooperatively with civic departments entertainment and cultural communities to and other organizations to provide logistical provide a wide range of events, shows and support to the film industry, event organizers, displays for Winnipeg residents and visitors and arts organizations. to the City; • Attracting and assisting film-makers and event organizers by providing logistical support, facilitated contact and liaison with civic departments, private sector business and organizations in support of a welcoming community for film activities and a strong and vibrant calendar of cultural and special events.
217 SERVICE LEVEL STATISTICS
Description 2003 2004 2005 2006 4 Year Assiniboine Park Enterprise Average Annual Park Visitors (est.) 4 million Number of Park Bookings 210 196 282 229 (picnics, community events, runs/walk-a-thons) Annual Zoo Visits 321,385 381,699 415,533 351,920 367,634
Number of Zoo Species 409
Number of Zoo animals 2457
Number of zoo animal education articles / stories 185 180 through media Endangered Species 52 Outdoor horticulture area planted and maintained by Conservatory 45,615m2
Film, Culture, and Special Events
Visitors attending festivals (Source: Winnipeg Arts 837,149 Council)
Visitors attending cultural events (Source: Winnipeg 2347,808 Arts Council)
Cultural Labour Force (Source: Arts and Cultural 15,000 Industries)
Manitoba Dollar Value in Film Industry (Source: 114.4 M Manitoba Film and Sound)
Special Events held in Winnipeg 233
Number of full length feature films 13
Winnipeggers attending special event (culture / sport) 1:3
Strategic Direction
LINK TO PLAN WINNIPEG Parks and Recreation By-Law 3219/82 - Identifies a number of regulations relative to the 2C-10 Encourage Activities Beneficial to the operation of Assiniboine Park. Winnipeg Economy Governance of Assiniboine Park - On June 20, 5D-03 Support Unique Attractions 2007 Council approved a new governance model 5D-04 Recognize Importance of Arts, for Assiniboine Park which will see the creation of Entertainment, and Culture a not-for-profit corporation operate, manage and develop the Park based upon a Council approved Strategic Plan and under terms of a Management Agreement with the City of Winnipeg. SYNOPSIS OF POLICY DIRECTION Arts and Cultural Policy - Adopted by Council in The direction outlined in the following policies 1997, many of the recommendations of the policy provides guidelines for the provision of service: have been implemented. Grants to museums and cultural Fees and Charges Policy - Council-approved organizations - In 2006 the City provided grants fee schedule relative to Zoo Admission Fees. to museums and cultural organizations through the City Clerk’s Department in excess of $4.8M.
218 KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING SERVICE renewal efforts. Day-to-day operations in the Park are expected to be “business-as-usual” DELIVERY during the development of the new governing body. Until plans and details are developed and Zoo despite assurances of collective agreements, it is Zoos are increasingly conceptualized as anticipated that Park staff will remain anxious “attractions” with greater emphasis on the about their career future under a new employer. business side of operations and a demand for During that same period, the public service will new products relating to education, visitor be required to work closely with the new experiences with animals, and increased visitor governing body as it seeks to develop a thorough services such as programming, interpretive understanding of park operations, finances, services, entertainment, shopping and deficits and opportunities while developing its restaurants. At the same time, zoos assume an strategic plan and ultimately a detailed expanding role in animal and environmental Management Agreement with the City of conservation programs, research and public Winnipeg. education related to protecting animals in the wild Partnerships and ensuring animal health and diversity. The support and continuing contribution of park Regulatory Environment partner organizations - the Zoological Society of The sale, acquisition, transportation and Manitoba, Partners in the Park and the Friends of exchange of zoo animals has become the Assiniboine Park Conservatory - is essential increasingly complex as zoos worldwide must to ongoing operation of Park attractions. adhere to complex and rapidly changing Meaningful involvement in the development of International, Federal and Provincial legislation the new governing structure and continued close relative to animal care, health, transport and and productive working relationships with Park exhibition. administration will be integral to maintain partner organizations’ critical participation through the Conservatory transition phases to a new working model. Gardening continues as one of the fastest growing leisure / lifestyle activities in North Film and Special Events America, with a corresponding growth in the The City of Winnipeg is gaining a positive number of public horticultural displays, international reputation for facilitating film and conservatories and gardens. In botanic gardens special events. and conservatories, there is a trend toward other Indigenous production (solely owned by forms of service delivery bringing plants and Manitobans) volumes have more than doubled people together to improve the quality of life. from approximately $7 million in 1999 to $28.6 Educational and experiential programming with million in 2006/07 for a total of 41 productions. hands-on involvement, messages of environmental awareness and the inter- Winnipeg’s film industry has grown this year connectedness of plants, animals and people are compared to other Canadian cities. increasing in popularity over passive viewing of static displays. SUMMARY OF GOALS AND STRATEGIES Infrastructure Much of the infrastructure of Assiniboine Park 1. Facilitate the transition from civic including Zoo buildings, animal enclosures and operations to a new Council approved the Conservatory have become worn, not-for-profit governing body expected to deteriorated and out-dated. Facilities which have assume management of Assiniboine Park become inadequate reduce revenue, program and exhibit opportunities, jeopardize the Zoo’s • Establish a strategic team to manage the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums transition to a new governing body. (CAZA) Accreditation and ultimately reduce • Work closely with Park Partner public visitation rates. Recent market research Organizations and Park service providers to indicates that the main drivers for park develop cohesive plans for successful satisfaction are the Zoo, Conservatory and green transition of all business lines. spaces; when these facilities are perceived as • Work collaboratively with staff, consultants being in poor condition, visitor satisfaction and Board members of the new body to declines. provide information, analysis and documentation on Park operations, finances, Governance opportunities and challenges. The new governance structure approved by • Engage stakeholders, staff, unions and Council in June 2007 is expected to ultimately others as appropriate to ensure information alleviate major infrastructure deficits through park is shared as it becomes available, and that
219 affected people feel they are part of the • Review the Zoo staffing structure and process. reorganize if necessary to facilitate enhanced roles of education, conservation 2. Maintain and improve Assiniboine Park and active public programming. as the City’s premier green space and • Review and upgrade zoo policies, destination of choice procedures, and services as required to ensure standards required for Canadian • Prioritize capital projects that maintain and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) improve the look of the Park (e.g. washroom 2008 Accreditation are met or exceeded. upgrades, zoo murals) that contribute to
visitor, staff and animal safety and 4. Develop and market the Conservatory as enjoyment (e.g. pathway repairs, zoo exhibit a vibrant centre of horticultural upgrades) and maintain building integrity excellence, education and conservation. (e.g. roof replacements). • Work collaboratively with Park stakeholders • Diversify programs, events and initiatives at to facilitate and implement contemporary the Conservatory to attract a broader visitor programs and services that continue to base that will see the Conservatory as more attract new and returning visitors to than a facility for passively viewing Assiniboine Park. horticultural displays. • Develop park booking strategy and fee • Develop education programs for school-aged schedule to better accommodate changing children, to be delivered on-site in the trend of park uses from short-term casual to Conservatory or through outreach initiatives extended, repeat users, and to apply into the classroom. Programs will reflect consistent principles and services to large learning objectives of the Manitoba School event organizers in order to better serve Curriculum relative to the importance of the existing events and attract additional ones. natural world, plants and their relationship to • Improve the health of the Park’s living man. infrastructure through rehabilitative efforts in • Improve and expand interpretive messages, the riparian (river-bottom) forest, and signage and means of providing information development and activation of an to Conservatory and Assiniboine Park Assiniboine Park tree management strategy. gardens visitors with regard to the plants on display, their place in the natural and 3. Enhance the Zoo by expanding its role as cultivated environment, methods of growing a leader in animal conservation and a and variety of uses. centre for family recreation and • Expand and deliver the Plant-Aid program education. aimed at providing a year-round public Horticulture information service by • Continue to implement measures and telephone. programs that transition the zoo from a centre for passive viewing of captive animals • Complete development of an Abilities to one offering educational, entertaining and Garden, with features and landscapes special animal experiences. designed such that visitors may make full use of all senses in experiencing the unique • Work collaboratively with the Zoological space. Society of Manitoba to provide entertaining and educational school-aged children’s • Work in partnership with community programs, outreach services and Zoo organizations to develop and deliver camps. programs in particular for persons with disabilities, cognitive and physical, so that • Provide information to the public through they may be included in experiencing the talks, presentations, interpretive tours, media wonders and therapeutic qualities of the opportunities, and journal articles about the plant world. importance of environmental conservation.
• Work with universities and other zoological 5. Support film, culture and special events institutions in support of applied research by working cooperatively with civic projects aimed at development of knowledge departments and other organizations to and practices of animal protection. provide logistical support to the film • Participate in formal species-at-risk industry, event organizers, and arts programs with zoos around the world. organizations. • Participate in national and local organizations with input into legislative • Participate in and work cooperatively with reviews regarding animal health, chemicals other industry organizations. and safety with a view to ensuring collections • Explore the creation of “e” film and cultural can be obtained and maintained in a healthy services through expansion of the existing state. website and working with City departments
220 to ensure that services (on-line permits, • Develop protocols with the Province and forms, locations database) can be accessed their agencies for all communities serviced through electronic technology. for ease of delivery. • Explore the creation of a database of • Investigate the viability of a comprehensive locations (civic and high frequency private) “charge back system” for film companies and that will aid in the sale of Winnipeg as a film events for all services offered by the City. destination with a digital photo library as the primary tool.
Performance Information
CITIZEN SATISFACTION
Satisfaction with City's Support for Arts, Entertainment & Culture
Citizens remain satisfied with the City’s support for art’s, entertainment and culture. 2007 39.5% 48.7% 88.2%
2004 65.3% 23.5% 88.8%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
somewhat satisfied very satisfied
EFFECTIVENESS DATA
2006 Annual Park Visitation Rate
Park Attendance Population Annual Park Base Visitation Rate
ASSINIBOINE PARK 4,000,000 706,700* 5.66
*Winnipeg Census Metropolitan Area population (includes the City of Winnipeg and its surrounding areas).
Winnipeg area residents visit Assiniboine Park on average of 5.7 times annually. Number of Program Participants in Conservatory Horticultural Programs
Year Number of Participants 2004 128 2005 868 2006 1,310
The number of participants for conservatory horticultural programs has significantly increased because of increased programming and advertising.
221 BENCHMARKING INFORMATION
2007 Canadian Zoo Admission Rate Comparative
Name of Zoo 2007 Admission Rates Adult Senior Youth Child Family
AFRICAN LION SAFARI & GAME FARM, CAMBRIDGE, ON $26.95 $23.95 $21.95 n/a ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO, WINNIPEG, MB $4.50 $4.00 $2.75 $2.25 $15.00 BIODOME DE MONTREAL, MONTREAL, QC $16.00 $12.00 $8.00 $8.00 n/a CALGARY ZOO, CALGARY ALBERTA $18.00 $16.00 $12.00 $10.00 n/a SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO, SASKATOON, SK $7.10 $4.25 $4.25 $14.20 TORONTO ZOO, TORONTO, ON $20.00 $14.00 $12.00 n/a VALLEY ZOO, EDMONTON, ALBERTA $8.50 $6.25 $6.25 $4.25 $25.00 *Taxes Included
Winnipeg has the lowest admission rates compared to other major zoos.
2007 Canadian Botanical Gardens Admission Rate Comparative
2007 Admission Prices - Botanical Gardens Adult Senior Student Youth Child Family Pre- schoolers BLOEDEL CONSERVATORY - VANCOUVER $4.50 $3.15 $3.40 $2.25 Free VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN - VANCOUVER $8.25 $6.00 $6.25 $4.25 $19.00 Free - SUMMER $6.00 $4.25 $4.50 $3.00 $12.75 Free - WINTER MUTTART CONSERVATORY - EDMONTON $8.75 $6.75 $6.75 $4.50 Free DEVONIAN BOTANIC GARDEN - EDMONTON $11.00 $8.00 $6.00 $3.00 Free ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS - HAMILTON $8.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $4.00 $20.00 Free
NIAGARA BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY- NIAGARA FALLS $11.00 $6.50 Free ALLAN GARDENS CONSERVATORY - TORONTO Free Free Free Free Free Free Free TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN - TORONTO Free Free Free Free Free Free Free MONTREAL BOTANICAL GARDEN & INSECTARIUM - LOW SEASON $13.50 $10.00 $10.00 $ 6.75 $ 2.00 - HIGH SEASON $16.00 $12.00 $12.00 $8.00 $2.50 ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVATORY WINNIPEG, MB Free Free Free Free Free Free Free
Winnipeg is one of the few remaining cities that offers free admission to indoor botanical gardens
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Total Number of Species and Specimens per Canadian Zoo (2006) Total Number of Mammals Birds Rept/Amp Fish/Inver Total Species and Specimens per Canadian Zoo
ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO, WINNIPEG, MB Assiniboine Park Zoo has # of Species 8 68 174 33 134 409 the 2nd highest # of Specimen 702 856 134 765 2457 number of CALGARY ZOO, CALGARY species after ALBERTA Toronto and # of Species 8 89 105 42 53 289 third highest # of Specimen 427 384 174 157 1,142 number of SASKATOON FORESTRY specimens FARM PARK & ZOO, after Toronto SASKATOON, SK and Montreal. # of Species 8 n/a n/a n/a n/a 75 # of Specimen n/a n/a n/a n/a 350 AFRICAN LION SAFARI & GAME FARM, CAMBRIDGE, ON # of Species 8 38 97 0 0 135 # of Specimen n/a n/a n/a n/a 1,000 BIODOME DE MONTREAL, MONTREAL, QC # of Species 8 13 81 35 124 253 # of Specimen 407 401 1251 3040 5,099 TORONTO ZOO, TORONTO, ON # of Species 8 95 110 65 202 472 # of Specimen 603 381 364 5010 6,358 VALLEY ZOO, EDMONTON, ALBERTA n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Assiniboine Park Zoo
Annual Zoo Visitation Rate Assiniboine Park Zoo visitation rates 140% exceed half the City’s population. In 120% comparison, Assiniboine Park Zoo is
100% second only to Calgary in visits as a percentage of population base. 80% 60% 40%
% of City Population City of % 20% 0% A SSINIBOINE PA RK BIODOME DE CA LGA RY ZOO, SASKATOON TORONTO ZOO, VALLEY ZOO, Z OO, WINNIPEG, MB MONTREA L, CA LGA RY FORESTRY FA RM TORONTO, ON EDMONTON, MONTREA L, QC ALBERTA PA RK & Z OO, ALBERTA SASKATOON, SK Canadian Zoos
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2006 Zoo Animals Per Zoo Employee
35.00 Assiniboine Park Zoo has the highest efficiency rate in terms of number of 30.00 Zoo animals per employee, with a 25.00 ratio of 1 employee to 32 animals. 20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00 Zoo Animals Per Employee Per Zoo Animals 0.00 AFRICAN LION SAFARI ASSINIBOINE PARK CALGARY ZOO, SASKATOON TORONTO ZOO, & GAME FARM, ZOO, WINNIPEG, MB CALGARY ALBERTA FORESTRY FARM TORONTO, ON CAMBRIDGE, ON PARK & ZOO, SASKATOON, SK Canadian Zoos
2006 Total Operating Cost Per Zoo Visitor Comparative
In comparison of Total Operating $35.00 Cost divided by number of visits, $30.00 Assiniboine Park Zoo is second $25.00 lowest to Valley Zoo in Edmonton. $20.00 $15.00 $10.00
Total Cost Per Zoo Visitor Total Zoo Cost Per $5.00 $- ASSINIBOINE PARKCALGARY ZOO, SASKATOON TORONTO ZOO, VALLEY ZOO, ZOO (includes CALGARY FORESTRY FARM TORONTO, ON EDMONTON, Costs of Zoological ALBERTA PARK & ZOO, ALBERTA Society) SASKATOON, SK Canadian Zoos
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