• Access Funding:
• The Alliance approached the Ontario Trillium Foundation for start-up funds for opening an Event Resource Centre to be located in a central location somewhere in Eastern Ontario. It was awarded $100,000 for start-up funds with the goal to have the Centre open for the 2012 summer season. This Centre has been endorsed by the St. Lawrence Bicentennial Alliance as one of their main “legacy projects”.
• Create Partnerships: The first step is to contact all regional Eastern Ontario non-profit groups to encourage them to come together to share equipment and access the Events Resource Centre (Rotary, Kinsmen, Lions Clubs, Community Events, Fair Boards, Sporting Groups, School organizations, Church groups etc.) 
• Develop Inventory: Do an inventory of what event equipment in the area is available, what was previously funded by Ontario Trillium, who owns it, where it is stored and what are their rental guidelines. Purchase items that event leaders need and do not have easy access to. (Planned Inventory List).
• Long Term Management: We approached the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville for long term management with the understanding that the St. Lawrence 1812 Alliance is prepared to initiate and head up this project for the next 3 years. They agreed to partner with the Resource Centre part of the County’s Economic Development Department.
• Site Setup: Presently looking for a suitable building and location somewhere in Leeds & Grenville that is easily accessible and secure. The building space could be shared with other compatible businesses (i.e. Volunteer Centre, Economic Development, BIA’s, Chambers) etc. There is some budget for upgrades to the building - signage, shelving and storage bins etc.
• Event Support: Once the facility is open, create a Resource Library for the festival industry compiling info on suppliers (tents, fireworks, buskers, inflatables, entertainers etc.) This can create increased business for suppliers - small business in most cases - as volunteers will now know where to find these supplies.
• Marketing: Develop a marketing plan to reach volunteer event organizers, creating a logo, brochure, building signage, booking contracts and a website presence.
• Event Training: Offer various event training seminars for a nominal fee to assist volunteers in their challenges.
• Sustainability: Develop affordable rental fees for equipment to assist in the long term operational Centre’s cost. Partners would use their own equipment plus 50% off of all other inventory. Rent equipment to non-partners at a nominal fee with private rentals costing more than non-profit rates. Events who add event equipment to the overall inventory would also benefit with storage, maintenance and insurance of supplies.
• Timetable: Have equipment available to event organizers for pick up on Wed. and return on Mondays weekly.
• Networks: After opening the centre, work on developing an area Festival Network where events share other resources – volunteers, promotion, training, appreciation etc.
• Schedule: After established, the Event Centre would be open all year round on a part-time call in basis. 

For further information on the Events Centre, equipment and event training, contact Jan Bonhomme, Event Centre Manager at 613-272-3200 or email