Hello Everyone,

This week started off with a torrential downpour on Monday evening. It impacted the lower level of the concourse area close to the Facility Services offices where there was a pretty massive flood. There was A LOT of water coming into the building, and I’d like to thank Protection Services, Plant Operations and Facilities staff who stepped in to help clean up the mess. Their quick action prevented further damage. Thank you for taking on flood duty!

On Wednesday, I travelled to Newmarket along with Jessica and Erin for a special announcement with Mayor John Taylor about a great new partnership. Basically the Town has acquired an incredible property with the intention to convert it into a massive public park, which also includes a 10,000 square foot historic house. In 2025, following a major renovation of the house and green space, the AGO has agreed to loan works from its Indigenous + Canadian Collection for display in Mulock House, as it is known. The AGO has a long history of loaning works from our collection to other galleries and venues throughout Ontario and this is another opportunity to reach audiences particularly in the 905 area, which is growing very quickly with further expansion on the horizon. Here is a link with more information about the property as well as pic of the mayor and I signing our partnership agreement. Thank you to the Communications Team for your help with the announcement.

https://www.newmarket.ca/mulockproperty

Finally – it’s not very often that we get to take a moment and consider the contributions of an employee who has been a part of the AGO for 37 years! That would be Curtis Strilchuk, who is retiring after an incredible tenure at the museum. Curtis began working here in Extension Services (an earlier version of Touring Exhibitions) and later became the AGO’s Registrar of Exhibitions and Loans. Thank you, Curtis!

Take care,

Stephan