CACTUS Meets End-of-First-Year Targets for Trillium Foundation

CACTUS filed its end-of-year report for the first year in a two-year grant by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to promote digital broadcasting opportunities to communities across Ontario.

CACTUS had committed to engage at least 6 communities in the process of setting up a digital media centre by the end of year 1 of its grant, and 15 communities by the end of year 2.

Work during the first year focussed on a) salvaging broadcasting transmission equipment being decommissioned by both TVO and the CBC for use by communities and b) reaching out to municipalities, bands, and communities across Ontario about the potential of digital technologies for broadcasting to improve local communications.

Eighty-seven communities secured former TVO broadcast towers, and one community in Ontario has acquired a former CBC TV transmitter to date. Community groups in the following areas so far are exploring the potential for a digital community media centre to improve increase access to media skills training and local content (some using former TVO and CBC equipment):

• Toronto
• Manitoulin Island
• Sandy Lake First Nations
• North Bay
• Ottawa-Maniwaki
• Parry Sound

We look forward to working with these groups throughout the coming year, and in welcoming others to the process as our outreach to communities across the province continues.

For more information on the Ontario Trillium Foundation and its granting programs, click here.