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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-012-08 CI~mgron REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE June 2, 2008 Resolution #:~g Date: Report #: CSD-012-08 File#: By-law #: Subject: PARKS AND RECREATION ONTARIO (PRO) CALL FOR ACTION ON AGING INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CSD-012-08 be received; 2. THAT Council endorse the Parks and Recreation Ontario Report entitled "Investing in Healthy and Active Ontarians Through Recreation and Parks Infrastructure"; and 3. THAT Council convey their support for this Report and for funding programs for aging recreation, parks and sport infrastructure to the appropriate provincial representatives. SUbm~ltte bY:~~~ RevieWedbYO~~~ """-Joseph P. Caruana Franklin Wu Director of Community Services Chief Administrative Officer JPC/sm/wg CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET. BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506 REPORT NO.: CSD-012-08 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) has released a report titled Investing in Healthy and Active Ontarians Through Recreation and Parks Infrastructure, which addresses concerns regarding the lack of provincial funding to support the aging parks and recreation infrastructure. 1.2 The report also includes data and recommendations to support an increased investment in parks, recreation and sport infrastructure to address the growing problem of inactivity and obesity am'ong Ontario residents. 1.3 PRO has circulated the report to Municipalities across the province, requesting that they support the position PRO has presented in the report and send a message to the Premier and the Minister of Finance that annual funding for recreation and parks infrastructure is a priority for our residents, to build an active and vibrant community. 2.0 COMMENTS 2.1 Ontario's sport, recreation and parks infrastructure is in a state of decline. A great deal of the inventory of publicly owned recreation facilities was constructed in the 1970's and 1980's when the provincial government had dedicated capital funding programs to assist with construction costs. These facilities are now nearing the end of their useful lives and require capital renovations or replacement. 2.2 It is estimated that the capital repair and replacement cost of existing municipally owned recreation facilities in Ontario is approximately $5 billion and the province no longer offers the capital funding programs to assist with the required repairs or replacement. 2.3 Local examples of this provincial trend would be the Darlington Sports Centre and Clarington Fitness Centre. Recently facility assessments were completed on these two buildings, as part of the department's strategic plan. In both cases significant renovations will need to be considered to upgrade the facilities to current standards. 2.4 During the 2008 pre-budget consultations with the Minister of Finance, PRO advocated for a five year program of dedicated funding for recreation, parks and sport infrastructure. At that time the Minister stated that the government had not received a strong indication from local government that community recreation, parks and sport infrastructure funding was a priority. REPORT NO.: CSD-012-08 PAGE 3 2.5 There is a mounting concern with the lack of physical activity and growing problems associated with obesity being experienced across the country. Between 1981 and 1996 the number of obese children aged 7-13 in Canada has tripled and 1 in 4 Ontario children aged 2-17 are considered overweight or obese, as are almost 50% of Ontario adults. More than half of youth between the ages of 15-19 are not active enough for optimal growth and development. 2.6 This trend is putting increasing demands on our health care system. The Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion has recently reported that obesity costs Ontario approximately $1.6 billion annually. They further state that healthy eating and active living is the key to the obesity crisis. 2.7 The federal and provincial governments have aggressively promoted the theme of better health through a more active lifestyle. Even with the increased awareness, there still appears to be a reluctance to actually move towards a more active lifestyle which may be the result of a lack of suitable and accessible facilities. 2.8 The PRO report addresses the need for the federal and provincial governments to work with the municipalities to invest in facilities that enable residents to participate in regular physical activity and improve the quality of life within their communities. 2.9 The PRO report acknowledges that municipalities face many infrastructure challenges. The report also acknowledges the role recreation, parks and sport has in the pursuit of active, healthy lifestyles and enhanced quality of life. Parks and Recreation Ontario wishes to ensure that recreation, parks and sport infrastructure are considered along with all other municipal infrastructure needs.