HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-002-12 Cladytwn REPORT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: February 6, 2012 Resolution#: —1 By-law#: N/A
Report#: CSD-002-12 File#:
Subject: COMMUNITY SERVICES — 2011 YEAR END REVIEW
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report CSD-002-12 be received for information.
1
Submitted by Reviewed by:
J h P. Caruana Franklin Wu,
ector, Community Chief Administrative Officer
ervices
J PC/ga/sm
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 The Community Services Department is responsible for planning, implementing
and evaluating municipal recreation, leisure programs and facilities. This report
is intended to provide Council with an overview of the activities associated with
the Department's Recreation Services and Facilities Divisions during 2011.
2.0 RECREATION SERVICES DIVISION
2.1 There are many ways to participate in recreation in Clarington. There is a wide
range of programs and services offered directly by the Municipality for residents
of all ages as well as many recreation, arts and cultural volunteer and not-for-
profit community organizations that provide valued and needed programming,
activities and events.
2.2 Over the course of 2011, the Recreation Services Division offered residents of
Clarington registered programs in aquatics and fitness, as well as youth and
adult recreation programs. In addition to our structured programming, the
Division is also responsible for some of the Department's drop-in programs,
facility memberships, public swims and recreational skating.
2.3 Recreation Services also plays an integral role in liaising and working with
Clarington's many recreation based community organizations. The Community
Development portfolio continues to evolve and reach out to new organizations
while providing on-going support and information to the many organizations that
provide a range of recreation opportunities and events for the residents of
Clarington.
3.0 AQUATIC SECTION
3.1 Orono Park Pool
i) Orono Park houses the only municipal outdoor pool in Clarington. It is a
20+ metre pool, and is operated seven days a week, from the last
weekend in June to Labour Day weekend for recreational swimming. At
this time there are no instructional programs operating out of this pool.
ii) Attendance at this pool has been increasing steadily since 2008 and this
past summer was no exception as we experienced favourable weather
conditions for most of the summer.
iii) Feedback from the residents of Clarington about the pool continues to be
very positive. Many who were visiting the pool for the first time stated how
much they enjoyed their experience, and would return in the future.
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 3
3.2 Aquatic Statistics
i) Community Services currently offers 69 hours of aquatic instructional
programming each week between our three indoor pools. Over the past
five years, aquatic programs have seen an overall increase of 26%.
Aquatic Program Participant Statistics
7000 r`.
6000
i
5000 ,
4000
3000 € ❑Program Participants
2000
1000 ' t
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
In a quest to continually improve services to residents, the Aquatic
Division made significant improvements to the Private and Semi-Private
swimming lesson program. Changes included advertising days and times
in the Community Guide, on-line registration for all ten week private
lessons, and the addition of five week private and semi-private lessons.
This has been met with positive feedback, and a significant increase in
registrations.
iii) The Department offers a wide variety of swims at its indoor facilities,
including Adult, Lane, Adult/Lane, Public and Family. Combined at all
three indoor facilities, the Municipality offers an average of 98 hours of
swims per week.
iv) Recreational swimming remains a popular activity for all ages. In 2011,
just over 85,000 people used a pool. While usage fluctuates year to year,
and pool to pool, over the past three years, usage of the four aquatic
facilities combined has seen an overall increase of 18%.
Recreational Swimming Usage By Pool
Pool; 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Clarington Fitness Centre 19,466 19,395 15,204 12,421 12,112
Courtice Community
Complex 45,455 37,476 30,396 28,953 28,686
Newcastle & District Not 11,890 37,322 38,869 40,710
Recreation Complex applicable 4 months
Newcastle Lion's Pool 2,575 1,874 Closed Closed Closed
Orono Park Pool 2,171 1,361 1,882 3,430 3,640
Total Number of Users 69,667 71,996 84,804 83,673 '85,148
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 4
v) The total number of individuals participating in swimming as a recreational
activity saw an increase over 2010. While the Courtice Community
Complex saw a small decrease in their overall participation numbers, this
facility did have a two-week maintenance shutdown in September. For
this same period in 2010 recreational swim visits totalled just over 500
swimmers.
3.3 School Board Swimming Lessons
i) Since September 1997, the Community Services Department has offered
a customized program for the Boards of Education within Clarington.
Participation in the Municipality of Clarington School Board program
continues to be a popular activity.
ii) At the present time, the Municipality reserves 15 one-hour time periods
from mid-September to mid-June for school use. Response from parents
and teachers continues to be positive.
iii) Participating schools vary in both the grade and the number of students
participating in the program. Some schools designate swimming for
certain grades, usually grades 3, 4 or 5. Other more enthusiastic schools
give each grade the opportunity to attend every school year.
iv) Partnerships such as the School Board Swim Program targets members
of the community who may not normally be reached through municipal
swimming lessons, due to shift work, irregular schedules or financial
limitations not allowing families to attend evening and weekend classes.
The program also increases children's exposure to water safety education
and lifesaving skills.
v) The 2010-2011 school year saw 17 local schools participate in the school
board swimming program, bringing a total of 1,138 children which was an
increase of 68 children over 2010.
vi) While the total number of children who participated in this program
increased in 2011 the total number of pool hours the school board rented
actually decreased. With increasing bussing costs and rental fees many
schools have streamlined their process and are now combining classes so
they are able to maximize the number of students attending a given
session (40) and restrict the number of pool hours they require.
4.0 FITNESS SECTION
4.1 Grade 5 Action Pass
i) The Municipality of Clarington has been a partner in the Durham Grade 5
Action Pass which was introduced in 2008 to all grade 5 students in
Durham Region. The pass provides free access to public swimming,
skating and drop-in basketball during the year the student is in grade 5.
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 5
This pass was introduced to address the growing concern over the number
of sedentary, obese children in our society.
ii) The Grade 5 Action Pass has been offered to all students during their
grade 5 year. The pass provides free drop-in access to students for public
swims and skates and runs October 1St of the year'the student is in grade
5 until August 31St of the following year.
iii) In 2011, we saw 6.25% of previous Grade 5 Action Pass holders continue
to participate in some form of registered recreation with the Community
Services Department.
Number of Grade 5 Action Passes Activated:
2008 /2009 2009/2010* 2010 /2011 2011/2012
336 115 283 274 YTD
*Due to the outbreak of H1 N1 in 2009, this program, which is promoted through the
Health Department, saw a decrease in registrations due to lack of available resources.
4.2 Family Engagement Strategy
i) The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) is a national
alliance of professionals, volunteers and elected community leaders that
influence the delivery and access to quality recreation, parks, sport and
culture for 95% of Canadians in over 2,600 communities in Canada.
CPRA's mandate is to provide support to its membership, enhancing their
effectiveness and capacity to build and develop strong, vibrant
communities using parks and recreation as a means.
ii) A similar initiative to Durham's Grade 5 Action Pass was introduced
through CPRA as a pilot project in municipalities across Canada in
2009/2010. The program was well received and following requests for
expansion, CPRA recently applied for and received funding from the
Public Health Agency of Canada to implement a new project titled Canada
Gets Active: Family Engagement Strategy.
iii) Clarington, as a provider of the Grade 5 Action Pass, has been invited
along with other Durham Region partners, to pilot the Family Community
Physical Activity Pass which aims to increase access to and participation
in community recreation facilities by the families of grade 5 students.
iv) Grade 5 Action Pass participants will continue to have access to all drop-
in public swim, public skate and identified drop-in programs across
Durham Region. This current initiative was expanded for the purpose of a
pilot project to include their family members when accompanied by the
grade 5 student for access to participate in designated activities at the
pilot project partners.
v) The Municipality of Clarington was pleased to expand the current Grade 5
Action Pass to include their family members for the purpose of the Family
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 6
Engagement Strategy pilot project. The family of the Grade 5 Action Pass
holder was able to participate in public swimming, public skating and
drop-in basketball at no cost when accompanied by the grade 5 student
for a 12 week period (September 26 to December 18, 2011).
vi) The program's success will be evaluated by the number of participants
that register for the program. There will be additional subjective research
information provided by the Co-ordinators of the program at Queen's
University which will be beneficial in assisting staff in evaluating the
success of the project and in determining a recommendation for the
continuation of the initiative. This research is ongoing and will be reported
on once complete.
4.3 Group Fitness Programs
i) The Courtice Fitness Training Facility and the Newcastle & District
Recreation Complex offer a wide variety of group fitness classes which
appeal to a wide variety of clientele.
ii) In the Group Fitness area we are experiencing a shift away from pre-
registered, structured 12 week programs and are seeing an increase in
participation in fitness classes on a drop-in basis largely due to the
flexibility this option provides (see charts below). At the Courtice Fitness
Training Facility, Group Fitness Program drop-ins and 10-ticket pass sales
have increased by 26% in 2011 compared to 2010. As a result, Group
Fitness program registrations have decreased by 20% over the same
period.
iii) In 2011, Newcastle Group Fitness Membership sales rose significantly, by
213%. The membership option is really gaining popularity again due to
the flexibility it provides members. As a result, the registration numbers for
Group Fitness classes at the Newcastle & District Recreation Complex
dropped by 25% in 2011 when compared to 2010. (see charts below)
Group Fitness Registration Comparison 2007-2011
215
18�� 254mry � -� ,� 164 `
,o
2007 2008
2009 1
2010
2011
rs Courtice Community Complex Newcastle& District Recreation Complex
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 7
Group Fitness Drop-In Participation Comparison 2007-2011
Courtice Community Complex/ Newcastle & District Recreation Complex
400
350
300 ----
■CCC- drop ill
250 ■{t.0- 10 ticket pass
200 NDRC- 10 ticket pass
150 ■ NF}R('.- di-c)[) in
100 - ■ NDRC- Merrihcrships
50
0 Y—
-- - _; - =-
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
CCC=Courtice Community Complex NDRC=Newcastle&District Recreation Complex
4.4 Fitness Memberships
i) In 2011, we continued to experience stability in our overall membership
base. While membership growth over the past two years has been limited
we remain confident that with strong incentive programs and population
growth over the next few years, we will see the total number of members
increase.
Fitness Membership Statistics 2007 to 2011
Members One Month Three Month Annual Corporate Staff Student Total
2007 125 229 590 378 36 79 1,437
2008 111 234 590 403 56 89 1,483
2009 104 214 558 308 44 71 1,299
2010 65 163 508 392 35 69 1,232
2011 102 159 425 446 27 71 1,230
ii) Membership Referral
2011 marked the first full year of the Courtice Fitness Training Facility -
Membership Referral program. The purpose of this program is to bring in
new members through referrals by their friends or family members.
Incentives are offered to the current members to encourage referrals to
the Courtice Fitness Training Facility. Incentives include a choice of a one
month membership extension, three month free locker rental or one hour
Personal Training Session.
This initiative has proven popular since its implementation. In 2011, we
had 53 new members referred into an annual membership with the
Courtice Fitness Training Facility.
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 8
iii) Fitness Marketing
In 2012, further targeted marketing will continue to promote the Courtice
Fitness Training Facility and to increase our membership base. Staff will
also be focusing on free marketing venues such as the internet (blogs and
social media) and through email.
5.0 RECREATION SECTION
5.1 Financial Assistance Programs
i) The Community Services Department is committed to increasing access
and participation in recreation activities among Clarington residents.
ii) The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program was created by Canadian Tire
Foundations for Families, and works in partnership with the Community
Services Department. The program's goal is to provide financially
disadvantaged children 4 to 18 years of age with the opportunity to
participate in sports and recreation activities.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Statistics
Year Number of Funding
Children Assisted Distributed
2010 18 $2,900
2011 25 $2,831
iii) In addition, the Municipality of Clarington directly offers two financial
assistance programs:
a) Financial Assistance Program (FAP) - Individuals or families currently
receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program Income
Support can apply for financial assistance of up to a maximum of 50% of
the program/membership registration fee. The chart below identifies the
number of families and individuals who received financial assistance with
registration fees over the past three years.
Financial Assistance Program Statistics
Year Number of Families Number of Individuals '
2009 22 50
2010 24 40
2011 16 33
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 9
b) Membership Access Program (MAP) - The Membership Access
Program strives to increase recreation opportunities for individuals with a
permanent disability. Clarington residents who meet the age criteria for
facility memberships and who have a permanent disability are eligible for
the Membership Access Program which provides a reduced fee for facility
memberships. As this program relates to a permanent disability once an
individual is confirmed eligible this program remains available to them
indefinitely, there is no re-application process.
Membership Access Program Statistics
Year Number of Individuals
2009 3
2010 15
2011 4
5.2 Summer Camps
i) For a number of years, the Community Services Department has offered
summer camp programs to our residents. These camps serve a wide
range of children and youth from 4 - 16 years of age. In 2011 there were
a variety of camp opportunities including; Leadership Camp, Trip Camp,
Sports Camp, Kinder Camp, Arts Camp, Eco Camp, Junior Chef Camp,
Outdoor Adventure Camp and new in 2011 we offered a Dodgeball Camp.
Over 1,400 participants took advantage of our registered camp programs
in 2011.
ii) In the summer of 2011 Community Services employed a total of 29
students as camp supervisors and counsellors. They brought a wide
range of knowledge, experience, leadership and enthusiasm to the team.
All staff received 35 hours of pre-camp training in areas such as
leadership development, team building, recognizing child abuse, customer
service, program planning, behaviour management, conflict resolution and
administrative responsibilities. They were also required to be certified in
the High 5 Principles of Healthy Child Development, Standard First Aid
and CPR "C" as well as providing acceptable criminal reference checks..
iii) Once again Community Services partnered with the YMCA Early Years
staff to continue in delivering a comprehensive Mobile Playground
program to the community each week of the summer. YMCA Early Years
and Community Services each committed one van and two staff. The
drop-in style program offers a less structured option to our day camps for
participants and caregivers. The two "Funmobiles" each visited a different
location every day and delivered games, activities and crafts appropriate
to the participants. No pre-registration was required and often
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 10
parents/caregivers would come to the park and socialize as their children
participated. The Mobile Playground rotated through 13 different parks
weekly during the summer which included: Tyrone Park, Orono Park,
Guildwood Park, Pearce Farm Park, Walbridge Park, West Side Park,
Roswell Park, Kendal Park, Ina Brown Parkette, Avondale Park, Elliot
Park, Memorial Park in Bowmanville and Haydon Hall. Attendance at the
Mobile Playgrounds was very positive with over 3,100 people visiting the
playground throughout the summer.
iv) In the summer of 2009, Community Services began offering parents of
children with special needs the opportunity to register their child for
integrated service at our summer camps. Wherever necessary and
possible, one-on-one support was provided to the children. In 2011 we
continued to offer our camper integration program and saw a continued
increase in the demand for this service.
Year Number of Number of Weeks
Integrated Campers of Camp
2009 7 9
2010 9 17
2011 12 26
v) Camp programs continue to accommodate as many individuals in the
Municipality of Clarington as possible. The Department continues to
revise and improve the camp program each year, achieving the underlying
goal of providing quality programs at a reasonable fee.
5.3 Summer Job Subsidy Program
i) The Summer Jobs Service is a student job subsidy program created by
the Province of Ontario and is facilitated in Durham Region through the
John Howard Society. This is the eighth year that the Community
Services Department has facilitated the program on behalf of the
Municipality. The program provides up to a $2.00 per hour wage subsidy
to employers who employ students for the summer. The program also
posts jobs which are subsidized by the program in the Summer Jobs
Service job bank for student access. The Summer Jobs Service program
offers free training to students in areas such as job search and self-
marketing skills. This program is designed to help eligible youth prepare
for employment, gain employment experience and stay in school. The
Summer Jobs Service program is targeted to students aged 15 - 24 years
(up to 29 for a person with a disability) who are currently attending school
and plan to return to school in the fall. It should be noted that eligibility
does not guarantee the employer will receive $2.00 per hour per student
as the total funds are distributed by formula to the participating employers.
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 11
ii) The subsidy that the Municipality received was $45,619.50 which is up
significantly from the $30,376.00 we received in 2010. Municipal
departments do not budget for this revenue as the program is not
guaranteed from year to year. The funds are recognized in a
miscellaneous revenue account specific to each department.
2011 Summer Job Subsidy Funding by Department
1 ,
i Community
Services
Department.
$36,979.50
5.4 Birthday Parties
The birthday parties continue to be an extremely popular programming option. In
2011 we hosted 127 birthday parties for children ages 4 - 12 years (Saturdays
and Sundays, January to May and September to December).
Birthday Party Comparison 2008-2011
H
78 $4
90t
21
2008 2009 2010 2011
South Courtice Arena Newcastle& District Recreation Complex
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 12
5.5 Public Skating
In 2011 Community Services had over 7,700 participants attend our public
skating programs throughout the Municipality.
Facility 2009 2010 2011
South Courtice Arena 4,390 4,126 4,842
Garnet B. Rickard Complex 3,257 2,818 2,064
Darlington S orts Centre 879 770 844
TOTAL 8,526 7,714 7,750
While total public skating attendance realized a slight increase in 2011, in 2012
staff will be reviewing the timing of these sessions in an attempt to diversify when
these sessions are offered and ultimately increase participation numbers.
6.0 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
i) Community Development is an ongoing process working with community
organizations and volunteers to assist with their organizational growth and
development which will enable them to identify and respond to current and
future community recreation and leisure needs and interests. To be
successful, Community Development requires developing a rapport and
credibility within the community through an ongoing relationship.
ii) The true strength of a community is measured by its volunteer leadership.
Volunteers provide leadership in the provision of programs and services
that enhance the quality of life possible within the community;
everything from leisure opportunities and social support, to activities and
community events, for all residents regardless of age and background. To
create an exciting, vibrant, and caring community there needs to be a
strong base of volunteer leadership.
iii) Staff developed a strategy which was geared towards enhancing the
relationship with community partners by creating an environment of
encouragement, facilitation and learning which would help to ensure that
the volunteer experience was fulfilling and productive.
iv) Based on feedback from our community partners, staff worked with local
trainers to develop a series of community development events which would
address some training needs and also provide a forum for networking and
support among the volunteer community. The following workshops were
offered to the volunteer sector in 2011.
• Sustainable Volunteer Involvement - Building Effective Volunteer
Management Processes
• Plan for Success - A practical way to strengthen your not-for-profit
organization
• Smart Serve Certification
• HST - 10 Months Later
• Accounting 101 - Basic Bookkeeping for Community Organizations
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 13
6.1 Sport and Leisure Fair
i) Many of our community groups have expressed frustration with the
promotion and marketing of their programs. Although there are numerous
opportunities for residents to partake in a wide range of sport and leisure
pursuits, often they are not aware of these opportunities. The Sport and
Leisure Fair was developed as a vehicle for groups to promote their
programs and services to the general public in an open house type
setting. Community groups are offered display space to promote their
programs and services and the general public is invited to drop in and
learn about the wealth of recreation and leisure opportunities available to
them and their families.
ii) This year's event included a family skate and autograph session with the
Bowmanville Eagles, and pizza courtesy of Boston Pizza. In addition, the
Clarington New Horizons Swing Band provided an excellent musical
interlude in the lobby during the skate.
iii) 42 community groups participated with exhibits and while the response
from the public was down marginally due to fierce competition from many
schools holding Open Houses at the same time, those that did attend
appeared to stay longer and spend more time perusing the displays. This
created wonderful opportunities for networking and promotion.
6.2 Clarington Sports Hall of Fame
i) The Clarington Sports Hall of Fame continues to be a memorable event
for the local sports community, thanks to the support of sponsors Ontario
Power Generation and St. Mary's Cement. In 2011, 280 sports
enthusiasts were on hand to acknowledge this year's inductees, Jeremy
Blackburn, Ken Davies, Harvey Webster, Toros Canadian Tire Major Pee
Wee Hockey Team and the Brookdale Roses Baseball Team. Guests
were entertained by the amusing and motivational anecdotes of guest
speaker Jacques Demers.
6.3 Community Events
i) Winter WonderLearn
Newcastle & District Recreation Complex and the Newcastle Branch
Library became the new home of Winter WonderLearn in 2011. These
facilities offered much needed space to accommodate the numerous
interactive displays and workshops. Participants enjoyed the Indoor
Playground program courtesy of Ontario Early Years, live animals from the
Bowmanville Zoo, face painting and wagon rides between venues.
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 14
ii) Rotary Ribfest
The fourth annual Rotary Ribfest, hosted at the Garnet B. Rickard Fields
June 10-12, was an overwhelming success. Over 45,000 patrons enjoyed
great entertainment and fabulous food. With seven "ribbers" on site and
more vendors involved, there were many more food options for the crowds
to contemplate. The funds raised at this event provide the opportunity for
the Rotary Club to continue their support for many community events and
initiatives.
iii) Courtice Kids Of Steel
The 2011 Courtice Kids of Steel Triathlon continued its tradition of
excellence due to the efforts of Derrick McKay and his dedicated team of
volunteers. The August 21St race was sold out by mid June with 225
triathletes aged 3-19, from across southern Ontario competing in this well
run, fun and friendly event. The Courtice Kids of Steel has quickly
established itself as one of the leaders of the Kids of Steel circuit.
iv) Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa is hosted at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation
Complex in partnership with Ontario Early Years. Young children and
their families enjoyed a full pancake breakfast followed by Christmas
games and activities. The highlight of the morning is the visit from Santa.
This year 550 people enjoyed this event at two sittings (9:00-11:00am and
12:00-2:OOpm).
V) Ride for United Way
In 2011, The Ride for United Way returned to the Garnet B. Rickard
Recreation Complex. Over 400 riders from across the GTA cycled
through one of four courses ranging from 20 km to160 km, enjoying the
lovely scenery Clarington has to offer. This event is a major fundraiser for
the Durham United Way.
vi) Camfest
2011 saw the return of the Clarington Arts and Music Festival, lead by a
dedicated group of community volunteers. Camfest was hosted at the
Orono Fair Grounds and proved to be a wonderful celebration of our local
artisans and musicians. Although Camfest did not draw the numbers
anticipated, the organizers should be proud of the quality event they
produced and the opportunities they provided to showcase local talent.
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 15
6.4 Community Grant Program
i) The Community Grant Program was established many years ago with the
intent to provide Council with a vehicle to acknowledge and support the
efforts of our local volunteer community and not-for-profit agencies that
provide services, events or projects which benefit the community.
Historically, the allocation of funding for this program has been established
at $1.00 per capita, providing a funding level of $80,000 annually. During
the 2009 Municipal Budget process, grant requests normally received from
the Newcastle Community Hall, Community Care Durham-Clarington and
the Clarington Older Adult Association were re-directed from the
Community Grant Program to the Municipal Budget process ($5,000 each
for a total of $15,000). In addition, in an effort to maintain the integrity of
the Community Grant Program while still supporting the Courtice Rotary
Canada Day celebrations, $5,000 was transferred from the Grant
Program to the Corporate Services Department to be applied only to the
funding of Canada Day Celebrations. Accordingly, a maximum amount of
$60,000 was available for the 2010 and 2011 Community Grant Program.
ii) The Community Grant Program is constantly evolving, undergoing
continual review and modification to ensure the program continues to
provide Council with a means to support appropriate community initiatives
which meet the defined criteria. Over the years the program has been
successful in providing Council an opportunity to acknowledge and
support the efforts of our local volunteer community and not-for-profit
agencies. In 2010, the application became available on-line to complete
and print. For 2011, staff have enhanced the application process to
include on-line filing of the application.
iii) On November 16th; 2010, staff hosted a community meeting to introduce
the 2011 Community Grant Program. The meeting provided the
opportunity for staff to update applicants on any changes or revisions to
the process and also provided an opportunity for applicants to discuss
their application and get clarification on the process and criteria. This
meeting has been productive in educating the public on the objectives and
merits of the Community Grant Program while sending the message that
as the community continues to grow there will be increased demands on
the program. Applicants are encouraged to review their requests and
apply for support only when truly required.
iv) Both the number of requests and the amount of funds requested
increased slightly in 2011. This was due in part to an increase in new
applicants and possibly a reflection of the economic climate.
Community Grant 2008 Totals 2009 Totals 2010 Totals 2011 Totals
Programs
Number of 45 41 42 44
Applications
Amount Requested $139,550 $114,500 $103,495 $129,154
Amount Awarded $76,800 $53,250 $59,179 $60,000
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 16
6.5 Clarington Older Adult Association (COAA)
i) The COAA continued to offer quality recreation and leisure opportunities
to our growing older adult market through their primary location at the
Beech Centre.
ii) As the membership continues to grow, staff and the COAA have strived to
offer more partnership programming at facilities such as the Clarington
Fitness Centre, Courtice Community Complex and Newcastle & District
Recreation Complex.
iii) In 2011, 32 partnership programs were offered at these satellite facilities.
While not all of the programs were successful, progress is being made to
provide leisure opportunities for older adults at locations other than the
Beech Centre.
6.6 Clarington Squash Club
i) Throughout 2011, staff worked with a dedicated group of squash
enthusiasts who were intent on developing the game of squash locally.
This group became the Clarington Squash Advisory Committee and
assisted department staff in the delivery of squash programs, while
working to promote interest in the sport through the formation of a local
squash club.
ii) Staff worked with this group to develop the structure required to become a
not--for-profit community group. Surveys were done to gauge the interest in
a local squash club and to review models of successful squash clubs in
other communities.
iii) With the assistance of staff the advisory committee worked diligently to
develop a mission statement, a constitution and by-laws, organizational
structure and budget, and also applied for incorporation as a not-for-profit
organization.
iv) The Clarington Squash Club held their initial Annual General Meeting in
December where they approved the constitution and elected their first
slate of officers.
Community Development is an ongoing process, based on the principles of
respect, integrity and support. The benefits are a more engaged community and
an enhanced quality of life. Staff will continue to develop the relationships and
rapport with our community partners which will nurture an environment of
encouragement, facilitation and learning.
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 17
7.0 FACILITIES DIVISION
7.1 The Facilities Division is responsible for the operations and maintenance of
recreation facilities managed by the Community Services Department. This
includes permitting of arenas, swimming pools, indoor soccer and multi-purpose
rooms. The Division is also responsible for concessions, pro shops and vending
operations in our facilities. This overview is intended to provide Council with an
update on the activities and highlights of the Facilities Division for 2011.
7.2 Supporting the Facilities Manager, the Division is staffed by four Facilities
Supervisors and the Food Services Co-ordinator. The Supervisors share the
management of our seven indoor facilities and outdoor pool, while the Co-
ordinator is responsible for concession and vending functions in all facilities.
Along with the 24 full time unionized staff, the Division requires approximately 80
part time staff to help operate the facilities.
8.0 FACILITIES PERMITTING
8.1 Our facilities booking office, located at the South Courtice Arena is responsible
for the facility permits issued by the Department on an annual basis. These
permits include all rentals for our major sport users in the arena, pool and indoor
field facilities, and the annual facility rental contracts for all major ice, indoor field
and pool users. The majority of facility usage is permitted to Clarington based
minor sport users.
8.2 2011 hourly ice and floor rental statistics are as follows:
Category 2009 2010 2011
Minor Hockey— Boys 5,593 5,475 5,651
Minor Hockey—Girls 1,861 1,903 2,097
Figure Skating 776 622 624
Speed Skating 171 166 212
Adult Hockey 1,312 1,384 1,478
School Boards 279 267 231
Other 562 358 465
Lacrosse/Ball Hockey 1,198 1,108 1,368
(Dry Pad
. Total 11,752 11,283 12,126
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 18
8.3 2011 hourly swimming pool rental statistics are as follows:
Category 2009 2010 2011
Swim Club 590 642 736
School Boards 294 241 217
Other 149 108 151
Total 1,033 991 1,104
8.4 2011 hourly indoor soccer/outdoor lacrosse rental statistics are as follows:
Category 2009 2010 2011
Youth Soccer 1,302 1,225 1,044
Adult Soccer 477 294 305
Other 166 198 143
Youth and Adult Lacrosse 159 296 245
Total 2,104 2, 013 1,737
8.5 Pay as You Go and Complimentary Programming
In addition to private and community group rentals, the Department provides a
variety of public programs to residents in our arena facilities. This includes pay as
you go and complimentary programs.
2011 attendance statistics are as follows:
Category 2010 Attendance 2011 Attendance
Shinny Hockey 4,042 3,121
Shinn 55+ 3,830 3,305
Youth Shinny 625 663
Ticket Ice 1,317 819
Skate 55+ (complimentary) 4,797 5,053
Parent & Tot Skate 6,407 7,232
(complimentary)
Indoor Soccer Walking 5,419 7,376
Program (complimentary
Indoor Soccer Drop-in 295 396
Soccer
Total 26,732` 27,965
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 19
9.0 PUBLIC ACCESS DEFIBRILLATOR PROGRAM
9.1 The Community Services Department is responsible for the administration of this
program for all seven of our indoor recreation facilities as well as the Orono
Arena, Newcastle Arena and Newcastle Town Hall. The annual program support
and training is provided by Central East Pre-hospital Care Program (CEPCP) and
the costs associated with this program are provided in the Department's annual
operating budget. In addition to the annual training, program support includes
medical oversight, equipment technical support and incident support.
10.0 FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM
10.1 In 2011 the Department continued to implement upgrades to our facilities that
addressed improved accessibility for our patrons. Projects this past year at
Courtice Community Complex included improved accessible parking at front of
building; new power operated doors on multi-purpose room; power operators
on lobby washroom doors; and railings for the pool change room corridor. As
well, an accessibility audit was completed this past fall for the Clarington
Fitness Centre that staff will use as a reference for future planning.
10.2 The 2012 budget includes funding for continued work at the Courtice Community
Complex as well as the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex.
11.0 FEDERAL/PROVINCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
11.1 The two Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) projects the Department was
approved for were fully completed by the deadline date of March 31, 2011.
These projects included the arena floor replacement at Darlington Sports Centre
($396,000), and dressing room and spectator seating renovations at the Garnet
B. Rickard Recreation Complex ($495,000). The Municipality received two-thirds
funding for both projects from the federal and provincial governments.
11 .2 The Building Canada Fund project for an energy retrofit at Garnet B. Rickard
Recreation Complex ($1,275,000) was approved for extension to completion by
October 31, 2011. The work was fully completed by the revised deadline date.
The Municipality also received two-thirds funding for this project from the federal
and provincial governments.
12.0 ANNUAL CAPITAL PROJECT PROGRAM
12.1 In addition to the day to day operations of the Municipality's recreation facilities,
the Facilities Division also administers the Department's Capital Maintenance
Program. Significant in scope, this program ensures our facilities are structurally
sound and physical plants are maintained to industry standards.
12.2 Every five years, each facility undergoes a building audit, conducted by
structural/mechanical engineers. This document provides information related to
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 20
the structure and physical plant that enables staff to proactively maintain our
assets, forming the basis for the current year's capital budget and four year
forecast, which is approved each year through the budget process.
12.3 In 2011, the capital budget included projects that related to accessibility projects
as mentioned above, energy conservation, mechanical equipment life cycle
needs and patron amenities. The project list includes the arena roof replacement
at Darlington Sports Centre, a building automation system at Courtice
Community Complex and fitness equipment replacement at the fitness centre in
Courtice.
13.0 ENERGY CONSERVATION
13.1 Facilities management staff continue to serve as members of the Energy
Management Steering Committee. Since the costs of heat, hydro and water in
recreation facilities represents a significant portion of our annual operating costs
it is important for staff to stay current in this area.
13.2 As part of the committee's energy audit program, energy audits on municipal
buildings continued in 2011, with the full program to be completed in 2012.
Following the completion of all building audits, a master plan of all potential
energy initiatives complete with an implementation strategy will be developed.
13.3 With the recently completed energy retrofit project at Garnet B. Rickard
Recreation Complex, staff will be closely tracking the energy consumption for this
facility to be able to accurately determine the savings realized as a result of the
work completed.
14.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
14.1 Workplace health and safety continued to be a high priority in 2011.
Supplementing our monthly workplace inspections completed by the Joint Health
and Safety Committee, Department staff continued to perform monthly
supervisory inspections at our recreation facilities. In addition, the divisional
managers inspect the workplaces semi-annually with the Director performing
annual inspections.
14.2 In 2011, the semi-annual training program for facilities operations staff continued.
In addition to the annual WHMIS training and review of health and safety policies
and procedures, the 2011 program also included ladder and fall arrest training,
accident/incident reporting as well as SCBA training and sprinkler system
monitoring by Clarington Emergency & Fire Services.
15.0 COMMENTS
15.1 The Community Services Department is very proud of our accomplishments over
the past year. Our state of the art recreation facilities offer a safe and attractive
environment for all our residents to enjoy.
REPORT NO.: CSD-002-12 PAGE 21
15.2 Our youth and adult recreation programming continues to provide Clarington
residents with a variety of opportunities that encourage a healthy lifestyle.
15.3 In 2012, the Department will continue to identify areas of potential development
and growth, ensuring quality recreational opportunities for our growing and
diverse population.
16.0 CONCURRENCE: Not Applicable
17.0 CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN
The recommendations contained in this report conform to the general intent of the
following priorities of the Strategic Plan:
_ Promoting economic development
_ Maintaining financial stability
X_ Connecting Clarington
_ Promoting green initiatives
_ Investing in infrastructure
X_ Showcasing our community
— Not in conformity with Strategic Plan
Staff Contacts: George Acorn, Facilities Manager
Sharon Meredith, Recreation Services Manager
List of Interested Parties: None