HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-003-14 Clarington REPORT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: February 24, 2014 Resolution#: 609-161-1'V By-law#: N/A
Report#: CSD-003-14 File#:
Subject: COMMUNITY SERVICES — 2013 YEAR END REVIEW
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report CSD-003-14 be received for information.
Submitted by: Reviewed by: �- _ - (� �-U��-�
J s ph P. Caruana Franklin Wu,
i 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-003-14 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 2013.
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 2013, 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 facility memberships, recreational swimming and
a variety of drop-in programs.
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.
2.4 In 2013, Recreation Services experienced continued growth in most service
areas with program registration revenue reaching an all time high of over
$1,000,000.
$300,000.00
Total Course Revenues ❑ 2010 Total
$250,000.00 Revenue
$769,942.48
$200,000.00 2011 Total
Revenue
$150,000.00 -
$848,460.38
El 2012 Total
$100,000.00 Revenue
$917,148.17
$50,000.00 ❑ 2013 Total
Revenue
$0.00 $1,033,979
Winter Spring Summer Summer Fall
Day Camp
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 3
3.0 AQUATIC SECTION
i) The Municipality operates three indoor aquatic facilities (Clarington
Fitness Centre, Courtice Community Complex and Newcastle & District
Recreation Complex) and one outdoor pool (Orono Park Pool). These
facilities are operated seven days a week and offer a wide variety of both
recreational swimming and aquatic instructional programs for the
community.
ii) Currently, the Municipality employs 72 part-time aquatic staff annually.
Staff includes high school, college and university students as well as
adults working daytime hours.
iii) In addition to their numerous qualifications, new hires undergo extensive
training (approximately 20 hours) at all three indoor facilities prior to
working their first shift. Staff are required to attend on-going training every
three months. Pre-summer training includes an annual Lifeguard
Competition, where staff are placed in teams and compete through
various events, giving them an opportunity to showcase their lifeguarding
and first aid skills.
iv) While only part-time, these positions offer students valuable experience in
areas of customer service, working with the public, dealing with difficult
situations, first aid and emergency situations.
3.1 Instructional Aquatic Programs
i) Community Services currently offers 69 hours of aquatic instructional
programming each week between our three indoor pools. Over the past
three years, aquatic programs have seen an overall increase of 10.7%. In
2013, approximately 7,400 individuals participated in aquatic instructional
programs.
Aquatic Program Participant Statistics
Pool 2011 2012 2013
Clarington Fitness 639 622 672
Centre
Courtice Community 2,893 3,018 3,125
Complex
Newcastle & District 3,073 3,220 3,599
Recreation Complex
Total Number of Users 6,605 6,860 7,396
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PACE 4
3.2 Recreational Swimming
i) The Department offers a wide variety of swims at its indoor facilities,
including Adult, Lane, Adult/Lane, Public, and Public/Lane. Combined at
all three indoor facilities, the Municipality offers an average of 102 hours of
swims per week.
ii) Always looking to diversify and meet the changing needs of the
community, this past fall saw the introduction of a Special Needs Swim at
the Newcastle & District Recreation Complex. This recreational swim is
open to people with physical and/or developmental disabilities and their
caregivers. It is offered in conjunction with the newly formed group Home
Base Durham.
iii) Recreational swimming remains a popular activity for all ages. In 2013,
over 96,000 people visited a pool for recreational swimming. 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
11.8% (11,351 swimmers).
Pool 2011 2012 2013
Clarington Fitness 12,112 13,025 12,891
Centre
Courtice Community 28,686 31,880 33,580
Complex
Newcastle & District 40,710 42,745 45,547
Recreation Complex
Orono Park Pool 3,640 4,017 4,481
Total Number of Users 85,148 91,667 96,499
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.
ii) At the present time, the Municipality reserves 15 one-hour time periods
from mid-September to mid-June for school use. These time periods are
programmed during the slower daytime hours, primarily afternoons.
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.
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 5
iv) Partnerships such as the School Board Swim Program target residents
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 2012-2013 school year saw ten local schools participate in the school
board swimming program, serving a total of 384 children.
vi) While the program continues to provide valuable water safety education
and awareness to children in our community, the total number of children
who participated in this program continues to decrease each school year.
With increasing bussing costs and rental fees, many schools have opted
out of the program, or decreased the number of students they are sending
to participate. Schools that previously sent all grades (1-8) are now
targeting grades 3-5. This decrease has had an impact on facility pool
rental revenue, particularly at the Courtice Community Complex. See
page 18, section 8.3 for annual hourly comparisons of school board
rentals.
4.0 FITNESS SECTION
i) The Community Services Department is pleased to offer fitness programs
and activities at various municipal recreation facilities. The main fitness
facility in Clarington is located within the Courtice Community Complex —
Courtice Fitness Training Facility. Satellite programs are also offered at
the Newcastle & District Recreation Complex, Clarington Fitness Centre
and South Courtice Arena. These fitness programs and activities are
conducted by seven certified Fitness Trainers and 25 certified Fitness
Instructors.
ii) Courtice Fitness Training Facility
The fitness facility is open weekdays, 6am-10pm and weekends 8am-
9pm. The Courtice Fitness Training Facility has a large fitness training
floor with a variety of cardio and strength equipment as well as a separate
group fitness studio where we offer programs such as Spinning, Yoga and
Zumba, among others. We offer one-on-one and small group personal
training with certified personal trainers.
iii) Newcastle & District Recreation Complex
Group fitness classes are offered at the Newcastle & District Recreation
Complex most weekday mornings, some evenings and most Saturdays
throughout the year. The group fitness program is available to members,
registered participants and drop-ins. We are pleased to offer a range of
programming to suit a variety of fitness needs.
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 6
4.1 Fitness Memberships
i) Effective September 1, 2013, the Fitness division underwent a significant
change in the structure of the types and terms of the available fitness
memberships. The first month the new membership structure was
available we saw a significant increase in fitness membership revenue
over the same month in 2012. The changes allowed for more options
including a Family membership, a three month term option and a Group
Fitness Membership. The standard annual fitness membership became
the Fitness Membership (Plus) which allowed patrons the same access as
the previous membership. The Fitness Membership (Basic) was
introduced as an option for individuals who are looking for a lower
membership fee and only require use of the Courtice Community Complex
fitness centre and pool (do not participate in Group Fitness Classes).
ii) This membership structure change allowed us to exceed our expected
revenue and increase sales compared to the same time last year by 6%.
Fitness Membership Sales Sept— Dec 2012 and 2013
$50,000.00
$40,000.00
$30,000.00
2012
$20,000.00
$10,000.00
$0.00
Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
*December shows a decrease due to the transfer of the
December 10 ticket sales to Fitness daily revenues.
iii) The Courtice Community Complex Fitness Centre currently has 1,200
active members as well as 500 active 10 ticket pass users. The fitness
centre is operational 106 hrs a week 52 weeks of the year.
4.2 Group Fitness Programs
i) Group Fitness Programs are now offered at four recreation facilities, with
the introduction of classes at South Courtice Arena and Clarington Fitness
Centre. The fitness division is now better able to meet the needs of the
specific neighbourhoods within Clarington. The group fitness programs
are no longer divided between Courtice Community Complex and
Newcastle & District Recreation Complex. The patron's memberships, 10
ticket passes or drop-in fees allows them to access all group fitness
classes at the four facilities. Making classes more accessible and making
the Group Fitness Membership universal across the municipality, allowed
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 7
for a 32% increase in revenue when compared to 2012. The group fitness
classes run out of four facilities for a total of 67 classes per week for 52
weeks of the year.
ii) The Group Fitness program has approximately 800 active members and
10 ticket holders, utilizing the classes.
4.3 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.
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 1 st of the year the student is in grade
5 until August 31St of the following year.
iii) We continue to see a strong and consistent uptake of this opportunity.
Number of Grade 5 Action Passes Activated
2008/2009 200912010* 2010/2011 2011/2012 201212013 2013/2014
(YTD)
336 115 283 415 400 306
*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.
5.0 RECREATION SECTION
i) The Community Services Department offers recreation programs and
camps at various municipal recreation facilities, local schools and park
locations throughout Clarington. The recreation programs service all age
groups. Residents have options for registered programs, weekly drop-ins,
pay-as-you-play and free programs.
ii) The recreation section employs 98 part-time recreation staff annually. The
staff team is primarily made up of high school, college and university
students. All recreation staff take part in seasonal training, including
health and safety, WHMIS, customer service, leadership development,
program planning and many other topics.
iii) Many of the employees within the recreation section are first time job
seekers. The Municipality has the opportunity to assist these young adults
in gaining and developing life skills that will benefit them for years to
come.
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 8
5.1 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 2013, there were
a variety of camp opportunities including; Leadership Camp, Counsellor in
Training, Trip Camp, Sports Camp, Kinder Camp, Arts Camp, Eco Camp,
Junior Chef Camp, French Camp, Dodgeball Camp, Soccer Camp,
Lacrosse Camp, Hockey Camp and Outdoor Adventure Camp. Almost
1,800 participants took advantage of our registered camp programs in
2013.
Total Camp Registration
(including extended care registrations)
2000
1500 1 615 1798
1000 1425'
500
0
2011 2012 2013
ii) 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.
iii) In the summer of 2013, Community Services employed a total of 36
students as camp supervisors and counsellors. They brought a wide
range of knowledge, experience, leadership and enthusiasm to the team.
All staff received over 40 hours of pre-camp training in areas such as
leadership development, team building, recognizing child abuse, customer
service, program planning, behaviour management, conflict resolution, risk
management 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 an acceptable
Criminal Background Check.
iv) 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 is required and often
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 9
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, Highland Park, Ina Brown Parkette, Avondale Park, Argent
Park, Memorial Park in Bowmanville and Haydon Hall. Attendance at
most Mobile Playground locations, was very positive with over 2,000
people visiting the playgrounds throughout the summer.
5.2 Public Skating
i) In 2013, Community Services had over 11,000 participants attend our
public skating programs throughout the Municipality.
ii) Scheduling changes made in the fall of 2012, continue to have a positive
impact on attendance numbers as we experienced an increase of over
1,200 people from the previous year.
Facility 2011 2012 2013
South Courtice Arena 4,842 6,359 6,500
Garnet B. Rickard Complex 2,064 2,370 3,244
Darlington Sports Centre 844 1,242 1,475
TOTAL 7,750 9,971 11,219
5.3 New Program Initiatives
i) Community Services staff are consistently evaluating programs and
services so that we may continue to offer the highest quality service to the
residents of Clarington. 2013 saw the addition of many exciting new
program options including; expanding our preschool recreation program
offerings, adding Lego Club, and instructional skateboarding for children
and youth. Children's sports programs were offered at two school
locations in Bowmanville. Harold Longworth Public School and Dr. Ross
Tilley have provided excellent facilities for residents to attend our
programs. Summer camps saw the addition of introductory soccer and
lacrosse camps.
ii) 2013 also saw the addition of our Saturday Workshops for children and
adults. For a low fee, participants can take part in our programs on a
Saturday afternoon from 1:00pm —4:00pm at a variety of facilities. Some
of the workshops included; seasonal sewing for children and adults, a
Haunted Halloween themed workshop, Friendship bracelets and Santa's
Workshop.
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 10
5.4 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 ninth 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. 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.
ii) The 2013 subsidy that the Municipality received was $7,840. 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.
5.5 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. 2013 saw a dramatic
increase in the number of applicants and funding distributed through the
Canadian Tire Jumpstart program.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Statistics
Year Number of Funding
Children Assisted Distributed
2011 25 $2,831
2012 24 $3,245
2013 46 $7,129
iii) In addition, the Municipality of Clarington directly offers two financial
assistance programs:
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 11
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
2011 16 33
2012 29 58
2013 21 44
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
2011 4
2012 7
2013 9
6.0 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
i) Community Development seeks to empower individuals and groups of
people by providing them with the skills they need to effect change in their
own communities. Everyone can take part in the issues that affect their
lives. It starts from the principle that within any community there is a
wealth of knowledge and experience which, if used in creative ways, can
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 12
be channeled into collective action to achieve the communities' desired
goals.
ii) Through Community Development, we work alongside people in our
community, build relationships with organizations and identify common
concerns. We attempt to create opportunities for the community to learn
new skills and, by enabling people to act together, help to foster social
inclusion and equality.
iii) Volunteers have a real impact in our community. They lead local boards,
sports organizations and plan events. Volunteers are often the glue that
holds a community together and make our community a better place. Local
activities bring people together to build a stronger community. They allow
everyone to have a say in shaping the community. Through volunteering,
everyone has a voice.
iv) Staff are committed to enhancing the relationship with community partners
by creating an environment of encouragement, facilitation and learning
which would help to ensure that the volunteer experience is fulfilling and
productive.
V) 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 2013:
• Smart Serve Certification
• Getting More Time out of Your Time — Time Management
• Powerful Productive Meetings
• Basic Bookkeeping for Community Organizations
6.1 Clarington Sport & Leisure Fair
i) The Clarington Sport & Leisure Fair is an annual event, with a host of
community displays offered free of charge to local community groups and
sport and leisure providers. Groups are encouraged to provide information
and accept registrations for their various sport and leisure activities,
demonstrations, a free family skate is offered as well as free pizza
courtesy of Boston Pizza -Bowmanville. 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 for them and their families.
ii) The 2013 Clarington Sport & Leisure Fair was held on Friday, September
13 at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex. Visitors to the fair took
to the ice for a free public skate with some of Clarington's own Junior C
Eagles. The Bowmanville Figure Skating Club wowed the crowd with a
great demonstration on-ice of their CanSkate program followed up by two
wonderful solo performances. Over 200 people enjoyed visiting 39
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 13
community displays and warmed up with some delicious pizza.
iii) While the event did attract over 200 visitors, this attendance was down
over previous years. Upon review of the event and soliciting comments
and feedback from the participating groups, we have made scheduling and
marketing changes to this event with the hopes of increasing attendance
and participation in 2014. The event is being held on March 2nd this year.
6.2 Clarington Sports Hall of Fame
i) The Clarington Sports Hall of Fame is an opportunity to recognize the
contributions made by local athletes, teams and builders to the sporting
community in Clarington. 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.
ii) Nominations are received throughout the year, each spring the Selection
Committee (comprised of volunteers) meet to review the nominations from
the current year as well as any on file, and select up to six inductees for
that year.
iii) This past October, the 11th annual induction ceremony was held and a
gala event was held for close to 300 inductees, their families, and friends.
Guests had the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce while enjoying a
delicious catered meal and entertainment provided by guest speaker, TSN
Sportscaster, Bob McKenzie.
iv) Since the first induction ceremony in 2003, 59 athletes, teams or builders
have been inducted into the Clarington Sports Hall of Fame. In 2013, we
welcomed
• Sarah Couch, Athlete
• Betty Ingram, Athlete
• Tom Lenehan, Builder
• Ray Preston, Athlete / Builder
• 1986-87 Flying Dutchman Midget Hockey Team, Team
• 1985-86-87 Midget C Bowmanville Baseball Team, Team
6.3 Community Events
i) Winter WonderLearn
The 10th annual Winter WonderLearn event was hosted at the Newcastle
& District Recreation Complex and the Clarington Public Library -
Newcastle Branch Library for the third year. There were numerous
interactive displays and workshops as part of this event:
• "Little Obie" the safety train
• Clarington Fire & Emergency Services
• Clarington New Horizons Band
REPORT NO.: CSD-00314 PAGE 14
• Visual Arts Centre
• A Gift of Art
• Ontario Early Years
• Community Services Department —face painting
• Scouts Canada
• Newcastle Village & District Historical Society
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Clarington
• and many more!
ii) Courtice Kids Of Steel
The 2013 Courtice Kids of Steel Triathlon saw some growth this year with
the addition of an adult race which truly made this event one for the whole
family. The race took place over two days, August 17 and 18th and was
sold out with 270 racers aged 3 and up. Racers came in from across
southern Ontario and the United States competing in this well run, fun and
friendly event. The Courtice Kids of Steel Triathlon has quickly
established itself as one of the leaders of the Kids of Steel circuit.
iii) Sports Day in Canada
Sports Day in Canada is a "national celebration of sport, from grassroots
to high-performance, is an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the
power of sport, build community and national spirit and facilitate healthy,
active living."
On November 30, we celebrated Sports Day in Canada by offering free
activities for the whole family including badminton, pickleball, a fitness
circuit and sports-themed arts and crafts at the Newcastle & District
Recreation Complex. These activities were offered in partnership with the
Clarington Older Adult Association, Visual Arts Centre, Ontario Early
Years Centres and Sport Ball.
iv) June is Recreation & Parks Month
Each June, hundreds of communities across Ontario celebrate Recreation
and Parks Month. The goal of Recreation and Parks Month is to increase
public awareness of the value and benefits of recreation for individuals,
families, neighbourhoods and communities. It is an opportunity to
celebrate the success of recreation and parks in contributing to the quality
of life in our communities across Ontario.
One initiative we undertook to celebrate June is Recreation & Parks Month
was a Neighbourhood Family Fitness Tour. Community Services
Department Staff visited various neighbourhood parks and offered free
activities for close to 200 children and adults. Parents and children
participated in activities that encouraged families to get active together.
By encouraging activities such as running, jumping and throwing, children
have an opportunity to develop fundamental movement skills, a term
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 15
known as "physical literacy".
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. A
maximum amount of $60,000 was available for the 2013 Community Grant
Program.
ii) Since 2008, staff have invited organizations who have applied to the
program over the previous three years to a community meeting to
introduce the upcoming grant program and to brief applicants on any
changes or revisions to the grant program while walking them through the
application process. This meeting also provides an opportunity for staff to
address any specific questions or concerns applicants may have with their
specific application. The 2013 Community Grant meeting was held on
January 15, 2013, and was attended by 32 individuals representing 24
community organizations.
iii) On March 5, 2012, Council approved Resolution #GPA-185-12 which
required all future community grant applicants to include a balance sheet
with their application. In order to accommodate this request and allow
applicants the appropriate time to produce an accurate year end balance
sheet, the Community Grant schedule was revised (Report CSD-010-12).
The revised dates had grant applications available January 16, 2013, and
the deadline for submission was March 1, 2013.
iv) Both the number of requests and the amount of funds requested in 2013
were consistent with the 2012 requests. Of the 41 requests received in
2013, seven were first time applicants.
Community 2010 2011 2012 2013
Grant Totals Totals Totals Totals
Program
Number of 42 44 42 41
Applications
Amount $103,495 $129,154 $132,406 $122,497
Requested
Amount $59,179 $60,000 $60,000 $54,600
Awarded
v) One new group who participated in the 2013 Community Grant Program,
was the newly formed Home Base Durham which provides support and
services to families of adults living with autism. This year Home Base
Durham was able to offer a Gym & Swim program as well as a music
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 16
therapy group at the Newcastle & District Recreation Complex for adults
with autism and their caregiver.
vi) The 2014 Community Grant Program was introduced to community
groups on January 16, 2014. The application form is available online as
well as a hard copy. Applications will be accepted until February 28,
2014.
6.5 Clarington Older Adult Association (COAA)
i) The COAA continued to offer quality recreation and leisure opportunities
to our growing older adult community through their primary location at the
Beech Centre. Through a Memorandum of Understanding between the
Clarington Older Adult Centre Board (COACB) and the Municipality of
Clarington signed in 2009, the COACB will provide the opportunity for
Clarington older adults to participate in structured recreation programs and
services at facilities throughout the Municipality with or without a COAA
membership.
ii) Late in 2012, the COACB and the Municipality of Clarington met with a
large number of interested and motivated older adults in the community of
Courtice who were looking for an enhanced program offering in that
neighbourhood.
iii) As a result of this renewed interest, 47 registered programs along with
various drop-in activities were offered to older adults at the Newcastle &
District Recreation Complex, the Courtice Community Complex and South
Courtice Arena in 2013. While participation started off slowly early in the
year, it has grown steadily throughout the year, especially since the
introduction of a COACB staff person who is present at all satellite
programs being offered in Courtice.
iv) Since February 2013, COAA memberships have been available for
purchase at Clarington recreation facilities. While participants do not
require a COAA membership to register for the satellite programs, non-
members do pay a slightly higher registration fee. Having access to
purchase or renew their COAA membership while they are at a facility
participating in a program increases accessibility for participants.
6.6 Clarington Squash Club
i) The Clarington Squash Club was formed in 2011 as an evolution of the
passion and dedication of a group of avid squash players. Members of
the Clarington Squash Club must also hold a term facility membership with
the Municipality, Community Services Department. The Clarington
Squash Club offers leagues, tournaments and clinics for its members.
ii) The Clarington Squash Club carries out its activities at the Clarington
Fitness Centre and exclusive court time is negotiated with the Community
Services Department. Since the only municipal (or otherwise) squash
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 17
facilities are available at the Clarington Fitness Centre, and in light of the
upcoming renovation project at this facility, Community Services
Department Staff worked closely with the Club to relocate the Club during
the facility closure.
iii) Community Services Department Staff approached various other local
squash facilities to determine if there would be an interest to assist during
the renovation project at the Clarington Fitness Centre. Staff approached:
• Town of Ajax
• Durham College / UOIT
• Kingsway College
• City of Oshawa
iv) The City of Oshawa was keen on growing the sport in their community and
was very interested in entering into discussions with the Clarington
Squash Club. The City had recently hired a part-time Squash Instructor
and felt the timing would be right to help grow their program. An
agreement was reached between the Clarington Squash Club and the City
of Oshawa for use of their courts for Club activities during the renovation
at the Clarington Fitness Centre.
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 2013.
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.
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 18
8.2 2013 hourly ice and floor rental statistics are as follows:
Category 2011(hours) 2012(hours) 2013(hours)
Minor Hockey — Boys 5,651 5,865 5,706
Minor Hockey— Girls 2,097 2,129 2,131
Figure Skating 624 706 623
Speed Skating 212 224 265
Adult Hockey 1,478 1,359 1,124
School Boards 231 208 206
Other (incl Powerskating &Private) 465 350 853
Lacrosse/Ball Hockey(Dry Pad) 1,368 1,472 1,315
Total 12,126 12,313 12,223
The 2013 total ice rentals were impacted with 120 hours cancelled in late
December due to the ice storm. Power skating ice rentals increased with
expanded programs at March Break and Christmas. Summer hockey camps are
also expanding.
8.3 2013 hourly swimming pool rental statistics are as follows:
Category 2011(hours) 2012(hours) 2013(hours)
Swim Clubs 736 763 578
School Boards 217 118 128
Other 151 112 90
Total 1,104 993 796
The 2011 and 2012 swim club numbers reflected the Ajax Swim Club program
that was renting pool space. This rental ended in 2012.
8.4 2013 hourly indoor soccer/outdoor lacrosse rental statistics are as follows:
Category 2011(hours) 2012(hours) 2013(hours)
Youth Soccer 1,044 1,055 1,133
Adult Soccer 305 195 153
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 19
Other 143 115 99
Youth and Adult Lacrosse 245 151 174
Total 1,737 1,516 1,559
Adult soccer rentals continued to drop in 2013 as the Darlington Soccer Club has
seen a decline in their adult program participant numbers, while their youth
soccer rentals reflected a slight increase in 2013.
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 facilities. This includes pay-as-you-
go and complimentary programs.
2013 attendance statistics are as follows:
Category 2012 Attendance 2013 Attendance
Shinny Hockey 2,090 1,582
Shinny 55+ 3,658 3,677
Youth Shinny 564 367
Ticket Ice 747 402
Skate 55+ (complimentary) 5,246 5,304
Parent &Tot Skate 6,844 7,174
(complimentary)
Indoor Soccer Walking 5,998 6,756
Program (complimentary)
Indoor Soccer Drop-in Soccer 184 263
Total 25,263 25,525
Ticket ice program has seen a significant decline with the loss of Durham Skating
Academy (spring/summer program) and reduced participation by Bowmanville
Skating Club members. Shinny attendance remains slow with popularity of
programs in Oshawa.
9.0 PUBLIC ACCESS DEFIBRILLATOR (PAD) PROGRAM
9.1 With the expansion of the PAD program in 2013 to community halls and other
facilities, the Operations Department assumed responsibility for the units at
Newcastle Arena, Newcastle Community Hall and the Orono Arena. Community
Services remains responsible for the administration of the Cardiac Safe program
for all seven of our indoor recreation facilities. 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
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 20
medical oversight, equipment technical support and incident support.
9.2 In 2013 our Department offered eight certification sessions with approximately 90
staff members attending this five hour program. In order to provide a broad range
of certified staff, full time and part time, facilities operations and administration
staff are provided this training.
9.3 In addition to providing new staff the required training on the program, the annual
certification also provides an opportunity to all existing staff to stay current on
guidelines and become more comfortable using a defibrillator.
10.0 FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM
10.1 In 2013, the Department continued to implement upgrades to our facilities that
addressed improved accessibility for our patrons. Accessible lobby seating units
were purchased and placed in our recreation facilities. Additional projects are
planned for 2014 including retrofit of fire alarm systems to install horn/strobe
units to better alert patrons that are visually impaired.
10.2 The renovation at Clarington Fitness Centre will address accessibility challenges
with the construction of a fully accessible family change room, accessible public
washrooms, the installation of an elevator to the second floor as well as other
improvements that were identified in the accessibility audit completed for the
building in 2012.
11.0 ANNUAL CAPITAL PROJECT PROGRAM
11.1 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.
11.2 Every five years, each facility undergoes a building audit, conducted by
structural/mechanical engineers. This document provides information related to
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. In late 2013
an audit was completed for the Bowmanville Indoor Soccer facility. The
recommendations from this report are currently being reviewed by staff and will
be incorporated into the capital budget forecast program in 2015.
11.3 In 2013, the design for the proposed renovation to the Clarington Fitness Centre
was approved. The Facilities Division is represented on the project team that
worked with the project architect to develop concept plans for presentation to
Council. Following approval to proceed in December, the team continues to work
on finalizing the plan to have the project tendered in Spring 2014.
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 21
12.0 ENERGY CONSERVATION
12.1 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 represent a significant portion of our annual operating costs it
is important for staff to stay current in this area.
12.2 Staff monitor the monthly utilities charges and are able to more accurately
estimate the impact to the operating budgets. In recent years we have been able
to make adjustments to various utility accounts during the annual budget
process.
12.3 South Courtice Arena is scheduled for a lighting retrofit in February 2014 that will
convert the existing arena area lights from metal halide to more efficient T-5
fluorescent units. In addition to improving on the existing lighting levels, this
upgrade will result in a significant reduction in energy consumption.
12.4 The Department will be working closely with Veridian Connections as the
mechanical and electrical re-design portion of the Clarington Fitness Centre
renovation is developed. With the vast improvement of technology since this
facility was constructed, the new design will significantly reduce energy costs and
the project will be eligible for retrofit funding through Ontario Power Authority
programs.
13.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY
13.1 Workplace health and safety continued to be a high priority in 2013. In addition
to the 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.
13.2 In 2013, the Department implemented two programs to enhance employee safety
in our recreation facilities. Due to the nature of our facility operations, staff are
often working in facilities alone. As such, we put a "lone worker" program in
place. With the purchase of monitoring units, staff now wear a device when
working alone that will sound an alarm should the worker remain motionless for a
period of time. These units are connected to our alarm monitoring company and
once sounded emergency response will be initiated.
13.3 We also installed panic buttons in key work areas in our recreation facilities.
These buttons, when pressed will activate lights in the facility that will alert our
staff of a co-worker who is in need of some assistance. This will allow a staff
person who feels uncomfortable and/or threatened by a situation to summon
other staff working in the facility to provide support to de-escalate or mitigate a
situation.
REPORT NO.: CSD-003-14 PAGE 22
13.4 The division continues to work closely with the Health & Safety Coordinator on
our semi-annual facility operator training program. In addition to the required
WHMIS annual session, emergency procedures and facilities operating
procedures, we also arrange for the Public Sector Health and Safety Association
(PSHSA) to attend and provide staff training and certification in various areas of
workplace health and safety including fall arrest.
14.0 COMMENTS
14.1 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.
14.2 Our youth and adult recreation programming continues to provide Clarington
residents with a variety of opportunities that encourage a healthy lifestyle.
14.3 In 2014, the Department will continue to identify areas of potential development
and growth, ensuring quality recreational opportunities for our growing and
diverse population.
15.0 CONCURRENCE: Not Applicable
16.0 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
X Promoting green initiatives
X Investing in infrastructure
X Showcasing our community
_ Not in conformity with Strategic Plan
Staff Contact: George Acorn, Facilities Manager
Sharon Meredith, Recreation Services Manager