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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-004-14 Clarington REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: February 24, 2014 Resolution#: 0 ®/ -1/ By-law#: N/A Report#: CSD-004-14 File#: Subject: ADVANCING AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO RECREATION IN DURHAM REGION RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CSD-004-14 be received; and 2. THAT the Mayor be authorized to sign the Charter to Advance Access to Affordable Recreation in Durham Region on behalf of the Municipality of Clarington. Submitted by: '4��_ eviewed by: Joe h P. Caruana Franklin Wu, D' e tor, Community Chief Administrative Officer S vices JPC/sm CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 Research has indicated that approximately 2.5% of low income residents living in the Durham Region access subsidy to register for recreation services; this is much lower than the 20% average of the general population who participate in registered recreation services and programs. In order to address this gap, the Advancing Access to Affordable Recreation in Durham (AAARD) Committee has been established. 1.2 AAARD has conducted research related to barriers that prevent individuals from accessing recreation programs and developed guiding principles to assist in addressing these gaps. With the participation of over 22 municipal and not-for- profit organizations, the Committee is working together to increase access to registered recreation services and programs for low income residents. In order to gain commitment from the AAARD partners to work collaboratively to advance access to affordable recreation in Durham, and clarify what each partner is committing to, a charter has been developed. This report is being provided to Council as an update on the progress of the Committee to date, as well, a recommendation that Council authorize the Mayor to sign the AAARD charter (Attachment 1) on behalf of the Municipality at an event hosted by the AAARD Committee at the Durham Region Headquarters in the second quarter of 2014. 1.3. The signing of a charter demonstrates a promise from municipal and community partners to commit to examining their own policies and practices to examine what we can each do to improve affordable access to recreation in our community. 2.0 AAARD INITIATIVE 2.1 In November 2011, a report was presented to the Region of Durham Council on the status of access to affordable recreation by low-income residents in the Durham Region. Regional Staff were directed to partner with municipal recreation providers and organizations to develop a workshop and planning meeting to discuss the current state and make recommendations to improve affordable access to recreation. 2.2 In early 2012, Community Development Council of Durham (CDCD) hosted focus groups with residents from low income backgrounds to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the current systems and recommendations that would assist in greater access to recreation programs. 2.3 A workshop was held in June of 2012, funded through a Trillium grant that included representatives from all related and allied agencies that could lend their expertise to discussing the issue of affordable access to recreation. Representatives from the school boards, public health, social services, non-profit agencies, municipal recreation providers and academics were in attendance. The workshop served to share recent research, best practises and discuss the strengths and challenges within the current delivery system in order to increase affordable access to recreation. REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 3 2.4 The workshop key note speaker was Dr. Gina Browne who is the founder and Director of the Health and Social Services Utilization Research at McMaster University. Dr. Browne's presentation gave an overview of her research regarding the business case for investing in recreation and other supportive interventions in order to reduce the number of clients receiving Ontario Works. 2.5 Dr. Browne's research demonstrated that there is a positive cost/benefit as subsidizing recreation services pays for itself from an overall social services perspective as the provision of recreational services results in a significant reduction of other services such as specialists, Children's Aid Services, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, probation officers, chiropractors and emergency services required by families on social assistance. Beyond the economic advantages, regular participation in recreation services benefits children by increasing their academic, social and interpersonal competence and benefits parents by decreasing their nervousness, anxiety, sleep problems and use of food banks. 2.6 One of the positive results of this workshop was the formation of a region wide committee of recreation, health and social service practitioners to further the work of increasing the number of low income Durham residents who are able to access recreation services. The Committee is called Advancing Access to Affordable Recreation in Durham. Members include all recreation departments from Durham Region municipalities (including a Municipality of Clarington representative), Regional representatives as well as numerous not-for-profit organizations, and school boards. 2.7 The members of this Committee are committed to working together to increase the number of residents who can experience the benefits of recreation. We commit to working together because the benefits to individuals and communities are positive and worth our joint efforts. Research dictates that the provision of parks, recreation and cultural opportunities is an essential service that enhances individuals and the community alike. 2.7.1 Essential to Personal Health • Combats diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, and respiratory illnesses. • Prevents site specific cancer (colon, breast and lung). • Reduces stress, depression and contributes to emotional/psychological well being. • Utilized in therapeutic settings to restore physical, mental and social capabilities and abilities. REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 4 2.7.2 Key to Human Development • Essential to the development of our children and youth in strengthening social, motor, creativity and intellectual capabilities. • Develops adults to their full potential (social, intellectual, creative, physical and spiritual). 2.7.3 Essential to the Quality of Life • Builds self esteem and positive self image. • Enhances life satisfaction levels. • Nurtures growth, acquisition of life skills for those with a disability. 2.7.4 Reduces Anti-Social Behaviours • Reduces self-destructive behaviours and negative social activities in youth. • Provides an antidote to smoking, substance abuse, suicide and depression. • Reduces crime, particularly effective with at risk/delinquent youths. • Builds understanding between diverse cultures. • Reduces isolation, loneliness and alienation. 2.7.5 Builds Families and Communities • Families that play together— stay together. Children and youth remain connected; couples that share leisure interests are more likely to stay together. • Provides safe, developmental opportunities for latch key children and youth. • Produces leaders who support their communities in many ways. • Builds social skills and stimulates participation in community life. • Provides the catalyst that builds strong self-sufficient communities. 2.7.6 Pay Now or Pay Later • Reduces the costs of social services, intervention and foster care. REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 5 • Reduces crime and social dysfunction — police, justice and incarceration costs. 2.8 Since the initial call for Regional Staff to further investigate the issue of affordable recreation in Durham, the Region's Health and Social Services Committee has received two reports on the progress of the AAARD Committee. The Health and Social Services Committee reports, received on January 26, 2012 and February 14, 2013, included updates on the Committee's guiding principles, municipal efforts, vision statement, and recommended next steps. 2.9 Since June 2012, the AAARD Committee has been meeting on a monthly basis and has undertaken the completion of two surveys completed by municipal recreation departments and agencies providing recreational opportunities to determine the number of residents that are participating, barriers that clients are experiencing, and any current policies that are in place to reduce barriers to participation. 2.10 An important part of moving forward to ensure recreation programs and services are available to all residents is to recognize the barriers that were highlighted by low income residents that prevent them from participating and taking advantage of subsidy programs. The main barriers that are highlighted in the AAARD Report are: • Program Knowledge: The lack of awareness regarding programs that are available. • Facilities: A perceived lack of places for informal and structured programs, as well as the barrier of added transportation costs to those facilities. • Affordability: The cost of programs prohibits low income residents form trying to register, with transportation and equipment requirements adding further barriers. The stigma associated with applying for subsidy and having to provide proof of income. • Capacity: Low-income residents feel that they do not have a voice to change access policies and address affordability issues. • Accountability: With no central coordinating body where residents can access recreation programs, with many points of entry which make it difficult to navigate. 2.11 Respondents to the AAARD survey also identified strategies that could be pursued in Durham to help address the gaps and barriers identified. Some strategies highlighted include: • A consistent region wide policy/standard/procedure on subsidy programs. • Regional cooperation/leadership in developing a consistent funding formula and providing region wide research and pilot programs. • Expanded funding for subsidy programs. REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 6 • Program fees for low income residents might be based on income or adjusted on a sliding scale. • Training programs for staff who work in recreation programs to help them better serve low income clients. • Centralized information source for recreation programming. • Cross-promotion between municipalities and organizations offering programming for low income residents. 2.12 While the survey highlighted the gaps and barriers within the existing subsidy programs across Durham Region, it also highlighted promising practices that exist within established programs, including: • Partnerships with Canadian Tire Jumpstart and Regional Social Services for program delivery and access. • Quick subsidy approval process, third party billing. • Service providers are making an effort to foster social inclusion. • Partnerships for fundraising. • Good quality outdoor facilities are available at no cost. 2.13 Currently the AAARD Committee is working towards moving forward with their recommendations to help further access to affordable recreation. Community consultation was conducted through an online survey and the results were reviewed and summarized by the Community Development Council of Durham. The community consultation demonstrated that the initiatives outlined in the AAARD Report are supported by the community. The next steps for the committee are as follows: • A launch is proposed to garner signatures of commitment of all regional partners on a Charter to Advance Affordable Access to Recreation in Durham Region. • A communications plan be developed to promote awareness of the opportunities within each municipality. • Attempts be made to bring opportunities to neighborhoods to reduce transportation barriers. • Training sessions to be coordinated with social service providers, educators and service clubs to provide a tool kit that can be given to at- risk and low income clients. • Research be conducted to build the business case for recreation subsidization and other supports in reducing reliance on social assistance and health care. REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 7 • Research, train and pilot an integrated approach in an at-risk area within the region. • Develop a centralized tracking tool to compare successes year over year. 3.0 LOOKING AHEAD 3.1 AAARD is proposing an event at Regional Headquarters in the second quarter of 2014 in which the Region of Durham and Municipal Councils and not-for-profit Boards sign the proposed Charter to Advance Affordable Access to Recreation in Durham Region. Council and Board members would be invited to attend this event and the Mayor/Chair, or designate would be asked to sign the charter on behalf of their organization. 3.2 A Charter to Advance Affordable Access to Recreation in Durham Region would serve to demonstrate the commitment that program and service agencies have in including more residents in recreation. The charter would serve to solidify one vision for the region and indicate that each organization is willing to play its part in a coordinated fashion. 3.3 Agreeing to the charter would indicate that the partner organizations would be willing to support the following vision to further accessible recreation in Durham: "All residents of Durham Region have the right to access affordable recreation, culture and sport within their communities due to the economic, social, mental, physical and spiritual benefits that participation brings to individuals and to the community." 3.4 Research dictates that the provision of parks, recreation and cultural opportunities is an essential service that enhances individuals and the community alike. Recreation is essential to personal health, key to human development and essential to a high quality of life. Research also found that participation in recreation reduces anti-social behavior, builds families and communities, and reduces crime and social dysfunction. 3.5 According to the 2011 census data, in Durham 149,315 people were reported to be living below the Low Income Measure (LIM). In 2012, 3,617 individuals accessed recreation fee subsidy programs in Durham from municipal, regional and Canadian Tire Jumpstart funding. This equates to approximately 2.5% of individuals living below the LIM receiving funding for recreation programs. On average 20% of the population participates in registered recreation programs. This research indicates that there is a need to address affordable access to recreation in Durham. With the low percentage of people living below LIM participating in registered recreation programs compared to the average 20% participation rate of the rest of the population, AAARD would like to aim to increase the participation of low-income persons from 2.5% to 6%. This target should ideally be achieved in a timeline of five years. REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 8 3.6 Across the Region, there are three main recreation subsidization funding sources: Regional, Municipal and Canadian Tire Jumpstart. 3.6.1 Regional Programs The Region of Durham provides subsidy to low income residents through their Social Services Certificate Program and their Day Care Fee Assistance Program. Municipalities are provided funds from the Social Services Department to offset the costs of providing recreation opportunities to Ontario Works clients. Some municipalities also have a Day Care Fee Assistance Program agreement where the Region provides funding for children to attend municipal camp programs through subsidized child care funds. In 2012, 600 children across Durham Region for a value of$104,022 received funding for recreation programs through the Region of Durham's Social Services Certificate Program. 3.6.2 Municipal Programs Many Durham Municipalities have a municipal subsidization policy to provide funding to low income residents to access recreation programs. In 2012, 1,551 individuals across Durham were able to access recreation programs as a result of municipal subsidization programs. This equated to a value of $206,318 in subsidized programs. The Municipality of Clarington's Financial Assistance Program provided funding to 57 Clarington residents in 2012, equating to a value of$4,897. The Municipality of Clarington's Financial Assistance Program was created in 2008 and is addressing the needs of the community effectively, however, through the AAARD research, modifications to the application process to remove stigma and increase accessibility should be pursued. 3.6.3 Canadian Tire Jumpstart The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program subsidizes the cost of recreation programs for children 4 to 18 years of age. Canadian Tire Jumpstart allocates their total budget to "Chapters" across the country. In each municipality, a Chapter Member is established to ensure the funds are distributed effectively to children residing in their municipality. Each municipality is given an allotted amount of funds to use for municipal and local recreation and sports for qualifying children. In some municipalities, such as Clarington, the Municipal Recreation Department serves as the Chapter Member to approve and request funds for the community at large. In other municipalities, not-for-profit organizations serve as the Chapter Member and fulfill this role. In 2012, Canadian Tire Jumpstart provided funds to 1,371 children who live in the Durham Region for a total value of$172,623. REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 9 The Municipality of Clarington, represented by the Community Services Department, serves as a Chapter Member and approves funds for all residents for children's physically active programs and is designated a funding budget annually by the Canadian Tire Corporation to approve and allocate towards municipal programs and community group sport organizations' programs. In 2012, 24 Clarington children received funding from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program for a total value of$3,245. 3.7 Many not-for-profit organizations offer their own subsidization program including the Abilities Centre, Boys and Girls Club, Girls Incorporated of Durham, Grandview Children's Centre and the YMCA. Each of these organizations have various programs that promote affordable access to recreation for children, youth, adults and seniors. These organizations are generally taking a mixed approach, providing both free programming as well as subsidy or fee-reduction programs for members of the community who demonstrate financial need. They also work closely with existing programs, such as Canadian Tire Jumpstart, to promote affordable access to all those who wish to participate in their programs and services. 3.8 The research that AAARD has completed has greatly assisted each municipality and partner organization in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of their funding sources and subsidy processes available to residents of their municipality. Through the examination of trends and best practices, each municipality and partner organization will be able to highlight areas where changes can be made to strengthen these programs and services. 4.0 PUBLIC/COMMUNICATIONS PLAN 4.1 The Region, municipalities, and non-profit organizations have been asked to participate in a program launch and charter signing at Durham Region Headquarters in the second quarter of 2014. 4.2 The Municipality of Clarington's Financial Assistance Program and Canadian Tire Jump Start Program applications are available at municipal recreation facilities, as well as on the municipal website. Any modifications to these programs would be communicated to clients and staff to ensure a smooth transition. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 Access to registered recreation programs is an important issue for low-income individuals and families as it is tied to their health, well being, and sense of belonging. The Municipality of Clarington is an active partner and leader on the AAARD Committee and continues to pursue opportunities with community partners and collaboratively work toward advancing access to affordable recreation to all Clarington residents. REPORT NO.: CSD-004-14 PAGE 90 6.0 CONCURRENCE — Not Applicable 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 _ Showcasing our community _ Not in conformity with Strategic Plan Staff Contact: Sharon Meredith, Manager Recreation Services Attachments: Attachment 1 — Charter to Advance Access to Affordable Recreation in Durham Region Attachment 1 to Report CSD-004-14 Charter To Advance Access To Affordable Recreation In Durham Region The Rights of all Durham Region Residents in Accessing Parks and Recreation Services. Durham Region, Durham Municipalities and allied organizations are committed to providing each and every citizen with safe and enjoyable recreational experiences and believe that each citizen has the right in accessing recreation services. This Charter to Advance Access to Affordable Recreation in Durham Region describes these basic rights and the collective responsibility in working to ensure equitable access for all residents regardless of their status and background. We believe that every citizen in Durham Region should have access to: o Participation: Participate in quality, safe, affordable recreation and culture programs that are in harmony with the diversity of the community. o Equity: Be encouraged to join in regardless of one's background and ability to pay. o Active Living: Be physically active through participation in both organized and informal sports, recreational, and cultural activities. o Access to Nature & the Outdoors: Experience nature and to access open spaces within their communities. o Enriching Experiences: Experience the arts, culture, heritage, sports and recreation. o A Welcoming & Inclusive Community: Be included in activities that build strong communities, engaged citizens and healthy family life. o Engagement: Be engaged in the planning of recreation, parks, and culture in their communities and to participate in volunteer activities. We will work together with all of our community partners to: • Understand the barriers to participation in recreation and address them through policies, programs and our inclusive actions o Educate residents as to the importance of participating in recreation and the benefits to the individual, families and communities • Provide a balance of fee based and no cost/low cost ,opportunities that are accessible to all residents • Subsidize residents who are in need to assist them in participating in the activities . of their choice o Measure our success and report out to the community and partners Source: Adapted from the Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario We commit to working together because the benefits to individual and communities are positive and worth our joint efforts. Research. dictates that the provision of parks, recreation and cultural opportunities is an essential service that enhances individuals and the community alike. Recreation is: ✓ Essential to Personal Health ✓ Key to Human Development ✓ Essential to the Quality of Life ✓ Reduces Anti-Social Behaviours ✓ Builds Families and Communities _ ✓ An Investment in Community's Future Source — CPRA — The Benefits of Parks and Recreation We, the undersigned strive to work better together to include all residents facing barriers to participation in recreational pursuits.