Darla Campbell, P. Eng. of Dillon Consulting Limited presented the Draft Parks & Recreation Service Delivery and Modernization Opportunities Review that was funded by the province through the Municipal Modernization Program Grant.
Ms. Campbell explained the project was to evaluate the parks and recreation services provided by the Township of Huron-Kinloss Community Services Department, services purchased from Kincardine and services jointly provided with Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh.
Dillon Consulting reviewed the background and the current state of parks and recreation, performed interviews made comparisons with peer municipalities then processed to make recommendations for the Township.
She explained, an on-line survey was conducted from October 26, 2020 to November 11, 2020 to assess the effectiveness, efficiency and value-for money for parks and recreation services. There was a total of 196 responses with 138 being complete.
Recommendations included separating the administrative assistant/ program coordinator position, enhancing service delivery by master planning for recreation, parks and trails, increased marketing, knowledge sharing and engaging in a borderless service mindset in facility management and recreational programming with the the Lucknow Recreation Board.
Council thanked Ms. Campbell for the presentation and noted their appreciation on the focus to working together for borderless services and leveraging opportunities. Comments were made regarding marketing, the more marketing may see an increase and uptake which may cost additional funds. Council questioned if the current services offered are appropriate, should we have less and focus on others. The consultant explained that in comparing with the peer municipalities, the Township of Huron-Kinloss was similar in services offered and explained that the Township needs to monitor changes in recreation needs and plan accordingly.