The Recreation Centre Feasibility Survey has been extended to October 5, 2012! Make your opinion count!
Residents have the opportunity to share their opinions on the level of their need and support for a new or improved recreation facility from September 5th to September 30th. The Recreation Centre (RCF) Task Committee will be launching a public engagement campaign at the Registration and Info Fair that evening where members will be on hand to share information with residents and assist them with completing the survey.
“The public input we gather on this topic will help frame our committee report in November and be referenced by Council and Administration as any next steps are implemented,” said committee chair Nigel Knight. “We are working hard to ensure this process is thorough and reflects the interest of the community as a whole.”
The public survey will be one of the methods used to engage residents, and gauge whether there is adequate support and need for a brand new facility, or an improved version utilizing most of the same footprint of the current recreation centre, including a new pool.
“The 15 Year Capital Plan approved by Council reflects community priorities expressed during the public engagement process last winter,” stated Acting Director of Community & Protective Services Laura Howarth. “With competing priorities, there is no plan to address a new or upgraded recreation facility for at least 15 more years. Operational and maintenance decisions at the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre are made to align with the Barr Ryder Report which was last updated in 2007. It will be very important to hear if the community believes they need a new or upgraded recreation facility and what level of financial support they are willing to provide to meet that need.”
The RCF Task Committee will be also be out in full force randomly surveying residents with short forms of the public survey, because the group feels that the survey results need to also reflect the opinion of the “silent majority”—those who may not be inclined or able to participate in the process otherwise.
In addition to the surveys, the group will be hosting tours of the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre later in September where members of CEAC, Council and the general public are invited to attend. Information on the Barr Ryder report, the link to the electronic version of the survey, and updates on the process will be featured at Web Address www.hinton.ca/rctc.
The Recreation Centre Feasibility Task Committee was formed by the Community Engagement Accountability Committee (CEAC). Members of the committee include, Sue Allen, Shannon Hamer, Deena Fuller, Mary Aitken, Ken Busch, Kennedy Holt, Sarah Olson, Jay Hore, Marcel Michaels, Bill McDonald, as well as CEAC member Brian LaBerge.
For more information please contact Nigel Knight or Acting Director of Community & Protective Services Laura Howarth.