191211 Recreation AGD The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Recreation and Sports Advisory Committee
Decmber 11, 2019
7:00 p.m.
Suite 203, 200 Broadway, 2nd Floor
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Sports and Recreation Advisory Committee
meeting of December 11, 2019, be adopted.
3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Proposed Resolution #2
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Recreation & Sports Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 9,
2019, be approved.
5. Presentations/Deputations
6. General Business & Reports
6.1. Hall of Fame update
6.2. Advertising policy draft – review
6.3. Maple Leafs Alumni game fundraiser
6.4. Committee goals and objectives review
7. Correspondence
8. Other Business
9. Next Meeting
10. Adjournment
Proposed Resolution #3
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Committee: Recreation & Sports Advisory Page - 2 - of 2
Date: December 11, 2019
THAT the December 11, 2019 Recreation and Sports Advisory Committee meeting
be adjourned at _____ p.m.
1 Town of Tillsonburg
STATUS REPORT
January 2018
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
2 Town of Tillsonburg
Top Priorities
W ithin the Strategic M aster Plan, almost 100 recommendations have been identified for the
Town to consider over the 2011-2031 period . O f those, five were identified as top priorities .
1. Undertaking a Master Plan and Concept Design exercise for the 55 acres Memorial Park and Fairgrounds. The Strategic
Master Plan states that a community vision needs to be established specifically for Memorial Park, and particularly whether the
Fairgrounds would benefit from revitalization of the present site or if it should be relocated to an alternative location.
STATUS: A Master Plan for Memorial Park & Lake Lisgar was approved January 2018.
2. Developing a vision for the Tillsonburg Special Events Centre (TSEC). The Strategic Master Plan recommended either
investing in or divesting of the TSEC.
STATUS: TSEC sold in 2012.
3. Creating a new Ball Diamond Complex that relocates the Annandale Ball Diamonds and at least one ball diamond from
Memorial Park. The Strategic Master Plan suggested this to allow the Town to repurpose the area currently used for
diamonds to other higher need uses.
STATUS: The M aster Plan for M emorial Park & Lake Lisgar designates an improved, relocated hardball
diamond. Planned upgrades at the Annandale Diamond C omplex include new lights at Diamond 3 ,
additional lights at Diamond 2 , and future potential for lights at Diamond 4 .
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
3 Town of Tillsonburg
4. Undertaking a comprehensive business plan and/or concept design process to improve the functionality and amenity level
of the Tillsonburg Community Centre.
STATUS: C ommunity consultations took place in 2015. Conceptual Design for an indoor pool
refurbishment is planned for 2018, with work considered for implementing in2019 .
5. Continuing to build upon the local trails system to increase connectivity, comfort and safety. The 2015 update to the Trails
Master Plan included recommending significant improvements to amenities (e.g. shade, benches, lighting, parking, etc.), the
range of uses (e.g. pedestrian and cyclist, all season uses), and other connectivity.
STATUS: The updated Trails M aster Plan is informing work on improvements to local trails and the long -
term development of an enhanced trail network within Tillsonburg with regional connectivity. In 2017,
the Trans-Canada Trail extension and a year-round connection to Hawkins Bridge were opened.
Guiding Principle 1: Striving for Service Excellence
Tillsonburg will continue to strive to provide parks, facilities and services in a manner
that is sustainable, innovative, fiscally -responsible and driven by customer service.
While there is continual progress on all ongoing, short term and medium term recommendations, in 2018 most of the effort continues
to be focused on the Topic Areas of Maximizing Performance and Marketing & Awareness.
Guiding Principle Topic Area
Municipal Role 1-1 1-2
Maximizing Performance 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-9 1-7 1-8
Customer Service 1-10 1-11 1-12
Marketing & Awareness 1-15 1-17 1-18 1-13 1-14 1-16
Regular Strategic Planning 1-19 1-20
Ongoing Short Term
2011-2014
Medium Term
2015-2019
Striving For Service Excellence
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
4 Town of Tillsonburg
Completed recommendations supporting this Guiding Principle include:
1-7: “Establish a simple set of quantifiable targets and performance measures that can gauge the efficiency and
effectiveness of services, and eventually programs, which are offered by the Town….” A consistent and comparable set of
performance metrics is being monitored and reported on in quarterly submissions to Council. The metrics are refined and
adjusted as appropriate.
1-8: “In consultation with local user groups, establish an Ice Allocation Policy to formalize equitable access to municipal
arenas….” This Policy was developed in 2012 and is used by Department staff when developing summer and seasonal ice
schedules.
1-12: “…investigate the need to rename the Community Services Department to better reflect and articulate the role of
municipal parks, recreation and cultural services.” In 2012, the Department was renamed ‘Parks & Recreation Services” and
then in 2014, a second name change was implemented to the current ‘Recreation, Culture & Parks.’
Guiding Principle 2: An Integrated & Collaborative Approach
In order to best meet the needs of our residents, the delivery of high quality spaces and programs
will be viewed holistically and implemented by working hand -in -hand with a range of
municipal departments, supporting volunteers, and establishing strategic partnerships
that will maximize the public interest through a community -development approach.
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
5 Town of Tillsonburg
Continual progress is being made on most ongoing and short term recommendations. In 2017 most of the effort is being directed in
the Topic Areas of Supporting Town Staff and Community Development through an investment in dedicated marketing staff time.
To date, no recommendations supporting this Guiding Principle have been completed. One short-term recommendation has been
deferred to the medium term in order for other required elements to be put in place:
2-16: “As part of the proposed Marketing Strategy, ensure the inclusion of a specific Sport & Cultural Tourism Policy that
creates a framework for assessing the ability of local facilities and services to serve a broader market, potential partnerships,
funding opportunities, and the benefits that would be incurred through the promotion of sport and cultural tourism
objectives.” In addition to the completion of the Marketing Strategy, the most effective approach to this recommendation will
also include a broader regional discussion about sport tourism with partners throughout Oxford, Elgin and Norfolk Counties.
Guiding Principle 3: Innovative & Appropriate Infrastructure
Parks, recreation and cultural facilities will be provided in an inclusive and
integrated manner, to create opportunities for multi-use, multi-generational, and
multi-seasonal experiences that meet the diverse needs of Tillsonburg’s population.
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
6 Town of Tillsonburg
While there is continual progress on most recommendations, in 2018 most of the effort is being directed in the Topic Areas of
Tillsonburg Community Centre and Sports Fields. With the sale of the Tillsonburg Special Events Centre in 2012, recommendation
3-5 was completed and recommendation 3-6 became redundant.
Completed recommendations supporting this Guiding Principle include:
3-9: “Consider reconfiguring program and meeting spaces within the Tillsonburg Community Centre as a means to
accommodate certain smaller-scale gymnasium activities, thereby, freeing up time at the Glendale gym for additional
uses.” After due consideration, the cost-effectiveness of reconfiguring TCC space was not apparent. Instead, more effective
use of the updated and new gymnasium facilities at local public schools has been implemented.
3-10: “The Town should undertake a comprehensive examination into the reconfiguration/expansion of its Health Club
and squash courts in order to provide a higher quality, higher performing level of service geared to addressing the fitness-
related needs of future residents and facility users.” Significant efforts have resulted in a more accessible and more
comprehensive service desk, upgraded cardio equipment, better floor space configuration, and use of the Squash Court
mezzanine for training activities. In 2016 a unisex barrier free washroom was added near the Lions Auditorium.
3-24: At least one fully accessible (barrier-free) playground should be provided at the Tillsonburg Community Centre or
Lake Lisgar Water Park site to ensure that children with special needs and disabilities have a venue for unstructured
physical activity….” In 2012, the Lake Lisgar Water Park playground equipment was replaced with new, barrier-free
elements.
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
7 Town of Tillsonburg
Guiding Principle 4: Embracing the Arts, Culture & Heritage
The Town will work with its vibrant arts, cultural and heritage sector to enhance and further develop
the creative capacity of Tillsonburg and proudly showcase our roots to visitors.
For 2018 most of the implementation focus is in the Topic Area of Bolstering the Arts & Cultural Sector. Recommendation 4-5 was
rendered redundant when the Tillsonburg Library was absorbed into the Oxford County Library system. With the defunding of the
Tillsonburg Cultural Improvement Alliance in the 2017 budget, a key component of delivering on these actions was eliminated. As a
result, a different implementation strategy will need to be developed.
To date, no recommendations supporting this Guiding Principle have been completed. One short-term recommendation has been
deferred to the medium term:
4-2: “Draft a Public Art Policy that outlines the benefits of public art, a process through which public art is selected, and
the importance of recognizing local artists.” The Cultural Advisory Committee is a potential vehicle for completing this
action.
Strengthening Policies 4-1 4-2 4-3 4-4
Bolstering the Arts & Cultural Sector 4-8 4-5 4-6 4-7
Embracing the Arts, Culture &
Heritage
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
8 Town of Tillsonburg
Guiding Principle 5: Focus on Wellness Through Programming
A continued emphasis will be placed on facilitating inclusive activities that promote healthy living,
physical activity, wellness, skill development, knowledge, and community pride through the
collaborative delivery of structured and unstructured opportunities to key markets such as youth,
older adults, newcomers and families.
In 2018, the RCP team’s focus on implementing this Guiding Principle continues to be on the Topic Areas of Affordability &
Pricing and Promoting Physical Activity.
One recommendation supporting this Guiding Principle has been completed to date:
5-3: “Initiate a Pricing Strategy to review the current fee structure in relation to the Town’s ability to sustain high quality
facilities and services, with a particular focus on areas such as affordability and usage by non-residents.” A Pricing Policy
was approved by Council in 2016.
Affordability & Pricing 5-1 5-2 5-3
Accessibility 5-4 5-5
Meeting the Needs of Children & Youth 5-8 5-9 5-6 5-7
Serving Older Adults & Seniors 5-10
Promoting Physical Activity 5-11
Focus on Wellness Through
Programming
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
9 Town of Tillsonburg
Guiding Principle 6: A Functional and Sustainable Parks System
Parks, trails and open spaces will be designed and managed in an integrated manner so as to
enable sustainable ecological management practices, link residential and employment areas, and
provide opportunities for a wide variety of active and passive recreation and cultural experiences.
In 2018, the RCP team’s focus on implementing this Guiding Principle continues on the Topic Areas of Trails System, Memorial
Park Fairgrounds and Tillsonburg Cemetery.
Two recommendations supporting this Guiding Principle have been completed to date:
6-15: “In consultation with the Tillsonburg Agricultural Society, local baseball and softball organizations, and other
community representatives, develop a vision and concept for the Memorial Park/Tillsonburg Fairgrounds in order to provide
a functional community gathering place. Any costs associated with improving the site according to the developed vision
should be rationalized through business planning and partnership evaluations prior to implementation.” The Conceptual
Master Plan for Memorial Park was developed in 2014. More detailed design work began in 2015 and the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee is spearheading the Memorial Park Revitalization Project through 2016.
Park Distribution 6-1
Parkland Supplies 6-2
Parkland Acquisition 6-3
Trails System 6-4 6-5
Parkland Design 6-6 6-7 6-8 6-9
Piloting Projects in Parks 6-10
Natural Heritage 6-11 6-12 6-13
Lake Lisgar 6-14
Memorial Park Fairgrounds 6-15
Tillsonburg Cemetery 6-17 6-16
A Functional & Sustainable Parks
System
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan – Status Update 2018
10 Town of Tillsonburg
6-16: “Undertake a Revitalization Plan for the Tillsonburg Cemetery in order to maximize the existing cultural heritage of the
site, assess if additional passive uses should be accommodated within the Cemetery, and identify any needed improvements to
lands and services which are required. Consultation with appropriate community organizations (such as the Historical Society
and Cemetery Board) and the general public will be required throughout this process.” The Historical Society developed a
revitalization plan for the Pioneer Graveyard. A massive amount of volunteer effort to research the names of those interred in
the Graveyard has resulted in the placement of a large monument to commemorate all of those souls who may no longer have a
headstone marking their resting place. For the Tillsonburg Cemetery, conceptual designs and an implementation plan for
enhancing the lands and services have been completed. Implementation began in 2015 and continues in 2016.
Summary
Progress towards completing all appropriate recommendations of the Strategic Master Plan continues. Council removed funding to
initiate the renewal of the plan during the 2017 budget deliberations, so staff is refocusing on a renewal timeline of 2020-21. The
Strategic Master Plan provides direction and clarity of purpose for the Department’s tactical and strategic planning and informs the
annual budget process.