A better aquatics facility and boat launches are the top priorities for area residents, according to the MD’s recreation needs assessment results.
The number one item in terms of indoor facilities the MD should consider for new development or enhancement was an aquatics centre. Almost 70 per cent of respondents were in favour of improving or rebuilding the Bonnyville pool, with 33 per cent selecting youth centres as the top of their list. A performing arts facility had the support of 30 per cent.
Outdoor projects respondents want the municipality to consider include boat launches and water access areas. They received the support of 41 per cent. Outdoor aquatic spaces, such as splash pads, had 36 per cent of respondents’ support, and natural surface or unpaved trails got 35 per cent.
“A lot of these places we already have, it’s just going to be a matter of maintaining, if not improving them,” said director of parks, recreation, and culture for the MD, Chris McCord.
The findings were collected through consultations with various community groups. Over 1,000 residents filled out surveys the MD provided. Nine community groups responded to a questionnaire, 44 organizations participated in the discussion sessions, and 70 people attended the two open houses held in early September.
When asked about their satisfaction with the state of recreation in the MD, 19 per cent of respondents said they were pleased, while 63 per cent were somewhat satisfied, and only 18 per cent weren’t content.
“I think it was really good… If you compare us to other municipalities in Alberta, we actually have a lot of opportunities both indoor and outdoor,” McCord expressed.
Over 60 per cent of respondents said there was a need for new or enhanced facilities, with 28 per cent unsure, and only 12 per cent feeling there wasn’t a need.
Participants were asked if they would be willing to have taxes increased to cover the cost of building or upgrading. Twenty-four per cent said yes, 35 per cent said they were unsure, and 41 per cent said no.
Reeve Greg Sawchuk said, “(The report) not only (asked) what they wanted now, but also in the future, and if they were willing to spend more on taxes, because that was some of the questions that were in there. There was a recognition that these things do cost money, and they’re very expensive.”
When questioned about the importance of recreation to their family, 79 per cent of those surveyed said it was very important, 19 per cent noted it was somewhat important, and two per cent felt it wasn’t important.
Overall, McCord was happy with the amount of public engagement the program received.
“The reason we wanted to do (the assessment) was to get a really good understanding of what it is our residents were feeling about current recreation in the MD, if there were any gaps, whether the recreation needs were being fulfilled as things are right now, and what we could do for growth going into the future,” she explained.
Sawchuk added the questions were sent out to “get a better grip on exactly what people wanted” in regards to recreation.
The assessment took into account the current recreation facilities offered in the MD. Each participant was asked what kind of programs they took part in at each location, how many times they used it, and which ones they didn’t use at all.
“Not only is it going to help us decide what we’re going to invest in the future, but where, because the question was asked ‘where the individuals were using the recreation facilities,’ and whether it’s in Glendon, Bonnyville, or Cold Lake. That will help us decide where we’re going to be putting things up,” expressed Sawchuk.
Suggestions in the assessment for the MD included developing an annual report for the community focusing on recreation, facilitating regular focus groups with community groups, placing a high priority on affordability and access to recreation, and enhancing the overall promotion of recreation in the area.
Sawchuk noted some of the projects mentioned in the assessment would be included in the MD’s upcoming discussions about the 2019 budget.
