“It is important to realize that this Culture and Recreation Master Plan is way beyond a facility based plan. Additionally, there was an attempt to address the importance of culture and recreation as a link to the economic and social well being of our community. Specific initiatives such as programming, staffing, facility development and coordination amongst all municipal partners were considered” says James A. Beatty, the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) Chair. Both REDAC and the Culture & Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee were responsible for overseeing the Master Plan process.
The project scope called for local and regional recommendations for the short, medium and long term. However, local recommendations were only made for the Town of Parry Sound. Wendy Donovan of dmA Planning and Management Services commented that any local initiatives which would have been recommended for the Municipality of McDougall and Seguin Township were already underway. Further, public consultations revealed a strong desire for regionally based culture and recreation services. As such, focus was appropriately given to regional recommendations.
A desire for an area indoor aquatic facility/recreational complex was also noted during the public consultation process. The Culture and Recreation Master Plan recommends that the community conduct a feasibility study. The feasibility study should investigate consumer demand, facility components, site assessment, management, and financial feasibility.
“I think all municipalities in the Parry Sound Area Development Community share a common value in realizing the importance of culture and recreation”, comments James A. Beatty. “The key to a coordinated approach requires constant dialogue, respect, flexibility and a single minded determination to achieve outcomes.”
The study is available on each of the municipal websites or by contacting Nicole Sullivan, Area Economic Development Coordinator.
Contact:
Kirsten LeDrew
Area Economic Development Coordinator
(705) 746-2101 ext. 39
kledrew@townofparrysound.com
