The City of Chestermere Future Recreation and Leisure Centre Feasibility Study
Final Report
March 2016
The City of Chestermere Future Recreation and Leisure Centre Feasibility Study
Final Report Study Summary
At the beginning of this planning process, the City of In order to understand the implications of meeting these Chestermere set out to explore community need and demand emerging demands for indoor recreation facilities in the for indoor recreation facilities both now and in the future. City and addressing community need, three potential Seeing as though the City has a fresh and evolving recreation levels of development are outlined herein. Each of these department and has not yet had the responsibility of owning levels includes extending current service levels and has an and/or operating indoor recreation facilities directly, the process associated capital and operating impact associated with it. of planning new facilities must assume that existing indoor The following chart explains: recreation facilities are sustained; existing facilities which are not under the control of the City. Ensuring that existing Incremental Incremental facilities are sustained is an important consideration Level Capital Cost Operating Cost for City decision makers prior to contemplating major (±25%, 2015) (Estimate) investment in new, expanded service levels. Under the Level 1 assumption that new indoor recreation facilities should only be $27,122,388 ($600,000) developed after ensuring current service levels are maintained (Field House and Fitness) the following list of facility spaces has been identified and Level 2 ranked via a thorough program of research and engagement (Field House, Fitness, $19,167,720 ($400,000) from the general public and stakeholders and under the and Leisure Aquatics) guidance of a Task Group consisting of dedicated community Level 3 stakeholders and City administration. (Field House, Fitness, $30,653,805 ($400,000) Leisure Aquatics, and Arena) Rank Facility Space Total $76,943,913 ($1,400,000)
1 Field House Facility The City has been fortunate in that it has not had the 2 Indoor Walking Track responsibility and budget requirements of owning and 3 Fitness Centre operating indoor recreation facilities until this point in its evolution. It is likely that this will change in the near future. 4 Fitness/Dance Studio With a growing population of over 18,000, amenities typical 5 Indoor Child Playground to the current size of the community and as it grows even 6 Multipurpose Program Rooms bigger will include indoor pools, indoor field facilities, 7 Group Meeting Space additional ice surfaces and other indoor recreation 8 Indoor Leisure Aquatics with Lanes (and culture) amenities. 9 Ice Arenas (2) Study Summary
Key to meeting future demands for indoor recreation The City of Chestermere is at an important time in its facilities is sustaining existing service levels. Once the history. The growing pains associated with evolving from City has comfort in knowing that existing indoor recreation a town to city include strains on finance and infrastructure. facility service levels are maintained (e.g. the continued These strains are heightened in areas such as indoor operation of the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre), recreation where responsibilities have not been required furthering project development related to Levels One to until now. Three will require the following key next steps: City decision makers now have the information they require 1. Internal analysis of available resources for future in contemplating future indoor recreation facility provision in indoor recreation facility projects. the Chestermere. Community input, research and internal 2. Gain and demonstrate internal commitment for a and external expertise have developed a course of action desired level of indoor recreation facility development for the immediate term (should new facilities be desired) in the context of an expanding City interest in ownership and 3. Explore ownership partnership opportunities operations of indoor recreation facilities for a population with interested parties of 18,000 as well as when it grows to 50,000 and beyond. 4. Select/acquire a site for future indoor recreation The City can now chart its own course for the provision of facility development (ideally between 20-40 acres) indoor recreation facilities that will undoubtedly enhance 5. Engage design and general contracting resident quality of life and lead to a healthier, happier and expertise in designing a new facility and construct more connected community. the facility (potentially via a construction management approach) 6. Design and initiate a capital fundraising campaign for the agreed to project (including private sector sponsorship and applicable government grants) 7. Complete a detailed business plan for the project exploring and outlining key operational partners, user agreements, and ensuring operation readiness for facility opening 8. Open and operate the facility Of note is that should commitment be made to move forward with a project (Step 1 as previously presented) between 18 – 24 months will be required to undertake design and construction of the facility. Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction 1 Section 2: Background Review 3 Section 3: Context 6 Population Analysis 6 Growth Projections 7 Section 4: Regional Recreation Facility Context 9 Indoor Aquatics 9 Field House Facilities 9 Ice Arenas 10 Future Facilities 10 Section 5: Trends Analysis 14 Physical Activity and Wellness 14 Participation Trends 15 Infrastructure Trends 18 Sport and Cultural Tourism 19 Partnerships, Volunteerism, and Community Building 19 Section 6: Engagement 21 Resident Survey 21 Community Group Survey 35 Stakeholder Interviews 39 Table of Contents
Section 7: Research Summary and Facility Concept Program 40 Section 8: Facility Concept Plans and Site Requirements 42 Facility Concept Capital Costs 49 Facility Concept Operating Costs 49 Facility Concept Ownership and Operating/Governance Options 50 Section 9: Future Indoor Recreation Facility Strategy 51 Key Considerations 52 Drop-in vs. Spontaneous Uses 52 Recreation, Community Social Development, and Cultural Services 53 Multipurpose Facilities 53 Facility Design 54 Section 10: Study Summary 55
Appendices A: Household Survey Tool 57 B: Stakeholder Interview Participants 63 C: Group Survey Participants 64 D: Recreation Facilities in the Market Area 65
Section 1
Introduction
Chestermere, Canada’s newest City, is a rapidly growing community of over 18,000 residents and offers a broad array It is important to note that the development of this of supports, services and facilities. With this growth comes study has been guided by a community task group. increasing demands for all supports, services, and facilities— The task group represents community interest including indoor and outdoor recreation amenities. and is comprised of leaders with a variety of backgrounds from the City of Chestermere. The City of Chestermere believes in recreation and healthy living. In order for the City to be “Alberta’s Oasis: The Recreation and Relaxation Capital” (2014 – 2018 Strategic Plan) it needs to have a strong recreation service delivery system. This includes City of Chestermere support for recreation investment; committed and successful Council and Administration recreation delivery partners; and appropriate and effective recreation infrastructure. To this point in time, the City has provided outdoor recreation infrastructure directly and has supported indoor recreation opportunities via Project Liaison other delivery partners. Task Now, due to its increasing size and ever diversifying Group demands for recreation services, the City has created a Consulting Team Parks and Recreation division to help achieve enhanced community benefits from recreation. With a recently completed Master Recreation Plan and a new Social Plan (being developed), the City is positioned well to explore its role in future indoor recreation facility infrastructure needs. The City of Chestermere is exploring the feasibility of a potential recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere.
1 Research conducted in the development of this study has been thorough and encompassing. The research has been translated into a recreation and leisure centre program, concept plan, and cost estimates (2015). Other pertinent information is also presented herein. The intent of this document is to give City decision makers the information they need to best position the City in regards to future indoor recreation facility provision and to sustain and enhance resident quality of life in the foreseeable future.
Feasibility Study Process
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
Background Research Market Research Visioning and Facility/Site Draft and and Project Initiation Research Synopsis Program and Final Study Feasibility Analysis
Project Start-up Regional Recreation Stakeholder Visioning Primary Facility/ Preparation of Draft Study Background Review Facility Context Session Site Program Steering Committee Review Consultation/ Population Analysis Background Report Secondary Facility/ Council Workshop Site Program Communications Plan Comparative Analysis Stakeholder and Public Social Media/ Consultation: Site Requirements Review Session Media/Web Content Market Area (City/County) Facility Concept Plan Final Study City Context Resident Survey (mail-out) Site Concept Plan Council Presentation Trends Analysis Market Area Resident Survey (web) Capital Cost Estimate Stakeholder Group Survey Governance Model Stakeholder Interviews Operating Budget Estimate Funding Strategy Risk Assessment Partnership Principles, Considerations, and Criteria
2 Section 2
Background Review
A review of pertinent City planning documents has been are the foundations of our enduring community. undertaken with a lens towards a potential new recreation Creative design, amenities, and infrastructure and leisure facility. These items are noted below. celebrate strong communities, building from valued, gathering places like front porches, pathways, and the lake that connect residents to each other. Municipal Development Plan 2. Daily needs are met in Chestermere. The City is currently updating its Municipal Development Plan. Shopping, work, cultural, institutional, community The revised MDP is expected to be finalized in 2016 and will health and social services, and post secondary guide the growth of the community for years to come. As the educational opportunities are local destinations. MDP is an overarching planning document for the City, it is These destinations are connected to residential important to outline how its positions recreation facilities and areas through the careful planning of higher-density spaces in the context of overall service delivery. The following Mixed-Use Commercial: Downtown and Centres, excerpts have been taken from the draft as provided to the and local Mixed-Use Commercial: Neighbourhood. consulting team in early 2016 and have been presented as Walking, cycling, driving, and transit options enable they pertain to the provision of recreation facilities and spaces. residents to easily move around the city, and the region. 3. Live and work in Chestermere. Vision A diversity of housing and employment opportunities will create fiscal sustainability through a balanced tax The City of Chestermere is a recreational lake community base and local jobs for residents. Primary employment promoting a safe, family-oriented, and sustainable environment. areas are located in strategically dispersed business parks that are connected to neighbourhoods by pathways and transit. Mission 4. Wise stewardship of shared spaces. Through innovative planning and community consultation, Recreation amenities are integrated with the lake and Chestermere is building an exceptional place to call home for wetland systems to protect Chestermere’s physical, social, people of all ages, employers, and local area businesses. and environmental health. Designing shared spaces for recreation, learning, and living will contribute to the outstanding quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Principles To ensure that environmental systems flourish, new development is guided by principles of sustainability 1. Community with a sense of place. and smart growth that promote an ethic of wise Chestermere’s tranquil setting, connection to the resource use and stewardship. outdoors and recreation-focused lifestyle is unique within the Calgary region. Welcoming, friendly neighbourhoods and a sustainable local economy
3 Sustainability Approach Also, critical to this social infrastructure is the active collaboration between individuals, agencies, and our Incorporating green building and design standards into all municipality to further the quality of life in our community, new communities, buildings, and municipal practices. and build capacity.
• Minimize the impact of building footprints, parking lots, 5.3.1 The City shall continue to pursue the strategies and other impermeable surfaces through stormwater outlined in the City’s Social Plan 2012 – 2014 management and low impact design (LID), such as and Facilities and Amenities Strategic Plan: bioswales, stormwater collection and reuse, Master Recreation Plan 2014, as well as review, and alternative paving methods. amend, and update the plans as appropriate. • Balance the provision of vehicular infrastructure with other forms of mobility. 5.3.2 Public consultation should be undertaken to assess community needs and the allocation • Emphasize alternative forms of mobility, such as regional of land and resources for community services and local transit, and pedestrian/bicycle pathways. and recreation in partnership with community Fostering a socially and culturally cohesive and inclusive stakeholders and service providers. municipality, with a more diverse range of educational and As can be seen, there are a number of areas in the draft cultural opportunities. MDP that pertain to recreation facilities. Future focus on • Build a distinctive “sense of place” by providing recreation infrastructure is warranted; the development of this guidelines and encouraging private initiatives that study is an important consideration for town decision makers. promote inclusion and enhance the community character and identity. • Build a family-oriented community where residents 2015 – 2018 Strategic Plan can live, work, and play by accommodating more commercial, cultural, and recreational opportunities. • Create high quality buildings, public facilities, and Vision for the City of Chestermere complementary public spaces in centralized, higher- Alberta’s Oasis: The Recreation and Relaxation Capital. density, mixed-use activity nodes. • Identify and recruit key educational and cultural activities. Mission Statement
Community Services Through innovative planning and community consultation, we are building an exceptional place to call home. For Chestermere to be a healthy, sustainable community that continues to attract people who expect a high quality of life, responsibility for creating and maintaining a vibrant social infrastructure needs to be shared across organizations in Strategic Initiatives the community. Strategic Initiative #5: Create infrastructure Aspects of the city’s social infrastructure include: and operational capabilities that will help make Chestermere the recreation and relaxation capital • Volunteer-led recreation, leisure organizations, and clubs of Alberta • Recreation, leisure, and cultural facilities • Implement the Facilities and Amenities plan. • Non-profit organizations (including youth development and leadership groups) • Work with partners to support recreation facilities for the overall benefit of users. • Service Groups and community volunteers • Continue to encourage the beautification and • Places of worship enhancement of parks and outdoor spaces. • Schools, post-secondary education/training facilities »» Encourage parks and outdoor spaces design • Library suitable for residents of all ages to support • Health services and facilities enjoyment of healthy and active lifestyles. • Emergency and protective services »» Encourage community engagement throughout • An integrated system of outdoor spaces, where design and upgrade processes. citizens can connect to nature and recreate
4 »» Ensure interconnectivity between parks and 2.4.4 Emergency and Recreational Services outdoor spaces. The sharing of emergency and recreational services can create • Identify key steps for future leisure or opportunities for efficiencies across the municipal border. recreation facilities. Should the Town and County choose to share services, »» Research and identify appropriate land. it is important that they maintain effective communication »» Research and identify possibility of a and coordination, as well as adhere to a logical protocol to multi-use facility. optimize the benefits of their shared services. 2.4.4.1 The County and Town will continue to Town of Chestermere Social Plan coordinate on emergency and recreational services. (2012 – 2014) 2.4.4.2 The County and Town may identify and implement cost effective ways of delivering shared The Social Plan guides the development of “sense of services that benefit both municipalities. community” and quality of community life.
Master Recreation Plan (2014) Strategies to Build Sense of Community and Increase Resident Involvement The Plan contains information on trends relevant to the development of new facilities and amenities in Chestermere Strategy One: along with priorities for development, recommendations, Build Chestermere’s small town sense of community and an implementation plan. The Plan begins the process through the means of recreation, parks, arts and culture of exploring the feasibility of building a major sports and as an opportunity to engage residents. leisure centre in Chestermere. This study has occurred base on recommendations within the plan. Strategy Seven: Increase opportunities for residents to interact in fun ways Chestermere Regional Community Strategy Thirteen: Association—Business Plan (2013) The Town will explore opportunities for increasing recreational amenities in the community. The CRCA operates the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre, a facility located on 27 acres of land owned by • Major recreational parks (20+ acres) will be created Rocky View County and situated centrally in Chestermere. at central locations within residential areas. The CRCA developed a business plan that addresses • A new recreational multiplex facility, library, repair of building deficiencies and lifecycle needs (initially). and world-class urban plaza are located within Subsequent improvements involve facility expansion with a new Town Centre. the creation of a new spectator arena and a “generously” sized fitness centre and indoor track and a field house. Intermunicipal Development Plan This Plan between Rocky View County and the Town (sic) Rocky View Schools: of Chestermere provides a framework for collaboration for 2015 – 2018 Three Year Capital Plan future land use planning and policy development within areas that affect both municipalities. Adoption of the Plan The school division plan identifies several capital projects serves as a commitment to using a collaborative approach including a new K-9 school in Chestermere opening in between the two municipalities. 2018 with 600 students but able to accommodate 900.
5 Section 3
Context
Officially designated as a City in 2015, Chestermere has The City of Chestermere has little indoor recreation progressed from a lakeside summer community into an urban infrastructure of its own. In recognition of the growing centre for over 18,000 residents. Chestermere’s population importance of recreation provision, the City recently increased 49% from 2006 to 2011, making it the fastest initiated a Community Services Department that growing municipality in Alberta. Sharing a border with the City oversees recreation provision. of Calgary has its perks as Chestermere residents can access services provided by significant facilities such as the Calgary International Airport, post-secondary institutions and major sporting/entertainment venues. Even with its tremendous Population Analysis growth and accessibility, Chestermere prides itself as a The City 2015 Municipal Census counted a population of recreational oasis with a unique, small town sense 18,496 residents in Chestermere, which reflects growth of community. of 7.5% in the previous year. The following chart provides Chestermere Lake is the centrepiece of the City’s history. an overview of Chestermere’s annual growth since 2003. First used as a water source for irrigating farmland, the lake As reflected in the chart, the population of Chestermere became a popular site for recreational activities and the area has more than tripled since 2003 and grown by 29.5% officially gained status as a Summer Village in 1977. (3,814 residents) since 2010 alone. As more people are attracted to the lake community, the level of services is increasing to meet the needs of the incoming Year Population Growth full time residents. With the lake only 20 kilometres from 2003 5,712 52.60%* downtown Calgary, the majority of people (86% work outside 2004 6,861 20.10% of Chestermere) commute to work as the Trans-Canada 2005 7,9 04 15.20% Highway (#1) and Highway 1A offer routes into Calgary. However, now that the area has grown into a city, opportunities 2006 9,481 20.00% for employment within Chestermere are increasing, 2007 11,262 18.80% allowing residents the ability to work within city limits. 2008 12,589 11.80% 2009 13,760 9.30% Chestermere is known for its recreation opportunities, 2010 14,285 3.82% especially water-related activities such as boating, 2011 14,682 2.79% wakeboarding and socializing at the beach. With more people living in Chestermere year-round, indoor activities and 2012 15,352 4.56% sports are gaining popularity as well. The Chestermere Regional 2013 15,762 2.67% Recreation Centre contains two ice rinks, four curling sheets, 2014 17,203 9.14% a gymnasium, meeting space, and surrounding sports fields. 2015 18,496 7.52% Even though the facility is within City boundaries, the land is owned by Rocky View County and the complex is operated by * Census data is not available from 2002 (figure reflects growth from 2001 to 2003). the Chestermere Regional Community Association.
6 Data from the Municipal Census identified a number of important population characteristics.1 Growth Projections • The majority of adult residents commute The City of Chestermere has developed three growth elsewhere for work. 53.6% of Census respondents scenarios in order to help anticipate and plan for future 2 indicated that they are employed in a municipality growth. The low growth scenario reflects annual growth of outside of Chestermere and only 8.8% indicated that 0.75% and would result in a population of 50,912 residents they are employed in Chestermere. by the year 2040. The medium growth scenario reflects annual growth of approximately 1% and would result in a • Chestermere has higher proportions of children population of 62,550 by 2040.The high growth scenario and youth but overall is generally consistent with reflects an annual population increase of 1.25% and would provincial and City of Calgary figures. result in a population of 74,187 residents by 2040. »» 29.6% of Chestermere residents are under the age of 20 (Alberta: 25.3%; Calgary: 24.0%). Year Low Mid High »» 26.9% of Chestermere residents are between the 2019 23,208 25,610 28,013 ages of 20 and 40 (Alberta: 29.7%; Calgary- 31.8%). 2024 31,461 36,615 41,769 »» 29.4% of Chestermere residents are between the 2029 39,250 47,000 54,750 ages of 40 and 60 (Alberta: 28.9%; Calgary: 29.6%). 2034 45,100 54,800 64,500 »» 10.4% of Chestermere residents are aged 60 2039 50,912 62,550 74,187 and older (Alberta: 11.1%; Calgary: 9.7%). • Chestermere has a higher proportion of home The Rocky View School Division has also developed owners than the provincial average. 88.2% of school enrollment projections as part of their 2015-2018 responding households indicated that they own Three Year Capital Plan. The projections developed their home, while 8.2% indicated that they are renters. for the combined area of Chestermere, Langdon and By comparison, 73.5% of Albertans own their home Indus project that by 2024 enrollment will double to and 25.7% are renters. approximately 8,322 students. • Households in Chestermere are larger than the provincial average. The average household size in Chestermere is 3.23 persons per residence. By comparison, the provincial average is 2.6 persons per residence.
Regional Population Characteristics Data from Rocky View County’s 2013 Municipal Census also reflects strong growth in eastern areas of the County that are located adjacent to or surrounding Chestermere. • Division 4 (southeast Rocky View County; Langdon; Indus): 6,579 residents in 2013 (58% growth since 2006). • Division 5 (East Rocky View County; Conrich; Dalroy): 4,342 residents in 2013 (11% growth since 2006). From 2006 to 2013, the County experienced overall growth of 15.8%. From 1996 to 2006 the County grew by 44.6%. The County Plan (Bylaw C-7280-2013) projects that by 2026 the County’s population will increase to between 51,490 and 59,090 residents. In order to ensure sustainable land use practices and preserve available agricultural lands, the County has identified three existing Hamlets as full service rural communities. Two of these Hamlets are located nearby to Chestermere (Conrich: 9km; Langdon: 18km). The majority of future residential growth in the County will be encouraged to take place in the three identified Hamlets.
1 Provincial and Calgary data from Statistics Canada. 2 Population growth projections based on 2014 Municipal Census data.
7 Map: Managing Growth MAP 1- MANAGING GROWTH
Madden Bottrel CROSSFIELD
22 72 BEISEKER
2
IRRICANA
AIRDRIE Cochrane Lake
Cochrane North Balzac Balzac 1A West East Kathyrn Keoma 9 COCHRANE Bearspaw
Delacour Dalroy Harmony 1 North Springbank Conrich
Central Springbank CHESTERMERE CALGARY 1 8 Elbow Valley
Greater Bragg Creek Langdon
Bragg Creek
Indus 22X
Dalemead
04.5 913.518 Kilometres
Residential Communities Future Urban Growth Areas
Hamlet - Full Service Calgary Growth Area (Rocky View County / Calgary Intermunicipal Development Plan) Hamlet - Growth as per the adopted plan
Small Hamlet GeneralLegend
Country Residential (Area Structure Plan) Highway
West Balzac (Review size and form) Rocky View Boundary
City/Town/Village Business Areas
Regional Business Centre
Highway Business Area
Hamlet Business Area
8 Section 4
Regional Recreation Facility Context
An examination of recreation facilities in the region was undertaken to understand the regional context within which Indoor Aquatics a potential facility could be developed. The following maps Twenty-five (25) indoor aquatics facilities are located within identify locations of arenas, indoor aquatic facilities and the region, however the closest lane pool (Bob Bahan Aquatic field house facilities within a 30 km radius of Chestermere. & Fitness Centre) is an 11 km drive from the Chestermere Specifically, facilities in Airdrie, Calgary, Okotoks, MD of Regional Recreation Centre. Located 14 km away, the Foothills, Rocky View County, and Strathmore are noted. Village Square Leisure Centre is the closest pool with leisure For more information regarding the listed recreation amenities such as waterslides, play structures and a wave facilities please refer to the Appendix. zone. Twenty-two (22) of the twenty-five (25) facilities contain a fitness centre (see appendix for more detail).
Field House Facilities Field house facilities are large indoor spaces such as indoor artificial turf fields, multi-gymnasium spaces with elevated walking tracks, and indoor track and field facilities. The Calgary Soccer Centre, located 16 km from Chestermere, includes eight indoor regulation soccer fields. Genesis Place (Airdrie) and the Crescent Point Regional Field House (Okotoks) consist of a combination of indoor turf fields and gymnasium type spaces with rubberized flooring for multi-use. The University of Calgary and Mount Royal University have large hardwood court facilities that can program multiple activities at once as well as host spectator events. Each field house, with the exception of the Calgary Soccer Centre, is equipped with a fitness centre.
9 Ice Arenas Future Facilities Within a 30 km radius of Chestermere, twenty-four (24) ice New facilities scheduled to open over the next few years arena facilities operate a total of thirty-nine (39) ice sheets. are not plotted on the map. Facilities under development in Twenty-six (26) ice sheets are located in the City of Calgary. the City of Calgary include: Thirteen of the facilities are twin rinks and the Flames • Rocky Ridge recreation facility: Community Arena has three sheets of ice. Eight of the sites »» Scheduled to open in 2017. have fitness centres at an adjoined recreation centre. »» City of Calgary owned. »» YMCA operated. »» Lane pool, leisure pool, regulation ice sheet, leisure ice, gymnasium-type field house,
# Facility Number Sheetsof walking track, and fitness centre among various other components. 1 Father David Bauer and Norma Bush Arenas 2 • Seton recreation facility: 2 Max Bell Centre 2 »» Scheduled to open in 2018. 3 Optimist and George Blundun Arenas 2 »» City of Calgary owned. 4 Rose Kohn and Jimmie Condon Arenas 2 »» YMCA operated. 5 Stew Hendry and Henry Viney Arenas 2 »» 50 metre competition pool, leisure pool/water park, 6 Ed Whalen and Joseph Kryczka Arenas 2 2 regulation ice sheets, library, youth centre, performing arts theatre, gymnasium-type 7 Village Square Arenas 2 field house, walking track, and fitness centre 8 Vivo 2 among various other components such as childcare, food and physiotherapy services. 9 Ernie Starr Arena 1 • Quarry Park recreation facility: 10 Frank McCool Arena 1 »» Scheduled to open in 2016. 11 Murray Copot Arena 1 »» City of Calgary owned. 12 Shouldice Arena 1 »» YMCA operated. 13 Stu Peppard Arena 1 »» Lane pool, leisure pool, library, gymnasium, 14 University of Calgary Olympic Oval 2 walking track, and fitness centre among various other components. 15 Flames Community Arenas 3 • Great Plains recreation facility: 16 Family Centre Arena 2 »» Scheduled to open in 2016. 17 Indus Recreation Centre 1 »» City of Calgary owned. 18 Ron Ebbeson Arena 1 »» Canlan Ice Sports operated. 19 Plainsmen Arena 1 »» Two regulation ice sheets, fitness centre, multi-purpose spaces. 20 Genesis Place 2 There are an abundance of ice arena and indoor aquatic 21 Pason Centennial Arena 1 facilities in the region and a relatively lower number of field 22 Okotoks Recreation Centre 2 house facilities. The nearest indoor aquatic facilities to Chestermere are situated within an 11 km driving distance 23 Scott Seaman Sports Rink 1 (lane pool) and a 14 km (leisure pool) distance. Most of the 24 Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre 2 aquatic and field house facilities (88%) have an accompanying fitness centre, while the ice arenas do not (unless they are attached to a pool). Facilities under development in the City of Calgary have multiple components and will be operated by a third party.
10 Map: Regional Aquatic Facilities
1 Acadia Aquatic & Fitness Centre 14 Village Square Leisure Centre 2 Beltline Aquatic & Fitness Centre 15 Vivo 3 Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre 16 Talisman Centre 4 Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre 17 University of Calgary Aquatic Centre 5 Foothills Aquatic Centre 18 Mount Royal University Aquatic Centre 6 Glenmore Aquatic Centre 19 Crowfoot YMCA 7 Inglewood Aquatic Centre 20 Gray Family Eau Claire YMCA 8 Killarney Aquatic & Recreation Centre 21 Saddletowne YMCA 9 Renfrew Aquatic & Recreation Centre 22 Shawnessy YMCA 10 Shouldice Aquatic Centre 23 Strathmore Aquatic Centre 11 Southland Leisure Centre 24 Genesis Place 12 Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre 25 Okotoks Recreation Centre 13 Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre
11 Map: Regional Field House Facilities
1 Calgary Soccer Centre 2 Vivo 3 Talisman Centre 4 University of Calgary Jack Simpson Gymnasium 5 Mount Royal University Kenyon Court 6 Genesis Place 7 Crescent Point Regional Field House
12 Map: Regional Arenas
1 Father David Bauer and Norma Bush Arenas 13 Stu Peppard Arena 2 Max Bell Centre 14 University of Calgary Olympic Oval 3 Optimist and George Blundun Arenas 15 Flames Community Arenas 4 Rose Kohn and Jimmie Condon Arenas 16 Family Centre Arena 5 Stew Hendry and Henry Viney Arenas 17 Indus Recreation Centre 6 Ed Whalen and Joseph Kryczka Arenas 18 Ron Ebbeson Arena 7 Village Square Arenas 19 Plainsmen Arena 8 Vivo 20 Genesis Place 9 Ernie Starr Arena 21 Pason Centennial Arena 10 Frank McCool Arena 22 Okotoks Recreation Centre 11 Murray Copot Arena 23 Scott Seaman Sports Rink 12 Shouldice Arena 24 Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre
13 Section 5
Trends Analysis
• Educational attainment relates to physical activity; Physical Activity 60.9% of Albertans that completed High School are and Wellness Levels considered physically active as compared to only 46.1% among Albertans that did not completed High School. The Canadian Health Measures Survey (Statistics Canada) »» Marital status appears to factor into activity levels: concludes that the fitness levels of Canadian children and youth, as well as adults, have declined significantly –– 66.8% of ‘single’ Albertans are active between 1981 and 2009. Among youth aged 15 to 19, –– 64.1% of ‘common-law/live-in partner’ the percentage who were at an increased or high risk of Albertans are active health problems more than tripled; for adults aged 20 –– 63.2% of ‘separated’ Albertans are active to 39 this percentage quadrupled. –– 57.9% of ‘married’ Albertans are active In Alberta it appears that a number of demographic and –– 56.9% of ‘divorced’ Albertans are active socioeconomic factors contribute significantly to overall physical activity and wellness levels. Listed below are relevant –– 34.8% of ‘widowed’ Albertans are active findings from the 2013 Alberta Survey on Physical Activity: The Active Healthy Kids Canada Annual Report Card on • Although 94% of Albertans agree that physical Physical Activity for Children and Youth (2014) also reports activity will keep them healthy, only 59% are some concerning trends related to children’s participation considered active enough to gain health benefits. in physical activity: • Age appears to significantly impact activity levels: • Only 24% of 5 to 17 year olds use only active modes of transportation to get to school (62% use only »» 87% of young adults aged 18 to 24 inactive modes, 14% use a combination of active and are considered physically active inactive modes) »» Only 37% of seniors aged 65 and older • Only 7% of 5 to 11 year-olds and 4% of 12 to 17 meet sufficient physical activity levels year-olds year meet the Canadian Physical Activity • Household income has a direct impact on Guidelines for Children and Youth. physical activity levels, with physical activity generally decreasing in relation to overall However poor physical activity levels nationally do not appear household income levels. to result from a lack of interest or awareness of the issues surrounds child and youth physical inactivity. The Report • 75% of Albertans believe that they have sufficient Card found that 82% of parents agree that the education access to places where they can be physically active. system should place more importance on providing quality physical education and 79% of parents contribute financially to their kids’ physical activities. However only 37% of parents actively play with their children.
14 Participation Trends
The Alberta Recreation Survey The 2013 Alberta Recreation Survey reveals a number of trends and activity preferences of Alberta households. The following graphic depicts the top 5 activities for a variety of activity types. Note: Percentages reflect the number of respondents that had participated in the activity at least once in the previous year. Participation in Activities by Respondents 2013 Alberta (Past Twelve Months) Recreation Survey
Highest Lowest Participation Participation
Top Five Activities By % of Respondents Participating Physical Outdoor Creative/Cultural Snow Water Group Activities Activities Activities Activities Activities Activities Attending a Walking Downhill Bowling/ 80.5% Gardening 61.0% Fair/Festival/ 65.1% 17.5% Motor Boating 18.2% 12.1% for Pleasure Skiing Lawn Bowling Cultural Event Visiting a Tobogganing/ Bicycling 42.3% Day Hiking 37.8% Museum/ 48.2% 16.0% Canoeing 10.9% Curling 7.7% Sledding Art Gallery Aerobics/ Golf Doing a Craft/ Cross-country 38.1% (other than driving 32.8% 47.3% 12.4% Kayaking 8.1% Ice Hockey 5.9% Fitness range or mini golf) Creative Hobby Skiing
Swimming/ Overnight Attending 31.9% 30.8% 46.5% Snowshoeing 8.8% Water Skiing 5.4% Soccer 5.1% Aquafitness Camping Live Theatre (in pools) (not movies) Taking Part Softball/ Swimming 31.3% Fishing 20.0% 21.0% Snowmobiling 3.9% River Rafting 4.7% 4.4% (in lakes, rivers, ponds) in the Arts Baseball
The adjacent chart further identifies household participation Activity 2013 2008 rates for a number of selected indoor activities. A comparison to findings from the previous Alberta Recreation Survey in Aerobics/Fitness 47.0% 45.0% 2008 is also provided in order to identify participation trends Swimming/Aquafitness (in pools) 41.1% 37.8% for these activities. Weight Training 35.0% — Yoga/Pilates 29.3% — Ice Hockey 12.8% 14.2% Curling 10.1% 9.6% Basketball 8.7% 11.8% Volleyball 8.0% 11.2% Badminton 8.5% 10.2% Wall Climbing 7.7% 9.6% Gymnastics 6.0% 7.1% Figure Skating 3.8% 3.3%
15 Active Participation Rate 1992 – 2010 Sport Participation Golf The Sport Participation 2010 Research Paper released by Canadian Heritage in 2013 further identifies a number of participation trends related specifically to sport focused Hockey (Ice) participation. The Paper utilizes Statistics Canada data from the 2010 federal Census and the General Social Survey. Soccer Broader trends affecting overall sport participation noted by the Paper include: Baseball • National sport participation levels continue to decline 1992 (In 2010, 7.2 million or 26% of Canadians age 15 and older participated regularly in sport. This represents a Volleyball 1998 17% decline over the past 18 years).
• The gender gap in sport participation has increased. Basketball 2005 • Sport participation decreases as Canadians age (the most significant drop off occurs after age 19). 2010 Skiing (Downhill) • Education and income levels impacts impact sport participation (Canadians with a University education and those making more than $80,000 annually have Cycling the highest rates of sport participation). • Established immigrants participate in sport less than Swimming recent immigrants and Canadian born. • Students (15 years and older) participate in sport in greater numbers than any labour force group. Badminton • Participation is highly concentrated in a few sports (participants in golf, ice hockey, and soccer tend to 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% prefer these three sports and have less diversity in their overall sporting pursuits than participants of other sports). • Women are more likely than men to have a coach Participation Rate: Children Participants (female sport participants tend to use the services of 1992 – 2010 a coach more often than male sport participants and this difference appear to increase as people age). Skiing (Downhill) 5% • Most important benefit of sport participation is 1998 Karate relaxation and fun (relaxation and fun were ranked as 6% being important by 97% of sport participants). 2006 Figure Skating 6% • Lack of time and interest are the main reasons for not 2010 Gymnastics participating in sport. 8% Volleyball The adjacent graphs reflect active participation rates 8% for youth and adults. With a few exceptions, the graphs Baseball generally supports other data which reflects a gradual 14% Basketball decrease in overall organized sport participation. 16% Ice Hockey 22%
Swimming 24%
Soccer 42%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 45% 40% 45% 50%
16 Participation in organized hockey Male Player Registration Summary remains stable however the nature of participation is changing. As reflected Division 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 in the adjacent charts, participation in Adult Recreational 0 0 0 2,580 317 younger age categories (Initiation to Atom) has increased generally over College/University 318 317 282 241 293 the past 5 seasons while older age Senior Male AAA 194 144 155 227 154 groups (Bantam, Midget, and Junior B) Senior Male (Other) 1,153 1,268 1,171 1,248 1,277 have declined. Rapid growth of Junior A 580 568 553 573 876 Hockey Alberta sanctioned pond Junior B 1,487 2,002 2,081 2,160 2,330 hockey programs (recreational youth hockey) has also occurred and is Junior C 544 — — — — consistent with broader trends in Sports Schools 185 — — — — many recreation and sport pursuits. Midget 7,535 7,702 8,160 7,9 63 8,034 Bantam 7,082 7,193 7,5 49 7,407 7,738 Peewee 8,753 8,644 8,711 8,638 8,783 Atom 9,060 9,011 9,193 8,963 8,921 Novice 9,486 9,099 8,965 8,923 8,815 Initiation 8,926 9,211 9,063 8,520 8,438 TOTALS 55,303 55,159 55,883 57,443 55,976
Female Player Registration Summary Division 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Adult Recreational 0 0 0 900 828 College/University 194 181 175 157 187 Senior Female AAA 24 28 23 24 53 Senior Female (Other) 952 980 1,043 1,200 1,322 Junior A 0 0 0 1 0 Junior Female 225 226 242 207 221 Sports Schools 91 — — — — Midget 1,292 1,357 1,246 1,263 1,396 Bantam 981 995 1,100 1,072 973 Peewee 1,168 1,053 1,119 1,106 1,116 Atom 1,217 1,150 1,105 1,076 1,016 Novice 1,119 985 1,016 1,024 915 Initiation 1,306 1,178 1,097 1,036 1,106 TOTALS 8,569 8,133 8,166 9,066 9,133
Other Registrations Division 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Pond 3,248 2,323 2,351 2,400 2,120 Inline 244 935 732 1,040 1,156 Sledge 159 111 123 124 119 Official 4,873 4,719 4,993 4,968 5,147 Team Official 18,152 17,628 17,3 47 20,585 20,705 Aboriginal 830 — — — — HCSA 207 — — — —
17 Infrastructure Trends Ensuring Accessibility Many current recreation and cultural facilities are putting a significant focus on ensuring that user experiences are Multi-Use Spaces comfortable; including meeting accessibility requirements and incorporating designs that can accommodate various Increasingly, recreation and cultural facilities are being body types. Programming is made as accessible as designed to accommodate multiple activities and to possible via “layering” to provide the broadest appeal encompass a host of different components. The benefits of possible to intellectual preferences. designing multi-use spaces include the opportunity to create operational efficiencies, attract a wide spectrum of users, Meeting the needs of various user groups is also an and procure multiple sources of revenue. Providing the important aspect of accessibility. Incorporating mobile opportunity for all family members to take part in different technologies, rest spaces, child-friendly spaces, crafts opportunities simultaneously at the same location additionally areas, and educational multi-purpose rooms for classes increases convenience and satisfaction for residences. and performances is an emerging trend. Accessibility guidelines set by governments, as well as an increased Creating spaces within a facility that are easily adaptable understanding of the needs of different types of visitors is and re-configured is another growing trend observed in fueling this trend. Technology is also being embraced as a many newer and retrofitted facilities. Many performing arts modern communication tool useful for effectively sharing venues are being designed in such a manner that staging, messages with younger, more technologically savvy seating, and wall configurations can be easily changed and audiences. configured as required. Similarly, visual arts spaces such as studios and galleries are being designed in a manner that allows them to be used for a multitude of different art creation and display purposes. Similarly, gymnasium Revenue Generating Spaces spaces and field house facilities are being designed with Increasingly, facility operators of community facilities are temporary barriers, walls, bleachers and other amenities being required to find creative and innovative ways to that can be easily adjusted or removed depending on the generate the revenues needed to both sustain current type of activity or event. operations and fund future expansion or renovation projects. By generating sustainable revenues outside of regular government contributions, many facilities are Integrating Indoor and able to demonstrate increased financial sustainability and Outdoor Environments expand service levels. A new concept in recreation and culture infrastructure Lease spaces provide one such opportunity. Many facilities planning is to ensure that the indoor environment interacts are creating new spaces or redeveloping existing areas seamlessly with the outdoor recreation environment. of their facility that can be leased to food and beverage This can include such ideas as indoor/outdoor walking providers and other retail businesses. Short term rental trails, indoor/outdoor child play areas and indoor/ spaces are another major source of revenue for many outdoor aquatics facilities. Although there are a number facilities. Lobby areas, programs rooms, and event hosting of operational issues that need to be considered when spaces have the potential to be rented to the corporate planning indoor/outdoor environments (e.g. cleaning, sector for meetings, team building activities, Christmas controlled access, etc.) the concept of planning an parties and a host of other functions. indoor facility to compliment the site it is located on (and associated outdoor amenities included) as well as the broader community parks and trail system is prudent and will ensure the optimization of public spending on both indoor and outdoor recreation infrastructure. Integrating indoor and outdoor environments can be as “simple” as ensuring interiors have good opportunities to view the outdoors. As such, some of the public art installations in the city have already bridged the gap between indoor and outdoor environment.
18 Social Amenities Cultural Tourism The inclusion of social amenities provides the opportunity Cultural tourism is another important and growing for multi-purpose community recreation and cultural facilities segment of the tourism industry. Its participants are to maximize the overall experience for users as well as to young, well-educated, spend more money on their trips, potentially attract non-traditional patrons to their facility. and seek unique personal experiences. Although not a Examples of social amenities include attractive lobby areas, new phenomenon, cultural tourism has consistently been common spaces, restaurants and cafeterias, spectator characterized by the following points: viewing areas, meeting facilities and adjacent outdoor parks or green space. It is also becoming increasingly uncommon Frequent short trips: The cultural tourist, while small as a for new public facilities, especially in urban areas, to not be percentage of all tourists, makes numerous short trips to equipped with public wireless Internet. participate in cultural activities year-round.
Another significant benefit of equipping facilities with A Personal Experience: Cultural tourists seek experiences social amenities is the opportunity to increase usage and that are meaningful to them and that will result in individual visitation to the facility during non-peak hours. Including reminiscences and memories which refer more to the spaces such as public cafeterias and open lobby spaces tourist’s personal history than to that of the site. can result in local residents visiting the facility during non- Many Alberta municipalities are concentrating more on event or non- program hours to meet friends or simply as event hosting to generate broader economic impact, build part of their daily routine. Many municipalities and not for community image and create sustainability in volunteer profit organizations have encouraged this non-peak hours groups. In some cases municipalities spearheaded these use in order to ensure that the broader populace perceives efforts by taking on a direct role in the recruitment and that the facility is accessible and available to all members planning of events. In other cases municipalities are of the community. supporting community groups by providing facilities, staff resources and/or financial support. Sport and Cultural Tourism Partnerships, Volunteerism, Sport Tourism and Community Building Sport, recreation, and cultural tourism are major Partnerships in the provision of recreation, leisure and contributors to local economies throughout the province, cultural opportunities are becoming more prevalent. These especially in the case of communities that have the partnerships can take a number of forms, and include infrastructure necessary to host major sporting events with government, not for profit organizations, schools and non-local teams and competitors or performers that draw the private sector. While the provision of recreation and spectators from outside the community. cultural services has historically relied on municipal levels of the government, many municipalities are increasingly “Sport tourists” have been defined as participants looking to form partnerships that can enhance service and their families who travel more than 80km to attend, levels and more efficiently lever public funds. participate in, or are somehow involved in a sporting event. According to the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, Partnerships can be as simple as facility naming and spending associated with the Canadian sport tourism sponsorship arrangements and as complex as lease industry is now worth an estimated $5.2 billion annually.1 and contract agreements to operate spaces, entire Sport tourism related to major provincial, national or facilities or deliver programs. According to one study2 international events can have longer lasting impacts in over three-quarters (76%) of Canadian municipalities communities than just local spending during an event. work with schools in their communities to encourage the In some cases, legacies are left including infrastructure, participation of municipal residents in physical activities. endowments and community brand recognition. Just under half of municipalities work with local not-for profits (46%), health settings (40%), or workplaces (25%) to encourage participation in physical activities amongst their residents. Seventy-six percent (76%) of municipalities
2 “Municipal Opportunities for Physical Activity” Bulletin 6: Strategic 1 http://canadiansporttourism.com/about-csta/about-csta.html Partnerships. 2010, Canadian Fitness & Lifestyle Research Institute.
19 with a population of 1,000 to 9,999 to 80% of municipalities over 100,000 in population have formed agreements with school boards for shared use of facilities. In fact since 2000, the proportion of municipalities that have reported working with schools, health settings, and local-not-for profit organizations has increased by 10% to 20%.
Another critical form of partnerships in the provision of recreation, leisure and culture opportunities is between a municipality and its community volunteers. Building a strong volunteer base and overall spirit of volunteerism can help ensure that a municipality or related service provider is well positioned to delivery programs, events and undertake new initiatives. A number of trends impacting volunteerism are also important for municipalities to consider in their interactions and collaborations with community recreation and sport organizations. Current trends in volunteerism identified by Volunteer Canada include:3 • Much comes from the few. 47% of Canadians • Risk management. Considered part of the process volunteer. Over one-third (34%) of all volunteer of job design for volunteers, risk management ensures hours were contributed by 5% of total volunteers. the organization can place the right volunteer in the • The new volunteer. Young people volunteer to gain appropriate activity. work related skills (Canadians aged 15 – 24 volunteer • Borrowing best practices. The voluntary sector more than any other age group). New Canadians has responded to the changing environment by also volunteer to develop work experience and to adopting corporate and public sector management practice language skills. Persons with disabilities practices including: standards; codes of conduct; may volunteer as a way to more fully participate in accountability and transparency measures around community life. program administration; demand for evaluation; and • Volunteer job design. Volunteer job design can be outcome and import measurement. the best defense for changing demographics and • Professional volunteer management. Managers of fluctuations in funding. volunteer resources are working toward establishing • Mandatory volunteering. There are mandatory an equal footing with other professionals in the volunteer programs through Workfare, Community voluntary sector. Service Order and school mandated community work. • Board governance. Volunteer boards must respond • Volunteering by contract. The changing volunteer to the challenge of acting as both supervisors and environment is redefining volunteer commitment as a strategic planners. negotiated and mutually beneficial arrangement rather than a one-way sacrifice of time by the volunteer.
3 Alberta Heritage Community Foundation. http://www.abheritage.ca/volunteer/index.html
20 Section 6
Engagement
A program of engagement was undertaken to gather the perspectives of the residents, community organizations, Resident Survey and stakeholders in the area. A mailout survey was fielded In conjunction with the City of Chestermere, RC Strategies with residents of the City as well as with residents in Rocky developed a questionnaire to be mailed to households in the View County (Chestermere-Conrich and the Bow North City. Questionnaires were mailed to residents in Chestermere recreation districts). Community organizations were surveyed using non addressed flyer mail. Each questionnaire included electronically, and finally in-person and telephone interviews an addressed postage paid envelope so residents could were conducted. mail completed questionnaires back to RC Strategies for data entry and analysis. Additionally, with the cooperation of Rocky View County, residents living in the Chestermere- Conrich and the Bow North recreation districts were also sent questionnaires directly as they are part of the Chestermere market area. Rocky View County reviewed the questionnaire and provided some suggestions for improvement as well. As a token of thanks for participating in the survey, respondents were able to enter their names into a draw Consultation for a $200 gift certificate. Mechanism Number Sent/Scheduled Number Returned/Completed Household Survey In total 7,962 questionnaires were sent out with 1510 City of Chestermere 5,246 1,076 returned. This provides a margin of error of ±2.3% 19 times out of 201. Respondents were asked to respond to the Rocky View County 2,894 430 questions on behalf of all members of their households. Total 8,140 1,510* The findings are presented below in the same order as the Community Group Survey 63 11 questions were asked on the questionnaire. Where sizeable Stakeholder Interviews 13 13 differences occur, separate responses from City and County residents are presented. * Four (4) respondents did not identify a residence.
1 If the survey was fielded 20 times the findings would be within 2.3% on 19 occasions.
21 Participation in Recreational Activities Current Recreation Activity Running/wa lking for fitness 25% 40% 22% 8% 5% To begin, respondents were asked to indicate the recreation activities Leisure swimming 28% 10% 19% 20% 23% in which household members (e.g. family swims) participate. Approximately three- Use of cardio equipment quarters of households run/walk for 37% 25% 21% 10% 8% fitness (76%) and engage in leisure (e.g. treadmills, bikes) swimming (72%). Approximately two- Use of strength equipment 40% 25% 20% 8% 7% thirds (63%) use cardio equipment (e.g. free weights and weight machines) and less than half (40%) run/walk for Fitness sessions/classes fitness more than three times a week. 43% 11% 22% 10% 13% See the accompanying graph for (e.g. spin, yoga, Zumba) more details. Ice activi ties 44% 11% 15% 10% 20% (e.g. skating, hockey, ringette)
Swimming for fitness or 46% 9% 16% 12% 17% aquatic fitness classes
Swimming lessons 53% 6% 15% 9% 17%
Gymnasium type activities 59% 6% 12% 10% 13% (e.g. ba sketball, volleyball, pickleball)
Indoor field type activities 62% 7% 11% 8% 12% (e.g. soccer, lacrosse)
Gymnastics/parkour 73% 4% 8% 6% 8%
Court sports 77% 1% 4%6% 12% (e.g. squash, racquetball)
Do not participate in this activity Daily (3+ times/week) Weekly (1-2 times/week) Monthly (3 or fewer times/month) Annually (11 or fewer times/year)
The same list of activities was presented Household Participation to identify the facilities and municipalities in which the respondents participate. Leisure swimming 72% The accompanying graph displays Use of cardio equipment 63% the percentage of households that Use of strength equipment 60% participate in each activity. This is Running/walking for fitness *(indoor) 57% followed by individual graphs 57% showing the locations at which Fitness sessions/classes participation occurs. Ice activities 56% Swimming for fitness or 54% aquatic fitness classes Swimming lessons 47% Gymnasium type activities 41% Indoor field type activities 38% Gymnastics/parkour 27% Court sports 23%
*76% of households walk/run for fitness; 57% participate indoors
22 Leisure Swimming Subset: 72% of Respondents Participate Approximately three-quarters (72%) of respondent households swim as Facilities in the City of Calgary 82% a leisure activity. Eighty-two percent (82%) of households that swim use facilities in Calgary, while twenty Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 20% percent (20%) go to Strathmore.
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 7%
Facilities in other municipalities 5%
Subsegment Analysis Eighty-seven (87%) percent of Chestermere respondents use facilities in Calgary for leisure swimming and twenty-nine percent (29%) of Rocky View County/Langdon respondents swim in Strathmore facilities for leisure.
Chestermere RVC/Langdon Leisure Swimming Respondents Respondents Facilities in Calgary 87% 70% Facilities in Strathmore 17% 29%
Of the respondents (63%) who use Use of Cardio Equipment cardio equipment, fifty-nine percent Subset: 63% of Respondents Participate (59%) use equipment in Calgary. Twenty-eight (28%) use equipment in Facilities in the City of Calgary 59% Chestermere at facilities other than the Regional Recreation Complex. Other facilities in Chestermere 28% The two most mentioned places to exercise in Chestermere were at Facilities in other municipalities 9% home and Anytime Fitness. Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex 7%
Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 2%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 1%
23 Use of Strength Equipment Subset: 60% of Respondents Participate Sixty percent (60%) of respondents use strength equipment. Over half (59%) Facilities in the City of Calgary 59% of those who use strength equipment use facilities in Calgary. Home gyms Other facilities in Chestermere 28% and Anytime Fitness were the most Facilities in other municipalities 9% mentioned places in Chestermere to use strength equipment. Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex 7%
Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 1%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 1%
Of the fifty-seven percent (57%) of Running/Walking Track (Indoor) respondents whose households run/ Subset: 57% of Respondents Participate walk indoors for fitness, over half (57%) of use facilities in Calgary. Facilities in the City of Calgary 57% Twenty-seven percent (27%) use facilities in Chestermere other than Other facilities in Chestermere 27% the Regional Recreation Complex including Anytime Fitness and Facilities in other municipalities 11% home residences. Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex 6%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 1%
Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 1%
Of the fifty-seven percent (57%) Fitness Session/Class of respondents who partake in Subset: 57% of Respondents Participate fitness sessions/classes, two-thirds (65%) do so in Calgary. Twenty- Facilities in the City of Calgary 65% one percent (21%) of residents who take fitness classes enroll at Other facilities in Chestermere 21% Chestermere facilities other than the Regional Recreation Complex. The Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex 9% two most mentioned other facilities in Chestermere included Anytime Facilities in other municipalities 7% Fitness and Inner Focus Yoga. Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 2%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 1%
24 Ice Activities Subset: 56% of Respondents Participate Ice activities are participated in by over half (56%) of Chestermere Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex 48% households. Forty-eight percent (48%) of respondents who participate in ice Facilities in the City of Calgary 39% activities use the Chestermere Regional Facilities in other municipalities 12% Recreation Complex; thirty-nine percent
(39%) use facilities in Calgary. The eight Other facilities in Chestermere 8% percent (8%) that indicated other facilities in Chestermere mentioned the lake and Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 3% outdoor rinks. Facilities in the City of Airdrie 2%
Subsegment Analysis Respondents from Chestermere (57%) utilize the Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex for ice activities more than Rocky View County and Langdon respondents (20%).
Chestermere RVC/Langdon Ice Activities Respondents Respondents Chestermere Regional 57% 20% Recreation Centre
Over half (54%) of households Swimming for Fitness/Aquatic Fitness Classes participate in swimming for fitness Subset: 54% of Respondents Participate or take aquatic fitness classes. The majority of these respondents (84%) participate in Calgary. Facilities in the City of Calgary 84%
Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 16%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 4%
Facilities in other municipalities 3%
25 Swimming Lessons Subset: 47% of Respondents Participate Nearly half (47%) of Chestermere households participate in swimming Facilities in the City of Calgary 82% lessons and eighty-two percent (82%) of whom travel to Calgary. Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 19%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 4%
Facilities in other municipalities 3%
Gymnasium Type Activities Subset: 41% of Respondents Participate Forty-one percent (41%) of households engage in gymnasium type activities. Facilities in the City of Calgary 70% Of those, almost three-quarters (70%) go to Calgary to participate; twelve percent Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex 12% (12%) use the Chestermere Regional Other facilities in Chestermere 11% Recreation Complex. Chestermere Lake
Middle School was mentioned as the Facilities in other municipalities 6% next most notable gymnasium facility in Chestermere. Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 4%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 1%
For indoor field type activities, thirty- Indoor Field Type Activities eight percent (38%) of respondents Subset: 38% of Respondents Participate actively participate. Over three-quarters (76%) of those who participate do so Facilities in the City of Calgary 76% in Calgary. The Chestermere Regional
Recreation Complex was mentioned for Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex 15% its dryland activities such as lacrosse and soccer. Other facilities in Chestermere 8%
Facilities in other municipalities 6%
Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 4%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 3%
26 Gymnastics/Parkour Subset: 27% of Respondents Participate Over one-quarter (27%) of households participate in gymnastics or parkour. Facilities in the City of Calgary 74% Three-quarters (74%) of them use facilities in the City of Calgary. Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 12%
Chestermere Regional Recreation Complex 9%
Other facilities in Chestermere 3%
Facilities in other municipalities 2%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 2%
Twenty-three percent (23%) of Court Sports respondents participate in court Subset: 23% of Respondents Participate sports (e.g. squash, racquetball); the majority of participants (87%) play in Calgary. Facilities in the City of Calgary 87%
Other facilities in Chestermere 8%
Facilities in other municipalities 4%
Facilities in the Town of Strathmore 2%
Facilities in the City of Airdrie 1%
Barriers to Participation Barriers to Recreation Participation
When asked about barriers to recreation Travel time to opportunities 50% participation, respondents identified Poor/inadequate facilities 39% travel time (50%) and poor/inadequate Inconvenient hours 25% facilities (39%) as the top barriers. Overcrowded facilities 25% One-quarter of respondents identified Program of interest is not offered that inconvenient hours (25%), 24% overcrowded facilities (25%), Too busy/no time 22% and programs of interest not being Facility admission fees 22% offered (24%) are also barriers to Program fees 20% recreation participation. See the Unaware of opportunities 17% graph for other barriers. Not interested in participating 12% Quality of programs/instruction 8% Lack of skills/fitness level 6% Equipment costs 6% No barriers 10%
27 Estimate Usage of Potential Components
A Potential New Recreation Leisure aquatics pool 28% 14% 36% 22% and Leisure Centre (e.g. play features, shallow depth and entry) Indoor walking/running track 36% 18% 31% 15% The next series of questions were specific to the development of a potential Lane swimming pool 37% 16% 30% 17% new recreation and leisure centre in the City of Chestermere. Respondents Library 38% 4% 25% 32% were asked to estimate their potential Fitness centre frequency of use for a series of possible (weight room, cardio equipment) 40% 20% 28% 11% facility components. Seventy-two Fitness/dance studio 43% 9% 31% 17% percent (72%) of households would (e.g. yoga, Zumba utilize a leisure aquatics pool with half Indoor ice sheets (e.g. hockey, skating, ringette) 45% 10% 22% 22% (50%) indicating they would use it at least on a weekly basis. Indoor walking/ Outdoor aquatics facilities 46% 6% 22% 25% running track (64%) and lane swimming Indoor field type facilities pool (63%) each would be used by (e.g. soccer, lacrosse) 55% 7% 20% 18% approximately two-thirds of respondents. Gymnasium type spaces Nearly half (48%) indicated that they (e.g. basketball, pickleba ll) 55% 5% 20% 20% Multi-purpose rooms would use a fitness centre at least once 63% 2%8% 28% a week. See the accompanying graph (e.g. meetings, classes/programs) for additional details. Indoor child playground 63% 7% 17% 12%
Gymnastics space 68% 4% 16% 12%
Racquetball courts (e.g. squash, racquetball) 69% 2%11% 18% Combatives space (e.g. martial arts, boxing) 71% 4% 13% 13%
Social/banquet facilities 72% 2% 26%
Performing arts spaces 74% 1%7% 19%
Dedicated youth space 74% 4% 11% 11%
Curling rink 77% 1% 9% 13%
Dedicated seniors space 81% 3%7% 8%
Would not use Daily Weekly Monthly
Subsegment Analysis City respondents indicated higher potential usage for each component than County respondents. At least half of total respondents said they would use the following facility components (on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis):
All Chestermere RVC/Langdon Potential Facility Amenities Respondents Respondents Respondents Leisure Aquatics Pool 72% 77% 60% Indoor Walking/Running Track 64% 68% 54% Lane Swimming 63% 68% 52% Library 62% 63% 59% Fitness Centre 60% 64% 48% Fitness/Dance Studio 57% 62% 44% Indoor Ice Sheets 55% 58% 46% Outdoor Aquatics Facilities 54% 59% 42%
28 Agreement with Potential Components
Given the same list of potential Leisure aquatics pool 65% 17% 10%2%6% components, respondents indicated (e.g. play features, shallow depth and entry) their level of agreement for including Lane swimming pool each in a potential new recreation 55% 21% 15% 3%6% and leisure centre. Eighty-two Indoor ice sheets 52% 22% 15% 4% 7% percent (82%) of households agree (e.g. hockey, skating, ringette) Fitness centre to some extent that a leisure aquatics 47% 26% 16% 4% 7% pool should be included while (weight room, cardio equipment) Gymnasium type spaces approximately three-quarters (76%) 43% 29% 19% 3%6% (e.g. basketball, pickleba ll) agree that a lane swimming pool should be included. Approximately Indoor walking/running track 43% 28% 16% 6% 7% three-quarters of respondents Indoor field type facilities 38% 29% 21% 6% 7% agreed that indoor ice sheets (74%), (e.g. soccer, lacrosse) fitness centre (73%), gymnasium Fitness/dance studio 37% 34% 19% 4%7% type spaces (72%), and an indoor (e.g. yoga, Zumba) walking/running track (71%) should Indoor child playground 35% 26% 24% 6% 8% be included in a new recreation and leisure centre. Less than half Dedicated youth space 35% 29% 27% 3%6% (42%) agreed that a performing arts centre should be part of a new Library 32% 20% 26% 10% 12% recreation and leisure centre. See the accompanying graph for more details. Gymnastics space 31% 28% 29% 5% 7%
Dedicated seniors space 29% 28% 31% 4% 8%
Curling rink 26% 26% 28% 8% 12%
Outdoor aquatics facilities 25% 23% 27% 9% 15%
Multi-purpose rooms 22% 31% 32% 6% 8% (e.g. meetings, classes/programs) Racquetball courts 22% 32% 31% 7% 8% (e.g. squash, racquetball) Combatives space 22% 29% 32% 8% 9% (e.g. martial arts, boxing)
Social/banquet facilities 18% 31% 34% 8% 9%
Performing arts spaces 16% 26% 37% 10% 11%
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Unsure Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree
29 Importance of Potential Amenities Recreation and leisure centres can Food services be designed to have various levels 27% 41% 12% 11% 10% (e.g. concessions, restaura nts) of support amenities to complement their recreation specific components. Lobby spaces 27% 37% 18% 8% 11% Over two-thirds (68%) of respondents (with WiFi, seating areas, etc.) think it is important to some extent Professional health services 25% 34% 17% 13% 12% that food services be included in (e.g. physiotherapy, massage) a potential new recreation and leisure facility. Approximately two- Child minding services 24% 30% 21% 10% 15% thirds (64%) think it is important that lobby spaces with WiFi and seating Retail lease spaces 11% 25% 24% 20% 20% areas should be incorporated. (e.g. sporting goods, clothing) Approximately one-third (36%) think Community group support spaces 13% 23% 32% 15% 17% community group support spaces and (e.g. shared offices, storage) retail lease spaces are important to include in a new centre. Very important Somewhat important Unsure Somewhat unimportant Very unimportant
Subsegment Analysis Percentages in the following chart are derived from the sum of “very” and “somewhat” important responses. City respondents generally placed a higher importance on support amenities, especially lobby spaces with seating and WiFi (71% compared to 54%).
All Chestermere RVC/Langdon Potential Facility Amenities Respondents Respondents Respondents Food Services 68% 67% 61% Lobby Spaces 64% 71% 54% Professional Health Services 59% 60% 55% Child Minding Services 54% 57% 47% Retail Lease Spaces 36% 40% 28% Community Group Support Space 36% 38% 32%
30 Does your household support the development of a new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere? Support for the Development 59% of a New Recreation and Leisure Centre
Households were asked if they support the development of a new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere. A large 23% majority (82%) support, to some degree, the development of a new recreation and 9% 7% 3% leisure centre in Chestermere. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of respondents strongly Strongly Somewhat Unsure Somewhat Strongly support the development. support support oppose oppose
Subsegment Analysis City respondents indicated a higher level of support compared to County respondents.
Support of Potential Chestermere RVC/Langdon New Facility Respondents Respondents Strongly Support 68% 37% Somewhat Support 17% 36%
31 Will your household be willing to support the development and ongoing operational costs of a recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere through increased property taxes? To support the development and ongoing operational costs of a recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere, residents were asked 21% if they would support an increase in Unsure annual property taxes. Thirty-nine percent (39%) of respondents would 39% support an increase in property taxes Yes while forty percent (40%) would not. 40% No
Subsegment Analysis City respondents are more willing to increase property taxes to support a potential new facility than County respondents.
Support of Property Chestermere RVC/Langdon Tax Increase Respondents Respondents Yes 44% 27% Unsure 18% 27% No 38% 46%
How much more would your household be willing to pay in increased annual property taxes to support development of a recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere? Subset: Respondents Who are Willing to Increase Taxes Of those who selected “yes” and “unsure” in terms of willingness to pay additional property taxes, a subsequent question was asked regarding the amount of an increase that they would be willing 54% to pay. Approximately half (53%) of Up to $100 respondents would support an annual 31% property tax increase of up to $100, $101 – $200 one-third (31%) would support an increase between $101 and $200, and twelve percent (12%) would support an increase between $201 and $300. 4% 12% More than $300 $201 – $300
32 How likely is it that members of your household would use a new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere? Next, respondents were asked how likely their household members would 57% use a new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents indicated their household would be very or somewhat likely to use a new centre. Fifty-seven 18% percent (57%) indicated that their 12% household would very likely utilize the 7% 6% facility. See the accompanying graph.
Very Somewhat Unsure Somewhat Very likely likely unlikely unlikely
Subsegment Analysis Chestermere respondents are more likely to use a potential new recreation and leisure centre compared to Rocky View County and Langdon respondents.
Chestermere RVC/Langdon Likeliness of Utilization Respondents Respondents Very Likely 67% 34% Somewhat Likely 15% 26%
Benefits of a New Recreation Benefits of a New Recreation and Leisure Centre in Chestermere and Leisure Centre Enha nced quality of life 78% Respondents were next asked to for existing residents identify benefits a new recreation Opportunities for new and leisure centre would bring to progra ms and activities 75% the area. Over three-quarters (78%) Healthier and more of households believe that a new 75% facility would enhance quality of life active population for existing residents. Three-quarters (75%) believe that opportunities for Attraction of new residents 56% new programs and activities would Economic benefits increase and that the area would have (e.g. increased local spending, 56% a healthier and more active population. new businesses) See the accompanying graph for Improved quality of other benefits. existing programs 53%
I do not think the community or region would benefit 6%
33 Single Adult Daily Drop-In Admission Admission Rates 36% 32% Respondents were asked to identify the price range they think is fair for a single adult drop-in admission and an adult 23% monthly pass. The vast majority (91%) indicated that a daily drop-in admission should be less than $12. One-third (36%) of respondents indicated 6% that $6-8 is fair for an adult drop-in 2% admission, while thirty-two percent 0% 1% (32%) identified $8-10. One-quarter $6-8 $8-10 $10-12 $12-14 $14-16 $16-18 $18-20 (23%) selected $10-12.
Monthly Adult Access Fee For an adult monthly pass, over three- 32% quarters (82%) of respondents indicated that an adult monthly pass should be 27% less than $60. Approximately one- 23% third (32%) of respondents identified $30 – 40 as a fair price range, while approximately one-quarter of respondents selected $40 – 50 or 10% $50 – 60 (27% and 23% respectively). 4% 2% 1%
$30-40 $40-50 $50-60 $60-70 $70-80 $80-90 $90-100
Respondent Profile
% of Characteristic Respondents Primary Residence Chestermere 71% Langdon 15% Rocky View County 13% Describe Your Household by Recording the Number of Members in Each of the Following Age Groups 0 to 9 years 19% 10 to 19 years 14% 20 to 29 years 9% 30 to 39 years 17% 40 to 49 years 15% 50 to 59 years 14% 60 to 69 years 8% 70 years and older 5%
34 Community Group Survey
Overview A questionnaire was fielded to community organizations in the Chestermere area in order to gather additional perspectives on the need for a potential recreation and leisure centre. An email was sent to representatives from a wide array of community groups that currently provide programs and/or use facilities in the Chestermere area. Group representatives were provided with two options for completing and returning the questionnaire: web link to an online version of the questionnaire and a PDF version. In total, 11 groups provided a response to the questionnaire. A list of participating groups can be found in the Appendix. Note: In some cases not every respondent answered every question in the survey.
Questionnaire Findings To begin the questionnaire, group representatives were asked to provide information on their organization and its membership/participants/clients. The majority of responding groups indicated that their membership consists of multiple age ranges: • 3 of the 11 groups have membership/participants/ clients that are preschool aged (0 – 5 years old) • 5 of the 11 groups have membership/participants/ clients that are youth (6 – 12 years old) • 6 of the 11 groups have membership/participants/ clients that are teenagers (13 – 17 years old) • 9 of the 11 groups have membership/participants/ clients that are adults (18 – 59 years old) • 2 of the 11 groups have membership/participants/ clients that are seniors (60 years and older) When asked about expectations for future membership/ participants/client numbers, 7 of the 11 responding groups indicated that they expect to grow while 4 groups expected to remain stable. No groups indicated that they expect to experience a decline. Group representatives were also asked to estimate the residency of their organizations members/ participants/clients. Nine (9) of the 11 responding groups estimated that 60% or more of their organizations members/ participants/clients are residents of Chestermere.
35 Next, group representatives were asked to identify up to five Group representatives were then asked to indicate if the facilities that their organization currently uses most frequently. current facilities in Chestermere meet the needs of their Twenty-five (25) facilities, amenities or spaces were identified organization. As reflected in the following chart, groups by group representatives. Components and amenities of the were split with regards to the current provision of facilities. Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre were frequently Six groups somewhat agreed that the current facilities in the identified as being utilized by 8 of the responding groups. community met their needs, while 5 disagreed. Four (4) facilities outside of Chestermere were identified (Indus Arena, Strathmore Arena, Don Hartman Arena, Langdon Field House) as being used.
Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Unsure Agree Agree Disagree Disagree
The current facilities in Chestermere 0 groups 6 groups 0 groups 3 groups 2 groups MEET the needs of our organization.
When asked to explain their response, Potential Benefits of a New Recreation and Leisure Centre nine (9) comments were provided. Three (3) comments provided expressed Enha nced event 7 groups the viewpoint that the community has hosting capabilities outgrown current facilities while two (2) comments identified specific facility Enha nced ability to attract related issues with the Chestermere 6 groups Regional Recreation Centre. members/participants/volunteers
Group representatives were next asked More opportunities for collaborations to identify (from a list) potential benefits 6 groups between organizations that would result from the development of a new recreation and leisure centre. As illustrated in the following graph, Opportunities to expand 5 groups enhanced event hosting capabilities and existing programs the enhanced ability to attract members, participants and volunteers were each Opportunities to offer selected by 6 and 7 of the responding 4 groups groups respectively. new programs
Ability to offer programs 3 groups in Chestermere
Opportunities to showcase 3 groups local culture and talent
None, no benefits 0 groups
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36 Group representatives were provided with a list of a number of facility components that could be considered should a recreation and leisure centre be developed. For each component, Facility Component Daily Weekly Monthly Would Not Use group representatives were asked Multi-purpose Rooms 0 2 7 2 to estimate how frequently their (e.g. meetings, classes/programs) organization would use each. As Social/Banquet Facilities 0 1 6 4 reflected in the chart, over half (6 Gymnasium Type Spaces or more) of the responding groups 1 2 3 5 estimated that they would use multi- (e.g. basketball, pickleball) Leisure Aquatics Pool purpose meeting rooms, social/ 1 1 4 5 banquet facilities, gymnasium type (e.g. play features, shallow depth and entry) space, and a leisure aquatics pool Fitness Centre (e.g. weight room, cardio equipment) 0 2 3 6 at least once annually. As should Indoor Ice Sheets (e.g. hockey, skating, ringette) 2 1 1 6 be expected, responding groups Indoor Walking/Running Track 0 2 3 6 estimated frequency of utilization of correlated directly to their activity type Library 1 2 2 6 (e.g. ice user group’s estimated that Indoor Child Playground 2 0 2 7 they would use indoor ice sheets on a Indoor Field Type Facilities 0 3 1 7 daily or weekly basis). (e.g. soccer, lacrosse, baseball, field hockey, tennis) Outdoor Aquatics Facilities 0 1 3 7 Dedicated Youth Space 1 1 2 7 Lane Swimming Pool 1 0 2 8 Performing Arts Spaces 0 0 3 8 Racquetball Courts (e.g. squash, racquetball) 0 1 2 8 Fitness/Dance Studios (e.g. yoga, Zumba) 1 0 2 8 Gymnastics Space 0 0 2 8 Combatives Space (e.g. martial arts, boxing) 0 3 0 8 Curling Rink 1 0 1 9 Dedicated Seniors Space 0 0 0 11
Group representatives were then How likely is it that your organization would use a new recreation asked to indicate the likelihood of their and leisure facility in Chestermere should one be developed? organization using a new recreation and leisure facility in Chestermere Very Likely 10 groups (if it include the specific components that they indicated they would use in the previous question). As reflected Somewhat Likely 0 groups in the following graph, 10 out of the 11 responding groups indicated that Unsure 1 group they would use a new recreation and leisure facility. Somewhat Unlikely 0 groups
Very Unlikely 0 groups
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37 Amenities and Services
Group representatives were also Community group support spaces 7 groups provided with a list of potential amenity (e.g. shared offices, storage) spaces and services that are found Lobby spaces 6 groups in some multi-purpose recreation and (with WiFi, seating areas, etc.) leisure facilities. From the list, group representatives were asked to select Child minding services 6 groups those that their members would be Food services interesting in utilizing or accessing in (e.g. concessions, restaura nts) 6 groups a new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere should one be developed. Professional health services (e.g. physiotherapy, massage) 4 groups As illustrated in the graph, 7 group representatives identified community Retail lease spaces (e.g. sporting goods, clothing) 3 groups support spaces and 6 indicated that lobby spaces and child minding 02468 and services or amenities that their membership would potentially use.
Group representatives were then asked Would you organization be interested in accessing lease space? if their organization would be interested in a lease arrangement should a 4 groups 4 groups new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere have available lease 3 groups space. As illustrated in the following graph, 4 groups would have potential interest in available lease space. Space was then provided for group representatives to expand further on their answer. The majority of comments provided expressed that their willingness would depend on future considerations and factors at the time that a potential YesUnsureNo facility is developed (i.e. financial situation of their organization, type of space available, etc.).
Next, group representatives were asked to indicate how much their Willingness to Pay organization would be willing to pay 9 to access a potential new recreation 8 groups and leisure facility. As illustrated in 8 the graph, the majority of responding 7 groups (8 groups) indicated that they 6 would be willing to pay the same 5 amount as they current do elsewhere. 4 3 groups Group representatives were asked 3 to identify any trends that they have 2 observed which are expected to 1 0 groups 0 groups 0 groups influence the future delivery of their 0 programs or activities. Six (6) comments Same as we Up to 10 – 15% 15 – 20% More than 20% were provided, the majority (5) of which pay elsewhere 10% More More More pertained to the rapid growth being experienced in Chestermere and the impact that this growth has had on minor sport and youth activity programs.
38 Stakeholder Interviews
Overview A series of interviews and discussion sessions were convened with individuals and organization representatives from the Chestermere area. Included in the meetings were sport groups, community champions, service organizations, and representatives from the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre (CRRC). See the appendix for a complete list.
A synopsis of the interviews and discussion follows. This qualitative analysis does not attribute any of the comments to any single individual or group. Rather the write-up reflects the key points gleaned from the discussions as determined by frequency of response or as determined by the consultant.
Findings
General findings from the interviews and discussions are The notion of a community hub, a recreation multiplex presented around several issues as noted below. was supported. The CRRC was suggested to fulfill that role currently. As a community hub, other spaces and Interviewees identified aneed for additional recreation types of use could be considered including library space or amenities in Chestermere, however a need for a new even space for training or post secondary programs. recreation facility was not supported by all interviewees. Some suggested the development of any recreation In terms of the CRRC, there was some suggestion that it amenities should be as additions to the CRRC. is not being fully utilized. The location is superb as it is centrally located in Chestermere and near the lake. It is It was felt that the City of Chestermere has not kept pace sitting on a large parcel of land with room for expansion, with the provision of recreation services as it has grown. an array of outdoor amenities. The notion of connecting As such some “catch up” is needed in terms of programs, the site directly to the lake and park was floated as well. social infrastructure, and facilities. Those interviewed identifiedseveral facilities that could be added to a It was felt by some that the City should assume control renovation at the CRRC. These included: over the CRRC so that it could completely focus on a community mandate. The need for equal access and • Field house space (with a track); equal price to all members of the public was championed. • Multi-purpose program rooms; • Group meeting space; • Large community gathering space; and • Additional ice. Community group offices and storage were also mentioned.
39 Section 7
Research Summary and Facility Concept Program
Based on the information presented herein a number of Consultation Summary conclusions can be drawn. • Over half of regional resident household respondents • The City of Chestermere fundamentally believes participated (in the past year): running/walking (76%); in and supports the provision of recreation and a leisure swimming (72%); use of cardio equipment high quality of life for residents. This is referred to and (63%); use of strength equipment (60%); fitness stated in several of the City’s plans and foundational sessions/classes (57%); ice activities (56%); and documents. swimming for fitness/aquatic fitness classes (54%). • The City’s population has grown substantially. Its • While existing facilities in the City are utilized for 2015 population of 18,496 represents an increase of the pursuit of recreational opportunities, many 7.52% from 2014. Chestermere’s population is high in households participate in Calgary and Strathmore. the proportion of children and youth compared to the provincial figures. The growing population furthers the • Travel time to recreation opportunities was identified demand for recreational amenities. as the primary barrier to participation (50% of respondents cited this barrier). Over one-third (39%) • There is a number of ice arena facilities in the of survey respondents cited poor/inadequate facilities region—thirty-nine sheets of ice within a 30 km as a barrier to participation. radius of Chestermere. The majority of these are within Calgary. The situation with aquatics is similar. • 82% of survey respondents support the development of a new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere There are twenty-five indooraquatics facilities in the region, the vast majority are in Calgary. The provision (59% strongly support it). of indoor field facilities is much lower than that of »» 85% of City residents support it (68% strongly) arenas and aquatics. Most aquatic and field facilities while 73% of County respondents support it have an accompanying fitness centre. (37% strongly) • Activities with the highest levels of participation in • Seventy-five percent (75%) of household respondents Alberta are (Alberta Recreation Survey): would likely use a new recreation and leisure centre »» aerobics/fitness; (57% very likely) » »» swimming/aquafitness; » 83% of City respondents would likely use it (67% very likely) compared to 60% of County »» weight training; respondents (34% very likely) »» yoga/pilates; and »» hockey. • Trends in infrastructure provision include the development of multi-use spaces and the inclusion of revenue generating spaces and social amenities.
40 • The top ten facility components that resident Facility Program households agreed should be included in a potential new recreation and leisure centre: The following table includes facility spaces that have been »» Leisure aquatics (82%) identified as warranting further exploration in the City of Chestermere marketplace. These spaces have been »» Lane swimming pool (76%) identified through public consultation and research and »» Indoor ice sheets (74%) have been vetted by the Study Task Group. It is important to note that the identification of these seven spaces to be »» Fitness centre (73%) considered in future planning assumes the continued »» Gymnasium type spaces (72%) operation of the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre. »» Indoor walking/running track (71%) »» Fitness/dance studios (71%) Rank Facility Space »» Indoor field type facilities (67%) 1 Field House Facility »» Dedicated youth space (64%) 2 Indoor Walking Track »» Indoor child playground (61%) 3 Fitness Centre 4 Fitness/Dance Studio • Over half of survey respondents felt it was important to include the following amenities in a potential facility: 5 Indoor Child Playground »» Food services (68%) 6 Multipurpose Program Rooms 7 Group Meeting Space »» Lobby spaces (64%) 8 Indoor Leisure Aquatics with Lanes »» Professional health services (59%) 9 Ice Arenas (2) »» Child minding services (54%) • Ten of the eleven groups participating in a survey would very likely use a new recreation and leisure facility in Chestermere. Four of the groups expressed an interest in accessing lease space. • Stakeholders interviewed spoke about the need for additional recreation amenities primarily as additions to the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre. »» Spaces to add included: field house space (with a track); multi-purpose program rooms; group meeting space; large community gathering space; and additional ice.
41 Section 8
Facility Concept Plans and Site Requirements
The following facility concept plans have been developed to depict what a new facility development on a new greenfield site could evolve as. The plans include a three level approach to development and are meant to depict the incremental impacts of approaching facility development to meet identified community needs and aspirations. Each level could be treated as a phase to development however each phase could occur independently or as part of a complete facility development project at any given time. These concept plans and associated capital costing have been developed by a reputable Alberta based architectural firm specializing in recreation facility design and development.
It is important to note that the following levels of development assume the sustained operation of the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre and the current amenities found within it.
Level One development is meant to address the top seven ranked spaces in the facility program identified. • Field House Facility • Indoor Walking Track • Fitness Centre • Fitness/Dance Studio • Indoor Child Playground • Multipurpose Program Rooms • Group Meeting Space The total square footage (on three floors) is estimated to be 64,195 ft2. It is important to note that some of the common spaces required for all three levels of development are included in Level One as it would be designed to accommodate future expansion.
42 Main Floor: Field House and Fitness 43 Second Floor: Field House and Fitness 44 Main Floor: Field House, Fitness, and Leisure Aquatics Level Two development includes the addition of indoor leisure and program aquatics. The additional square footage is estimated at 24,574 ft 2. 45 Second Floor: Field House, Fitness, and Leisure Aquatics 46 Third Floor: Field House, Fitness, and Leisure Aquatics 47 Level Three development would include the addition of a twin ice arena. Detailed concept plans for this level are not included as it is expected to be a long term consideration. That being said, a twin ice facility would increase total facility square footage by 67,371 ft2.
The following site plan explains how each of the three levels could be developed on a greenfield site. At a minimum, the site requirements for all three levels including site requirements such as parking and landscaping and assuming the three floor configuration of space shown would be between 7 and 8 acres. Ideally, development of a facility such as the one outlined would be situated on the same site with potential other outdoor amenities, a school or other public facilities. For this reason, a total site size of 40 acres should be considered to be ideal.
Main Floor: Field House, Fitness, Leisure Aquatics, and Future Arena
48 Facility Concept Capital Costs The following chart outlines estimated capital costs related to site acquisition (land value), and site servicing for the three potential levels of recreation facility (getting appropriate utility servicing to the site and facility). development presented. These cost estimates include The square foot unit rates applied below are $325/ft2 for dry fees, contingency, furniture fixtures and equipment, and spaces, $350/ft2 for ice arena space and $600/ft2 for aquatics site development (required site finishing such as parking spaces. These costs should be considered ±25% and and landscaping) allocations but do not include any costs based on 2015 market conditions.
Level
Area Construction Cot (2015 $) Fees (10%) (10%)Contingency Site Development (Landscaping and Parking; 5%) Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment (5%) Total $) (Incremental, 2015 Level 1 64,195 $20,863,375 $2,086,338 $2,086,338 $1,043,169 $1,043,169 $27,122,388 (Field House and Fitness) Level 2 (Field House, Fitness, 24,574 $14,744,400 $1,474,440 $1,474,440 $737,220 $737,220 $19,167,720 and Leisure Aquatics) Level 3 (Field House, Fitness, 67,371 $23,579,850 $2,357,985 $2,357,985 $1,178,993 $1,178,993 $30,653,805 Leisure Aquatics, and Arena) Total 156,140 — — — — — $76,943,913
Facility Concept Operating Costs Each level of development is expected to require Estimated Annual incremental annual operational costs subsidy from Level Incremental Operating Costs the City. The following chart explains the order of Level 1 magnitude amounts based on expected revenues and ($600,000) +($600,000) expenses levels. Revenue assumptions include reference (Field House and Fitness) to the survey information contained in previously presented Level 2 research and study of other similar facilities within Alberta. (Field House, Fitness, ($1,000,000) +($400,000) Expenses assumptions have been based on similar and Leisure Aquatics) facilities operating in similar market context. Level 3 (Field House, Fitness, Should all three levels of development occur, the expected ($1,400,000) +($400,000) Leisure Aquatics, annual operating subsidy required is expected to be at least and Arena*) $1.4M per year. Of note is that this assumes that facility management, once in operation, is effective in building * ~350 seats. market share and attracting users from within the City and region. Also important to note is that the operating cost outlined include minor repair and maintenance allotments but do not include budgeting for major lifecycle renewal and replacement. Some Alberta municipalities budget an additional 1 – 2% of capital replacement costs annually for life cycle renewal. Currently the City of Chestermere does not have a formal policy on life cycle renewal.
49 Facility Concept Ownership and Alternatives to municipal operation include a variety of contracted operations arrangements. In these cases Operating/Governance Options the operating body (either non-profit or private) is typically guided by a set of required operating conditions and either All of the capital and operating costs outlined herein paid a sum to perform services or given leased access to suggest that a new facility would be owned and operated the facility for a reduced rate. The current situation at the independently by the City of Chestermere, thereby Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre is an example introducing a completely new business unit (indoor of a partner operated facility whereby the Chestermere recreation facilities) to the organization. This assumption Regional Recreation Association has a lease access has been made as recreation facilities are typically most agreement with the property owner, Rocky View County. costly for municipalities if they are independently owned Contracted or leased operations may be appropriate and operated. Although this is the most costly approach, in the Chestermere context given the fact that the City it is also by far the most common approach to recreation does not have internal staff that currently operate indoor facility provision for Alberta municipalities. recreation facilities. Operating partnerships can also mitigate risk and capture economies of scale in situations An alternative to independent ownership is ownership via where the operator also is responsible for other facilities partnership between municipalities and, in some cases, in other markets. Volunteer involvement can also be non-profit groups and school authorities (most commonly leveraged to a greater degree in the case of a non-profit manifested in the formation of a Part 9 corporation). operated facility. Operating partnerships should also Partnerships of all types are a key trend being observed in the be explored once a decision is made to move forward Alberta recreation marketplace in 2016. Although no formal with facility development. The fact that there is a non- partnership opportunities were uncovered during the research profit in the community operating a recreation facility program associated with this study, all opportunities for suggests there may be non-profit operating expertise in partnership as it relates to ownership to a new facility in the market. As well, facility operating arrangements related Chestermere should be explored. Appropriate partnerships to newly developing City of Calgary recreation centres can achieve common goals, involve and implicate appropriate and increased interest in the recreation facility operating stakeholders and diversify risk. The City does not have any business in general warrants further investigation. Should partnership owned assets in its inventory although jointly operating partnerships be sought, clear measureable owned indoor recreation facilities exist in Alberta communities and achievable goals should be outlined to guide the such as Okotoks, Spruce Grove and Bonnyville. partnership arrangement to protect public interest and ensure that the City’s intent for the facility is fulfilled.
50 Section 9
Future Indoor Recreation Facility Strategy
The City of Chestermere has been fortunate to not have had recreation facilities in Chestermere will need to be realized responsibility for ownership and operations of indoor recreation by the City in the near future. In order to better prepare for facilities to this point in its evolution. At a population of 18,000, this likely inevitable outcome, the following chart outlines a typical Albertan cities of similar size own and operate at least hypothetical 25 year indoor recreation facility development two ice arenas (sometimes three), an indoor pool, and in some profile for the City to consider. The profile includes sustaining cases an indoor field house. It is important that City decision existing facilities as well as developing new facilities as makers realize that it is very likely that responsibility, identified during the research portion of this study. and associated capital and operating budgets, for indoor
Year Facility Amenity Size Population
2016 CRRC 138,000 ft2 18,000 Ice Arenas (2) Multi-Purpose Rooms Gymnasium Curling Rink Fitness Existing
New 2020 Fieldhouse, Fitness, Track 30,000 ft2 – 64,000 ft2 20,000 – 30,000
2025 Aquatics Centre 25,000 ft2 30,000 – 50,000
2040 Ice Arena(s) 67,000 ft2 50,000+
TOTAL 300,000 ft2 50,000+
51 As can be seen, total capital investment approaching Spontaneous spaces are more convenient for some residents $90+M will be required over the next 20-25 years should and typically are more individualistic. The inclusion of both the pace of growth in the community be sustained. As spontaneous and structured activities in one facility/site has well, annual operating subsidies between $500,000 and proven successful in many applications. Spontaneous and $2,000,000 should also be expected depending on the structured clustering must consider cross use and convenience exact complement of indoor recreation facilities offered at of potential users. Clusters that traditionally work well are any given time. listed below. It is important to note that some of the facility types mentioned can serve both spontaneous and This chart is meant to put into context priority around structured opportunity. sustaining the operations of the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre and contemplating the development of • Fitness/wellness facilities and child minding/aquatics/ new indoor recreation and leisure facilities to meet current field houses. and future needs in the City. The above is not meant to • Gymnasiums with extending court space be prescriptive; in all likelihood the sequence of facility and amenities. development will not occur as shown. The information is • Lane swimming pools and leisure pools. simply meant to provide both a current and potential future context for indoor recreation facility provision in the City. • Youth centres and multi-use gymnasiums. • Ice arenas and leisure ice surfaces. Key Considerations The following discussion outlines a few leading practices related to planning and operating indoor recreation facilities observed in the recreation sector from across Canada and beyond.
Drop-in Uses vs. Spontaneous Uses The provision of spontaneous, unstructured drop-in opportunities should continually be considered by the City in the programming of existing and new spaces. The current indoor recreation facilities in the City enable spontaneous participation, yet much of current focus lies with structured rental use facilities. There is an increasing need to expand the provision of drop-in use community facility outlets for residents. This is not to say that traditional structured activities and the environments that support them should be ignored.
The provision of traditional facilities such as ice arenas and sports fields has been focused on programmed rental use, and thus a large portion of the population, those demanding spontaneous drop-in outlets (beyond pools, gyms, and fitness centres), have not been fully considered in major indoor recreation facility development.
52 New infrastructure development in the city, whether in a Recreation, Community Social traditionally recreation and parks, culture, or community Development, and Cultural Services social development context, should consider the inclusion of spaces related to the other two. This will optimize the Parks, recreation, culture, and community social development use of public funding, promote multipurpose development programs are significant contributors to increasing the and planning amongst traditionally separate user markets. quality of life in Chestermere. Conventional perspectives often regard recreation as being sports and physical activity related, culture primarily as encompassing creativity and artistic expression, and social as being responsive efforts Multipurpose Facilities to right social maladies in the community. These traditional The development of large multipurpose community perceptions have defined these three important components facilities warrants exploration whenever new facility of quality of life as mutually exclusive. development is considered. Combining multiple facilities Although recreation, culture, and community social under one roof or at one site can lead to operational cost development services are often located in independent economies of scale and can increase overall usage. facilities and sites, they do share some similarities. Gathering more users at one site can also enhance the These similarities include the following: attractiveness of private sponsorship and retail sales and commercial lease spaces at facilities, hence improving • Each allow participants to differentiate revenues streams. and express themselves; • Each are products of participant choice in how to Clustering facilities can further ensure that available land spend leisure time; is best utilized. This practice is especially important in urban areas such as Chestermere. The development of • Each have been proven to have positive benefits to multiple facilities at one site or in one building envelope personal development for all ages; can also be more cost effective during the design and • Each have been proven to promote community pride construction process. Cost savings can be achieved and cohesiveness; and through professional services as well as other site costs such as parking and site servicing. • Each promotes and improves overall quality of life. This means that in many cases the separation of Facility clustering of specific facility components using the recreation, culture, parks, and community social multiplex approach is appropriate due to both operational development facilities and spaces can be avoided, economies of scale and complementary uses. Some especially when planning, designing, and operating examples of appropriate clustering include: environments in which these activities can occur. • Indoor ice arenas and leisure ice amenities; The existing Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre • Fitness and wellness spaces with scheduled use is an example of an integrated facility hub. If the use of facility spaces (e.g. arenas, field houses, etc.); already limited public funds for recreation, culture, and • Community arts program spaces and art gallery spaces; social infrastructure is to be optimized, the provision of environments that support and integrate these three vital • Fitness and wellness spaces with child minding facilities; components of municipal service provision as much as • Library amenities and community centre or arts spaces; possible is highly desirable. • Fitness and wellness spaces with indoor aquatic venues; The concept of including recreation and culture • Outdoor playgrounds and picnic areas; amenities under one roof or at one site holds true for • Fitness and wellness spaces and indoor the development of future new public facilities spaces, walking track facilities; and and can also be applied to existing facilities and spaces. Opportunities to showcase local artists should be explored • Ice facilities with indoor aquatic venues (energy sharing). at existing traditional recreation facilities in the region. Furthermore, the clustering examples mentioned should be Exposure to recreational pursuits, perhaps in themed considered in the enhancement of existing or development performances or exhibits, should be hosted at existing of new facilities. traditional culture venues.
53 Facility Design Indoor community facilities typically are found on larger park sites. The integration of the indoor and outdoor The actual design of indoor recreation infrastructure is environments (in terms of design and program) is an typically a reflection of the designer, intended community opportunity. Designing facilities to reflect the topography of image, and the active involvement of community a site, to ensure that outdoor trails connect to indoor public stakeholders. That said, the design process and eventual corridors of facilities and, in some cases, using overhead programming of the infrastructure being designed can be doors, causeways and glazing (glass) to eliminate enhanced by considering a number of important leading the boundaries between indoors and outdoors are all practices. Most importantly, there must be a balance examples of how the indoor and outdoor environments can between designing for the specifically intended uses begin to be integrated. and multiple uses in the future. Spaces too focused on one intended type of use will not be sufficiently flexible Designing facilities in the most environmentally friendly to meet ongoing changing needs. However, spaces that way possible can lead to significant reduction of the are too focused on meeting any future use often meet no environmental impacts of construction and operation. It needs at all. can be more costly in terms of capital; therefore, detailed cost-benefit analysis may be required prior to ultimate Other considerations related to regional, provincial, decision making on some mechanical and facility design national, and/or international event hosting capability decisions. Other green design principles, such as should also be reviewed to determine the cost/benefit ensuring facility patrons have transportation options (e.g. related to infrastructure elements. mass transit, active transportation) and associated support amenities (e.g. bike racks) and design to promote Physical accessibility is also a very important physical activity (i.e. making stairwells more appealing consideration. Universal design considerations for users alternatives to elevators) should also be considered in with disabilities must be considered as well as concepts community facility provision. such as age-friendly, and designing spaces and program areas to promote physical literacy.
Accessibility as it relates to geographic location and adjacency to transit options (including active transportation) is important in promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing barriers to participation.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles need to be considered in facility design and development. CPTED is a set of design considerations that are intended to deter criminal activity in facilities of all types and sizes. As community facilities are accessible to a variety of populations and generate public traffic, these considerations need to influence the design of new or enhanced infrastructure.
Designing a facility or space to create exposure and promote activity cross marketing (internal and external sight lines) should be considered as there is potential to generate revenues for operations and increase overall facility utilization and community activity with different facility designs.
54 Section 10
Study Summary
At the beginning of this planning process, the City of In order to understand the implications of meeting these Chestermere set out to explore community need and demand emerging demands for indoor recreation facilities in the for indoor recreation facilities both now and in the future. City and addressing community need, three potential Seeing as though the City has a fresh and evolving recreation levels of development are outlined herein. Each of these department and has not yet had the responsibility of owning levels includes extending current service levels and has an and/or operating indoor recreation facilities directly, the process associated capital and operating impact associated with it. of planning new facilities must assume that existing indoor The following chart explains: recreation facilities are sustained; existing facilities which are not under the control of the City. Ensuring that existing Incremental Incremental facilities are sustained is an important consideration Level Capital Cost Operating Cost for City decision makers prior to contemplating major (±25%, 2015) (Estimate) investment in new, expanded service levels. Under the Level 1 assumption that new indoor recreation facilities should only be $27,122,388 ($600,000) developed after ensuring current service levels are maintained (Field House and Fitness) the following list of facility spaces has been identified and Level 2 ranked via a thorough program of research and engagement (Field House, Fitness, $19,167,720 ($400,000) from the general public and stakeholders and under the and Leisure Aquatics) guidance of a Task Group consisting of dedicated community Level 3 stakeholders and City administration. (Field House, Fitness, $30,653,805 ($400,000) Leisure Aquatics, and Arena) Rank Facility Space Total $76,943,913 ($1,400,000)
1 Field House Facility The City has been fortunate in that it has not had the 2 Indoor Walking Track responsibility and budget requirements of owning and 3 Fitness Centre operating indoor recreation facilities until this point in its evolution. It is likely that this will change in the near future. 4 Fitness/Dance Studio With a growing population of over 18,000, amenities typical 5 Indoor Child Playground to the current size of the community and as it grows even 6 Multipurpose Program Rooms bigger will include indoor pools, indoor field facilities, 7 Group Meeting Space additional ice surfaces and other indoor recreation 8 Indoor Leisure Aquatics with Lanes (and culture) amenities. 9 Ice Arenas (2)
55 Key to meeting future demands for indoor recreation facilities is sustaining existing service levels. Once the City has comfort in knowing that existing indoor recreation facility service levels are maintained (e.g. the continued operation of the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre), furthering project development related to Levels One to Three will require the following key next steps: 1. Internal analysis of available resources for future indoor recreation facility projects. 2. Gain and demonstrate internal commitment for a desired level of indoor recreation facility development 3. Explore ownership partnership opportunities with interested parties 4. Select/acquire a site for future indoor recreation facility development (ideally between 20-40 acres) 5. Engage design and general contracting expertise in designing a new facility and construct the facility (potentially via a construction management approach) 6. Design and initiate a capital fundraising campaign for the agreed to project (including private sector sponsorship and applicable government grants) 7. Complete a detailed business plan for the project exploring and outlining key operational partners, user agreements, and ensuring operation readiness for facility opening 8. Open and operate the facility Of note is that should commitment be made to move forward with a project (Step 1 as previously presented) between 18 – 24 months will be required to undertake design and construction of the facility.
The City of Chestermere is at an important time in its history. The growing pains associated with evolving from a town to city include strains on finance and infrastructure. These strains are heightened in areas such as indoor recreation where responsibilities have not been required until now.
City decision makers now have the information they require in contemplating future indoor recreation facility provision in the Chestermere. Community input, research and internal and external expertise have developed a course of action for the immediate term (should new facilities be desired) in the context of an expanding City interest in ownership and operations of indoor recreation facilities for a population of 18,000 as well as when it grows to 50,000 and beyond. The City can now chart its own course for the provision of indoor recreation facilities that will undoubtedly enhance resident quality of life and lead to a healthier, happier and more connected community.
56 Appendix A
Household Survey Tool
Chestermere Future Recreation and Leisure Centre Feasibility Study Resident Survey
Dear City Resident, The City of Chestermere is exploring the feasibility of a potential recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere. To complete the feasibility study it is important to gain some understanding from regional residents about their current use of recreation facilities and programs as well as their thoughts about a potential new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere. 8a. Would your household be willing to support the development and ongoing operational costs of a recreation and Please have one adult in your household complete the following questionnaire on behalf of your entire household by June 15th, 2015. Included with this questionnaire is a postage paid return envelope. Once you have completedleisure centre in Chestermere through the survey please seal it in the envelope and put it in the mail. The questionnaire will be sent to RC Strategies,c Yes an independent consulting firm, for analysis.
8b. As a token of thanks for completing this questionnaire, one draw will be made for a $200 gift certificate. To be includedIf yes, inhow much morec would your household be willing to pay in increased annual property taxes Annually Unsure increased property taxes? the draw, complete the entry form below. This information will be utilized solely for the purposes of the draw and willdevelopment not of a recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere? (These amounts refer to additional property (11 or fewer times/year) be reported cin connection with the responses you have provided. taxes on top of your current taxes.) Monthly c c For additional informationc about the study please contact Stephen Slawuta (RC Strategies) at (780)9. 441 – 4267 or Up to $100/year No (3 or fewer times/month) Should a new recreation and leisure centre get developed in Chestermere, how likely is it that members of your Weekly c Kathy Russell (City of Chestermere) at (403) 207 – 7053. household would use it? (1 – 2 times/week) c c c c $101 to $200/year Daily c Very Likely (3+ times/week) c Thank you for your input! c 10. c c From the perspective of your household, how would the City and region benefit from the development of a new c c c recreation and leisure centreSomewhat Likely $201 to $300/year Do Not Participate c Section I: Current Recreation Activityin This Activity c c would use a new centre or not. Please check ( a ) all that apply. c c to support The following questions are provided to better understand your household’s current utilization of existing recreationc and c c c c Enhanced quality of life for existing residents c More than $300/year leisure facilities within the City of Chestermere and beyond.c in Chestermere? Consider Unsurethe potential benefits regardless of whether your household For each of the following activities, please indicate which c c best describes your household’s participation.c Attraction of new residents 1. c c c c c Somewhat Unlikely Activity c Draw Entry Form Healthier and more active population c c c c c Economic benefits Court sports c c (e.g. squash, racquetball) c c Very Unlikely c c c Other (please specify): Fitness sessions/classes c Name (First Name Only): (e.g. increased local spending, new businesses) c c 11. Improved quality of existing programs (e.g. spin, yoga, Zumba) c Please assume the fees presented below include access to all components of the potential new recreation centre, c c c Gymnasium type activities c including drop-in classes. Registered programs/events would not be Opportunitiesincluded in the for fees new below programs as they and have activities c c (e.g. basketball, volleyball, pickleball) c c separate costs. c Phone Number: I do not think the community or region would benefit Ice activities c c a c c The line below shows a range of prices that could be charged for a single admission. Please check ( ) one box (e.g. skating, hockey, ringette) c c that identifies the price range that your household thinks is fair for a single adult daily drop-in admission. Indoor field type activities c (e.g. soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis) c c Leisure swimming c c $6.00/visit (e.g. family swims) c c Swimming for fitness or The personal information requested on this form will be used for the sole purpose of contacting you should you$8.00/visit be the draw winner. aquatic fitness classes c The line below shows a range of prices that could be charged for a monthly adult access fee. Please check ( a ) Your personal information will not be shared with anyone for anyone other box purposes. that identifies the price range that your household thinks is fair for a monthly adult access fee. Swimming lessons c $10.00/visit Use of cardio equipment $12.00/visit
(e.g. treadmills, bikes) $30.00/mo
(Please Specify Municipality) Specify (Please
Use of strength equipment Chestermere of
Municipalities Outside Outside Municipalities $14.00/visit
Facilities in Other Other in Facilities (e.g. free weights, weight machines, TRX) * Note that rates for$40.00/mo youth, seniors, and other variants are typically based on a discount to the benchmark adult monthly access fee.
Running/walking for fitness
City of Airdrie of City $16.00/visit
in the activity. the in Facilities $50.00/mo
Gymnastics/parkour Strathmore of Town c Section III: Respondent Profile
Facilities in the the in Facilities c $18.00/visit
City of Calgary of City c
Facilities in the the in Facilities The following questions are provided to better explain the$60.00/mo demographic attributes of your household. c c c For each of the following activities, please identify the location where members of yourc household 12. $20.00/visit
2. Facility) Specify (Please c c Where is your primary residence? $70.00/mo
predominantly participate Chestermere in c
Facilities Other c c c c c Chestermere c $80.00/mo
Recreation Complex Recreation c c
Chestermere Regional Regional Chestermere c c *
in This Activity This in c c c Other (please specify):
Did Not Participate Participate Not Did c $90.00/mo N/A 13. c c c c c Please indicate the number of peopleLangdon in your household in each age group (please include yourself). Activity c c c $100.00/mo c c c c c c c c c c c c c c N/A c c 0 to 9 years Rocky View County c c c c c c N/A c Court sports c c N/A c c 40 to 49 years c Fitness sessions/classes c N/A c 10 to 19 years N/A c c Gymnasium type activities c c c Ice activities N/A c c 50 to 59 years c c 20 to 29 years Indoor field type activities c c c Leisure swimming c c c 60 to 69 years Swimming for fitness or c 30 to 39 years aquatic fitness classes c c 1 Swimming lessons (indoor) c Use of cardio equipment 4 70 years and older Use of strength equipment Running/walking for fitness Gymnastics/parkour
57 Chestermere Future Recreation and Leisure Centre Feasibility Study Resident Survey
Dear City Resident, The City of Chestermere is exploring the feasibility of a potential recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere. To complete the feasibility study it is important to gain some understanding from regional residents about their current use of recreation facilities and programs as well as their thoughts about a potential new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere.
Please have one adult in your household complete the following questionnaire on behalf of your entire household by June 15th, 2015. Included with this questionnaire is a postage paid return envelope. Once you have completed the survey please seal it in the envelope and put it in the mail. The questionnaire will be sent to RC Strategies, an independent consulting firm, for analysis.
As a token of thanks for completing this questionnaire, one draw will be made for a $200 gift certificate. To be included in the draw, complete the entry form below. This information will be utilized solely for the purposes of the draw and will not be reported in connection with the responses you have provided.
For additional information about the study please contact Stephen Slawuta (RC Strategies) at (780) 441 – 4267 or Kathy Russell (City of Chestermere) at (403) 207 – 7053.
Thank you for your input!
Draw Entry Form
Name (First Name Only):
Phone Number:
The personal information requested on this form will be used for the sole purpose of contacting you should you be the draw winner. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone for any other purposes.
58 Section I: Current Recreation Activity The following questions are provided to better understand your household’s current utilization of existing recreation and leisure facilities within the City of Chestermere and beyond. 1. For each of the following activities, please indicate which best describes your household’s participation. Do Not Participate Daily Weekly Monthly Annually Activity in This Activity (3+ times/week) (1 – 2 times/week) (3 or fewer times/month) (11 or fewer times/year) Court sports c c c c c (e.g. squash, racquetball) Fitness sessions/classes c c c c c (e.g. spin, yoga, Zumba) Gymnasium type activities c c c c c (e.g. basketball, volleyball, pickleball) Ice activities c c c c c (e.g. skating, hockey, ringette) Indoor field type activities c c c c c (e.g. soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis) Leisure swimming c c c c c (e.g. family swims) Swimming for fitness or c c c c c aquatic fitness classes Swimming lessons c c c c c Use of cardio equipment c c c c c (e.g. treadmills, bikes) Use of strength equipment c c c c c (e.g. free weights, weight machines, TRX) Running/walking for fitness c c c c c Gymnastics/parkour c c c c c
2. For each of the following activities, please identify the location where members of your household predominantly participate in the activity.
Activity Did Not Participate in This Activity Chestermere Regional Complex Recreation Other Facilities Chestermere in Specify(Please Facility) Facilities in the City of Calgary Facilities in the Strathmore of Town Facilities in the City of Airdrie OtherFacilities in Municipalities Outside Chestermere of Specify(Please Municipality) Court sports c N/A c c c c c Fitness sessions/classes c c c c c c c Gymnasium type activities c c c c c c c Ice activities c c c c c c c Indoor field type activities c c c c c c c Leisure swimming c N/A N/A c c c c Swimming for fitness or c N/A N/A c c c c aquatic fitness classes Swimming lessons c N/A N/A c c c c Use of cardio equipment c c c c c c c Use of strength equipment c c c c c c c Running/walking for fitness(indoor) c c c c c c c Gymnastics/parkour c c c c c c c
1
59 3. What, if anything, prevents members of your household from participating more in recreation activities than you currently do? Please check ( a ) all that apply. c No barriers c Facility admission fees c Poor/inadequate facilities c Equipment costs c Overcrowded facilities c Quality of programs/instruction c Inconvenient hours c Unaware of opportunities c Travel time to opportunities c Too busy/no time c Program fees c Lack of skills/fitness level c Not interested in participating c Program of interest is not offered
Section II: A Potential New Recreation and Leisure Centre As mentioned, the City is exploring the fasibility of developing a new recreation and leisure centre. The following questions are provided to gather the perspective of your household on a potential new recreation centre in regards to utilization, preference of components, and willingness to support. 4. There are a number of potential components and amenities that could be included in a recreation and leisure centre. Using the list of potential components provided below, please estimate how frequently your household would use each.
Component Would Not Use Daily Weekly Monthly
Curling rink c c c c Fitness centre (weight room, cardio equipment) c c c c Gymnasium type spaces (e.g. basketball, pickleball) c c c c Indoor child playground c c c c Indoor field type facilities(e.g. soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis) c c c c Indoor ice sheets (e.g. hockey, skating, ringette) c c c c Indoor walking/running track c c c c Lane swimming pool c c c c Leisure aquatics pool (e.g. play features, shallow depth and entry) c c c c Library c c c c Multi-purpose rooms (e.g. meetings, classes/programs) c c c c Outdoor aquatics facilities c c c c Performing arts spaces c c c c Social/banquet facilities c c c c Racquetball courts (e.g. squash, racquetball) c c c c Fitness/dance studios (e.g. yoga, Zumba) c c c c Gymnastics space c c c c Combatives space (e.g. martial arts, boxing) c c c c Dedicated seniors space c c c c Dedicated youth space c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c
2
60 5. Considering both the needs of your household and the overall community, please indicate your level of agreement with the following components being included in a potential new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere. Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Component Unsure Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Curling rink c c c c c Fitness centre (weight room, cardio equipment) c c c c c Gymnasium type spaces (e.g. basketball, pickleball) c c c c c Indoor child playground c c c c c Indoor field type facilities(e.g. soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis) c c c c c Indoor ice sheets (e.g. hockey, skating, ringette) c c c c c Indoor walking/running track c c c c c Lane swimming pool c c c c c Leisure aquatics pool (e.g. play features, shallow depth and entry) c c c c c Library c c c c c Multi-purpose rooms (e.g. meetings, classes/programs) c c c c c Outdoor aquatics facilities c c c c c Performing arts spaces c c c c c Social/banquet facilities c c c c c Racquetball courts (e.g. squash, racquetball) c c c c c Fitness/dance studios (e.g. yoga, Zumba) c c c c c Gymnastics space c c c c c Combatives space (e.g. martial arts, boxing) c c c c c Dedicated seniors space c c c c c Dedicated youth space c c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c c
6. How important would it be to your household that the following amenities be included in a potential new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere? Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Component Unsure Important Important Unimportant Unimportant Community group support spaces (e.g. shared offices, storage) c c c c c Food services (e.g. concessions, restaurants) c c c c c Professional health services (e.g. physiotherapy, massage) c c c c c Retail lease spaces (e.g. sporting goods, clothing) c c c c c Child minding services c c c c c Lobby spaces (with WiFi, seating areas, etc.) c c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c c Other (please specify): c c c c c
7. The City of Chestermere is considering the development of a recreation and leisure centre to help address the needs of area residents. In general, to what extent does your household support the development of a new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere? c Strongly Support c Somewhat Support c Unsure c Somewhat Oppose c Strongly Oppose
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61 8a. Would your household be willing to support the development and ongoing operational costs of a recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere through increased property taxes? c Yes c Unsure c No
8b. If yes, how much more would your household be willing to pay in increased annual property taxes to support development of a recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere? (These amounts refer to additional property taxes on top of your current taxes.) c Up to $100/year c $101 to $200/year c $201 to $300/year c More than $300/year
9. Should a new recreation and leisure centre get developed in Chestermere, how likely is it that members of your household would use it? c Very Likely c Somewhat Likely c Unsure c Somewhat Unlikely c Very Unlikely
10. From the perspective of your household, how would the City and region benefit from the development of a new recreation and leisure centre in Chestermere? Consider the potential benefits regardless of whether your household would use a new centre or not. Please check ( a ) all that apply. c Enhanced quality of life for existing residents c Improved quality of existing programs c Attraction of new residents c Opportunities for new programs and activities c Healthier and more active population c I do not think the community or region would benefit c Economic benefits(e.g. increased local spending, new businesses) c Other (please specify):
11. Please assume the fees presented below include access to all components of the potential new recreation centre, including drop-in classes. Registered programs/events would not be included in the fees below as they have separate costs. The line below shows a range of prices that could be charged for a single admission. Please check ( a ) one box that identifies the price range that your household thinks is fair for a single adult daily drop-in admission.
$6.00/visit $8.00/visit $10.00/visit $12.00/visit $14.00/visit $16.00/visit $18.00/visit $20.00/visit
The line below shows a range of prices that could be charged for a monthly adult access fee. Please check ( a ) one box that identifies the price range that your household thinks is fair for a monthly adult access fee. *
$30.00/mo $40.00/mo $50.00/mo $60.00/mo $70.00/mo $80.00/mo $90.00/mo $100.00/mo
* Note that rates for youth, seniors, and other variants are typically based on a discount to the benchmark adult monthly access fee.
Section III: Respondent Profile The following questions are provided to better explain the demographic attributes of your household. 12. Where is your primary residence? c Chestermere c Langdon c Rocky View County c Other (please specify):
13. Please indicate the number of people in your household in each age group (please include yourself).
0 to 9 years 10 to 19 years 20 to 29 years 30 to 39 years
40 to 49 years 50 to 59 years 60 to 69 years 70 years and older
4
62 Appendix B
Stakeholder Interview Participants
# Organization 1 Bow Valley College 2 United Football Club 3 Chestermere Minor Hockey 4 Chestermere Conrich Regional Recreation Board 5 AgraRisk 6 Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre 7 Chestermere Regional Community Development Foundation 8 Chestermere Lions Club 9 Chestermere Regional Community Association 10 Synergy 11 Chestermere Library 12 Chestermere Minor Baseball 13 Indus Recreation Centre
63 Appendix C
Group Survey Participants
# Organization 1 Knights of Columbus 2 Chestermere Chamber of Commerce 3 Chestermere Community Playschool 4 Chestermere Little League 5 Chestermere Minor Hockey 6 Camp Chestermere 7 Chestermere Lakers Hockey Club 8 Castaways Hockey Club 9 Chestermere Curling Association 10 Yoga Studio and Wellness Center 11 Chestermere Area Youth and Community Development Society (Synergy)
64 Appendix D
Recreation Facilities in the Market Area
Ice Arenas
Number Fitness Facility Name Address Municipality of Sheets Centre Father David Bauer and Norma Bush Arenas 2424 University Drive N.W. Calgary 2 Max Bell Centre 1001 Barlow Trail S.E. Calgary 2 Optimist and George Blundun Arenas 5020 26 Avenue S.W. Calgary 2 Rose Kohn and Jimmie Condon Arenas 502 Heritage Drive S.W. Calgary 2 Stew Hendry and Henry Viney Arenas 814 13 Avenue N.E. Calgary 2 Ed Whalen and Joseph Kryczka Arenas 2000 Southland Dr. S.W. Calgary 2 Yes Village Square Arenas 2623 56 St. N.E. Calgary 2 Yes Vivo 11950 Country Village Link N.E. Calgary 2 Yes Ernie Starr Arena 4808 14 Avenue S.E. Calgary 1 Frank McCool Arena 1900 Lake Bonavista Drive S.E. Calgary 1 Murray Copot Arena 6727 Centre Street N.W. Calgary 1 Shouldice Arena 1515 Home Road N.W. Calgary 1 Stu Peppard Arena 5300 19th Street S.W. Calgary 1 Yes University of Calgary Olympic Oval 2500 University Dr. N.W. Calgary 2 Yes Flames Community Arenas 2390 - 47 Ave S.W. Calgary 3 Family Centre Arena 160 Brent Blvd. Strathmore 2 Rocky View Indus Recreation Centre 225155A Range Road 281A 1 County Ron Ebbeson Arena 200 East Lake Crescent Airdrie 1 Plainsmen Arena 320 Centre Avenue Airdrie 1 Genesis Place 800 East Lake Blvd NE Airdrie 2 Yes Pason Centennial Arena 204 Community Way Okotoks 1 Okotoks Recreation Centre 99 Okotoks Drive Okotoks 2 Yes Scott Seaman Sports Rink 32156 Highway 552 E MD of Foothills 1 Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre 201 W Chestermere Dr. Chestermere 2 Yes
65 Indoor Aquatics
Fitness Facility Name Address Municipality Centre Acadia Aquatic & Fitness Centre 9009 Fairmount Dr. S.E. Calgary Yes Beltline Aquatic & Fitness Centre 221 12 Ave. S.W. Calgary Yes Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre 4812 14 Ave. S.E. Calgary Yes Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre 89 Canova Rd. S.W. Calgary Yes Foothills Aquatic Centre 2915 24 Ave. N.W. Calgary Yes Glenmore Aquatic Centre 5330 19 St. S.W. Calgary Yes Inglewood Aquatic Centre 1527 17 Ave. S.E. Calgary Killarney Aquatic & Recreation Centre 1919 29 St. S.W. Calgary Yes Renfrew Aquatic & Recreation Centre 810 13 Ave. N.E. Calgary Yes Shouldice Aquatic Centre 5303 Bowness Rd. N.W. Calgary Southland Leisure Centre 2000 Southland Dr. S.W. Calgary Yes Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre 1520 Northmount Dr. N.W. Calgary Yes Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre 6715 Centre St. N. (N.W.) Calgary Yes Village Square Leisure Centre 2623 56 St. N.E. Calgary Yes Vivo 11950 Country Village Link N.E. Calgary Yes Talisman Centre 2225 Macleod Trail S.E. Calgary Yes University of Calgary Aquatic Centre 2500 University Dr. N.W. Calgary Yes Mount Royal University Aquatic Centre 4825 Mt Royal Gate S.W. Calgary Yes Crowfoot YMCA 8100 John Laurie Blvd N.W. Calgary Yes Gray Family Eau Claire YMCA 101 3 Street S.W. Calgary Yes Saddletowne YMCA 180 7555 Falconridge Blvd NE Calgary Yes Shawnessy YMCA 400 333 Shawville Blvd S.E. Calgary Yes Strathmore Aquatic Centre 130 Brent Blvd. Strathmore Genesis Place 800 East Lake Blvd NE Airdrie Yes Okotoks Recreation Centre 99 Okotoks Drive Okotoks Yes
Field House Facilities Fitness Facility Name Address Municipality Flooring Centre Calgary Soccer Centre 7000 - 48 Street S.E. Calgary Turf Vivo 11950 Country Village Link N.E. Calgary Hardwood Yes Talisman Centre 2225 Macleod Trail S.E. Calgary Hardwood Yes University of Calgary Jack 2500 University Dr. N.W. Calgary Hardwood Yes Simpson Gymnasium Mount Royal University Kenyon Court 4825 Mt Royal Gate S.W. Calgary Hardwood Yes Turf and Genesis Place 800 East Lake Blvd NE Airdrie Yes rubberized Turf and Crescent Point Regional Field House PO Box 50034, Cornerstone Plaza Okotoks Yes rubberized
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