2016
Annual Report Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services
20162016 ANNUAL Annual REPORT Report 1 CONTENTS Message from the Director ...... 4 Business Operations ...... 8
Highlights...... 8
Performance Measures...... 8
Efficiencies...... 9
Innovation...... 9
Goals...... 9
Priorities...... 9 Sustainability...... 10
Highlights...... 10
Performance...... 11
Efficiencies...... 12
Innovation...... 13
Priorities...... 14 Civic Facilities and Arenas...... 15
Performance...... 16
Looking Ahead...... 17 Parks Operations and Planning...... 18
Highlights...... 19
Performance...... 20
Efficiencies...... 21
Innovation...... 21
Goals...... 21 Museum ‑ Arts, Culture, and Heritage...... 22
Highlights...... 22
Performance...... 23
Efficiencies...... 24
Innovation...... 24
Goals...... 24
Priorities...... 24 2 2016 Annual Report
Arts, Culture, and Heritage ...... 25
Highlights...... 25
Performance...... 25
Goals...... 26
Priorities...... 26 Social and Community Development ...... 27
Highlights...... 27
Performance...... 28
Efficiencies...... 29
Innovation...... 29
Goals...... 29
Priorities...... 30 Aquatics ...... 31
Highlights...... 31
Performance...... 32
Efficiencies...... 32
Innovation...... 32
Goals...... 33
Priorities...... 33
Looking Ahead...... 33 Active Living, Health, and Wellness...... 34
Highlights...... 34
Performance...... 37
Goals...... 37
Priorities...... 37
Looking Ahead...... 37 Tournament Capital Program and Special Events ...... 38
Highlights...... 38
Performance...... 42
Efficiencies...... 42
Innovation...... 42
Goals...... 43 2016 Annual Report 3
Priorities...... 43
Testimonials...... 43 4 2016 Annual Report MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services We celebrated our (PRCS) 2016 Annual Report. In 2016, we embraced history and our our mission of “Providing the Opportunities for an community with Outstanding Quality of Life”. Kamloopsians have enjoyed the restoration of what we and our community partners have worked to the Memorial Hill provide and ranked Kamloops at a 94% rating for Quality Cenotaph. This of Life in the recent residents survey. project was made possible through PRCS is responsible for a wide range of services, a donation from a programs, facilities, and grounds operations. We work local donor and was with neighbourhood associations, community groups, coordinated by the not‑for‑profits, and contract programmers to provide the Kamloops Museum services that make up an active Kamloops lifestyle. & Archives. Once again, our local In 2016, our city played host to the IIHF World Women’s arts community went above and beyond, hosting great Hockey Championships. Through this amazing event, events like the annual Film Festival, Emerging Artists Kamloops was showcased to the world. This event Exhibition, and the Festival of the Performing Arts. concluded with a full house match‑up between Canada and the USA. We hosted another big event, Hockey Day All the best, in Canada, which brought Ron MacLean and Don Cherry to Kamloops for four days of celebration of Canada’s game. The week featured former NHL stars and over 1,200 hockey fans filling the Tournament Capital Centre for a lunchtime gathering to share hockey stories. These events demonstrated how Kamloops residents are willing to step up to accomplish amazing results. Our city enjoys many opportunities, from RibFest to Overlanders Day, Byron McCorkell through partnerships between local residents and the City.
Our staff handled approximately 500,000 transactions, answered over 6,800 phone calls on our registration line (resulting in 12,500 registrations), and led over 24,000 aquatic and fitness classes.
We focused on making Kamloops more sustainable and embraced the three areas of concern ‑ Social, Environmental, and Economic ‑ featured in the Sustainable Kamloops Plan. We worked to provide learning opportunities such as the Green Living Expo, which is an annual event featuring nearly 40 exhibitors displaying a variety of topics. Kamloops is headed in the right direction with greenhouse gas reduction efforts; however, there is more work to do. We are excited by the willingness of Kamloopsians to learn and make changes to benefit our city in the long term. 2016 Annual Report 5
Annual Report Summary
Administration Debt Development and Annual Report Summary $92.12 - 3% $103.41 - 4% Engineering Services $162.11 - 5%
Capital $174.99 - 6%
Public Works and Utilities Parks, Recreation, and $1,228.51 - 41% Cultural Services $397.52 - 13%
Corporate Services and Community Safety $821.07 - 28%
Administration Debt Development and Engineering Services Capital Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Corporate Services and Community Safety Public Works and Utilities
Other Cultural Centres $1.15 Housing / Homelessness $3.46 Old Courthouse $3.98 Cemeteries $4.15 School Recreation Facilities $5.36 Sagebrush Theatre $6.15 BC Wildlife Park $10.18 Sustainability $10.63 Museum $11.48 Sandman Centre $12.82 Pools $12.91 Art Gallery $14.52 Health & Sport Development $14.78 Social & Community Development $21.71 Tournament Capital Centre/Canada Games Pool $24.30 Arenas $26.25 Arts, Culture, and Heritage $28.74 Facilities $54.46 Parks $130.49 6 2016 Annual Report 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 2016 $321.10 $1,969.83 2015 $308.58 $1,894.21 2014 $294.34 $1,811.62 2013 $289.55 $1,756.22 Parks, Recreation, Cultureand (normalized) Linear (City) 2012 $276.48 $1,673.53 Core Services Core 2011 $275.26 $1,637.44 Tax on Average Assessement Average on Tax 2010 $286.40 $1,583.12 2009 $297.22 $1,552.27 2008 $261.96 $1,509.33 City % of City Taxes Linear (Parks, Recreation, Cultureand (normalized)) 2007 $288.28 $1,460.70 $0 $800 $600 $400 $200 $2,000 $1,800 $1,600 $1,400 $1,200 $1,000 2016 Annual Report 7 2016 $7,422,269 $16,244,966 2015 $7,375,221 $15,651,336 2014 $7,507,920 Linear (Normalized other revenue) other (Normalized Linear $15,102,149 2013 $7,515,151 $14,829,191 2012 $7,319,172 $14,196,999 Linear (Normalized tax revenue) 2011 $7,103,658 $13,937,488 Revenue Growth Revenue 2010 $7,029,681 $14,398,773 Normalized other revenue other Normalized 2009 $6,971,240 $14,769,409 2008 $7,058,798 $12,942,538 Normalized tax revenue tax Normalized 2007 $5,770,339 $14,116,990 $0 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 8 2016 Annual Report BUSINESS OPERATIONS
The Business Operations Section is responsible for welcoming customer service to our patrons and business managing all of the PRCS business contracts and daily partners. cash operation. We strive to provide knowledgeable and Highlights • In honour of the 419 Squadron’s 75th Anniversary and Council in July 2016 to celebrate the history of and the recipients of the “Freedom of the City” award the squadron and its tremendous relationship with (1993), a parade and gala event was hosted by Mayor the City. Over 200 delegates attended the event.
Performance Measures • At the end of 2017, the Class software will be • 2016 TCC Highlights: replaced after 15 years in use. In 2016, the City ‑ 5,793 hours of operation joined a recreation software consortium with 22 ‑ 496,433 front counter transactions municipalities (21 in BC and one in Alberta) to identify ‑ 6,869 phone calls through our registration line a new recreation software program. ‑ 4,604 online registrations (4% increase from 2015) ‑ The lead proponent has been chosen, and the ‑ 62 business contracts consortium has moved forward to negotiate a ‑ 19,936 monthly and annual full‑facility access joint contract. An estimated savings of $130,000 memberships in the first year and $270,000 over five years will be realized. • A new security camera system for Tournament Capital Centre (TCC) was installed to provide enhanced building coverage and improved safety for the public and staff. ‑ A full review of 2014 Recreation Facilities Fees, Charges, and Regulations Bylaw No. 35‑82 was conducted. A base of 5% increase across the board was approved for 2017, 2019, and 2021, and will commence January 1, 2017 2016 Annual Report 9
Efficiencies • At Sandman Centre, an expanded Liquor Licence the Finance Department, and the Purchasing and and other efficiencies were implemented to better Inventory Control Division regarding the Class manage customer flow and improve customer recreation software replacement to prepare for the service, including patios and the ability to order in consortium RFP requirements lounges and take alcohol to either the bowl or private • Parking patrol time periods were reduced at TCC to suites. only peak times (Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am‑5:00 pm). • A joint inter‑department project group was formed • Key partner signage was completed for the Sage with PRCS, the Information Technology Division, Sport Institute. Innovation • piloted a winter indoor farmers’ market on Sandman Centre concourse on Wednesday mornings during 2016‑2017 • increased accessibility for wellness patrons who utilize assistance dogs • introduction of making sustainable, reusable swim diapers available for purchase at the front desk as an option for patrons of Canada Games Aquatic Centre (CGAC), as part of our goal to reduce waste Goals • research technology that will improve how quickly customers can access programs and venues • completely transition formal business documents into KRIMSON to facilitate improved tracking and contract renewal • secure full rental of Sandman Centre suites for Patrons with an assistance dog 2017/18 season • transition to new PRCS recreation software in mid‑2017 • improve food and beverage services for our parks and facilities, including identifying a long‑term concessionaire or solution for TCC in 2017 Priorities • options that enhance the customer service in our facilities and programs • Canada 150 celebrations in 2017
TRU Convocation 10 2016 Annual Report SUSTAINABILITY
The Sustainability Section helps City staff and all Kamloops residents to make sustainable choices in the way we live, learn, work, and play together. Highlights • REALice® Installation at Brock Arena awareness and education, such as a speaker series that featured presentations on growing organics, In July 2016, REALice® technology was installed active living, electric vehicles, and solar energy for at the Brock Arena, which is a simple retrofit that homes. (Photo Green Living Expo Collage) can remove micro air bubbles from ambient water (50°F/10°C). REALice® makes it possible to flood • Rain Barrel Promotion Program the ice and create hard, resilient ice without the The City entered a co‑operative partnership with conventional use of heated water. Brock Arena Enviro World Corporation to offer rain barrels at a operates approximately 310 days per year and competitive price of $55 per unit. Over 860 residents provided the greatest potential savings opportunity pre‑ordered 1,246 rain barrels. with an expected reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 26 carbon tonnes/year. This will reduce the arena’s energy consumption by 251,666 ekWh per year, which is equivalent to the energy used by nine BC households per year, and will result in annual energy savings of $15,030. • Sustainability Newsletter
The Sustainability newsletter, which is now also distributed to the public, offers quarterly updates to 775 members on the City’s sustainability initiatives and events. • Green Living Expo
The City hosted the first Green Living Expo on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at the Sandman Centre. Over 2,000 people attended the free public event, which focused on the promotion and education of environmental, social, and economic sustainability in our community. A total of 36 registered exhibitors displayed a variety of green living topics, including activities that promoted sustainability through 2016 Annual Report 11
Performance • Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program
The City’s GHG emissions were reduced by 4.3% from 8,379 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2014 to 8,029 tonnes CO2e in 2015, primarily due to decreased natural gas usage (energy savings in buildings). In 2015, the City’s corporate GHG emissions were 5.8% lower than the 2007 baseline.
• The ECOSmart Team consists of four university students who teach about sustainability issues, such as water, energy conservation, and waste management, in a fun and interactive way.
Public ECOSmart Sustainability Total Education Team Educator Opportunity Participants Participants 13 Schools 2,600 3,663 6,263 10 Camps 832 832 Community 129 129 Groups Events 4,428 2,366 6,794 Total: 7,860 6,158 14,018
• Over 200 children and their parents learned about ECOSmart Team water quality and water conservation at the Children’s Art Festival. 12 2016 Annual Report
• Hundreds of people participated in the annual World • 717 residents were educated on the importance of Rivers Day event at Riverside Park, and multiple bags water conservation and the use of rain barrels at the of litter were cleaned up from the river’s shores. spring home show. • As part of a promotion during Waste Reduction Week, 640 residents learned how to reduce their solid waste how to downsize their garbage containers.
2016 World Rivers Day
Efficiencies 2016 World Rivers Day • TCC Waste Audit ‑ a 1,000% reduction per capita paper towel use
Since the implementation of “zero waste” stations at Reusable cloths to wipe down equipment in the gym TCC, there has been: facility were used rather than paper towels, which has ‑ a 19% increase in per capita diversion from reduced paper towel use to just 7 kg per week from landfill rate 70 kg. ‑ a 13% decrease in garbage per capita
Waste Audit 2016 Annual Report 13
Innovation • Climate Action Fund 24 kW solar photovoltaic array is expected to harvest 28,800 kWh of electricity per year. The City received A new process was established for all staff to be able a grant of $30,855 from the Ministry of Energy and to apply for funds received from the Climate Action Mines through its Community Energy Leadership Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP). The annual Program (CELP). $42,645 was used from CARIP and $225,000 pool is available for projects that will: the remainder was funded by a portion of the West ‑ decrease the City’s corporate GHG emissions Highlands Park project budget, for a total project ‑ achieve progress towards one or more specific expenditure of $99,000. The system will generate measures of success (target), as outlined in the approximately $2,800 in annual revenue, providing Sustainable Kamloops Plan (SKP) a return on net investment of 4.73% when the CELP grant is taken into account. In addition to energy Sixteen project proposals were received, and 13 of savings, the highly visible solar array will create these proposals were presented and considered opportunities for the City to engage nearby residents by the Sustainability Advisory Committee. Final and park visitors in the benefits of renewable energy consideration will take place in early 2017. as well as the other sustainable initiatives at work in • Solar System at West Highlands Park the park. The renovated West Highlands Park Community Centre is home to the largest solar project in Kamloops’ history. Commissioned in March 2016, the
West Highlands Community Centre 14 2016 Annual Report
Priorities • Idling Reduction Campaign
City staff developed an anti‑idling program and engagement campaign with both corporate‑ and community‑based components. A corporate‑based social marketing approach was used to engage supervisors, mechanics, and 25 fleet drivers across the City’s seven departments in the development of the idling reduction guidelines. • Wood Stove Exchange Program
Sustainability Services established an inter‑departmental task force to research best practices and assess options to address wood stove pollution, including the potential to facilitate the Wood Stove Exchange Program in fall 2017, which was a priority of the 2012 Airshed Management Plan. • Sustainable Kamloops Plan ‑ Progress Update Report
Based on input from the Sustainability Advisory Committee, staff redesigned the reporting tool used to track and communicate progress on the SKP to make it more accessible to readers by simplifying its format and function. This project is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2017. • Corporate Energy Management
Based on the City’s Strategic Energy Management Plan, key priorities are to release the Water Distribution Study, deliver energy management training to key operations personnel, conduct a lighting audit at the TCC, and support a successful Continuous Optimization Program at the Sandman Centre, TCC, and McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre (pending funding). • Sustainable Events Program
In 2016, staff conducted waste audits and engaged with stakeholders at Canada Day, Ribfest, and a Blazers game. The data collected provides a baseline and reveals opportunities for improving the sustainability of events from large scale public events to business meetings. 2016 Annual Report 15 CIVIC FACILITIES AND ARENAS
Civic facilities and arenas staff share the same goal: to provide safe, clean, and well‑maintained facilities for the enjoyment of all users and facility partners. With a dedicated team of Recreation Facility Attendants, Crew Leaders, and Caretakers, we operate one curling rink, six ice sheets, 17 administrative and cultural buildings, and 70 other buildings and structures.
In preparation for the 2016 IIHF Women's World Hockey Championships, the City built a new dressing room and renovated the carpet and floors at the Valley First Lounge in the Sandman Centre. 16 2016 Annual Report
To enhance the experiences of our building users in 2016, • repaired and re‑surfaced the Heritage House entry we ramp to improve public accessibility and safety. • completed construction of the West Highlands Community Centre • started the Westsyde Pool Renovation Project
• installed wheelchair ramps at Valleyview and Brock Arenas to improve accessibility for disabled participants
Westsyde Pool Performance • completed CGAC pool air handling units and roof • installed a snow pit ice melt system at McArthur access repairs Island Arena that reuses waste heat from compressors • refurbished the TCC lobby change rooms in response • purchased a new electric edger for Memorial Arena to customer feedback that improves ice surface quality along the boards • installed a new security camera surveillance system at • installed high‑efficiency LED lighting in the Sandman TCC Centre marquee sign, the north exit lights, and the • installed a new heat pump in Valley First Lounge service lights (former Parkside Lounge) to improve user comfort at • staged an ice production start‑up sequence at the Sandman Centre Sandman Centre to reduce electricity consumption • enhanced energy efficiency measures: and peak demand charges ‑ repaired the TCC geothermal loop that heats • installed a new high efficiency domestic water boiler and cools the Fieldhouse area, using natural at Valleyview Arena, which will reduce operating geothermal energy from under the Hillside costs in 2017 Stadium turf field ‑ converted TCC’s lobby lights to LED, which will reduce annual maintenance and hydro costs going forward ‑ replaced anodes in TCC domestic hot water tanks 2016 Annual Report 17
Looking Ahead • complete repairs and retrofits on the BC Sheep Breeders Building to enhance the Kamloops Museum & Archives’ usable storage capacity • implement energy efficiency measures at the Sandman Centre, as identified in the BC Hydro funded Continuous Optimization Program • install new high‑efficiency pool water boilers at Brock Pool, which will be more efficient and will help to lower operating costs • complete a roof and building sustainability audit of our civic buildings, develop a roof replacement funding strategy, and formulate a 20 year replacement plan • continue progress on the hazardous materials assessment and abatement of civic buildings • develop a five‑year Capital plan for each building in the civic building inventory • install a new high‑efficiency domestic water boiler at Memorial Arena, which will reduce operating costs in 2017 • modernize the City’s mechanical systems in recreation facilities to improve efficiencies in operation 18 2016 Annual Report PARKS OPERATIONS AND PLANNING
Staff in the Parks Operations and Planning Section are or taking children to soccer at McArthur Island Park, the passionate about providing outstanding parks and City's parks and playfields offer residents and visitors a sports fields to help improve quality of life for Kamloops chance to enjoy the outdoors. residents. Whether walking on the Rivers Trail with friends 2016 Annual Report 19
Highlights Parks and playfields: Parks and Capital Project staff collaborated on the • 83 parks construction of a new, completely accessible, gender neutral public washroom on the west exterior of Heritage • 70 sports fields House in Riverside Park. The City obtained a $50,000 • 82 Kilometres of trails grant from the federal government Enabling Accessibility Fund that includes an automated door, Braille signage, a • 4 water parks child height sink, wheelchair accessible fixtures, and an • 1 wading pool infant change table to support people of all abilities. • 41 hard surface courts • 41 playgrounds
One of the major highlights of 2016 for arboriculture was the adoption of the City’s Urban Forestry Management Strategy. Adopted by Council in 2016, it provides the framework for decisions regarding the management of the City’s urban forest, with the goal of enhancing the urban forest over time.
The 2016 BC Tree Climbing Championships were hosted in Riverside Park. Arborists from BC and Washington came together to compete in events designed to test the skills of working arborists. The event was a great success, and competitors and spectators raved about the venue.
Riverside Park 20 2016 Annual Report
The new McDonald Spray Park opened in July. Over 500 residents gathered on opening day to enjoy the amenities.
McDonald Spray Park Performance At events like the Green Living Expo and World Rivers Day, City arborists worked with community groups and school groups to plant trees and educate people about the benefits of trees in our city. Rotary members and students planted over 750 seedlings in our parks.
The Nature Parks team, in conjunction with WildSafeBC, welcomed community speakers to public presentations. Over 500 public and School District No. 73 (SD73) students enjoyed organized nature walks full of historical and natural data on subjects such as bats, snakes, predators, urban ungulates (e.g. deer), the night sky, trees, and wildlife detectives.
Parks crews worked with numerous classes from SD73 to plant over 2,000 seedlings and pull more than 50 bags of weeds from Kenna Cartwright Nature Park. Staff added over 5 km of trails in the Bunker Road/Sagebrush area of Kenna Cartwright Park to connect trails from Thompson Rivers University. Connectivity was improved in Kenna Cartwright Park by extending two major trails, and eight new trails were designated in the Valleyview Nature Park. 2016 Annual Report 21
Efficiencies Staff worked to reduce the threat of interface fires by continued to use new techniques to rehabilitate trails updating the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. and other sites in the nature parks, including trial uses High‑risk fuel loading areas were decreased by removing of different grass species and various ground covers over four tonnes of flammable materials in the Kenna and interesting ways of camouflaging rehabilitated and Cartwright and Dallas/Barnhartvale Nature Parks. Crews closed areas.
City Arborists Innovation Staff worked with a Natural Resource Science graduate effects of hand‑pulling, biologicals, spraying, cutting and student to develop a study on the effective treatment of wicking, and preemergent herbicides, and comparing Dalmatian Toadflax, which is an invasive plant species. results to a control group. 150 trees were planted in the In total, 36 plots were established to investigate the city to increase the overall tree canopy. Goals • complete a fully‑functioning wetlands in Dufferin Park • rehabilitate disturbed areas around West Highlands Park 22 2016 Annual Report MUSEUM ‑ ARTS, CULTURE, AND HERITAGE
The Museum Section’s vision is to be the mirror of sense of the present by moving imaginatively into the Kamloops and to build our cultural community. We seek future. to inspire the community, preserve the past, and make
Highlights • Ground Control ‑ April 22‑August 20, 2016
The Kamloops Museum & Archives (KMA) presented Ground Control ‑an exhibition exploring skateboard culture, with a focus on Kamloops. Over 230 visitors were in attendance on opening night for the live skate competition that was hosted by legendary professional skateboarder Kevin Harris. 2016 Annual Report 23
• Morris Lum Re: Recording Chinese Histories ‑ September 9, 2016‑Feburary 25, 2017
The KMA introduced a new project in collaboration with Toronto‑based photographer Morris Lum to investigate our collection and archives as a way to explore the history of the Chinese community in Kamloops • Species at Risk ‑ Saturday, July 9, 2016
The KMA hosted the Royal BC Museum’s travelling exhibit Species at Risk at the Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market, with over 800 farmers’ market visitors. This exhibit visited Kamloops to share the discussion about “what BC could lose if we don’t make big changes to our relationship with the natural • Saturday Morning Club ‑ Spring and Fall 2016 world.” Saturday Morning Club offered an exciting array of fun, activity‑based programs that were inspired by the wonderful world around us and shared in a museum environment. Over the duration of eight Saturdays in the spring and again in the fall, the Saturday Morning Club had 129 participants. Children enjoyed experimenting with lights and mirrors, exploring new technology, and solving museum mysteries one artifact at a time.
Performance • 230 Kamloops residents attended the opening of the • 1,193 students and teachers educated by our school temporary exhibit Ground Control. programs. • 478 people participated in educational presentations • 228 visitors participated in 14 KMA tours. from the KMA. • 47 schools participated in museum school programs. 24 2016 Annual Report
Efficiencies • KMA added 10 new LED lights to the archives room management database to allow the museum to to save energy and offer UV protection to assist in the continue to improve its efficiency in managing preservation of paper documents. the archival and artifact collection to a museology • KMA staff collaborated with the Information standard. Technology Division to develop a collections Innovation KMA innovation is generated through an integrated • worked with the Business Analysis Services Section public engagement strategy, cultural leadership, and to develop a new database system for the continued community development. inventory of the artifact collection • introduced a custom‑made skateboard ramp that was • developed the Talking Walls Project, a pop‑up exhibit a featured program element for the Ground Control at City Hall that celebrates the 150th anniversary of exhibit, which highlighted Kamloops skateboard Canadian Confederation culture Goals • continue to improve our patrons’ experiences • increase the number of visitors to KMA special events • strengthen the capacity of our education and • continue to strengthen our community partnerships accessibility policies
Priorities • Kamloops Cenotaph Restoration Project ‑ 2016
The KMA was honoured to be part of the Kamloops Cenotaph Restoration Project, which is very close to completion. The four clock faces and the new mechanism have been installed. The clock’s initiation will occur in early 2017 in consultation with the military community. This will mark the first time in history that the Cenotaph will have a functioning clock. The KMA is thankful for support from the local community, private donors, and all those who have been part of this initiative. Lest we forget. Cenotaph Before Cenotaph After 2016 Annual Report 25
• Talking Walls Project ‑ 2016 and Canadians celebrate and reflect on our values, our cultures, and our stories. The Talking Walls Project The KMA contributed to the myKamloops 2017 was born from this initiative. It is an exhibition that calendar through a series of archival photographs extends our local with artifacts and images from the and stories highlighting Canada 150 as Kamloopsians KMA’s collection. ARTS, CULTURE, AND HERITAGE
The City has fostered very strong relationships with local Kamloops continues to build its cultural profile and cultural groups through service agreements and grants connections as organizations of all sizes mirror positive to deliver programming and events that enrich the engagement, participation, and support. quality of life in Kamloops. Highlights • The Kamloops Film Festival celebrated its • The Kamloops Festival of Performing Arts committee 20th anniversary with a week of Canadian and confirmed an award to host the Provincial and international films and events. A new partnership National Festival of Performing Arts in June 2017. with Tourism Kamloops to promote the festival was • Luminosity returned to the Kamloops Art Gallery very successful. exhibition program in fall 2016, animating numerous • The Kamloops Arts Council’s annual Emerging Artist public spaces in the downtown. Exhibition had its highest participation ever, spilling • As part of the 2016 North Shore Business out of the Old Courthouse and into the Annex Improvement Association's Overlanders Day family north of the Courthouse, with 255 submissions. The fun festival, the City was chosen as a limited number quality of the submissions and a record number of national sites to host, "The Tragically Hip ‑ A of sponsorships helped set a new standard for this National Celebration" live‑streaming at McDonald important initiative. and Riverside Parks. The event welcomed over 5,000 • Western Canada Theatre introduced a new Artistic citizens for this farewell concert. Director, James MacDonald, and the Kamloops Art • Choral Rhapsody, a free event for people 55 years of Gallery appointed Margaret Chrumka as the new age and older at the Sagebrush Theatre, was at 100% Executive Director. capacity for its 42nd year. Performance • Arts, culture, and heritage offerings continued to show strong participation and revenue. Western Canada Theatre averaged over 85% ticket sales in its Mainstage Program and Kamloops Symphony Orchestra averaged over 75% ticket sales in its Classic Series. • Cultural service agreements reflect strong participation numbers from partner organizations and contributed to an increase in Culture Days events from 18 offerings in 2015 to 26 in 2016.
Mayor's Gala for the Arts 26 2016 Annual Report
Efficiencies • A growing number of cultural events and initiatives reflect partnerships and joint fundraising and have resulted in broader capacity building and benefits. Goals • Establish the planning framework to engage the • Continue to work with the Kamloops Arts public in a review and update of the Cultural Strategic Commission to review the public art policy and the Plan and the potential to reposition a Performing mural application process within Graffiti Control Arts Centre to address the pent up demand for Bylaw No. 25‑5. performance space and a venue with seating capacity over 1,000. Priorities • continue to grow our cultural infrastructure • develop a sustainable cultural showcase that supports events to support the overall participant experience
Music in the Park 2016 Annual Report 27 SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Social and Community Development Section builds policy analysis, research, organizing, problem solving, and a strong and healthy community by focusing on people innovation. We recognize the importance of integrating and diversity, equity, social and economic justice, and social, economic, and environmental considerations into active civic participation. Activities include advocacy, community problem solving. Highlights • assisted 1,233 participants (861 adults and 372 under 19) with 33 referral partner organizations through the 2015‑2016 Accessible Recreation for Community Health (ARCH) program • initiated the City’s Accessibility and Inclusion Policy Project, which received a $15,000 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities to support the project, created a community project team, and hosted 15 conversations with staff teams and community organizations • provided Social Planning Grants totalling $65,218 to 15 community organizations • $462,337 was provided to community partners to support community gardens, John Tod Centre, SHOP (Social and Health Options for Persons in the sex trade program), and the Kamloops Food Bank Society • hosted the 6th Annual Community Association Forum, which was attended by 75 participants from 13 community associations • supported the start‑up of the Brocklehurst Community Association • implemented the Food and Urban Agriculture Plan action item with the Animal Control Bylaw amendment to support the keeping of urban hens • Collaborated with Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market Society to extend the market season indoors to Sandman Centre 28 2016 Annual Report
• administered $974,497 into community projects • proclaimed October 9‑15, 2016, as Homelessness targeted to end homelessness in the community on Action Week, and in partnership with the HomeFree behalf of Service Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Collective, staff participated in delivering Project Strategy Connect ‑ an information and engagement fair for • worked with Parks staff and the Safety Division, in street‑entrenched and marginalized individuals ‑ consultation with the My Place Drop‑in Program, which welcomed 32 service providers and over 200 to install sharps disposal bins in six locations in City guests parks or adjacent buildings • participated in the annual Point‑in‑Time count on • formed the Community Action Team, which includes October 13 to identify and connect with people members from the RCMP, Bylaw Enforcement, experiencing homelessness in Kamloops, which business improvement associations, not‑for‑profit surveyed 100 people and staff prepared a final report organizations, and other levels of government, with further analysis to take a solution‑focused approach to address • participated in planning Canada’s first Youth community challenges and concerns related to street Homelessness Count with the A Way Home activity Committee, and assisted in collating and analysing the data. Performance 10 new and existing adapted recreation programs were • I CAN Soccer (soccer for kids with autism) offered: There was a combined 221 weeks of adapted • hockey programming with 264 participants in 2016. • skating With Homelessness Partnering Strategy funds in • swimming November, 26 additional housing units received funding • yoga to deliver services and supports under a Housing First • wheelchair basketball Model. • Zumba®
• Junior Adapted Hockey (2017) • I CAN Play Sports (introduction to soccer, basketball, and gym‑based games for kids with autism) in partnership with the Canucks Autism Network • I CAN Be Active (introduction to movement and sports skills for kids with autism) 2016 Annual Report 29
Efficiencies A Kamloops Youth Services map was developed. HomeFree Collective to develop affordable housing and end homelessness in Kamloops. The section continued to support Service Canada through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. Staff The Social Planning Grant application was updated to administered the Housing First funding to not‑for‑profit provide greater efficiency in submission of applications organizations, including support and resources for the and review by the Social Planning Council. Innovation Social and Community Development is focused on parks building the capacity of the community through the • Accessible Kamloops webpage on the City’s website, support of municipal government tools and community which includes information on: partnerships. As a result, our section is continually ‑ accessible transportation, recreation and exploring new ways to support how residents are accessibility on the web engaging in our community and with local government. ‑ accessible recreation • Let’s Go activity books ‑ photo books to help prepare • Launched the Kamloops Landlords’ Handbook ‑ a children with autism for the sights and sounds they resource for landlords, property managers, and other might experience when visiting our facilities and stakeholders in the private and public sector Goals Continuing to work with the community to fulfill the • explore poverty reduction strategies following goals: • increase the number of affordable housing units in Kamloops • administer the Homelessness Partnering Strategy • establish accessibility and inclusion policies within the City of Kamloops • continue to implement the Food and Urban Agriculture Plan • strengthen the capacity of our city’s community associations • provide a review of the Kamloops Social Plan’s progress since 2009 30 2016 Annual Report
Priorities To support our goals we will be making the following a priority: • conduct a review of the 2009 Social Plan • Accessibility and Inclusion Policy project • launch an RFP to support the creation of new affordable housing units on City owned property • continue to work with community on goals within the Food and Urban Agriculture Plan • continue to manage and deliver the federal government Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding into the community, with a focus on Housing First initiatives • explore the opportunity to launch a low income transit access program 2016 Annual Report 31 AQUATICS
The Aquatics Program Section provides water safety aquatic recreation. Our mandate is to develop lifelong education, drowning prevention services, and enjoyable swimmers and community lifesavers. Highlights This year, the children and families of Kamloops residents The Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre roof repair enjoyed spring break by visiting the Star Wars Spring project began in August 2016. A community survey was Break event at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre (CGAC). distributed online and at several civic facilities to ask what Daily swims brought in over 2,600 swimmers. improvements residents were looking for in the WSP. Over 400 responded to the survey. The repair of the roof structure involved removing nine 70‑ft. glulam beams (glue‑laminated lumber) to be reused for future projects in our parks.
The Aquatics Program Section hosted 13 aquatic swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, triathlon, and water polo tournaments. A total of 4,045 athletes attended various meets throughout the year. The 2016 BC High School Swimming Championship was a high‑energy event in November, with 801 swimmers visiting the CGAC. The top SD73 team was the South Kamloops Titans, which placed 14th out of almost 80 high school teams.
Westsyde Pool Construction 32 2016 Annual Report
Performance The CGAC’s upper mezzanine was outfitted with new retractable bleachers for spectator viewing. The additional seating brings the capacity for spectators up to between 650 and 700 seats. With the success of the Aquatics Tournament Capital program, the new bleachers have improved the visitor experience for those attending meets at the venue. Efficiencies During the annual maintenance shutdown, the CGAC’s main pool tank was cleaned and treated without draining the water from tank. This procedure saved 2,520,488 L of water! Innovation The addition of red and yellow beach flags at either end of the swimming area at Riverside Park beach, along with appropriate signage, has raised the bar of public awareness on safe places to swim. Water rescues were drastically reduced at Riverside Park during the 2016 season due to this drowning prevention awareness initiative. Less than five water rescues were performed under the water. Without hesitation, your lifeguard Eric, in comparison to 31 in 2015. Riverside Park is the only was in the water and had my son safe before I could even beachfront in BC to adopt the International Lifesaving process what was happening. I realize his job is to have a Federation’s standards. quick reaction but the little time it took him to respond was truly amazing! He is a wonderful employee to have working Quote: “My family was vacationing in Kamloops last week for you. Although we did speak with him and thank him and we spent the afternoon at Riverside Park on Wednesday, in person, please pass along our appreciation again. As a July 6. My 6 year old son, who cannot swim, was about belly side note, my son has been enrolled in Swimming Lessons button deep in the water when he lost his footing and went starting in September!” Goodfellow Family ~ Airdrie, AB 2016 Annual Report 33
Goals Our goal for 2016 was to increase service levels at Brock Outdoor Pool in light of the permanent closure of McDonald Park Pool and the construction project at Westsyde Pool. We achieved great success by extending operational hours by 60 additional hours (10%) and teaching extra swimming classes. 818 swimming classes were offered at the Brock Pool, in comparison to 483 classes in 2015 (an increase of 59%). Lesson revenue exceeded $23,000 for the months of July and August as compared to $17,190 in 2015. Priorities Our priority is safety in and around the water. We provide water safety education, drowning prevention services, and enjoyable aquatic recreation. Aquatics staff continue to administer the Public Access Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program. We Lifeguards attended numerous aquatic incidents, have placed new AED units at the Kamloops Tennis including public relations, water rescues, first aid, and Club, Kamloops Centre for Water Quality, the Kamloops resuscitation. Our team has regular skill development Sewage Treatment Centre, and the BC Wildlife Park. Our sessions throughout the year to maintain top‑level team trains over 100 City staff annually throughout the expertise. organization in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED. Looking Ahead In summer 2017, Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre will reopen. We are keen to launch some new and exciting programming options and unveil an enhanced fitness centre.
Swim to Survive Plus for grade 7 students will be possible due to a $10,000 grant received from the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch via the Thompson Okanagan TELUS Community Board. The aim of this program is to teach survival and lifesaving skills to over 400 students at no cost to SD73 or the parents. 34 2016 Annual Report ACTIVE LIVING, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS
Building a healthy community requires collaboration and in healthy living throughout our community in recreation committed partnerships. Using an inclusive approach, and cultural facilities, community centres, and arenas. we enrich community life through promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Citizens have opportunities to engage
GranFondo Mother and Baby Hiking Program Highlights • Approximately 600 participants attended more than • The annual Indoor GranFondo and Family Festival 10 new and 68 existing active living programs, such is a Family Day celebration that encourages families as Cleaning Naturally, Food Preserving/Canning, and to play together. The event had 29 community and Gardening Best Practices, in partnership with our family focused booths that engaged over 1,800 Parks Operations Section, our Sustainability Section, participants in a variety of activities, including art, and several community organizations. science, gymnastics, sports, and a tea party with • In partnership with SD73, over 950 hours of princesses. instruction in after school programs engaged 1,692 under‑served youth in 10 elementary schools and the Boys & Girls Club of Kamloops. This year, a case study was conducted to evaluate five key developmental areas: physical, creative, emotional, social, and competency to demonstrate improved stamina in physical activities. • Additionally, Getting to Know Your Community (a partnered event) brought approximately 1,000 grade 7‑12 students and their teachers from 18 SD73 schools to TCC to create positive school cultures by working with community partners in a relevant and meaningful manner. The program message was Family Fun Day “thriving people create thriving communities”. 2016 Annual Report 35
• National Health and Fitness Day (NHFD) is an initiative to make Canada the fittest nation on earth. Kamloops residents celebrated NHFD with 12 local organizations by offering a variety of classes and free facility access. The City, in partnership with Kamloops Hot Yoga and PacificSport Interior BC, offered an outdoor yoga class and kids’ fun zone in McDonald Park. Senator Nancy Greene Raine was in attendance to welcome the 80 yoga participants. • Two events were held in partnership with Chartwell Ridgepointe and the Kamloops Seniors Village Retirement Concepts. ‑ The Seniors Picnic had close to 400 seniors engage in a variety of arts and crafts and physical activities ‑ Over 583 seniors enjoyed the 43rd Annual Seniors Christmas Light Tour as they visited and socialized while enjoying the holiday festivities.
Physical Literacy
Seniors' Picnic 36 2016 Annual Report
A O CE O P E E TIO The Strategic Health Alliance (SHA) is a partnership between the City and nterior Health. Heading into its 8th year, this uni ue partnership is one of only three of its kind in Canada. The City has a funded contract with nterior Health to assist with rehabilitative exercise programming and to build capacity through facility use and program development. TOTA PA TICIPA T ISITS 6