Research and Engagement Report
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TOWN OF MORINVILLE PARKS, RECREATION, CULTURE, AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN Research and Engagement Report March 2019 TOWN OF MORINVILLE PARKS, RECREATION, CULTURE, AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN Research and Engagement Report Summary An overview of the “takeaways” from each section is noted • Morinville households have higher median after tax below. incomes than the provincial average. Residents are also employed in economic sectors that are somewhat less Community Profile volatile than other sectors, providing a stable economic base. Household affluence is likely to affect levels of service • Morinville has a population of nearly 10,000 and has provision and types of recreation and culture amenities/ experienced steady population growth since 2006. This infrastructure expected by residents. growth is likely to continue into the future, given projected economic and population growth projected within the Background Review Edmonton Metropolitan Region overall. • Based on the three possible growth scenarios it is The Town of Morinville has an extensive array of strategic possible that the Town’s population will reach nearly planning documents to help guide decision making. In 28,000 by 2036, nearly tripling its population in 20 years. addition, there are a number of provincial and national policies Accommodating this magnitude of growth will require and initiatives that can influence parks, recreation, and culture careful planning and anticipation of the needs of future planning. The following points outline relevance of other residents. Expanding and developing new infrastructure planning at a local, provincial, and national levels. will be required to accommodate growth. • The Town of Morinville’s plans illustrates support for a • Morinville is perceived as a family-oriented community that is strong quality of life for residents. Recreation and culture affordable, safe, that provides a high-quality of life. The Town’s are important services; significant investment is Municipal Development Plan acknowledges the importance occurring based on sound engagement and planning. of providing appropriate infrastructure needed to support • Planning documents mention recreation and culture such growth and maintain the high-quality of life residents interests, trail connectivity along with heritage have come to expect. preservation as specific development interests. • The Town’s population is relatively young compared to the • The importance of community groups in providing services Alberta average and will likely experience strong natural in Morinville is recognized as is community spirit and population growth due to sizable 0-19 and 25-34 age cohorts. identity – in part through recognition of town history. • The proportion of the Town’s population over the age of 65 Regional partnerships will be key to future service is lower than the provincial average. However, it is likely that provision. this proportion will increase over time. Efforts will need to • It is in the best interests of all stakeholders / sectors / be made to provide infrastructure and services necessary for levels of government to get people active, connected, Morinville residents to “age in place” within their community. and outdoors. In addition, with an aging community comes demands for • Reserve budgeting for recreation and culture facilities more life-long sports and physical activity. is recommended to occur at a rate of 1.7%-2.5% of • Immigration will play an important role in terms of replacement value. population growth in Canada; this is likely to be true for • There needs to be a “physical literacy” conscience in Morinville as well. Providing infrastructure and services Alberta communities. In many cases, a municipality is the to meet an increasingly diverse population should be only organization with perspective and leverage to be a priority. Shifting recreation and culture needs and able to instill principles like physical literacy and long term preferences will likely affect how and what the Town plans athlete development in grass roots programming. for in the future. • Recreation and sport is an avenue for reconciliation. Summary Participation Trends Inventory • Unstructured/spontaneous recreation activities are • The Morinville Leisure Centre (Phase 1) will dramatically among the most popular activities (e.g. walking, bicycling, change the landscape of indoor recreation facilities. drop-in sports). While replacing the arena at the Ray McDonald Sports • ParticipACTION assigned a D-rating for “overall physical Center, it will add fitness space, indoor track, and a activity” of youth and children in Canada; inactivity is a multipurpose fieldhouse type space to the town inventory. concern for all ages groups. It will complement the Curling Club and the Morinville Community Cultural Centre when it opens in 2019. • The use of technology to enhance recreation experiences is becoming more common. • Considering outdoor facilities, town residents are relatively well serviced with the trail system somewhat lagging • There is an expanding variety of program opportunities behind the desires of residents. and demands in Alberta communities. • There is concern about people not spending enough Benchmarking time outdoors. • Morinville is lacking an indoor aquatic facility. The development of the Morinville Leisure Centre (Phase 1) will Service Delivery and Infrastructure Trends and address several of the other deficiencies. Influences • Recreation services are seen as essential, providing social Consultation good and integral life skills for residents. • Household survey • There are decreasing expectations for cost recovery and » Main barriers to participation in programs, activities, and user fees in some communities due to the social return services is lack of awareness (53%), timing of programs associated with recreation services. (45%), and lack of facilities / poor facilities (41%). • Partnerships are becoming more important, including » Over half (54%) of households are very or somewhat regional collaboration. satisfied with programs, activities, and services currently • Some communities are investing in sport tourism. offered in Morinville. • The nature of volunteerism is changing, volunteers are » Trails and pathways are the most utilized outdoor getting burnt out, requiring municipalities to provide infrastructure in Morinville with 86% of households more support. saying they used it in the last year. • Recreation infrastructure across Canada is aging and in – 71% of households are very or somewhat satisfied need of reinvestment, asset management is top of mind with the trail system’s support amenities. for many municipalities. » Over three-quarters (78%) of households used the • Recreation experiences need to be refreshed to remain Morinville Community Cultural Centre in the past year. effective, they must meet modern user expectations. • Groups are demanding higher quality facilities. • Municipal operation of non-traditional facilities, previously left to the private sector or not-for-profit groups (i.e. gymnastics facilities, climbing walls, expanded fitness offerings, etc.). Summary » Approximately two-thirds (61%) of households attended • Stakeholder / community group discussion a major event in Morinville in the past year. » Enhanced communications amongst themselves and – 93% were very or somewhat satisfied with the Town is needed. – 93% said it is very or somewhat important to have » Groups are looking for assistance from the Town major town-wide festivals and events with organizational operational tasks. Not doing » Priorities for facility development or enhancement them but learning how they can manage these tasks themselves. Groups are also looking for assistance with – Indoor communications and marketing, funding and grants, Ĕ Leisure swimming pool and project design and management. Ĕ 25m swimming tank » There is a need for a clear community identity. Ĕ Walking / running track » There are challenges getting enough volunteers which is exacerbated by growth in Morinville resulting in Ĕ Fitness / wellness facility greater demand for programs and services. Ĕ Ice arena facility » Facilities needed: heritage and interpretive elements Ĕ Indoor child playground (outside); pool; teen space; sports fields. Ĕ Leisure ice Ĕ Indoor field facility – Outdoor Ĕ Walking / cycling trail system Ĕ Outdoor pool Ĕ Picnic areas Ĕ Nature / interpretive trails Ĕ Toboggan hills Ĕ Campground Ĕ Water spray parks Ĕ Mountain bike trails Table of Contents 1: Introduction 1 2: Community Profile 2 History & Economy 3 Demographics & Population Projections 3 3: Background Review 6 Local Context 7 Municipal Development Plan 7 2018-2020 Strategic Plan 8 Morinville 2035: Growing Together—Municipal Sustainability Plan (2011) 8 Regional Recreation Facility Master Plan (2013) 9 Regional Recreation Needs Assessment (2016) 10 Historic & Cultural Heritage Policy (2017) 11 Community Recreation Facility Business Case (2017) 11 Provincial Context 11 Municipal Government Act 11 Spirit of Alberta – Alberta’s Cultural Policy 12 Going the Distance: The Alberta Sport Plan (2014-2024) 13 National Context 13 A Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015: Pathways to Wellbeing 13 Sport for Life 14 Let’s Get Moving: A Common Vision for Increasing Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Living in Canada (2018) 15 Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015) 15 Creative Canada (2017) 16 Parks for All 17 Canadian Infrastructure Report Card 17 Table of Contents 4: Trends 18 Participation and