CS-REC-2024/0043 - Recreation, Parks and Culture Community Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis

The City’s Recreation and Culture department is seeking a qualified firm to conduct a Recreation, Parks and Culture Community Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis. Grounded in information and feedback from residents and community groups, the City will understand what the community believes to be the immediate and future recreation, parks and culture needs within the city. For context, recreation and culture is defined, for the purpose of this project, as activities and opportunities that enhance the quality of life of residents. These activities and opportunities occur in both indoor and outdoor environments and include, but are not limited to:
• Sport;
• Recreation;
• Active Living;
• Arts (visual, performing, literary);
• Culture (in its broadest sense);
• Heritage;
• Life-long Learning; and
• Events

The scope of the information sought will include, but not be limited to activities, facilities and services that are:
• Both passive and active;
• For individuals, families and groups;
• Aligned with the diversity and culture of the community;
• Physically accessible and/or inclusive;
• Indoor and outdoor, including parks and sport fields;
• Intended for paid, registered use;
• Intended for spontaneous use; and
• Upcoming trends in programs, spontaneous use, and facilities.

The City has completed many recreation and culture plans and studies throughout the past twenty years, used to guide the development and provision of recreation and culture opportunities in the community.

Following significant growth and subsequent community diversification, it is important to (re)confirm the current needs and gaps for facilities, programs, and services, and identify high-level priorities for future consideration.

With limited municipal resources and community service and facility investments being made, from both private and regional municipal partners, the City must understand the community’s priorities and needs for prudent future investment.