background report - tiny documents/recreation...background report recreation is defined as, “the...

TOWNSHIP OF TINY RECREATION MASTER PLAN

BACKGROUND REPORTFEBRUARY, 2018

Submitted by:

Mehak, Kelly & Associates Inc.thinc design

Liem Strategic Integration Inc.

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BACKGROUND REPORT

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Community Profile 2

2.1 Geographic Context 2

2.2 Socio-demographic Profile 42.2.1 Current and Future Population 42.2.2 Regional Population Profile 82.2.3 Master Plan Inquiries 10

3.0 Corporate Policy Context 11

3.1 Official Plans 123.1.1 County of Simcoe Official Plan (2016) 123.1.2 Township of Tiny Official Plan (draft August 2016) 133.1.3 Township of Tiny Strategic Plan (2015-2020) 153.1.4 Township of Tiny Local Aging Plan (2017) 163.1.5 Township of Tiny Multi-year Accessibility Plan (2016-2020) 183.1.6 Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan (2011) and Trails Wayfinding Master Plan (2016) 183.1.7 Recreation Master Plan (2006) 18

4.0 Recreation and Parks Services 19

4.1 Service Delivery 194.1.1 Current Picture 194.1.2 Master Plan Inquiries 25

4.2 Parks, Trails and Open Space 304.2.1 Current Picture 304.2.2 Master Plan Inquiries 50

4.3 Facilities 544.3.1 Current Picture 544.3.2 Master Plan Inquiries 58

4.4 Programs and Activities 614.4.1 Current Picture 614.4.2 Master Plan Inquiries 69

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BACKGROUND REPORT

5.0 Healthy Active Living 73

5.1 Healthy Active Living (HAL) Described 73

5.2 Current Approaches and Issues/Opportunities for Consideration 755.2.1 Implemented or In Process Strategies 755.2.2 New Strategies for Consideration 785.3.3 Strengthening Partnerships 80

Appendices 83Appendix A: Population Data 85Appendix B: Township of Tiny Official Plan Excerpts 89Appendix C: Facilities 99Appendix D: Community Program/Activity Inventory 105Appendix E: Dynamic Beach 115

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BACKGROUND REPORT

Recreation is defined as, “the experience that results from freely chosen participation in physical, social, intellectual, creative and spiritual pursuits that enhance individual and community wellbeing.”1

This document comprises the Phase One report for the Township of Tiny Recreation Master Plan. The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide “recommendations and strategic directions for the provision of services and facilities” to 2028, while enhancing “the traditional parks and master plan process by integrating the concept of healthy, active living with long term planning recommendations and strategies” (RFP, p. 2).

This report establishes the baseline for the study in terms of the current and, where possible to anticipate, future context. The baseline comprises what is known to date, and has been prepared using input from discussions with Township representatives2 and information available from the municipality or web-based sources. As such, it represents our understanding of the community and emerging issues before going to the community in Phase Two to further investigate what we have learned, to gather additional input and, where appropriate, conduct research on trends and promising practices applicable to Township of Tiny. Not all of the issues identified here will be definitively resolved in the master plan. Some will require further work and these instances will be indicated in the plan’s directives. The scope of the master plan, for example, does not include detailed policy development. It will, however, clarify policy requirements and identify next steps to address them. What is most important

1 Canadian Parks and Recreation Association/Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council (February 2015). A Framework for Recreation in Canada - 2015 - Pathways to Wellbeing. Ottawa: Canadian Recreation and Parks Association. 40 pages. www.lin.ca

2 Mayor and Council members and Township staff.

in the early phases of the study is to faithfully report what we have learned in the community so that both issues, and opportunities to address them, are documented.

While the final version of this report will comprise a stand-alone document, the information presented here will be reproduced or summarized in the Master Plan document, as appropriate, to provide the context for its discussions and recommendations. The report is presented under the following main headings:

• Community profile

• Corporate policy context

• Recreation and parks services

- delivery system

- parks, green space and trails

- facilities

- programs and activities

• Healthy active living

1.0 Introduction

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BACKGROUND REPORT

2.0 Community Profile2.1 Geographic ContextThe Township of Tiny is located in the northwest portion of Simcoe County. To the north, west, and northeast it is surrounded by Georgian Bay and Severn Sound. On its inland sides, it is bordered by the Towns of Midland, Penetanguishene and Wasaga Beach, the Townships of Springwater and Oro-Medonte, and Tay Township. The Township of Tiny is a combined urban/rural development mix. Within the Township, there are five main inland settlement areas or hamlets: Perkinsfield, Wyevale, Wyebridge, Lafontaine and Toanche. The Georgian Bay shoreline supports additional settlement areas that largely comprise seasonal waterfront residences. The balance of the municipality is rural.

The Township of Tiny is part of a larger ‘regional market’ for recreation services. Local residents travel to the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, and the Township of Springwater, to use recreation facilities and programs that are not available in Tiny. These larger urban areas provide indoor facilities such as arenas, pools, and cultural centres that cannot be feasibly supported by the Township’s smaller population base.* The Municipality, therefore, ensures Tiny residents have access to services provided in adjacent communities.

Figure 1 shows the geographic context and boundaries of the Township of Tiny.

* Residents also use outdoor facilities such as trails in these and other area municipalities including Tay and Oro-Medonte, for non-programmed, unstructured activities.

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Figure 1: Township of Tiny


BACKGROUND REPORT

2.2 Socio-demographic Profile2.2.1 Current and Future Population

Current Population: Totals, Structure and DistributionIn 2016 the Township of Tiny’s population was 11,787, which represents a 4.9% increase in population from 2011. Aging trends are considerably more prevalent here than in relevant, larger geographic areas. In 2016, the proportion of older adults (55+ years of age) residing in the Township was 46.5% and, 26.1% were 65+ years old. Comparable proportions for the County of Simcoe as a whole were 34.2% and 18%, respectively. For Ontario, these proportions were 30.4% and 16.7%, which were comparable to national figures. The 2016 median age in the Township was 53.1 years, compared to Ontario’s at 41.9 years. Figure 2 shows the age distribution of the Township’s 2016 population.

In addition to an aging demographic, the Township of Tiny has a seasonal population that approaches its permanent population in number. Total seasonal population for 2016 is estimated at 11,550 (see Figure 4 below for calculations). During the peak summer months, therefore, the Township’s resident population exceeds 23,000. The Township’s draft Official Plan notes, “Provincial policies do not require that seasonal growth be planned for however, within the Township’s recreational context, it is prudent to do so.” In our view, the extent of the community’s seasonal population requires consideration of its use, interest, and potential demand for parks and recreation services. As indicated in the discussion on future population below, it is also anticipated that growth in seasonal population will exceed that of permanent residents.

In 2016, housing units totaled 9,712, of which 4,899 were occupied dwellings. Seasonal residences, therefore, comprised the balance or 49.6% of total housing units. This seasonal dwelling proportion is by far the largest in Simcoe County. Ramara Township and the Town

of Wasaga Beach had the closest proportions of seasonal residences to the Township of Tiny in 2016, at 33.1% and 28.1%, respectively. At the same time, a ‘seasonal to permanent home conversion’ trend is evident in the Township as illustrated in Figure 3. Between 2011 and 2016, total housing units increased by 1.5%, while occupied units increased by 6.1% for an overall decrease in the proportion of seasonal dwellings.

Figure 2: Age Distribution in the Township of Tiny (2016)3

Age DistributionNumber Proportion

Age Group0 to 4 years 405 3.45 to 9 years 485 4.110 to 14 years 500 4.215 to 19 years 560 4.820 to 29 years 1,010 8.630 to 39 years 980 8.340 to 54 years 2,360 20.155 to 64 years 2,400 20.465 to 74 years 2,010 17.175+ 1,055 9.0Totals 11,765* 100.0

3 Statistics Canada. 2017. Tiny, TP (Township) [Census subdivision], CTY (County) [Census division], Ontario (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. (number) 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Released September 13, 2017. http://www.12.statcan.gc.ca/census-redensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed October 5, 2017).

Note: *2016 Census by age category does not add up to its reported total of 11,785

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BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 3: Conversion of Seasonal to Permanent Homes in Tiny (2011-2016)

Total Housing

Units

Occupied Housing

Units% Seasonal

2011 9,564 4,619 51.7%2016 9,712 4,899 49.6%

% change 1.5% 6.1% - 2.1%

The Draft Official Plan (2017) recognizes this trend: “Historically, the Shoreline area has hosted more seasonal residents than permanent residents, however, this trend is changing and many people are moving permanently into the Shoreline area either through construction of new residential units or conversion of cottage units to permanent homes.”4

4 The Township of Tiny Draft Official Plan. August 3, 2017. Section A.3.1.11. p. 7.


BACKGROUND REPORT

Future Population: Permanent, Seasonal and DistributionPopulation projections for the master plan were estimated using figures for ‘anchor’ years, taken from current, available documentation. Estimates of the community’s permanent population were based on Tiny’s 2016 Census population (11,787) figure, and the targeted 2031 population for the Township from Places to Grow (12,500)5 , which is reflected in the municipality’s Draft Official Plan and its Growth Plan. Seasonal population was estimated using information from the County of Simcoe’s Land Budget identified in the Township’s draft Official Plan. 6

Figure 4: Population Projections for the Master Plan

Permanent* Seasonal** Total2016 Census 11,787 11,551 23,3382018: master plan base year 11,882 11,717 23,5992023: master plan mid year 12,120 12,132 24,2522028: master plan end year 12,358 12,547 24,9052031 Growth Plan/Draft OP 12,500 12,796 25,296

5 Places to Grow. Schedule 7. The Township of Tiny Official Plan Section A.3.1.5. p. 6.

6 The Township of Tiny Draft Official Plan. August 3, 2017. Section A.3.1.6. p. 7.

Figure 4 shows the results of these calculations, and the population forecasts to be used in the master plan for the base year of 2018, the 2023 mid-point, and the end year of 2028. Over the ten-year timeframe for the master plan, the Township’s permanent population is anticipated to increase by 476 people or 4%. Seasonal population is expected to grow by 830 people or 7.1%. These figures will be used to determine the need for additional parks and recreation services based on population growth and type.

*12,500 - 1,787 = 713/15 years = 47.5 persons/year**The County of Simcoe’s land budget identified that 689 seasonal housing units will be required from 2011 to 2031; for

above calculations used 689/20 = average 34.45 seasonal units per year @ x 2.4 p.p.u. = 83 seasonal population per year or 830 over the term of the master plan.

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BACKGROUND REPORT

As noted above, there are seven key settlement areas in the Township within a larger rural context - including the Georgian Bay shoreline, country residential subdivisions, and five inland villages or hamlets. Although no data on population distribution by settlement area exists, available information (e.g., property maps) indicates inland population concentrations occur as follows, from highest to lowest: Whippoorwill and Copeland Creek subdivision, Wyevale, Toanche, Perkinsfield, Lafontaine and Wyebridge.

Shoreline population extends along most of the Georgian Bay waterfront and along Farlain Lake. Areas in which the waterfront is more extensively developed inland include Balm Beach to Cawaja Beach, Bluewater and Deanlea Beaches, Woodland Beach, and Georgian Sands Beach to Cove Beach.

Information from the Township’s Planning Department indicates that most of the settlement areas are largely built-out. Based on developable land availability, future inland population growth will be concentrated in Perkinsfield, Toanche and Lafontaine. Although not concentrated in specific areas, building lots are also available along the shoreline.


BACKGROUND REPORT

2.2.2 Regional Population Profile

As noted above, the Township of Tiny is part of a larger geographic and service region that includes a number of other area municipalities. Figure 5 compares key socio-demographic characteristics from the 2016 Census, and uses these data to place Tiny relative to other area municipalities in a highest to lowest order for each indicator. The overall ranges for the seven communities and Ontario’s figures are provided for context. Appendix A contains the figures from the Census on which the comparison is based.

PopulationAt 11,787 people, the Township of Tiny is the third smallest community among the seven municipalities in the region, but is closer to the largest (Oro-Medonte) than the smallest (Penetanguishene) in population size. Tiny, Oro-Medonte and Springwater are very comparable in terms of population densities, with figures ranging from 35.0 to 35.8 people per square kilometre. Tay is slightly higher at 72.1, and the urban municipalities of Midland, Penetanghishene, and Wasaga Beach have much higher densities - from 350 to just over 475 people per square kilometre.

Age StructureOn the whole, the region’s population is older than that of the Province. Within the region, the Township of Tiny is one of the oldest communities. The Township has the lowest proportion of children and youth of the seven area municipalities. Although still below Ontario’s figures for those 65+ years of age, and for average age overall, Tiny is second only to Wasaga Beach as the municipality with the highest figures for these two indicators.

Household Size and ChildrenThe youngest communities among the seven municipalities (Springwater and Oro-Medonte) have average household sizes that meet or exceed that of the Province. Tiny and all other communities in the region have average household sizes that are below Ontario’s. Despite these smaller households and an aging population, it is important to note that over one quarter households in each community include children.

LanguageMother tongue was used an indicator of cultural heritage/background. Compared to the Province of Ontario, the region as a whole is highly unilingual English. Between 80.3% and 93.2% of the population in each community reported English as their mother tongue, compared with 68.7% of Ontario’s population. At the same time, there is a relatively strong Francophone presence in both Tiny and Penetanguishene, where over 9% of residents reported French as their mother tongue against a provincial figure of 3.8%.

IncomeThere is a wide range in incomes across the seven municipalities. The Township of Tiny had the third highest median after-tax household income in 2015, and was closest to the provincial figure among those that fell below it. At the same time, both Springwater and Oro-Medonte had median incomes exceeding $80,000 and so surpassed all of the other communities by at least $20,000. Income differences are reflected in low-income indicators. At 12%, the Township of Tiny is approximately midway between the highest and lowest of these figures.

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BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 5: Comparison of Key Socio-Demographic Characteristics

at/above

Ontario

below Ontario Highest Lowest Range Ontario

populationOro-

Medonte (O-M)

Wasaga Beach (WB)

Spring- water (SW)

Midland (Mid) Tiny Tay

Penetan- guishene

(Pen)

8,962 - 21,036 -

population density per square km Mid WB Pen Tay O-M SW Tiny 35.0

- 477.3 14.8

% 0-14 years SW O-M Mid Tay Pen WB Tiny 11.8-17.9% 16.4%

%15-64 years SW O-M Tay Pen Tiny Mid WB 54.7-67.1% 66.8%

% 65+ years WB Tiny Mid Pen Tay O-M SW 15.0-33.4% 16.7%

average age (years) WB Tiny Mid Pen Tay O-M SW 40.8-50 41

average household size SW O-M Tiny & Tay Pen & WB Mid 2.2-2.8 2.6

% households with children in a census family

SW O-M Tay Mid Pen Tiny WB 28.4-47.6% 42%

% official language minority Tiny Pen Mid WB Tay SW O-M 1.3-8.9% 4.1%

% mother tongue English O-M Tay SW Mid Pen WB Tiny 80.3-

93.2% 68.7%

% mother tongue French Pen Tiny Mid WB Tay SW O-M 1.3-9.8% 3.8%

% mother tongue Aboriginal languages

Pen & Mid Tiny - - - - 0-0.04% 0.17%

% mother tongue other languages WB Tiny SW &

O-M Mid Tay Pen 3.4-11.5% 27.3%

median after-tax household income 2015 ($)

SW O-M Tiny Tay WB Pen Mid $49,812-$84,626 65,285

% prevalence of low-income Mid Pen Tay WB Tiny SP O-M 7-18.6% 14.1

9

7 8

9

1010

8 One-census-family households: household includes either a couple with children or a lone parent with his or her children.

9 The official language minority population of the country overall and of every province and territory other than Quebec includes individuals with French as a first official language spoken and half of those with both English and French.

10 based on the Low Income Measure - After Tax (LIM-AT): the proportion of Canadians with an after-tax income lower than 50% of the adjusted median income (adjusted for family size) for all Canadian economic families in a given year.

10

8

10


BACKGROUND REPORT

2.2.3 Master Plan Inquiries

The following summarizes population-related service delivery system issues for consideration in the master plan that have emerged to date, based on our discussions with municipal staff, municipal document review, and our experience in other communities. Some of these relate to other issues/topics identified in subsequent sections.

Figure 6: Summary of Service and Delivery System Issues

Topic Issues and Considerations

Population Age Structure

Facilitate recreation program and service development that meets the needs of an aging population. Despite the predominance - now and during the plan’s term - of an aging population and related service needs, ensuring we don't lose sight of the recreation needs and interests of other age groups that the Township must also serve.

Permanent and Seasonal Populations

Determine a factor for seasonal resident use of Tiny’s parks and recreation services to ensure demand from this population is considered.Anticipate shift in seasonal to permanent population over the term of the master plan to ensure proportionate increases in demand for parks and recreation services are considered.

Service AccessibilityEnsure those who struggle economically can easily access and use recreation services.Optimize service distribution to improve access in rural areas of the Township.

Language and Culture Facilitate providing recreation services that reflect the unique linguistic and cultural heritages of the Township.

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BACKGROUND REPORT

3.0 Corporate Policy Context

Figure 7 outlines the various global policies and master plans that comprise the framework within which the Recreation Master Plan will be developed. These policies and plans are in place at the County, Township or departmental level. The master plan, therefore, must dovetail with the directions contained in these documents. This section provides an overview of these documents. Directions and recommendations specific to parks and recreation services will be integrated in the master plan, as it is further detailed and developed.

Figure 7: Corporate Policy and Plan Relationship to Recreation Master Plan

Municipal-wide

County of Simcoe Official Plan (2016)Township of Tiny Draft Official Plan (2017)

Township of Tiny Growth Management Strategy (2016)Township of Tiny Strategic Plan (2015-2020)

Township of Tiny Local Aging Plan (2017)Township of Tiny Multi-year Accessibility Plan (2016-2020)

Department

Tiny Trails Wayfinding Master Plan (2016)Township of Tiny Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan (2011)

Recreation Master Plan (2006)


BACKGROUND REPORT

3.1 Official Plans3.1.1 County of Simcoe Official Plan

(2016)11

The County of Simcoe Official Plan (2016) provides an overall land use planning framework for the County and its member municipalities, the details of which are articulated in each local Official Plan. The County Plan “provides a policy basis for exercising the approval authorities for local municipal official plans and amendments, and applications for subdivision of land” (p. 4).

The initial sections of the Official Plan contain descriptive commentary on structure and features of the County, including municipal organization, physical geography, settlement, and resource and economic base. Several descriptors reveal characteristics that are relevant to the Township of Tiny’s recreation master plan:

• The County “is one of the most geologically diverse areas in Ontario, containing a wide array of prominent physiographic features. It is home to over 1500 species of vascular plants, over 150 species of nesting birds, 50 mammals, and 33 reptiles and amphibians. It contains provincially significant wetlands, provincially significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, and over 60 species of plants and animals considered to be vulnerable, threatened, or endangered in Ontario and/or Canada” (pp. 7,8).

• Extensive “shoreline areas and associated beaches and other landscape features are major elements shaping not only the ecological system but (1) the economy of the County, given their contribution to tourism and recreation, and (2) the settlement pattern, given

11 Source: http://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/pln/official-plan

the large number of dwellings serving seasonal and permanent residents along the shoreline” (p. 8).

• Development along the shores of Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay “is a mixture of permanent and seasonal occupancy. In summer months, seasonal occupancy swells the population of the County well above the permanent population” (p. 8).

• Development is “currently focused in numerous settlement areas…[of various sizes]. Thousands are also housed in country residential or cottage clusters, or isolated lots” (p. 9).

• Settlement…“by First Nations and subsequently by non-aboriginal settlers has resulted in a wealth of cultural features and heritage resources” (p. 9).

• Tourism and recreation is a large and growing economic sector in Simcoe County. It includes both attraction-oriented travel and seasonal residence activity. Other service sector activities, including recreation, are growing in concert with population growth” (p. 9).

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BACKGROUND REPORT

3.1.2 Township of Tiny Official Plan (draft August 2016)

The Township of Tiny’s draft Official Plan (2017) addresses local land use planning policy within the framework of the County’s directions. As indicated in the draft Official Plan, “Upon review of the 2001 Official Plan, Council determined that the Vision and Land Use Concept and many of the policies articulated in that document still maintained the vision and the approach that the Township of Tiny wanted to maintain…The preparation of this Plan is primarily as a result of several Provincial policy and legislative changes, and the updating of the County of Simcoe Official Plan” (p. 1). It is assumed, therefore, that the policies contained in the draft Official Plan will be largely adopted and in effect during the term of the recreation master plan. Background commentary in the draft Official Plan also notes, “In October 2016, the Township completed a Growth Management Strategy (GMS) as a background document to the update to the Official Plan” (p.6). It is further assumed that the policies contained in the draft Official Plan incorporate the GMS directions, making it unnecessary to document these separately for the recreation master plan.

The overall goals of the Official Plan are:

• protection of the natural environment with an ‘Environment Focused’ objective,12

• conserve the Township’s natural resources,

• protect the character of development and undeveloped areas,

• direct growth and settlement to appropriate locations, and

• encourage appropriate economic

12 The term ‘Environment Focused objective’ is not specifically defined in the Official Plan. It is assumed that its policies collectively articulate this direction.

development (p.2).

SUMMARY OF KEY POLICY DIRECTIONS

This section provides overviews of Official Plan policy directions that will guide the recreation master plan in various areas that it will address.13 Appendix B reproduces relevant excerpts from the Official Plan.

Settlement AreasPerkinsfield, Wyevale and Lafontaine are intended to be the focus of any new development, and to be developed as complete communities. Development in Wyebridge and Toanche will be restricted, and they will continue to comprise low density, limited service communities. Each of the major parks in the settlement areas will continue to serve its respective community based on thoroughly considered master plans that incorporate any future changes.

Shoreline AreasThese designations apply to the shores of Georgian Bay and Farlain Lake. The shoreline is to remain much as it is now, while accommodating additional seasonal and permanent population. The five major waterfront parks in the shoreline area - Woodland Beach Park, Bluewater Beach Park, Jackson Park, Balm Beach Park and Lafontaine Beach Park - are to remain the focus of public use and activity, supported by park master plans for each location. Although limited commercial development may be permitted at other locations, Balm Beach and the other major water parks are to remain the focus of this type of activity. Smaller community beaches and road allowances accessing Georgian Bay are intended to provide recreation space for more limited use, by all Township residents or by residents in the immediate community.

13 Source: Township of Tiny’s draft Official Plan (August 2017)


BACKGROUND REPORT

Environmental Protection and GreenlandsThese designations are relevant to recreation, especially from a natural environment protection and stewardship perspective. Both contain natural heritage features and areas. As appropriate, these resources and assets are to be identified, linked, protected, maintained, and/or enhanced. While they may be suitable and available for recreation, ensuring their integrity is the first priority.

Agricultural and Rural Areas These areas will accommodate activities related to agri-tourism, the local food movement, and small-scale tourism and recreational uses.

TransportationThe focus of the recreation master plan in this area is active transportation, and linkages to surrounding communities that provide recreation services to Tiny residents. In the design and reconstruction of existing road infrastructure, opportunities to encourage and integrate active transportation facilities (e.g., pedestrian ways, cycling routes, transit) will be pursued. As noted in the Official Plan, “The Tiny Trail is the largest active transportation route that traverses the Township. The trail forms part of the Trans Canada Trail System. Various other trails and opportunities for active transportation are included within the Township” (p. 92). Ways to further the development of active transportation linkages (e.g., sidewalks, trails and bicycle paths) within and between settlement areas, to major beach parks, and external routes, will be pursued. The Township will work with other area municipalities on the potential to improve transit linkages.

Conservation and Climate ChangePolicy directions in other areas, including support for complete communities and active transportation will simultaneously contribute to objectives in the area of conservation and climate change. Others that are specific to this

concern and relate to recreation include support for community gardens and infrastructure design that maximizes the use of passive solar opportunities, and water recycling opportunities.

Municipal and Public Facilities and Spaces Policy related to public facilities and spaces also supports the development of complete communities. Facilities and spaces are directed for provision in existing built-up areas, with a view to considering adaptive re-use of existing assets before building new.

Parkland Dedication Policy related to parkland dedication is in accordance with the Planning Act, in terms of when it is required, the type of land that is acceptable, and options to taking parkland (e.g., upgrades, cash-in-lieu, combination, etc.).

Other general development policies in the Official Plan look to directing development to support active transportation, natural and man-made linkages, use of natural vegetation/species as part of the landscape and in storm water management, and ensuring AODA accessibility.

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BACKGROUND REPORT

3.1.3 Township of Tiny Strategic Plan (2015-2020)

“Our Strategic Plan is a collective roadmap intended to provide guidance for our community to flourish...Our purpose in developing a Community Strategic Plan is to establish where our community as a whole, wants to be in the future and what actions we will take to get there…

The strategic priorities that are included in this Plan reflect initiatives that are over and above the flow of important, ongoing work that is carried out by the Township in each of its departments. These priorities are reflective of the actions that staff, Council and community members believe must be a collective focus. These are the key actions that will allow the Township of Tiny to continue to transform and evolve. We will align our resources – human and fiscal – to address these key areas and, in so doing, we will address existing but also emerging challenges. We will use this document to champion change and to move our community forward collectively. Moreover, we will view this as a living document and we will review and report annually on our accomplishments to ensure that progress is realized” (Strategic Plan 2015, p. 11).

The Township’s Vision and Mission Statements are presented in the Strategic Plan (p. 7):

Vision: An environmentally focused diverse family of communities providing an economically sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Mission: A committed team providing extraordinary municipal services.

The Township’s Strategic Plan was reviewed, and progress assessed, by Council and Senior Management at a workshop in June of 2017. The report from this workshop14 and the published report card15 were used to identify the strategic directions that will be relevant to the recreation master plan. Thirty-two (32) of 56 strategic priorities relate to the recreation master plan - either specifically or in a more general way. “Identify opportunities to enhance facilities at existing municipal parks with an emphasis on beachfront parks and public spaces,” for example, is specific to recreation facilities and parks. “Identify opportunities to improve outreach, education and community engagement,” while not linked directly to recreation is nevertheless relevant to it in ways, such as - for example - outreach to improve awareness of available services, education on topics related to health and fitness, and engagement in volunteering on recreation committees or in program/service settings.

Of the 32 priorities related to the recreation master plan, almost all were identified in the 2015 document as either ongoing and/or short-term (1-2 years) initiatives. Two were assigned to the medium term (3-5 years) and one spanned all time frames including long-term (5+ years). The term of the master plan is 10 years, from 2018 to 2028, and it will consider the place of these strategic initiatives in relation to their current status, other needs that emerge in the planning process, and the capacity of the Township to incorporate all resulting recommendations within the plan’s timeframe.

14 Special Committee of the Whole Report No. 06-22-2017. June, 22 2017. Township of Tiny Strategic Plan…Revisited. Corporation of the Township of Tiny. Strategic Plan Scorecard.

15 Corporation of the Township of Tiny. 2017. Strategic Plan Scorecard.


BACKGROUND REPORT

Section 4.0 of this report reviews the strategic priorities related to the recreation master plan according to the topics under which the plan will be documented:

• delivery system

• parks, green space and trails

• facilities

• programs and activitiesThe Township has developed and monitored its strategic plan at a high level of detail, which will allow the master plan to review, assess and integrate current and planned initiatives into a comprehensive document that also addresses other issues and opportunities that present themselves.

3.1.4 Township of Tiny Local Aging Plan (2017)

Consultation with seniors in preparing the Local Aging Plan indicated that, while the community itself and its natural setting provide benefits in terms of health and recreation, the availability of formal commercial, health and social services locally is very limited. It was also noted that, although there are volunteer seniors’ groups in Tiny that offer leisure activities, the Township is only minimally involved in the delivery of older adult recreation programs. The large geographic area of the Township and its rural character, which cannot feasibly support public transit, requires residents to either drive or be driven to destinations both within Tiny and further afield in surrounding urban centres. Conversely, a dispersed population makes it difficult to feasibly take recreation services to users outside settlement areas.

A priority that emerged from the 2015 Strategic Plan is to, “enhance community services for community members (seniors and youth).” Council also established a Senior Advisory Committee to prepare a seniors strategy. The Local Aging Plan’s Mission Statement refers specifically to municipal involvement in recreation programming: “The Township of Tiny will provide access to housing, transportation, healthcare, recreation and such other services that will enhance the dignity of older adults as they age” (p. 3).

The Aging Plan presents goals, objectives and strategies to improve the availability, accessibility and delivery of recreation services to older adults in the Township of Tiny. The recreation master plan will carry these forward and, as needed, further investigate and elaborate on their development and implementation. Strategies related to recreation (pp. 16-17) and show in Figure 8 include:

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BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 8: Aging Plan Strategies related to Recreation

Stakeholders’

Strategies

Assist senior citizen associations so they can continue to be viable and effective mechanisms in order to continue to reach older adults for recreation, provide social and health programs and services, and provide a central point of reference for service information.

Create…a communication plan as well as a transportation portal.

Township Support

Designate a staff at Township offices (for easy access and resources) to co-plan and co-sponsor programs and services with local organizations to assist with the implementation of the Local Aging Plan.

Free or reduced rental rates for facility use.

Formally acknowledge the Rendezous Lafontaine Complex as a Seniors home and work with them to solidify their financial position.

Ensure that existing working relationships continue following the next municipal election.

Municipal involvement in the Health Links initiative of the North Simcoe LHIN.

Joint program and facility partnerships with other municipalities.

Affordable and accessible transportation that will result in access to services and decrease social isolation.

Communication of information to the right people, at the right time, in the right format so that they know what is available to them.

Older Adult Programming

Refurbishment and/or building of new municipal infrastructure.

Open access to healthy food, social inclusion…and…leisure services.

Engaging the older adult population in determining/participating in programs and services.


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3.1.5 Township of Tiny Multi-year Accessibility Plan (2016-2020)

The Township of Tiny’s Accessibility Advisory Committee was formed in 2009. The Committee “advises Council in the promotion and facilitation of a barrier-free community for all citizens including person (sic) with disabilities. This is achieved through the review of municipal policies, programs, services and the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities” (Accessibility Plan, p. 3).

As stated in the Plan, “the Accessibility Advisory Committee will:

• Advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities through the promotion of public awareness and understanding of the needs of disabled persons.

• Support the development and implementation of programs, policies and by-laws which promote and create a barrier-free community.

• Assess the status of municipally owner or operated buildings, facilities and public areas and make recommendations to Council that would enhance the needs of disabled persons.

• Work with Township staff in the maintenance of the Township’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

• Respond to relevant accessibility issues as raised by individuals or community groups” (p. 3).

The current Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and related documents provide details on specific initiatives in recent years. The master plan will provide opportunities to identify needed improvements to accessibility to be undertaken during the term of the plan, in each area of service.

3.1.6 Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan (2011) and Trails Wayfinding Master Plan (2016)

The 2011 plan (described in Section 4.2) was followed in 2016 by the Wayfinding Master Plan, as the Township, “continues to invest in the creation of a high quality trails and bicycle system. This [wayfinding] plan provides a comprehensive system of signage designed to orient trail users and provide clear directional information along a signed network of trails and cycling routes. The signage and trail information system will support and compliment (sic) the overall image of Tiny Township (sic), the Tiny Rail Trail, and be in alignment with supportive signage programs being developed by and implemented by project partners such as Simcoe County and Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7)” (Wayfinding Master Plan, p. 1).

3.1.7 Recreation Master Plan (2006)

The 2006 Recreation Master Plan was focused on “several key delivery system issues, within the context of a high level service needs assessment” (p.1). It covered a ten-year term to 2016. As appropriate, the current master plan will consider 2006 recommendations that may still be relevant, within the context of new needs that have emerged.

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4.0 Recreation and Parks Services16

The foregoing information and findings from interviews, and parks and facility tours with municipal representatives in August 2017 along with follow-up visits, is used here to identify issues and considerations, where they have emerged to date, for the master plan. In each area - service delivery, parks and trails, facilities, and programs/activities - these and other issues that are identified in Phase Two will be further investigated with the community, assessed against our experience in other municipalities, and/or new information that is added to our research base in the course of preparing the master plan. The focus at this point, however, is to clarify the issues and challenges that we are aware of now, and that will be addressed in subsequent phases of the study.

4.1 Service DeliveryThe delivery system comprises the structure, policies and practices by which all recreation services are provided to Township residents. The community-wide system consists of the municipality, other public agencies (e.g., school boards, conservation authority, adjacent municipalities), the not-for-profit/volunteer sector (e.g., Lafontaine Ball Association), and the commercial sector (e.g., Balm Beach Golf). The focus of the master plan is the Township’s key roles in service delivery - as a direct provider of programs and services itself, and as an indirect provider of programs and services by supporting local volunteer organizations in developing and operating their services, and through various types of partnerships with other public, not-for-profit and commercial providers. This

16 Information presented in this section is accurate according to availability of such at the time of writing. The final Master Plan may contain updated information that emerged in the detailed assessments of specific facilities, parks programs and services.

section describes the current delivery system for recreation services in the Township of Tiny, and issues/considerations that have emerged to date in the study.

4.1.1 Current Picture

There are a number of formally recognized bodies that advise Township Council on matters related to recreation. Their mandates are reproduced below.

COMMUNITY RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE 17

The Community Recreation Advisory Committee shall provide Township-wide perspective and input on all park, recreation, beach and trail issues; provide assistance in identifying community-wide needs and opportunities for new program development and delivery; provide input on broad recreational needs, trends, strategies and plans, and provide advice and recommendations to Council regarding recreation delivery in the Township.

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Accessibility Advisory Committee advises Council in the promotion and facilitation of a barrier-free community for all citizens including persons with disabilities. This is achieved through the review of municipal policies, programs, and services, and the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities.18

17 Source: Schedule ‘B’ to By-law 15-014. Township Advisory Committees. p. 5.

18 Source: https://www.tiny.ca/Pages/Committees.aspx


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SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE19

The Senior Advisory Committee shall advise Council on all matters related to the well-being and quality of life for seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a growing and diverse aging population. The Senior Advisory Committee shall consult and collaborate with seniors, seniors’ organizations and others to gather information and provide advice regarding seniors’ needs. The Senior Advisory Committee shall provide assistance in identifying new program development and delivery for seniors and aging adults in the Township.

LAFONTAINE BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE 20

The Lafontaine Beach Park Master Plan Advisory Committee shall provide a liaison between the Township and the residents of the Lafontaine Beach Park area to generate community involvement in the restoration and maintenance of the Lafontaine Beach Park. The committee will receive all direction from and report to Council. The Committee’s mandate will be to:

• Work with the Township in determining the goals and objectives for Lafontaine Beach Park in accordance with the Lafontaine Beach Park Master Plan.

• Organize the community to undertake specific projects and initiatives within the Park under the direction of the Township.

• Lead fundraising initiatives to assist in forwarding the goals and objectives of the Master Plan.

• Seek out alternative sources of funding to assist the Township in furthering the goals and objectives of the Master Plan.

19 Source: Schedule ‘A’ to By-law 16-046. p. 1.20 Source: Schedule ‘A’ to By-law 16-082. p. 1.

HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 21

The Heritage Advisory Committee advises and assists the Council on matters relating to historical and cultural heritage in accordance with Section 28 (1) of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.18.

WYEVALE PARK MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE

At its July 27th, 2015 Council Meeting, Council passed Motion 467/15 endorsing that the Wyevale Park Master Plan Project Steering Committee (WPMPC) remain intact to champion the implementation of the Wyevale Park Master Plan. The WPMPC mandate is to oversee the implementation of the Wyevale Park Master Plan. It is considered a special committee of Council and held its first meeting on September 21st, 2015.

TRAILS AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE22

The Township of Tiny Trails and Active Transportation sub-committee (TTAT) is responsible for the implementation of the Township Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan. The TTAT sub-committee confirms the yearly priorities and presents the projects along with cost estimates for those projects to Council. The TTAT sub-committee establishes an educational and promotional strategy for trails and active transportation in the Township and works pro-actively to promote trails use and non-motorized transportation in the Township. The TTAT sub-committee reports to Council through the Community Recreation Advisory Committee (CRC).

21 Source: Schedule ‘B’ to By-law 15-014. Township Advisory Committees. p. 7.

22 Source: https://www.tiny.ca/Pages/Committees.aspx

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MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING

The corporate structure of the Township of Tiny comprises seven departments reporting to the CAO, of which two are responsible for recreation and parks services: Recreation and Public Works.

The Recreation Department is organized as shown in the Figure 9.

Figure 9: Organization of Recreation Department

Staff responsibilities are outlined below, as documented in Township job descriptions:

The Director of Recreation is responsible for the direction, management, development and coordination of recreation services for the Township of Tiny. The Director formulates and presents goals and objectives, recommends and administers policies and procedures, proposes and realizes special events, programs, and community projects and represents the Department in all matters.

Director of Recreation

Community Engagement

Leader

Community Recreation

Leader

Summer Day Camp Students

Volunteers

The Director of Recreation builds and leads a high performing and collaborative team that develops strong relationships in the community, providing programming and services to all demographics.

The Recreation Director works with the Chief Administrative Officer, the Senior Management Team, and Council to deliver on the Township’s Strategic Plan.

The Community Engagement Leader is responsible for the facilitation of partnerships encompassing community organizations, beach and parks associations, service clubs, cultural groups, recreational stakeholders, sports groups, volunteers, residents, developers and businesses. Using the Township’s Volunteer Management Program, the Community Engagement Leader encourages and guides community stewardship and participation as well as being the single point of contact for the Departments to assist with all community driven initiatives. The Community Engagement Leader is responsible for the delivery of departmental and corporate special events and festivals. The Community Engagement Leader also secures funding through grants and sponsorship opportunities.

The Community Recreation Leader is responsible for the delivery of recreation, leisure, and sports programs and activities for the Township of Tiny in order to provide opportunities and encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle and quality of life for all community residents.

Public Works’ responsibilities in recreation include maintenance of parks and sports fields, facility maintenance, overseeing construction projects, and assisting with set-up and take-down of program and special event venues. There are no dedicated positions for parks and recreation infrastructure in the current organization chart for the Township. Working under the Director


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of Public Works, responsibility for parks and facilities is distributed among a number of full-time staff, and additional seasonal hires in the summer.

ROLE OF THE TOWNSHIP IN RECREATION SERVICES DELIVERY

Since the inception of a formal recreation function post-2000 with the appointment of a Community Recreation Coordinator, the Township of Tiny has developed a strong presence in both direct and indirect recreation services delivery. In January 2017, a Director was appointed to oversee the services of a separate Recreation Department. In recent years, the Township has assumed the operation of community facilities that were initially run by the volunteer Parks and Recreation Associations. Program development has been the focus of efforts in the last few years, with the expansion of the Recreation Department to include Leaders in both Community Recreation and Community Engagement. Staff efforts have generated more programming and increased participation in a variety of areas.

Direct Provision includes all services that the municipality provides through capital investment and via staff who plan and deliver recreation programs, and those who operate, maintain and schedule its facilities. Public Works staff who attend to parks and recreation facilities, and the Community Recreation Leader are those most involved in direct service provision.

Indirect Provision includes services for which the municipality facilitates delivery by other providers, and occurs in a number of different ways including providing Township facilities for community groups to use for their programs/activities (e.g., minor ball leagues), negotiating formal access to the facilities/services of other owners (e.g., purchase of service from libraries in adjacent communities) for Tiny residents’ use, providing funding for volunteer organizations to offer programs/activities (e.g., Grants to

Community Organizations Policy), assisting with grant applications to other funders, etc. It is the responsibility of the Township’s Community Engagement Leader, working with the Director and other staff, to generate community-based programming and events through facilitation. A very substantial volunteer base now exists in Tiny, which provides needed support for many local programs and activities.

POLICY, AGREEMENTS AND COLLABORATIONS

PolicyThe following summarizes current Township recreation policy, as adopted from most to least recent.23

Fees and Charges:

• Document a general, consistent mechanism for setting annual fees and charges for the use of parks and recreation facilities that allocates and recovers the cost of providing these services along with tax subsidies. It includes the guiding principles for the policy, along with definitions, procedures, limitations and exemptions. (January 14, 2013).

Volunteer Management:

• Provides the framework for staff to develop and maintain a high quality volunteer sector based on articulated values and principles, and supported by recruitment and management standards, and procedures related to protecting both program participants and volunteers (e.g., risk assessment, interview process, reference and police

23 Procedures and regulations, which flow from policy, are not included

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record checks, where applicable to position (adopted January 11, 2010).

The Volunteer Management policy is supported by a detailed Volunteer Orientation Handbook that sets out all relevant information for volunteers including the above-noted policy, expectations, and detailed procedures. Volunteer opportunities are posted on the Township’s website.

The Environmental Stewardship program is also part of community volunteer efforts that are supported by the Township. Individuals or groups can propose a stewardship program to the Township and, once approved, can recruit volunteers to help through the municipality’s process. Project leaders are also given detailed guidance on how to manage their volunteers safely and effectively. Projects such as removal of invasive plant species, litter pick-up, etc. at public beaches and parks are examples of these initiatives.

Special Event Policy:

• Defines the nature of a special event, the organizer’s and Township’s relative roles and responsibilities in hosting it, and the specific requirements and procedures that the organizer must meet to be granted a permit and Township assistance, including ties to other relevant policies. There is a process of appeal for applications that are turned down by the Recreation Department (adopted December 14, 2009).

Alcohol Risk Management:

• This policy outlines requirements for the legal and responsible use of alcohol at permitted functions held in or on Township facilities that are available for events involving use of alcohol (adopted December 14, 2009).

Facility Permitting:

• Outlines the approach to equitable municipal facility allocation to a hierarchy of user categories: Township, Local Recreation Providers, Civic or Educational Groups, Other Organizations, Individuals, Businesses or Groups. Fees and charges for permits are according to the current by-law or, in some cases, negotiation. Permit procedures and cancellation stipulations are provided (adopted November 30, 2009).

Grants to Community Organizations:

• Makes Township funding available to local volunteer organizations providing services, events or projects of benefit to Tiny residents, and outlines the scope and limitations of the program, along with eligibility criteria, and accountability information required, to be considered for municipal support. There is no maximum amount of grant that can be requested (adopted November 30, 2009).

Capital Cost Sharing:

• Sets out the scope, eligibility criteria and formal procedures for potential joint


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capital projects between the Township and other community stakeholders including community groups, private sector interests, other levels of government, and Tiny residents. Projects must be proposed for lands or within facilities owned by the Township and may or may not be contained in the municipality’s capital plan (adopted November 30, 2009).

Facility Advertising and Promotion

• Provides the framework, terms and content for community based volunteer groups to access Township advertising and promotion of their facilities and programs. The intent is to support local service providers in generating awareness of available recreation services while ensuring consistency and quality control (adopted September 28, 2009).

AgreementsThe Township has a number of agreements with adjacent municipalities and other service providers to facilitate residents access to services not available locally. With the exception of those covering access to library services for Tiny residents, existing agreements have not been formalized. These are summarized here.

The Township of Tiny has no libraries within its boundaries. The Township has a funding agreement with the Midland, Penetanguishene and Springwater Public Libraries, whereby it pays each an annual per household amount based on use. This agreement covers the period from December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2019. The per household amount is adjusted annually

for each municipality, and Tiny households are limited to using the services of only one library.

The Township contributes financially to the operations of three arenas in Midland, Penetanguishene and Springwater that Tiny residents use for organized programming such as hockey, figure skating, etc. This year’s contribution to these facilities totaled $49,965.00. The most recent data on local residents use of arena based programming in these communities is from 2012.

Within the Township itself, there are two seniors groups that the Township funds on an annual basis to a level that ensures they will still be eligible for provincial funding. The most recent contributions to the Bayshore Seniors and Georgian Bay Seniors totaled $12,727.00

Collaborations with County and Regional Agencies/OrganizationsThe County of Simcoe is preparing an Age Friendly Plan, and keeps the Township of Tiny informed of its progress. Tiny’s Local Aging Plan contains directives for collaboration with/support from higher level or more regional agencies, of which the County is one. Opportunities to solidify a partnership with the County in the area of age friendly initiatives may emerge from this exercise.

The Township also works with the County of Simcoe around trails and trails development. The County and the Township, for example, collaborated in developing a looped trail around the entire County. The County also provides annual funding to municipalities to promote trail connectivity through the Trails Connecting Community Program. The Township of Tiny received the maximum of $30,000.00 in 2016, to install signage along the trail.

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Economic development and tourism are regional functions that operate on the behalf of the area municipalities. The Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe (EDCNS) includes Council representation from The Township of Tiny on its board of directors. Member municipalities fund the Corporation, and The Township of Tiny contributes $47,285.00 annually. Tourism is also a regional function and is addressed for the Townships of Tiny and Tay, and the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene by North Simcoe Tourism through the Heart of Georgian Bay initiative.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit works with municipalities in its jurisdiction to advance healthy active living. Current projects in Tiny include developing a breastfeeding friendly policy and a ban on smoking in all public spaces. The Health Unit also houses resources on health-related research, trends and funding opportunities.

The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) manages environmental stewardship and conservation concerns for nine area municipalities, including the Township of Tiny. Each municipality funds its activities through annual contributions.

Sustainable Severn Sound (SSS) is a regional sustainability program funded and directed by seven of the municipalities in the Severn Sound area, including the Township of Tiny. Work is undertaken on a project-by-project basis per the direction of the Sustainability Committee, which comprises municipal Council and staff representatives from the local government partners. SSS also receives in-kind support and Sustainability Committee representation from the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation (NSCFDC), the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA), and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU). SSS works with its partners to (1) educate municipalities on best practices and connect

them to resources, tools and project funding, (2) encourage the adoption of practices/policies within their municipal operations to support sustainable communities, and (3) to advocate for sustainable environmental practices and policies within our service area.

The Township of Tiny has budgeted $116,451 for both SSEA and SSS in 2018.24


As noted above, the level of detail in the Township’s strategic planning process identifies both specific objectives and potential inquiries for the master plan. These are outlined below under two headings: the Strategic Plan’s most recent Scorecard (2017), and other issues and considerations that have emerged to date in the study. These other issues may or may not also relate to the specific items contained in the Strategic Plan. The master plan will consolidate discussion by topic or issue in its analyses and recommendations.

STRATEGIC PLAN SCORECARD SUMMARY

Although there is necessarily overlap in the Township’s various strategic priorities across the four service areas of the recreation master plan, the ones that are primarily related to service delivery are presented here. Figure 10 lists the relevant strategic goal and objective, and summarizes its implementation status based on the 2017 scorecard. The last column explains how it will (or may) relate to the recreation master plan study.

24 Source: https://www.tiny.ca/Shared%20Documents/Treasury/2018%20Final%20Budget%20Book.pdf#search=budgets


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2325

25 At publication of Scorecard

Figure 10: Summary of Strategic Plan Scorecard 2017 Related to Service Delivery

Goal 1: Deliver Efficient and Exceptional Municipal ServicesObjective: Improve Efficiency & Effectiveness

Relevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation Master Plan

• Complete an Organizational Review & Core Service Review of the Township with an emphasis on Public Works to identify opportunities for service level efficiencies and effectiveness (shared services).

• in process • plan may identify areas for ongoing alignment of working relationship between Recreation Department and Public Works to support implementation (e.g., capital asset planning, work order system enhancements, user evaluations)

• Explore opportunities to improve internal communications between Staff and Departments.

• Work collaboratively with adjacent municipalities and upper levels of government to identify opportunities to share services and improve operational efficiency and effectiveness and seamless service delivery.

• a number of ongoing partnerships covering areas such as trails, volunteer resources, accessibility, recreation programs and services, etc.

• existing and future working partnerships will be necessary to optimize service provision to Tiny residents, particularly in areas that cannot be feasibly met by the Township and/or that cross service (e.g., public health) or jurisdictional (e.g., County) boundaries

• Explore opportunities to generate additional funding (i.e. grants) as opportunities arise.

• ongoing, as grant programs become available

• Township is committed to, and successful in, securing grants

• over $286,000 in 2017 25

• essential to implementing objectives related to improving recreation infrastructure and growing programming/services over the term of the plan, especially to limit tax based contributions to service development

Objective: Build Organizational ResilienceRelevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation

Master Plan• Explore opportunities

to increase community engagement on local issues by creating Community Round tables and/or Advisory Panels on specific issues.

• Senior Advisory Committee, Lafontaine, and Wyevale Master Plan, Implementation Committees established

• ongoing

• plan may reveal need for new/additional work for these, and other, relevant committees

• Complete a Staff Training Needs Assessment to identify gaps in staffing needs

• planned for 2018 • staff training requirements for parks and recreation may be identified for inclusion in the assessment

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Goal 3: Healthy Environment and Sustainable Community PlanningObjective: A resilient environment


• Develop Official Plan policies that promote balanced growth and environmental sustainability

• policies incorporated in draft Official Plan

• see Section 3.1.2

Goal 4: Promote Community Health, Safety and Well-beingObjective: Enhance community services for community members (seniors, youth)


• Work with adjacent municipalities to improve public transportation within the Township and across the County and beyond

• ongoing with County • both OPs note intent to address transit improvements on more regional level, which would support improved access to non-local recreation services by Tiny residents (see Appendix B)

• Accessibility initiatives • 2 accessible picnic tables at each of 5 major beach parks, 2 mobi-mats in place (Balm and Jackson Beach), portable accessible washroom at Wyevale Park; capital reserve for accessible park features; funding to local accessible transportation services

• ongoing

• plan needs to ensure AODA accessibility is addressed and should, where feasible and beneficial to service users, exceed minimum requirements; includes looking at accessibility from a holistic perspective

• part of healthy active living policy initiative

Goal 5: A Well-Connected and Engaged CommunityObjective: A more engaged community


• Develop a Community Engagement Strategy to re-engage Volunteers, Youth and to promote broader community engagement

• Volunteer/Community Engagement Leader position added to staffing

• developed detailed Volunteer Management policy and Handbook

• expanded volunteer activity (3 new advisory committees; more special events; environmental volunteers; sponsorship of local initiatives to leverage and support volunteer contributions)

• ongoing

• based on needs/interests emerging in the community, opportunity to identify potential new program/service areas for volunteers to participate in providing programs and services


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• Identify opportunities to improve outreach, education and community engagement

• expanding volunteer opportunities, base, support, and feedback/recognition

• using volunteer management software

• working on joint use agreements with both school boards

• ongoing

• opportunity to identify potential improvements to/expansion of current initiatives and identify potential additional areas to develop

• Continue to improve the Township website to allow for timely communications (24/7 access to services) and explore the feasibility of live-streaming Township Council meetings

• software for: 24/7 access to registered volunteers/able to review opportunities, log in hours of service/provide feedback regarding experience; 24/7 online program registration

• website review ongoing

• opportunity to identify the types and presentation of information on parks, trails, facilities, amenities etc. to be provided on website

Objective: A more cohesive community Relevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation

Master Plan• Consider methods

of resolving conflicts through mediation and collaborative issue resolution

• working with local communities on proposed/planned projects

• ongoing

• may offer opportunities to reconcile various perspectives in recommended directions

Objective: An open communication system Relevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation

Master Plan• Develop a Communications

Protocol to ensure Township messaging is consistent and that there is an assigned point of contact on key issues.

• corporate-wide Communication Protocol under development

• communications regarding municipal parks and recreation services parks will be part of the corporate-wide protocol

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EMERGING ISSUES AND CONSIDERATIONS

The following summarizes delivery system issues and considerations for the master plan that have emerged to date, based on our discussions with municipal staff and our experience in other communities.

Figure 11: Summary of Delivery Systems Issues and Considerations

Topic Issues and ConsiderationsOrganization and Staffing

Continue to use ongoing reorganization to optimize inter-departmental coordination, efficiencies, and responsibilities between Recreation Department and Public Works.Consider need to reflect responsibilities for parks and recreation facilities in the Township’s organization chart and job descriptions. Identify gaps in human resources (staff and volunteers) to implement master plan’s recommendations.

Policies, Agreements and Collaborations

Determine if existing policies are current, consistent, and working as intendedDetermine if new/revised policies/agreements are needed to support recommended directions in service deliveryDetermine if collaborations, working relationships with regional agencies/organizations are working as intendedUpdate local resident use of arenas in surrounding communities for organized programming to determine extent of use and trends over time (see also Programs and Activities)Determine local residents use of other organized programs in surrounding communities such as swim instruction (see also Programs and Activities)


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4.2 Parks, Trails and Open Space4.2.1 Current Picture

PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE SUPPLY

The Township of Tiny’s parkland is diverse and extensive. Figure 12 summarizes the parks inventory and reveals that the municipality owns and/or manages approximately 814.23 acres of parkland within 162 park sites across the Township. In this report, parkland is broken down into seven categories: Major Parks, Minor Parks, Neighbourhood Parks, Major Water Parks, Minor Water Parks, Undeveloped Parks and Trails. The parks in all categories are inventoried and described in detail in the following sections.

Figure 12: Municipal Parks and Open Space Summary

Parkland and Open Space Supply in The Township of Tiny

Park Type Park Supply (acres)Major Parks 148.89Minor Parks 13.43Neighbourhood Parks 64.96Major Water Parks 56.79Minor Water Parks 28.91Undeveloped Parks 402.59Trails 98.66Total Parks 814.23 acres

Facilities at each park were assessed using the following criteria:

Good: Infrastructure is relatively new and is in a safe and working condition. No repairs or replacements anticipated in the foreseeable future.

Fair: Infrastructure is in a safe and satisfactory condition. No immediate need for repair/replacement beyond regular preventative maintenance. Should be assessed on a yearly basis.

Disrepair: Infrastructure is in poor condition. Needs immediate repair or replacement to address safety concerns, damaged elements or missing components.

The Township provided an assessment of the overall level of accessibility of the park, which is included at the end of each inventory table.

MAJOR PARKS

Toanche ParkToanche Park is a 20.14-acre community park, near the community of Toanche. The following chart provides an inventory and visual assessment of the condition of facilities and features.

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentOne permanent washroom building with snack bar and storage

in fair condition

One large informal gravel parking lot in fair condition

One outdoor ice rink in disrepair One garage with ‘skate’ changeroom in fair condition

One playground with sand surface

in disrepair, missing swing

Two baseball diamonds with lighting and bleachers and scoreboard

in good condition

One baseball diamond with no lighting in disrepair

Several picnic tables in fair conditionSeven horseshoe pits with scoring in fair condition

One toboggan hillOverall level of accessibility poor

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CBO ParkCBO is a 7.12-acre, mostly wooded community park located east of Balm Beach and just south of the Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors Club. The following is the results of a visual site assessment.

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentOne Community Building with washrooms, and storage

in fair condition

One informal gravel parking lot in fair condition

One uncovered outdoor rink surface in disrepair

One large enclosed dog park that has been converted from a baseball diamond

in good condition

One small enclosed dog park in good condition

Several new trees in fair conditionOne large playground with equipment, swings and sand surface

in fair condition

One small playground with baby swing, slide climber and sand surface

in disrepair

Several picnic tables in fair condition

Overall level of accessibility

previously deemed a passive park; to be reassessed

Township of Tiny Community Centre LandsThis 70.53-acre parkland parcel comprises a large wooded area with trail system that surrounds the Township of Tiny Community Centre with its associated accessory buildings, parking area and recreation facilities. The following are the results of a visual site assessment.

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentOne Community Centre Building with meeting room, washrooms, and storage

in good condition

One large multiuse lawn with electrical hook-up in good condition

Horseshoe pits (8) in fair conditionOne small storage shed in good conditionWoodlot with trail system in good condition

Several picnic tables in good conditionOne large paved parking lot in good condition

One large gravel parking lot in fair condition


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Lafontaine ParkLafontaine Park is a 12.58-acre community park in the downtown of the Lafontaine community. It includes:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentLafontaine Community Centre with kitchen, snack bar, washrooms and mural installation

in good condition


One outdoor covered rink with washrooms, change rooms and unfinished snack bar

in fair condition

One playground in fair conditionOne baseball diamond with new bleachers and lights

in good condition

One baseball diamond with bleachers in good condition

Several picnic tables in fair conditionOne sand volleyball court in good condition

One multiuse field in good conditionOne paved pad (remaining slab of a removed building)

in fair condition

Overall level of accessibility

Community Centre poor

Park fair

Wyebridge Community Centre ParkWyebridge park is a 3.95 acre park that surrounds the Wyebridge Community Centre in Wyebridge. It includes:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentThe Wyebridge Community Centre with washrooms, meeting room and kitchen.

in good condition


One playground on sand (swings, spring toys, slide climber)

in fair condition

One uncovered outdoor rink with storage building

in fair condition

Several picnic tables in disrepairSeveral wood benches in disrepairOne ‘skate’ changeroom in fair conditionOne baseball diamond with bleachers (4) and lighting

in good condition

One picnic area with several picnic tables in fair condition

One basketball court in fair conditionOne large paved parking lot with lighting in good condition

Two interpretive panels in good conditionOverall level of accessibility good

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Perkinsfield ParkPerkinsfield Park is a 11.89 acre community park in central Perkinsfield. It includes:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentOne permanent washroom building with ‘skate’ changeroom, snack bar storage and meeting room. New handrails were installed in 2015 to meet accessibility standards

in fair condition

One large asphalt parking lot in fair condition

One small gravel parking lot in fair condition

Seven small playgrounds with sand surface in fair condition

Two baseball diamonds with bleachers and lighting

in good condition

One small baseball diamond with bleachers in fair condition

Two tennis courts with lighting and small storage building

in fair condition with minor resurfacing requirements

Two old tennis courts in disrepairTwo enclosed shuffleboard courts in fair condition

One covered outdoor rink in fair condition

Five pickle ball courts (in outdoor rink) in fair condition

Five horseshoe pits in disrepairOne informal junior soccer pitch in fair condition

Several picnic tables in fair conditionTwo drinking fountains in fair conditionOverall level of accessibility poor

Wyevale Park and ParklandWyevale Park is a 6.31-acre community park that is the focal point of the Wyevale community and is adjacent to the Wyevale Central Public School. It includes:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentOne park pavilion with kitchen facilities and snack bar

well used but in disrepair

One washroom building with storage

well used but in disrepair

One large gravel parking lot in fair condition

One baseball diamond with lighting, bleachers

well used, in fair condition

One baseball diamond with no lighting

well used, in fair condition

One small playground with sand surface in fair condition

One outdoor rink with storage facilities in fair condition

Toboggan hill in good conditionOne covered sand box in good condition Several picnic tables in fair conditionOverall level of accessibility poor

The Wyevale Parkland comprises the regulation soccer pitch area (11.83-acres) and the ‘Train Station Lands’ (4.22-acres) that fronts the Tiny Rail-Trail. They include:

Soccer Pitch Area

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentTrans Canada Trail connection in good condition

Large paved parking lot in good conditionTwo regulation soccer pitches in good condition

Two wood benches in good condition


BACKGROUND REPORT

Train Station Lands

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentTiny Rail-Trail in good conditionSeveral new trees in good conditionSeating area with bench, decorative planting and plaque

in fair condition

Large gravel parking lot in fair conditionPortable toilet in fair condition

In 2015, the Township prepared the Wyevale Park Master Plan. The plan provides a vision for Wyevale Park, the adjacent Train Station Lands and an adjacent parcel. The plan is being implemented. Some of the key features of the plan include

• Creating multiple soccer fields to make it a major destination for soccer in the Township (completed spring 2017)

• Improved linkages and entry points to the Tiny Rail-Trail from the park and the train station lands

• Maintaining the friendly and natural character of the park

• Upgrading the playground, washroom building, park pavilion and parking lot in park

• Replacing the outdoor rink with a covered rink facility

• Trimming the vegetation at the park to improve sightlines

• Preserving and formalizing a trail loop in the forest adjacent to the soccer fields

• Community support exists to provide a museum to commemorate the old train station on the Train Station Lands

FEBRUARY 2018 // 35

BACKGROUND REPORT

MINOR PARKS

There are 5 minor parks in the Township of Tiny with a number of facilities and features. These are shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13: Minor Parks

ID Number/Name

Legal Description /Location Size Facilities & Features

17: Stott Park CON 7 PLAN 1442 BLK B PARK 3.86 acres

park land, open space, perma-nent washrooms, change rooms water, picnic area

23 PLAN 958 LOT 44 TO LOT 45 0.57 acres naturalized area east of Balm

Beach

30: Church in the Pines PLAN 1309 BLK A 7.81 acres wooded picnic area, Church service area

92: Bernie-Leclair Memorial Park CON 1 TO CON 21 5.17 acres

Rail-Trail access, picnic area, gravel parking, portable toilet, storage

99: Emilio Place CON 4 PT LOT 24 PLAN M116; BLK E 2.56 acres open space, bush, tennis courts

(2)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKS

There are 69 neighbourhood parks in the Township of Tiny with a number of facilities and features, as shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14: Neighbourhood Parks

ID Number/Name

Legal Description /Location

Size Facilities & Features

2 PLAN 1365 LOT A 0.4 acres beach access trail and beach6: Maple Gate Park PLAN M361 BLOCK 60 0.68 acres park, playground, shelter,

grassed28: Goldfinch Crescent Plan M500 Bk65, Con

114.4 acres playground, trail, natural en-

vironment, municipal well site11 PLAN 1613 BLK B 1.24 acres beach access and beach14: Reynolds Park CON 5 E PT LOT 14

PLAN M91; BLK B0.59 acres playground, benches, wood-

land, shade structure36 PLAN M389 LOT 49 0.34 acres undeveloped field37 PLAN M389 LOT 50 0.36 acres undeveloped field38 PLAN 1526 LOT 32 0.44 acres beach access and beach39 PLAN 1537 LOT 144 0.40 acres beach access and beach


BACKGROUND REPORT

ID Number/Name



41 PLAN 1142 PT LOT 145 PLAN; 1252 PARK LOTS B AND C PT; PARK LOT A AND R

0.65 acres Tiny Beach Park


0.62 acres beach access and beach



44 PLAN 1127 PARKL B 0.8 acres beach access and beach45 PLAN 1176 ASSELIN

PARK1.59 acres beach

46 PLAN 1482 BLK A 2.02 acres beach access and beach54 PLAN M426 BLOCK 11 1.25 acres woodlot, waterfront access,

waterfront56 CON 16 PT LOT 4 RP

51R10547; PART 20.28 acres picnic area, lake access

60 PLAN 1143 PT PARK LOT A

0.27 acres beach access

63 PLAN 1229 PARK LOT C

0.49 acres beach access

66 PLAN 1684 BLK G 1.1 acres woodlot, trail lake access68 PLAN 1496 BLK B 0.41 acres lake access, picnic71 PLAN 1240 PARK LOT

A LOT B; RP 51R11784 PART 4

1.18 acres woodlot, trail, lake access

72 PLAN 984 PARK LOT A 0.56 acres woodlot, trail, lake access73 PLAN 1105 BLK A 0.22 acres beach access and trail77 PLAN 1051 BLK B 0.42 acres beach access and beach78 PLAN 1371 BLK D 2.14 acres beach access and woodlot79 PLAN 1371 BLK O 3.78 acres beach access and woodlot80 PLAN 1371 BLK P 3.68 acres beach access and woodlot81 PLAN 1385 BLK E 3.45 acres beach access and woodlot82 PLAN 1385 BLK F 2.93 acres beach access and woodlot83 PLAN 1385 BLK G 1.96 acres beach access and woodlot84 PLAN 1385 BLK H 7.14 acres beach access and woodlot85 PLAN 1385 BLK I 5.78 acres woodlot

FEBRUARY 2018 // 37

BACKGROUND REPORT

ID Number/Name



86 PLAN 1103 PARK LOT A

0.67 acres woodlot and Beach

94 South of #24 Andrew Drive

0.25 acres picnic area and lake access

96 West of Waterview Road

0.32 acres beach lands

97 West of Waterview Road

0.69 acres beach lands, unopened R.O.W.

101 Unopened R.O.W. (west of Conc 17 W)

0.45 acres beach access and parking

102 Unopened R.O.W. (south of Rue Jules Leger)

0.51 acres Tiny Beach Park

103 PLAN 1580 BLK B PT BLK A PT; LOT 1 PLAN 1527 PT BLK A


104 Unopened R.O.W. (north of Thunder Bay Lane)

0.28 acres Thunder Beach access, wooded park, beach

106 Unopened R.O.W. (west of Conc 19 E)

0.93 acres trail, Thunder Beach access, beach

110 Unopened R.O.W. (north of Champlain Rd btwn #2521 & #2527)


111 Unopened R.O.W. (north of Champlain Road btwn #2473 & #2477)

0.15 acres beach access, beach and naturalized area

113 Unopened R.O.W. (east end of Concession 20 E)

0.36 acres beach access, woodlot, beach and parking

114 Unopened R.O.W. (north of Beach Road btwn #51 & #57)

0.23 acres beach access, beach and litter bin

115 Champlain Road between #1787 & #1791

0.15 acres beach access trail

116 Unopened R.O.W. (east end of Conc 19 E, btwn #1751 & #1761)



BACKGROUND REPORT

ID Number/Name



117 Champlain Road btwn #1701 & #1705


119 Champlain Rd btwn #1663 & 1659


121 1629 Champlain Road 0.19 acres beach access and beach123 Unopened R.O.W.

(West of Conc 18 E)0.49 acres beach access and beach

124 Champlain Road between #1565 & 1569


126 Champlain Road between #1543 & 1549


127 Champlain Road between #1499 & #1507


130 PEEK-A-BOO TRAIL #393






133 Unopened R.O.W. (Church Street, South of #89 PEEK-A-BOO)


134 Unopened R.O.W. (West of Conc. 17 E)

0.32 acres gravel parking, trail, lake access

135 Unopened R.O.W. (Farlain Lake Rd E btwn #26 & #30)

0.26 acres lake access









FEBRUARY 2018 // 39

BACKGROUND REPORT

ID Number/Name



140 Unopened R.O.W. (West of Conc 7 E, Farlain Lake)






143 Unopened R.O.W. (East of ALLPORT ROAD at Farlain Lake)

0.41 acres lake access and picnic area


BACKGROUND REPORT

WATER PARKS & BEACHES26

The Township of Tiny is defined by its long coast line and bountiful beaches. The Township’s five major water parks are described below and its minor water parks are listed in Figure 15 on page 44.

Major Water ParksWoodland Beach ParkWoodland Beach is 11.11-acre beach park on the west shore of the Township. It comprises:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentA sandy beach for swimming in good condition

Wood boardwalk pathways with picnic area nooks (incl. accessible picnic tables)

in fair condition

Several waste receptacles in fair condition

One permanent washroom building in fair condition

One off-street asphalt pay parking lot in fair condition

On-road asphalt pay parking in fair condition

As per the Township’s 2017 Parking Strategy Initiative, the off-street parking lot and on-road parking were converted to a consistent pay parking system as of 2017. Residents are able to use both parking areas for free with the appropriate permits.

26 In all cases, parts of beach park property parcels may be under water, and the extent to which this occurs varies with changes in water levels. There are also encroachments that occur on public property where beaches meet residential properties. The acreages noted below, therefore, are based on legal property boundaries but may not, at any given time, represent available public space.

In the Township’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2016-2020), it was recommended that the Town consider installing accessible Mobi-Mats at the beach.

A land dispute (Block B, Plan 656 and Woodland Beach) was heard in 2011, and appealed by the Township in 2013. The Township was successful in its appeal, thus confirming that the westerly boundary of the Woodland Beach Subdivision does not extend to the water’s edge, and is therefore part of the municipally-owned beach.

Public Access Points to Beach:

• Tiny Beaches Road S 2160

• Tiny Beaches Road S 2134A (at Locust Trail)

• Tiny Beaches Road S 2086 (at South Street/Poplar Trail)

• Tiny Beaches Road S 2018-2017 (Main Entrance)

• Tiny Beaches Road S 1932 (at Tamarack Trail)

• Tiny Beaches Road S 1792 (at Siesta Drive)

FEBRUARY 2018 // 41

BACKGROUND REPORT

Bluewater Beach ParkBluewater Beach is a 17.95-acres park that features the naturally sensitive Bluewater Sand Dunes. Approximately 12.2 acres of the total area comprises the dunes, which are fenced off and appropriately signed, to prohibit access and so protect this ecologically sensitive area. The park area that is publicly accessible, therefore, totals approximately 5.75 acres. It comprises:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentA sandy beach for swimming in good condition

Two portable toilets in fair conditionSeveral waste receptacles in fair condition

Several benches at the waterfront in fair condition

One on-street asphalt pay parking area in good condition

Several interpretive panels in good condition

An extensive raised boardwalk pathway fea-ture with seating and handrails

in good condition

The boardwalk was updated in 2013 with appropriate handrails on areas with steps to increase accessibility. At the same time, directional signage was installed at the Nicole Boulevard entrance to indicate the accessible entrance at Trew Avenue. In the Township’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2016-2020), it was recommended that the Township consider installing accessible Mobi-Mats at the beach.

Another initiative to come out of the Township’s 2017 Parking Strategy was to convert the permit parking spaces along Concession Road 5 West and Trew Avenue to pay parking (permit-carrying residents will still be allowed to park without additional charge).

Jackson Beach ParkJackson Beach Park is a 16.27-acre beach park at D’Aoust Bay. It comprises:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentOne large asphalt pay parking lot in fair condition

One boat launch off the parking lot in fair condition

One permanent washroom building in fair condition

A sandy beach for swimming in good condition

One 100’ accessible Mobi-Mat installed in 2017

in good condition

Several picnic tables in fair conditionSeveral waste receptacles in fair condition

Two bike racks in fair conditionOne playground with sand surfacing and equipment

in disrepair


BACKGROUND REPORT

Balm BeachBalm Beach is a 5.77-acre beach park and includes the horseshoe shaped sandy beach and surrounding land, as well as a second parcel of land to the north off Parkside Drive. The beach area includes:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentA sandy beach for swimming and natural-ized beach stream

in good condition

An accessible Mobi-Mat, installed in 2015 in good condition

A large asphalt pay parking lot in good condition

One updated permanent washroom building

in good condition

One portable toilet in fair conditionSeveral waste receptacles in fair condition

Three bike racks in fair conditionSeven wood benches in fair conditionSeveral light standards with banners in good condition

Several picnic tables in fair conditionSeveral wood planters in fair conditionBeach volleyball court in fair condition

The Parkside Drive area includes:

• Three tennis courts - in fair condition

• Several picnic tables – in fair condition

• One unused ball diamond now dominated by lawn – in disrepair

Parking along Balm Beach Road West was recently changed to Pay Parking. Although this was deemed a success according to the Township’s 2017 Parking Strategy, the document also points to the need to install additional parking ticket machines along this stretch (between Parent Road and the Beach). This would reduce the

instances of people getting ticketed while they have gone to pay for parking.

Lafontaine Beach Park27

Lafontaine Beach Park is a 5.68-acre park predominated by a naturalized area with mature trees, oak regeneration sites and remnant dunes. It comprises:

Facility or Feature Visual AssessmentA ‘Dynamic Beach Zone’ along the water frontage.27 There is a 45m setback require-ment for any kind of development along this frontage.

in good condition

Several picnic tables along the beach front in fair condition

A gravel on-street parking area off Tiny Beaches Road North

in fair condition

An off-road gravel parking lot at the east end of the park

in fair condition

In 2011, the Township completed a master plan for the beach, reimagining the park as a multi-use community ‘eco-park’ to increase use, and protect and enhance the natural features of the park. The plan is being implemented. Some of the main features of the proposed plan include:

• A playground with 2 bocce courts (completed November 2017)

• A park pavilion ($75,000 of funding was approved in 2017 to implement in 2018)

• A park info kiosk and gateway feature

• An entrance walkway

• Permanent washroom facility

27 Dynamic Beach: Beach that undergoes continuous or change due to natural erosion and accretion (see Appendix E)

FEBRUARY 2018 // 43

BACKGROUND REPORT

• Drinking fountains• Dune grass restoration areas• Picnic areas

• Grass meadow and interpretive panels

In 2015, the Township’s Accessibility Advisory Committee made recommendations to Council on accessibility works for the park, including the installation of an accessible Mobi-Mat. These have yet to be implemented.

In the Township’s 2017 Parking Strategy Initiative, it was recommended that the parking spaces in the off-road lot, and the permit spaces along the road be converted to pay parking. This has since been implemented.


BACKGROUND REPORT

Minor Water ParksAs shown below, the Township has 11 minor water parks that range in size from 0.28 to 8.76 acres and support a variety of natural and man-made features.

Figure 15: Minor Waterfront Parks

ID Number/Name



5: Edmore Beach Access PLAN 894 PT LOT 6 PT LANE

0.3 acres beach access trail, bush, stairs

34: Wahnekewaning PLAN 763 BLK A 7.07 acres naturalized area east of Balm Beach

49: Sandy Bay Beach PLAN 1241 LOT A 0.77 acres wooded picnic area, Church service area

61: Tee Pee Point Park PLAN 1229 PARK LOT A PLAN; 1060 PT LOT 3

1.38 acres playground, beach, picnic, litter, basketball

62 PLAN 1229 PARK LOT B

0.79 acres lawn, picnic area, bush, water access

76: Corrie Hamelin Park PLAN 1321 LOT 35 0.75 acres picnic, lawn, portable toilet, litter, gravel parking

95: Edmore Beach Park Beach Lands (north of Monica Road)

8.76 acres bush, Edmore Beach, access trails

100 Unopened R.O.W. (west of Conc 13 W, Wahnekewning parking)

0.63 acres paved Parking, beach access

105: Thunder Beach Unopened R.O.W. (north of Chemin Du Loup)

0.28 acres Thunder Beach access

107: Thunder Beach CON 20 PT LOT 9 PLAN M214; BLOCK 7 & 8 RP51M265 BLOCK;16 RP 51R23148

2.49 acres Thunder Beach and access trail

108: Silver Birch Beach North of Silver Birch Drive

5.67 acres beach, private lots infringing onto public beach

FEBRUARY 2018 // 45

BACKGROUND REPORT

UNDEVELOPED PARKS

The Township also has 45 parks that are currently undeveloped. These are listed and briefly described in Figure 16.

Figure 16: Undeveloped Parks

ID Number/Name



1 PLAN M528 BLOCK 147

15.29 acres woodland

3 PLAN 51M787 BLK 18 31.17 acres woodland4 PLAN M693 BLK 37 10.71 acres woodland8 PLAN 51M1064 BLK


9 CON 4 PT LOT 24 PLAN M116;BLK F

0.96 acres woodland

10 PLAN M76 BLK A 1.35 acres woodland15 PLAN 51M901 BLK 16 0.97 acres low scrub land18 CON 8 PT LOT 10 RP

51R22784;PART 294.35 acres woodland

19 CON 8 PT LOT 10 RP 51R22784;PART 1


24 PLAN 51M841 LOT 15 1.55 acres field25 PLAN 51M841 BLK 21 5.01 acres field26 PLAN 51M841 BLK 23 1.11 acres field27 PLAN 51M768 BLK 5 10.06 acres woodland29 CON 11 PT LOT 18

RP 51R17745;PARTS 2 & 4

7.81 acres woodland




4.97 acres woodland


5.37 acres woodland

35 CON 13 S PT LOT 19 PLAN 1138;PARK LOT A

1.63 acres woodland

47 PLAN 1580 BLK B PT BLK A PT;LOT 1 PLAN 1527 PT BLK A

4.39 acres woodland

48 PLAN 1623 BLK C 4.46 acres woodland, beach access


BACKGROUND REPORT

ID Number/Name



50 PLAN 1564 L BLK B 1.47 acres woodland51 CON 20 PT LOT 9

PLAN M265;BLOCK 151.02 acres woodland

52 CON 20 PT LOT 15 RP 51R8388;PT PART 3 RP 51R16165 PART 5

0.59 acres woodland

53 CON 20 PT LOT 15 RP 51R8388;PT PART 3 RP 51R16165 PART 5

1.29 acres woodland

55 PLAN M691 BLK 12 3.60 acres woodland57 PLAN 51M859 BLK 81 1.97 acres woodland64 PLAN 1389 PT BLK

J & K RP; 51R15245 PARTS 1 11 17 18

5.24 acres woodland, beach access

65 PLAN 1684 PT BLK C RP; 51R5318 PART 2


67 PLAN 1684 BLK F 1.24 acres woodland69 PLAN 1068 LOT A

PARK1.01 acres woodland

70 CON 18 PT LOTS 2 & 3 RP; 51R25227 PART 5

2.45 acres woodland, lake access

74 PLAN M82 BLK G 2.13 acres woodland75 TINY CON 20 PT LOT

B RP; 51R33262 PART 1

1.82 acres woodland

98 PLAN 51M1064 BLK 22


109 CON 20 PT LOT 9 PLAN M214; BLOCK 7 & 8 RP51M265 BLOCK; 16 RP 51R23148


112 Unopened R.O.W. (north of Sawlog Point Road, east of #251)


118 Across from 1703 Champlain Road

0.16 acres woodland

120 Champlain Road across from #1659

0.27 acres woodland

122 Across from #1629 Champlain Road

0.16 acres woodland

FEBRUARY 2018 // 47

BACKGROUND REPORT

ID Number/Name



125 Champlain Road north of #1564

0.17 acres woodland

128 Champlain Road south of #1508

0.17 acres woodland

129 Champlain Road #1383


144 PLAN M528 BLK 130 1.95 acres woodland145 PLAN M528 BLOCK


146 PLAN M353 BLOCK 69 5.51 acres woodland149 PLAN M528 BLOCK



BACKGROUND REPORT

TRAILS

The Township of Tiny has a number of trail systems that provide facilities for both motorized user groups and non-motorized user groups. The central trail cutting through the Township is the Tiny Rail-Trail, which is described below. There are also many other beach access trails and recreational trails in the region.

In 2011, the Township completed The Township of Tiny Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan. Its aim was to improve infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists while balancing the interests of other users groups, including: snowmobilers, hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and ATV users. The plan identified destinations and points of interest in the Township that should be better connected through the trail and active transportation system. It identifies key weaknesses of the system that were identified as barriers to use:

• Lack of connectivity between facilities

• Lack of facilities for safe walking and biking

• Lack of amenities such as maps, bicycle lock ups, wayfinding, parking and resting

The plan proposes a series of new trails, route improvement and expansions, and new access points with user facilities to create a better connected and better used active transportation and trail network. Key proposed improvements include:

• Improving the Rail-Trail with wayfinding and standardized treatments at roadway intersections

• Expanding the network of off-road hiking trails and off-road multi-use trails, and connecting to the Tay Township trail network.

• Creating a new two-way separated multi-

use pathway along Balm Beach Road from Perkinsfield to Midland

• Paving road shoulders as dedicated bike lanes

• Designating on-road bicycle routes with signage only

• Formalizing and providing enhanced facilities along all routes and at five access points along the Rail-Trail

Tiny Rail-TrailThe Tiny Rail-Trail is a 22.5km abandoned railway right-of-way that is part of the Trans Canada Trail System. It traverses agricultural land and hardwood forests, terminating in Springwater at the south and Penetanguishene at the north. There are several access points along the trail, with major access points including parking facilities in Wyevale and Perkinsfield (at Bernie LeClair Park). The trail is surfaced with compacted granular, and provides several facilities along its length. These include: picnic tables, signage, waste receptacles, benches and scenic outlooks. It also features 14 historic bridges. As of 2015, ATVs were prohibited from using the trail.

The 2011 Township Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan proposes a series of secondary trails to connect the Rail-Trail to the five public beaches and neighbouring communities.

FEBRUARY 2018 // 49

BACKGROUND REPORT

Trail SectionsThe individual sections of the Tiny Rail-Trail are listed in Figure 17.

Figure 17: Tiny Rail Trail Sections

ID Number Legal Description /Location Size

87 CON 1 TO CON 21 6.04 acres88 CON 1 TO CON 21 12.80 acres89 CON 1 TO CON 21 11.25 acres90 CON 1 TO CON 21 5.48 acres91 CON 1 TO CON 21 6.64 acres93 CON 1 TO CON 21 6.70 acres147 CON 1 TO CON 21 6.03 acres148 CON 1 TO CON 21 3.07 acres152 CON 1 TO CON 21 5.06 acres153 CON 1 TO CON 21 7.63 acres154 CON 1 TO CON 21 10.47 acres155 CON 1 TO CON 21 7.24 acres156 Tiny Trail between Conc 8 & Conc 7 4.79 acres157 Tiny Trail between Conc 8 & Conc 7 5.46 acres


BACKGROUND REPORT




Although there is necessarily overlap in the Township’s various strategic priorities across the four service areas of the recreation master plan, the ones that are primarily related to parks and trails are presented here. Figure 18 lists the relevant strategic goal and objective, and summarizes its implementation status based on the 2017 scorecard. The last column explains how it will (or may) relate to the recreation master plan study.

FEBRUARY 2018 // 51

BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 18: Summary of Strategic Plan Scorecard 2017 Related to Parks, Green Space and Trails

Goal 3: Healthy Environment and Sustainable Community PlanningObjective: A healthier environment


• Address the issue of public beach access by implementing a compre-hensive Beach Enjoyment Strategy for Tiny (Project BEST)

• parking strategy in place with periodic evaluation

• wayfinding master plan being prepared to include: identify 5 major waterfront parks, parking, amenities, directions and distances

• BEST is key component of master plan, in terms of directing beach use to 5 major waterfront park locations

• wayfinding and parking initiatives should be integrated with parks, recreation and trails system as a whole

• Explore opportunities to advance the Township’s Environment First philosophy (shoreline protection, sand dune and cobble beach preservation; tree cutting by-law)

• considerable work has been completed on waterfront invasive species removal, new garden installations and beautification, litter pick-ups, tree plantings, community education, pollinator program, and incorporation of policy in Official Plan

• significant volunteer engagement

• ongoing

• environmental considerations are essential components of all aspects of the parks, trails and recreation system

• could part of healthy active living policy initiative, depending on scope

Objective: A resilient environmentRelevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation

Master Plan• Continue to support

research into conditions that cause invasive species (Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation)

• various ongoing initiatives including staff/community education, working with SSEA, County, local community associations, etc.

• invasive species are key eco-environmental issues in parks, trails, and other public (and pri-vate*) green spaces; *species migrate from public to private property, and vice versa


BACKGROUND REPORT

• Identify opportunities to enhance facilities at existing municipal parks with an emphasis on beachfront parks and public spaces

• ongoing reviewing/implementing existing Master Plans for each of the following Beach Parks: Balm, Lafontaine, Jackson, Woodland and Bluewater, and other associated plans or strategies for parking, wayfinding, trails etc.

• implementing Wyevale Park Master Plan

• scope includes a review of all parks to determine need for improvements and the role/function of each in the overall parks system, and appropriate design standards by type

• also related to Project BEST strategy, in terms of direction on scope and standards for improvements to the 5 major beach parks, and relationship to other shoreline and inland parks

Objective: Commit to sustainable community planning throughout the TownshipRelevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation

Master Plan• Master Plan

implementation (Lafontaine, Balm Beach, Wyevale and Trails)

• Advisory Committee established for Lafontaine Beach Park and Wyevale Park Master Plans

• component projects on board for 2017/18 at Lafontaine Beach Park

• include accessible playground, pavilion and Bocce courts, washroom and trails

• confirm and coordinate these plans and initial component projects within comprehensive parks and trails system review

Goal 4: Promote Community Health, Safety and Well-beingObjective: Develop recreational opportunities across the Township


• Implement the Trails and Active Transportation Plan to improve walkability and active lifestyles

• Trails Wayfinding Study in place• wood chip, looped trail

adjacent to new soccer pitches• memorial benches installed

along trail • funding application for: surface

upgrade; re-development of Bernie LeClair Park (trailhead)

• to dovetail/integrate with relevant master plan recommendations


• Expand cycling routes and multi-use trails (Lake Loop) with signage (Share the Road)

• Trails Wayfinding Study in place• to be coordinated with Major

Beach Park Wayfinding Plan• ongoing collaboration with

North Simcoe and County• potential funding for commuter

cycling infrastructure through Ontario Municipal Cycling Program

• to dovetail/integrate with relevant master plan recommendations


FEBRUARY 2018 // 53

BACKGROUND REPORT

Objective: Strengthen cultural and heritage assetsRelevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation

Master Plan• Improve wayfinding and

signage throughout the Township and beyond by promoting a consistent and high quality standard

• Trails Wayfinding Study in place• trail signage to be installed• Major Beach Park Wayfinding

Plan being developed

• identify opportunities to coordinate these programs and to dovetail/integrate with relevant master plan recommendations



The following summarizes parks, trails and open space issues and considerations for the master plan that have emerged to date, based on our discussions with municipal staff, site visits, and our experience in other communities.

Figure 19: Summary of Parks and Trails Issues and Considerations

Topic Issues Identified to DatePark Supply Classifications, Design and Standards

Determining adequacy of supply by type, amount and locationReviewing parks functions and classificationsEstablishing design and development standards based on park functions to ensure consistency across similar types Determining required upgrades to properties, facilities, amenities to meet proposed standardsIntegrate facility requirements, as appropriate to park typeReview and identify parks master plan requirements for key parksProviding general direction on optimizing AODA accessibility

Ownership, Access and Use Establishing a process to establish boundaries between private and public property where confusion exists, to engender respect for both groups of property ownersRevisiting the 2006 recommendation to consider a process for municipal parkland disposalReviewing parks-related by-laws to determine need for updates, improvementsIdentifying opportunities to improve Parking Strategy


BACKGROUND REPORT

4.3 FacilitiesAs with parks and trails, the following is based on information gathered to date, with the understanding that additional detail/verification and community consultation is required prior to clarifying and detailing specific issues to be addressed in the master plan.


FACILITY SUPPLY AND USE28

Sports and Recreation Facilities Figure 20 lists all major municipally-owned facilities, and school board facilities. Some are scheduled for community use, either for Township programs (e.g., soccer pitches) or by volunteer sports groups (e.g., ball diamonds). Others are available for spontaneous use/play by the community at large (e.g., open tennis courts, playgrounds).

28 Appendix C provides inventories of indoor recreation facilities in Tiny and key facilities in adjacent communities that Tiny residents are known to use.

FEBRUARY 2018 // 55

BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 20: Inventory Summary of Municipal and School Board Facilities

Facility Type Total Municipal Facilities

Total School Board Facilities

Population-Based Service Ratio 2018:

11,882Community halls 3 1:3,960Gymnasia - 2 1:5,941Meeting/community rooms 4** 1:2,970Outdoor pads/rinks 6 (2 covered) 1:1,980Ball diamonds 5 lit/6unlit 1 1:1,080Soccer pitches 3 1:3,960Tennis courts 5 unlit*/2 lit 1: 1,697Horseshoe Pits 21 NAShuffleboard Courts 2 NAPlaygrounds 19 including 1 accessible 2 NAPickleball Courts (seasonal only) 5 1:2,376

Sources: Site visits, Township website information, Watson & Associates. Township of Tiny 2015 Development Charges Background Study.

* the 2 lit courts at Perkinsfield Park are replacements for the 2 old unlit courts; the unlit courts have not been counted in total supply

**includes community room at Wyevale Fire Hall, which is currently not available for community use

Planned outdoor municipal facilities include a pavilion (2018), bocce courts (to be completed in spring 2018) and washrooms at Lafontaine Beach Park (TBD). Funding has been received to light one soccer pitch and to provide a gravel extension to expand the parking lot at Wyevale Park.

In addition to the facilities listed in Figure 20, there are three not-for-profit seniors’ facilities and eight churches in the Township. Commercial service providers include the private Balm Beach Golf, and three equestrian centres (Celtic Roots Equestrian Centre, Pinecrest Stables and Denmar Farms).

The overall supply of facilities in the Township of Tiny is a reflection of its population size, recreation history, and proximity to the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, and the Township of Springwater. A relatively small population base is not typically sufficient to support major indoor recreation facilities such as indoor pools. Although many communities the size of the Township of Tiny have arenas, their ready availability in adjacent communities provides relatively easy access to local residents. Similarly, libraries in surrounding municipalities are used by Tiny residents. At the same time, the Township’s pre-amalgamation history as a number of distinct jurisdictions, in which facilities were replicated at community serving parks, may have precluded the construction of


BACKGROUND REPORT

indoor arenas and libraries within its current boundaries.

Part of the legacy of amalgamation of a number of small rural townships is not only a dispersed settlement pattern but the existence of five distinct ‘communities’ spread throughout the whole of Tiny - Perkinsfield, Wyebridge, Lafontaine, Wyevale and Toanche. Each of these settlement areas was the former centre of its respective community, and each still supports a large community park that contains playing fields and an outdoor rink. The strong history of baseball in the area is reflected in a relatively high level of diamond provision. While maintaining existing fields, the Township has started to diversify by adding more soccer pitches to the outdoor field supply. Two of the outdoor rinks have been covered to provide some protection from weather and to extend their use to non-ice activities. Other efforts to diversify outdoor facilities through upgrades and adding to the overall supply include replacing the old unlit tennis courts at Perkinsfield Park with two new, lit courts, and plans to add bocce courts to Lafontaine Beach Park.

The Township of Tiny’s indoor facility supply comprises three small municipal halls and meetings rooms, with kitchen facilities. A fourth community room, which is not available for general use, is located at the Wyevale Fire Hall. The two elementary schools in the Township also have gyms. It is our understanding that, while the Township’s facilities are used for community programming they are not used nearly to the extent they might be for several reasons. The community halls are older, and not ideally suited in terms of size and design for the types of programs that need indoor space (e.g., pickleball). They have also not been promoted to the extent they might be for community use, but a recent initiative of the Strategic Plan has generated more use of municipal indoor space. While school gyms are also used, the extent of this appears to be limited to date. Formalizing

joint use agreements with both school boards is a current initiative of the Strategic Plan.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Facilities As noted above, local residents use libraries in nearby municipalities. The Township has purchased service agreements for library services in Midland, Penetangusihene and Springwater and Tiny residents can use one of these municipal library services. Major arts and culture facilities are also located in nearby urban areas, and so serve Tiny as part of a larger regional market.

As indicated in the facilities inventory in Appendix C, there are 30 properties within the Township of Tiny that are designated or listed as properties of cultural heritage value. While these facilities may not be publicly owned, their potential for future inclusion in some form of cultural heritage programming will be considered (e.g., heritage tours, local history programs, etc.).

Future Facility Requirements Gaps in Current SupplyBased on what we have learned to date, there appears to be limited demand for major new facilities, with the possible exception of indoor community space in the north end of the Township - with a focus on seniors needs. The need for additions to the facility supply beyond those currently planned by the Township remains to be investigated in the master plan. At the same time, sustainability of capital investment requires that, wherever possible, facilities are designed with multi-functionality in mind. While designing for distinct uses of multi-purpose spaces is typically considered, providing completely single purpose facilities is discouraged since it is very limiting in relation to the range of needs in a community.

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BACKGROUND REPORT

Configuration and DistributionThere are several important and potentially contradictory variables related to future facility provision in the Township. For many years, broader trends in recreation have tended to providing facilities in centralized hubs that optimize flexibility by accommodating a variety of uses, and efficiencies in operating costs. More recently, provincial policy on two fronts has reinforced this direction.

Provincial land use policy, which is reflected in the Township of Tiny’s Official Plan, requires densification of existing settlement areas to optimize infrastructure use and access to services for residents.

The current Government of Ontario Community Hubs29 initiative supports hub development and may offer opportunities to make better use of public facilities to offer multiple services in a single location. The provincial document defines community hubs as follows:

Community hubs provide a central access point for a range of needed health and social services, along with cultural, recreational, and green spaces to nourish community life. A community hub can be a school, a neighbourhood centre, an early learning centre, a library, an elderly persons centre, a community health centre, an old government building, a place of worship or another public space. Whether virtual or located in a physical building, whether located in a high-density urban neighbourhood or an isolated rural community, each hub is as unique as the community it serves and is defined by local needs, services and resources…each brings together a

29 Community Hubs in Ontario: A Strategic Framework and Action Plan. August 2015. https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/4815/community-hubs-a-strategic-framework-and-action.pdf

variety of different services, programs and/or social and cultural activities to reflect local community needs. It is this diversity of activity that allows community hubs to play a critical role in building economic and social cohesion in the community (Community Hubs in Ontario. p. 7).

Providing hubs in existing settlement areas necessarily concentrates facilities in several locations that likely already have some facility infrastructure. In a community like the Township of Tiny that has several settlement areas and also supports a dispersed rural population, centralizing facilities presents a disadvantage to those who live in areas outside the ‘hub’ communities. These considerations must be balanced against the potential to improve geographic access to facilities for recreation programming. To this end, the master plan will consider both: 1) the potential for local schools to perform more of a hub function, and 2) the potential to establish partnerships with local churches for access to their facilities (where suitable) to improve program/service distribution.

These approaches point to the need to possibly strengthen existing or develop new partnerships with other service providers in improving facilities. Alternately, residents may need to be directed to providers in nearby communities to access facilities that it is not feasible to provide locally.

Aging Recreation InfrastructureAn important concern among municipal representatives is the generally aged condition of recreation facilities, many of which are overdue for capital upgrades. To some extent, staff is ‘making do’ with available facilities that are outdated and not ideally suited to current program interests. Specific facility needs remain to be identified in the master plan, as well as how to meet these -through upgrades, new


BACKGROUND REPORT

municipal development, partnerships or other providers (e.g., proposed facilities in other area municipalities, commercial sector, etc.) Part of any future investment will also require careful consideration of AODA (2005) accessibility requirements, at a minimum.

An important consideration with respect to future facility provision is the efficacy of continuing to replicate the same facilities in each of the major community parks. This question will be assessed against current levels of facility use, their performance in providing needed services, the need for improvements to existing facilities, any new facility requirements, and future asset management considerations.



Strategic Plan Scorecard SummaryAlthough there is necessarily overlap in the Township’s various strategic priorities across the four service areas of the recreation master plan, the ones that are primarily related to facilities are presented here. Figure 21 lists the relevant strategic goal and objective, and summarizes its implementation status based on the 2017 scorecard. The last column explains how it will (or may) relate to the recreation master plan study.

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BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 21: Summary of Strategic Plan Scorecard 2017 Related to Facilities

Goal 3: Healthy Environment and Sustainable Community PlanningObjective: Improve the quality of municipal infrastructure & improve the use of existing municipal facilities


• Continue to invest in and manage municipal assets through ongoing implementation of the Township Municipal Asset Management Strategy (roads, bridges, parks)

• ongoing• asset additions include

replacing substandard pitches with construction of 2-regulation-size soccer fields; looped walking trail

• review of other park facilities/sports fields, to identify need to retain, and capital cost estimates for maintaining/improving these assets over the term of the plan

Objective: Improve the quality of municipal infrastructure & improve the use of existing municipal facilities


• Develop a strategy to promote increased use of existing community facilities and Community Centres

• ongoing• have increased volume and

range of programming that uses Township facilities, through direct and indirect approaches

• scope includes determining need for expanded programming/activity, and facility capacity and suitability to accommodate it


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The following summarizes facility issues and considerations for the master plan that have emerged to date, based on our discussions with municipal staff, site visits, and our experience in other communities.

Figure 22: Summary of Facility Issues and Considerations

Topic Issues Identified to DateFacility Supply and Use Determining the extent to which existing facilities can be used to

accommodate additional/expanded use related to satisfying current and future program/activity gaps/interestsDetermining an appropriate level of supply of outdoor playing fields to serve the communityIdentifying facilities that are amenable to population-based service levels for planning purposes, and those that are more related to amenity provision as part of parks, open space and trail designDetermining potential for a higher profile for heritage resources in recreation programming

Gaps in Current Supply Confirming demand for facilities that do not now exist in supply and determine how these are to be met (e.g., upgrades to existing, new builds, municipally owned-operated, partnership with other provider, etc.) Confirm Tiny residents’ current or expanded use of services to be accessed by in adjacent communities

Aging Infrastructure Determining major required upgrades to existing facilities to enhance programming potentialProviding general direction on optimizing AODA accessibility in municipal recreation facilities

Configuration and Distribution

Relating aging infrastructure to their performance, required upgrades, and need for new facilities, and considering options for future geographic distribution Considering the capacity of both municipal and non-municipally owned facilities (e.g., church halls) to contribute to improved recreation service distribution throughout the TownshipInvestigating the potential to develop community service hubs

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4.4 Programs and Activities The following is based on information gathered to date from a variety of documented and discussion sources, with the understanding that additional detail/verification and community consultation is required prior to clarifying and detailing specific issues to be addressed in the master plan.


SupplyStructured ProgrammingA review of available information on recreation programs in the Township of Tiny shows that the municipality has a good base, and that the Recreation Department has succeeded in broadening the program supply in recent years. In addition to several programs that the Township offers directly (e.g., Day Camp, soccer, Swim to Survive) or through partnerships with commercial providers (e.g., golf clinic, exercise classes), Recreation staff also work with community-based volunteer organizations to facilitate volunteer driven programs in various areas of interest. Volunteer groups are essential to the provision of a wide range of programs in the Township (e.g., pickleball, horseshoe league, ball associations, seniors activities, hockey, etc.). As noted above, the Township also contributes financially to local and other area municipalities to support programs that serve Tiny residents. Seniors’ clubs in the Township of Tiny, and the Towns of Midland, Penetanguishene and Springwater Township receive annual financial contributions from the municipality to support provision of their services to local residents.

Unstructured Activity and Special EventsIn addition to municipal and volunteer sector programming, opportunities to participate in unstructured outdoor activities include a variety of trails and many beaches for swimming, in addition to a range of parks and open space

areas for both active and passive pursuits by individuals and groups (see Section 4.2).

A number of special events are held in the Township of Tiny each year - some of which are community-based, while others are designated as North Simcoe events but held in Tiny. These events are held throughout the year, cover a range of interests and are geared to different users, and are largely volunteer driven. Most appear to be focused on community building, while a number are broader in scope and are also geared to visitors or tourists. Appendix D contains an inventory of programs, activities and special events.

Municipal Program Development and ParticipationFigure 23 on page 63 tables program development, along with total and Tiny resident participation in these, from 2007 to 2016. During this period, the number of municipal programs offered by the Township increased from 3 to 11. Total participation in these programs grew by 126%, from 487 to 1,102 registrants.30 The soccer and day camp programs comprise the bulk of participation, with most of this activity occurring during the summer.

Seasonal residents also participate in these programs. In 2015, the proportion of seasonal registrations relative to the total Township figures was: 17% for summer soccer; 13% for summer day camp; and 10% and 9% for the CIT Plus and the CIT programs, respectively. As noted above, the master plan provides an opportunity to establish a factor for seasonal resident use of Tiny’s parks and recreation services to ensure current and future demand from this substantial population is considered.

30 2016 figure does not include the 702 mobile skatepark users at four locations in the Township over the summer, since this use is not comparable to that of structured programs.


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Most of the Township’s programming is geared to children and youth, with the exception of exercise classes and golf clinics. Exercise classes comprise a variety of activities such as yoga, core, Zumba and meditation. Until 2014, tennis instruction was only available to children and youth but at that time adult lessons were added to the program. The number of golf clinics offered has increased recently to accommodate more participants.

Figure 24 on page 64 illustrates the proportions of resident and non-resident registration for 2016 municipal programs. Non-residents come to participate in Tiny’s programs - and particularly children’s summer activities - from a number of area municipalities. For most programs, non-resident participation ranges between 20% and 25% of total registration. Of note is the apparent strong draw of the new swim-to-survive program from outside the Township of Tiny. Non-local participants in Township programs are most often from Midland and Pentanguishene, but they also come from Springwater, Tay, Wasaga Beach and Barrie.

It is important to remember that registration/participation numbers do not necessarily represent total demand for programs, as the capacity to operate them limits the numbers of participants that can be accommodated. As noted in the Recreation Department’s annual report for 2016, the Summer Day Camp program was full and most weeks had a wait list.

The Recreation Department also monitors program participation and net costs to determine the feasibility of their continuation. Programs that were initiated and then withdrawn during this period due to limited interest and/or inability to cover the costs of provision included a ski and snowboard program that was offered in 2009 and 2010, and beach volleyball (2010 and 2011). Available information also shows registration in a karate program for child, youth and adults in 2010, 2011 and 2012. This program is currently

offered in partnership with a local instructor. The Township provides the hall for the program and, in turn, receives 10% of registration fees.

FEBRUARY 2018 // 63

BACKGROUND REPORT

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GAPS IN SUPPLY

The program/activity inventory in Appendix D shows Tiny residents are well supplied in several areas day camp programs, ball and - increasingly - soccer. General trends and our definition of recreation for the master plan, as noted above, in relation to the current local program supply reveals apparent gaps in the following areas:

• arts, culture and heritage

• family

• short duration programs

• adults/older adults

• youth

• health and wellness

• education, personal development

• young children-caregiver

• organized, year-round outdoor

Figure 24: Resident and Non-Resident Registration 2016

At the same time, we recognize that the Township, as indicated in its strategic initiatives, is working on a number of these areas (which are not necessarily mutually exclusive) through steps such as the formation of a Senior Advisory Council, efforts to do the same with youth, and an increased focus on Francophone, First Nation, and Métis heritage.

FEBRUARY 2018 // 65

BACKGROUND REPORT

PROGRAM AND SERVICE DELIVERY

Role of the TownshipAs discussed above, the Township engages in both direct and indirect program and service delivery. It provides services directly when it hires trained and experienced staff to operate programs such as swimming, day camps, and fitness/exercise. It offer programs and services indirectly when it facilitates their provision by volunteers that use municipal resources such as playing fields, registration services etc. to operate them. Partnerships fall somewhere between direct and indirect provision, and can combine various degrees of both.

Staff indicated the desire to grow the program base in all areas that are needed in, or of interest to, the community. At the same time, there are very real limits to the Township’s capacity to do this directly with available resources in terms of financing, people and facilities (see Section 4.3). The master plan, therefore, will need to confirm the need to: 1) expand existing programs for which there is unmet demand, 2) diversify the program supply in areas that are currently underrepresented, and 3) establish well considered program directions and how to feasibly activate them. For example, the Township has a reputation for delivering high quality, affordable day camp programs and there is unmet demand for these services. It has also twinned CIT for youth with children’s programming. Given this established ‘niche’ in children and youth services and its position as a HIGH FIVE registered organization, it may be appropriate for the Township to consider building on this strength before adding entirely new programs, if greater diversification would mean spreading resources too thinly and detracting from current value. Similarly, there are instances where local program provision will not be considered given the resource requirements to do so, and the ready availability of services in neighbouring urban areas such as Midland and Penetaguishene.

The Township’s response to meeting needs and interests, therefore, will comprise the most feasible way to solidify its position within the regional ‘market’ for recreation, given demand, its programming strengths and the resources available to implement service development.

Access to Programs and Services Access to recreation programs and services comprises four primary components: awareness of programs/opportunities, geographic proximity, affordability, physical access to the buildings and spaces in which services are provided.

Awareness of available programs and services is the first step to potential engagement in them. Regardless of the amount of advertising and promotion that is done by municipalities, it is typically reported by residents that they do not know what is ‘out there’ in the way of parks and recreation services. The Township of Tiny appears to promote its programs and services well, both locally and regionally and provides information in different formats. A consideration that has emerged to date is the ease with which information can be found on the Township’s website, along with the simplicity and consistency in its provision through various channels. A related consideration is the extent to which the Township advertises and promotes its work and accomplishments in parks and recreation to the community at large. The annual reports are extremely valuable reviews of each year’s efforts and outcomes and could provide the basis for greater self-promotion on the part of the Township.

A natural environment setting with an extensive swimmable shoreline, along with local and regional trail development, provide Tiny residents with a wealth of opportunities to engage in unstructured recreation. Community-wide access to structured programs, however, is limited by the rural/urban settlement pattern of the Township, which necessarily locates programming facilities in areas of population


BACKGROUND REPORT

concentration that are considerable distances from some of the Township’s outlying areas. While driving is essential to living in a community of widely dispersed population, distances to services are more problematic for some people than others. Those who do not have access to private transportation may include seniors, youth, the disabled, and less affluent households. Among those who do drive, there may be limitations around driving in bad weather, at night, etc.

The Township works to ensure programming is optimally distributed throughout the Tiny. A cursory review of the most recent annual report (REC-001-17) indicates that municipal programs are held in each of the Township’s settlement areas, with the possible exception of Toanche. The June calendar for Parks and Recreation month 2016 (see Appendix D) comprised a wide variety of free indoor and outdoor activities - one for each day of the month – and distributed these widely throughout the Township. This one-off approach to programming can provide encouragement to try something before committing time and money to ongoing involvement. (e.g., Learn to SUP, soccer demo, introduction to ball room dancing, learn to kayak). Over 130 people participated in 2016. As shown in Appendix D, special events are also held at different locations throughout the Township, which both shares the need to travel over the course of a number of events and helps build cohesion by encouraging cross-community trips.

One of the objectives of the Recreation Department is to maintain a range of free or low-cost programs to provide all residents opportunities to participate in programs and activities. Like most municipal recreation departments in Ontario, those who cannot afford fees for the programs or services they would like to use are not turned away. In 2017, Township Council approved an Affordable Recreation Program to formalize a process facilitating

affordable access. Under this program, the Recreation Department partners with various not-for-profit organizations or public institutions mandated to expand access to recreation for families and individuals. Participating organizations can formally refer financially disadvantaged residents of Tiny to the Township for registration in a program. Once registered, Township staff contact the family or individual along with all other program participants. In 2017, participating agencies/organizations were each provided with a $400 credit for this purpose, with a maximum subsidy of $200 per participant. Nine partners were invited to participate in the program, of which five are located in the Township and four are agencies in Midland that serve the region’s population, including Tiny residents.

Physical access to public recreation spaces and buildings is addressed as part of the parks, trails and facilities components of the master plan, in relation to the Township’s Multi-year Accessibility Plan and opportunities to enhance access in other ways.

PartnershipsA review of the Department’s annual reports shows the importance of partnerships to providing parks and recreation services in the Township of Tiny. A few examples of 2016 partners in program delivery and support include:

Program delivery:

• Spring Soccer program with the Wyevale Parks and Recreation Association

• Tennis program with Simcoe Tennis

• Golf Clinics with Brooklea Golf and Country Club

• Exercise programs run by contracted, certified individuals

FEBRUARY 2018 // 67

BACKGROUND REPORT

Program support:

• local service clubs and organizations (e.g., Lions Club, Business Association of Balm Beach, Wyevale United Church, Anglers and Hunters Conservation Club, both elementary schools);

• businesses (e.g., Georgian Grill, Tim Horton’s, Mueller Sausages);

• sports, recreation and special event organizers (e.g., Festival du Loup, All Sports All People, Elmvale Skating Club)

The recently introduced ‘Rev Up for Active Gaming in Tiny’ program illustrates one such partnership. The Strategic Plan directs the Township to develop senior services by completing a strategy through its senior advisory committee. To this end, the Township applied for, and received, a $20,000 grant through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund.

Together with partners - Wyevale Parks and Recreation Association, the Business Association of Balm Beach, the Penetanguishene Rotary Club and the Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors - Tiny “hired a part time league convener, purchased equipment and delivered bocce ball, pickleball, tennis and shuffleboard to older adults and seniors 65+. This affordable and accessible active programming will also create the basis for the implementation of future seniors; activities and sports” (REC-001-17, p. 9).

While seniors’ clubs in the Township of Tiny already offer a wide variety of opportunities to older adults to engage in recreation, this particular program appears to have met a need for more active, sports-oriented programming.

VolunteersVolunteers have always been an essential element in recreation program and service

provision in the Township of Tiny. The legacy of the volunteer Parks and Recreation Associations has very likely contributed to a continuing strong and diverse volunteer sector in the community. As discussed above, the Township has a comprehensive volunteer program that implements its Volunteer Policy. The program’s purpose is very clear: “to actively promote a mutually rewarding relationship between volunteers who offer their talents, skills and time and staff who will support them in their efforts to cooperatively foster stewardship of municipally-owned community parks, natural areas, and recreation and social programs” (REC-001-17, p. 10).

2016 was an important year for volunteer initiatives in the Township, with the hiring of a full-time Community Engagement Leader whose responsibilities include volunteer development, and the formation of new Council Committees and events that required volunteer assistance. Figure 25 summarizes the contributions of volunteers to parks and recreation services in 2016, which represents a 13% increase in hours over 2015 participation, and 42% more than in 2014 (REC-001-17, p. 12).


BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 25: Volunteer Hours Contributed in 2016

Area of Work # 2016 # of volunteers total # hours(approx.)

# 35 hour weeks

Average hours/per volunteer

Committees & Boards

14bodies 46 1,797 51 39

Recreation programs: coaches and support

various 75 1,734 50 23

Youth Initiatives & Projects

various 49 2,392 68 49

Special Events 8 events 86 299 8.5 3.5Garden Makeovers 4 gardens 5 80 2 16

Beach Conservation 4 beaches 107 268 8 2.5

Litter Pick-up 3 locations 28 135 4 4.8Totals 396 6,564 187 16.6

Future program and service development in Tiny will continue to rely on volunteer services, where facilitation is the most appropriate approach to provision. By virtue of sheer numbers, for example, a predominantly older population will need to engage in more peer-based volunteerism, whereby seniors develop and operate their own programs and services with assistance from the Township, and other partners.

The average individual contributions shown in Figure 25 range from 2.5 to 49 hours per year, which suggests the potential to attract future volunteers who may have limited time to contribute themselves but who can make a considerable difference to the pool of donated hours.

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Although there is necessarily overlap in the Township’s various strategic priorities across the four service areas of the recreation master plan, the ones that are primarily related to programs and activities are presented here. Figure 26 lists the relevant strategic goal and objective, and summarizes its implementation status based on the 2017 scorecard. The last column explains how it will (or may) relate to the recreation master plan study.


BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 26: Summary of Strategic Plan Scorecard 2017 Related to Programs and Activities

Goal 2: Build ProsperityObjective: Grow the Economy


• Work with EDCNS to identify new opportunities for economic growth that enables the existing community character to be retained (e.g. culinary tourism, agri-business, sustainable agriculture, artisanal food products, growth of market based crops, organic farming, value-added agriculture, ecotourism, recreational tourism, adventure tourism, etc.)

• EDCNS /Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Partnerships

• ongoing

• recreation is specifically mentioned as part of this strategic priority

• potential for revenue generation to be reinvested in community parks and recreation services

• could be relevant to healthy active living policy initiative, depending on scope

• Work with partners to establish a local Food Hub to promote local product processing

• County initiative with local municipal participation: supporting Farm Fresh initiatives and collaborating with County

• ongoing

• could part of healthy active living policy initiative, depending on scope

• Work with partners to explore opportunities to create value-added agriculture (e.g. create a distribution hub and supply local stores).

• Work with agricultural partners to develop a Tiny Farm Brand and capitalize on the local food movement, culinary tourism and sustainable agriculture and agri-business

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Goal 4: Promote Community Health, Safety and Well-beingObjective: Develop recreational opportunities across the Township


• Complete a Parks & Recreation Master Plan*

• in addition to above-noted service developments, the following programs/services have been continued, introduced or expanded: pickleball, shuffleboard, children and youth soccer, CBO dog park; day camps, skating, swimming, tennis, golf, soccer, fitness and mobile skate park, ball, health and fitness day

• plan to expand into young adult, adult and older adult soccer (through Soccer for Life)

• part of comprehensive review of existing and potential programs/services

Objective: Enhance community services for community members (seniors, youth)Relevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation

Master Plan• Explore opportunities to

enhance senior services by completing a Seniors Strategy through the establishment of a Senior Advisory Committee

• Senior Advisory Committee in place and active

• Local Aging Plan in place• held Seniors Symposium and

Speakers Series• ongoing

• relevant recommendations from the Local Aging Plan will be brought forward for inclusion

• needs and interests for additional seniors recreation program/activity development, and appropriate approaches to provision, will be determined and recommended

• Explore opportunities to improve Youth Programming by establishing a Youth Advisory Council

• bursary program for post-secondary student entrants

• CIT program• Advisory Council in 2018

budget• expanded youth soccer

program slated for 2018 (through Soccer for Life)

• opportunity to begin dialogue with youth to determine needs and interests for age-appropriate programs and services


BACKGROUND REPORT

Objective: Strengthen cultural and heritage assetsRelevant Strategic Priority Implementation Status Relationship to Recreation

Master Plan• Work with community

partners to identify opportunities to showcase and profile the Native, Métis and Francophone cultures that are an important part of our cultural heritage

• various forms of contribution to special events and activities that highlight local culture (e.g., Festival de Loup, Art Quest, Balm Beach Events)

• ongoing

• definition/scope of recreation includes arts, culture and heritage

• opportunities to develop these parts of the program supply will be addressed

* implementation status covers considerably more than master plan study alone (initiation of which is not noted here)


The following summarizes program and activity issues and considerations for the master plan that have emerged to date, based on our discussions with municipal staff, municipal document reviews, and our experience in other communities.

Figure 27: Summary of Program and Activity Issues and Considerations

Topic Issues Identified to Date

Program Supply and Use Need to expand programming to ages groups/interests not currently served (e.g., arts, heritage, youth, education, outdoor, short duration, winter, etc.)Identify areas for which Tiny residents will continue to travel to other area communities for programs/activities, and in which Tiny can serve non-residentsConsider potential for additional special event programming Establish factor for seasonal resident demand for programsFocus on building programs/activities from existing assets and strengths

Program and Service Delivery Role of Township in future program provision (e.g., direct, indirect etc.)

Potential to partner with other agencies/organizations in program development and provision (e.g., public health, older adult/seniors groups)Need to optimize access to programs/activities in terms of awareness, proximity, affordability and facilities enable all residents to participateNeed to retain high quality and standards for existing programs, in view of municipal capacity to provide servicesNeed to self promote Township efforts and accomplishments in recreation Identify opportunities to build on volunteer development program, especially in peer-to-peer support among seniors

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5.0 Healthy Active Living

5.1 Healthy Active Living (HAL) Described

The Township is interested in advancing health and active living in its policy, and for the master plan to embody principles and practices that would make it easier for residents and visitors to adopt healthy lifestyles and behaviours. Advancing the development of communities to support healthy and active living includes a range of approaches that the Township will need to determine. Should it focus its efforts on improving physical activity, or broaden its consideration to include other components that contribute to positive health and well-being, such as healthy eating, injury prevention, and social cohesion? These considerations will be explored through the Master Plan process to provide the Township with appropriate direction. Since HAL policy is potentially integral to all municipal functions and services, this discussion links to previously identified topics and issues that the master plan will also address as individual components of the parks and recreation system.

Healthy active living is difficult to define, as it is an umbrella under which many different - and historically separate or disparate - elements sit. Over the last several years, governments across Canada have developed health promotion strategies to address increases in obesity, chronic diseases, and injuries across the country. These national frameworks include the Pan- Canadian Healthy Living Strategy (2005), Non-Communicable Disease Prevention: Investments that Work for Physical Activity (2011), Active Canada 20/20 - A Physical Activity Strategy and Change Agenda for Canada (2012), and Pathways to Wellbeing: A Framework for Recreation in Canada (2014). In Ontario, initiatives promoting

and facilitating active living have been numerous and include:

• Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, 2009 provided funding for community partners to engage in policy development and programming to address local health priorities. Communities across Ontario were similar in their need to increase physical activity levels and improve healthy eating to address obesity and chronic diseases among their residents. Health priorities identified by some partners included mental health and substance misuse, as determined by community needs assessments.

• Ontario Healthy Kids Strategy, 2013 promoted healthy lifestyles and reductions in childhood obesity. This includes supporting healthy lifestyles before and during pregnancy, promoting breastfeeding, healthy eating, and healthy environments for children. Healthy Kids Panel is an inter-ministerial working group formulated to implement the Strategy’s recommendations and reduce childhood obesity by 20% by 2018.

• Seniors Community Grant (2012 to present) funds projects that improve the health of seniors, enabling them to live independent, active and healthy lifestyles. As of 2017, more than 1,300 local projects have been funded across Ontario. Funded projects are varied and contribute to social inclusion, age-friendly community development,


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improved safety and accessibility, promote learning and information sharing, increase physical activity, and promote healthy eating behaviours.31

• Ontario’s After School Program (2009 to present) provides funding for sports and recreation organizations to deliver structured and unstructured physical activity programs, nutrition and cooking classes, and health and wellness programs for children and youth in priority neighbourhoods.

• The Healthy Kids Community

Challenge (2014 to present) improves the health of children under the age of 12. This initiative provided funding to 45 communities and challenged partners to work together to create environmental supports, programs, and policies to increase physical activity levels, promote healthier eating habits, increase water consumption, and improve sleep duration in efforts to combat childhood obesity.

• Enabling Accessibility Fund (2017) provides municipalities with funding to improve physical accessibility for persons with disabilities.

In addition, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of the built and natural environments in influencing health and well-being. Built form, street networks, and neighbourhoods can be designed to encourage walking and cycling, making it easier for people to integrate physical activity into their daily routines. The design of outdoor spaces can improve accessibility to increase their use and enjoyment by people of all ages

31 https://www.ontario.ca/page/information-seniors-organizations?_ga=2.14360821.396599638.1508341058-168522585.1508341058#section-3

and abilities. Beyond physical health, recreation facilities, parks, and public spaces also help people to achieve socially connected lives. The development of community gardens and policies and programs influencing the provision of healthier food options also enables people to adopt healthier lifestyle choices. Changes to land use planning and infrastructure development have emerged through policies and practices to advance the development of “active and healthy communities”.

From this upstream perspective on healthy living, there are other areas in which the environment can contribute - both directly and indirectly - to a foundation to support this direction. Initiatives that contribute to improved air and water quality, that conserve or restore natural ecosystems, and/or focus on working with available assets are more likely to combine to create an overall healthier environment in which to live, work and play.

With strong interest in promoting health and active living, a myriad of “active living” plans, approaches, and projects have emerged over the last several years. An environmental scan was undertaken to identify the types of healthy active living strategies and projects being undertaken in Canada. The review found inconsistencies in the interpretation of “active living” and the range of projects that were implemented to support it:

• Municipalities with active living plans generally focus on physical activity. Physical activity and active living are used interchangeably and efforts predominantly include recreational programming, and active transportation. Few municipal active living plans incorporate other policy and program interventions that address healthy eating, injury prevention, or mental health.

• Funding programs support active living

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but can be specific in addressing a particular need. For example, funding may be limited to a specific activity (sports), population group (children), or expenditure (equipment for community gardens).

• Informational programs are numerous and predominantly led by public health units. These programs raise awareness of the value of healthy living (and can include a range of topic areas including healthy eating, physical activity, injury prevention, and substance misuse) but do not directly improve physical activity levels or lead to healthier eating habits.

• Wellness initiatives provide a broad holistic approach that extends beyond physical activity to include skills development or education facilitating healthier lifestyles around healthy eating, mental health, and substance misuse. However these programs are less prevalent in scale and are more resource intensive.

5.2 Current Approaches and Issues/Opportunities for Consideration

This section identifies issues and opportunities for consideration in developing a healthy, active living policy for the Township of Tiny as whole. It reviews the municipality’s existing initiatives, plans, policies, and programs to identify support for healthy lifestyles and active living. Previous sections of the report have documented both policy statements and specific strategies that are relevant to this endeavour. This discussion expands on their relevance to a healthy active living policy for the Township of Tiny. It also identifies areas where there may be opportunities to address gaps in ‘coverage’, although those incorporated in local policy will depend on the scope of the Township’s interest and capacity. As noted above, healthy active living can be narrowly or broadly construed and it will be important for the master plan to establish and articulate the meaning of healthy active living in order for the Township to be able to develop and implement policy to achieve it across all of its functions.

The following review of current municipal strategies, policy and practices, municipal staff interview findings, and our experience with best practices in public health policies (including Ontario Public Health Standards) and active living initiatives, will inform the identification of issues and considerations for the Township of Tiny’s recreation master plan.

5.2.1 Implemented or In Process Strategies

The Township has undertaken a range of strategies and initiatives that advance the development of a healthy community, supporting active lifestyles, healthy behaviours, and community well-being. This master plan presents a range of opportunities to further advance the Township’s efforts focusing on opportunities that strengthen the link between parks and recreation services delivery and healthy active living.


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• The Township’s commitment to accessibility is clearly articulated through the Strategic Plan, Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (includes the Design of Public Spaces Standard), and the Local Aging Plan (2017). Mandated as a means to provide disabled persons with access to equal participation in community life, legislated requirements can thereby contribute to healthier lifestyles. With respect to recreation, the Design of Public Spaces Standard intends to provide access to recreational trails and beach access routes, outdoor public eating areas, outdoor play spaces, and exterior pathways to facilitate improved mobility. Projects have been completed to increase accessibility at various parks and recreation spaces, including Bluewater Beach Park (upgrade of boardwalk with handrails), Community Centre (automated door openers), Perkinsfield Park (handrails at washroom), Balm Beach (portable recreation path), and provision of accessible playground equipment and seating areas. It is our understanding that future projects will be undertaken to improve the accessibility of additional municipal beach parks.32 In addition, the growing aging population will increase demand for accessible public spaces (i.e., age-friendly outdoor equipment) and services (i.e., cognitive focused programming). The master plan offers an opportunity to assess progress being made in this area and to identify additional considerations for inclusion in a municipal policy that improves

32 Township of Tiny. Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2016-2020.

accessibility, psychological health, and social participation for persons of all ages and abilities, including mothers with young children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those requiring the attendance of a caregiver. The master plan may identify the need for additional accessible and inclusive program equipment and play structures, and partnerships with other public agencies and local organizations to deliver accessible programming. There is also potential to examine cross-departmental policies and practices to improve public communications, signage, outreach, and information dissemination to communicate the Township’s policies and practices in providing accessible services.

• The Rail Trail is a community asset that is attractive to residents and visitors alike. The Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan (2011) supports healthy lifestyles and includes recommendations to facilitate and promote trail usage. The Rail Trail identifies “trail loops” to connect the Tiny Rail Trail to community destinations, including community parks and beaches, and establishes the trail as an important active transportation system. An overall trail system is also proposed to connect the Rail Trail to a larger County-wide network. The Plan includes recommendations for a trailhead signage and a wayfinding strategy. Specific recommendations include: design standards for developing trails, active transportation networks, and associated facilities; actions that promote comfort, safety, and accessibility for trail users, pedestrians,

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and cyclists; the provision of signage, seating, and bike racks along trail routes, at municipal parks and beaches, and at community points of interest. The recreation master plan has the opportunity to further advance the Trails and Active Transportation Plan by further considering policies and standards promoting health and safety. The potential to extend trail use for winter activity (beyond snowmobiling) is a consideration, and could be further explored to support a variety of recreation activities to accommodate year-round physical activity. There may also be an opportunity to explore areas of the trail system that can be designed to be universally accessible.

• A Growth Management Strategy (2016) was completed to determine an approach for the Township to accommodate forecasted residential and employment growth, and this strategy is reflected in the draft Official Plan. As noted above, the existing built-up areas of the Township (settlement and shoreline areas) will accommodate future population growth and, to the extent possible, will be developed as complete communities. Focusing on increasing densities and creating complete communities can be aligned with policy directed to healthy active living.

• The Local Aging Plan (2017) identified challenges facing seniors affecting their ability to live independently and adopt healthier lifestyle choices. Health equity is an important component in facilitating

healthy, active living. The master plan will consider the range of programs and services currently available to seniors, which may identify gaps in programming. This may include new services and programming directed to a holistic perspective of health.

• The Township has a lending program for youth to access skateboards, scooters and safety equipment.33 Equipment for tennis instruction is also provided if needed. The master plan may determine if other supports are needed to improve equity in affordable opportunities for youth to participate in sports and recreation activities.

• The Township’s Volunteer Management Policy provides a framework for the recruitment and management of volunteers. Standards govern their recruitment and management, which identify the importance of establishing a diverse volunteer base. Establishing a strong volunteer base is important in advancing the development of active, healthy communities and contributes towards social cohesion. The master plan may reveal other opportunities to build local leadership and volunteer capacity.

• The Grants to Community Organizations (2009) policy demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to supporting community organizations in providing

33 http://www.tiny.ca/Shared%20Documents/Recreation/2017%20Mobile%20Skat

e%20Park%20Schedule.pdf#search=skateboard


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programs and services. The Grant program supports collaborative initiatives and promotes accessibility and effectiveness. The policy specifies that organizations are not eligible if funding for the program or initiative can be provided by other sources. Funding for programs and activities supporting wellness and active living comes from other sources such as Public Health Agency of Canada, Jumpstart, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. However, funding may be limited, with eligibility based on the program user or expense (i.e., equipment, plan development, operational expenses). The master plan will help determine if the existing policy is effective in meeting the community’s health needs, and gaps that can be addressed.

• A number of Township policies and by-laws were developed almost ten years ago, and so should be reviewed in light of opportunities to update them and creates stronger links to healthy, active living (e.g., Special Events Policy 2009, Facility Permitting Policy 2009, Facility Advertising and Promotion 2009, Alcohol Risk Management Policy 2009). Other types of by-laws that could be used to implement healthy active living policy will be identified in relation to the scope of policy interest in the Township of Tiny (e.g., anti-idling and anti-smoking on all public spaces) as well as by-laws that, in their present form, impede HAL objectives and so should be considered for revision (e.g., road hockey prohibited).

• Public Works will develop a capital program to upgrade proposed community trails based on recommendations identified in the Trails and Active Transportation Plan (2011). However, securing budget for active transportation infrastructure (bike racks) at parks and recreation spaces has been challenging. A review is needed to address the capacity of capital programs to fund needed infrastructure development and retrofit projects. Additional funding sources will need to be explored as part of the master plan process.

5.2.2 New Strategies for Consideration

The recreation master plan can consider new strategies and action areas for HAL, in light of emerging concerns that may affect human health and well-being. Additional potential strategies and actions are:

• The effects of climate change, such as extreme heat and cold events, increased precipitation, and extreme weather events (flooding and severe storms) have profound health implications that can contribute to an increase in mortalities, chronic illnesses, poor mental health, and adverse social impacts. Municipalities have an important role in addressing climate change through the development of policies, programs, design standards, and other community awareness initiatives - to protect human health and our environment, as established by the Province through the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the Provincial Growth Plan, and the Ontario Public Health Standards. The Township’s Official Plan establishes

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policy directions for the Township to address climate change. The master plan offers an opportunity for the Township to establish climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies that would reduce the effects of climate change on recreation lands (i.e., flooding, erosion) and programming while strengthening the municipality’s capacity to respond to the effects of climate change. The master plan will examine a range of policies, standards and initiatives for consideration, which may include: emergency response measures, environmental protocols, changes to the tree planting program advanced approaches to the existing stormwater management program, shade provision policies; programming that adapts to extreme heat and poor air quality days; energy and water conservation measures; soil management, species selection; and partnerships with external agencies and service providers.

• A healthy and active community is one that promotes and facilitates access to local agriculture. The Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan (2011) is a step forward in accommodating urban agriculture by identifying a community garden to be located at Bernie LeClair Memorial Park. Other efforts are being undertaken in Tiny to promote local food production, which include the pollinator program, Farm Fresh Food Fest, and partnerships with the EDCNS regarding agricultural tourism. The Township’s interest in supporting local agriculture raises the possibility of policies, facility improvements, programming, and public awareness initiatives that increase

access to healthy local foods (and to increase food security). The master plan can explore the development of: policies that support local sustainable food production (including urban agriculture), operational standards to support local food distribution (e.g., pick up locations for Community Shared Agriculture), program offerings to improve food skills development; and expansion of existing environmental stewardship programs to support urban/local agriculture activities.

• We recognize the Township has initiated projects to improve healthier food options, including the implementation of a healthy eating program (which received limited public interest). This master plan will explore approaches to encourage the provision of healthier food and beverage options at parks and recreation facilities alongside traditional menu offerings. This may include policy development to encourage the provision of healthier food and beverages, vendor agreements for concession stand operators and food and beverage trucks, incentive programs, promotional opportunities to encourage patrons to consume healthier food and beverages, and partnerships with local food producers and service providers to promote healthy eating. The Healthy Menu Choices Act, 2015 requires regulated food service providers with 20 plus locations to display the calorie content of food and beverages outside the home. The master plan may explore a partnership with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to implement healthier food program offerings.


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• The master plan will explore opportunities to facilitate outdoor physical activity year round, including walking and winter recreation activities. We are aware that physical access within the community and particularly to recreation spaces may be a challenge in the winter months, and due to distances to settlement areas. The master plan can explore the feasibility of snow clearance policies for roads and active transportation networks to facilitate walkability.

The community’s built form, coupled with limited transportation options creates challenges for residents to access recreation and leisure programs and amenities. Transportation is particularly challenging for residents in rural areas. Promoting equitable access to such opportunities is important in supporting physical and social well-being. The master plan can explore non-municipal based settings and facilities where recreation and leisure services may to improve the geographic distribution of services.

5.3.3 Strengthening Partnerships

The recreation master plan’s consideration for a healthy active living framework will require an assessment of internal, cross-departmental partnerships, as well as external collaborations with other agencies including the school boards, public health, and social services providers. The preceding areas of investigation may best be leveraged through partnerships with other departments and agencies and through an assessment of internal and external resources. Internal partnerships between municipal departments will be particularly important to pursuing a corporate-wide healthy active living policy.

One such external partnership involves the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, that currently faces uncertainty with regard to its mandate and resources. A recent independent Expert Panel report released in the summer of 2017 recommends significant restructuring among the 36 boards of health into 14 regional service areas. The outcome of the Expert Panel report may not be known until 2018 and will require close monitoring.

Partnership opportunities influencing the development of the master plan are as follows:

• It is our understanding that the Township is currently working with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to create a breastfeeding friendly community. The adoption of a municipal environment that supports breastfeeding will require policies, signage, staff training, and public awareness campaigns.

• Local schools are interested in partnering with the Township to support healthy active living. The master plan establishes a basis to explore partnerships with schools and also with the health unit to deliver programs and awareness campaigns that encourage healthy eating and physical activity (i.e., active routes to school programs, summer camps, after school programming, lunch hour health promotion, healthy eating, cooking, and physical activity programs).

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• Community engagement campaigns have been undertaken to promote physical activity and health (such as National Health and Fitness Day). However, turnout has been low. The master plan will explore partnerships with existing or new community partners in future engagement and awareness campaigns. It will: determine if community partners have achieved success in implementing health promotion information programs; identify other successful engagement campaigns and programs in neighbouring communities and factors for success; explore adapting successful initiatives and programs that leverage local champions and capacities.

• The master plan can also explore shared service delivery with other community-based organizations such as churches, social services facility providers, the private sector, and non-government organizations.

TOWNSHIP OF TINY RECREATION MASTER PLAN

BACKGROUND REPORTFEBRUARY, 2018

Appendices

Appendix A: Population Data

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2016

Tiny

Penetanguishene

Midland

Sprin

gwater

Tay

WasagaBeach

Oro-M

edon

teOntario

popu

latio

n11

,787

8,96

216

,864

19,059

10,033

20,675

21,036

%0-14years

11.8

12.7

13.6

17.9

13.4

11.9

15.2

16.40

%15-64years

6263

.361

.267

.165

.554

.765

.866

.8%65+years

26.1

2425

.215

2133

.418

.916

.7averageage(years)

4846

.146

.440

.844

.950

43.7

41averageho

useholdsize

2.4

2.3

2.2

2.8

2.4

2.3

2.6

2.6

%hou

seho

ldsw

ith

childreninacensus

family

32.3

33.4

34.4

47.6

34.8

28.4

40.3

42%

%officiallanguageminority

8.9

8.7

3.2

1.8

22.2

1.3

4.1

%motherton

gueEnglish

80.3

86.6

90.8

92.6

9386

.293

.268

.7%motherton

gueFrench

9.4

9.8

3.7

1.9

2.2

2.3

1.3

3.8

%motherton

gue

Aboriginal

languages

0.04

0.06

0.06

00

00

0.17

%motherton

gue

otherlanguages

10.3

3.4

5.4

5.5

4.8

11.5

5.5

27.3

medianafter-tax

householdincome

2015($)

62,119

53,849

49,812

84,626

58,416

56,246

82,438

65,285

%prevalanceoflow-

incomebasedon

theLow-in

come

measureaftertax

(LIM

-AT)

1216

.118

.67.1

13.4

12.6

714

.4

Source:201

6Ce

nsusofC

anada

Append

ixA:Pop

ulationDa

ta

Appendix B: Township of Tiny Official Plan Excerpts

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Appendix B: Township of Tiny Official Plan Excerpts

This section reproduces land use designations from the Official Plan that are directly related to the recreation master plan. Each is referenced with the draft Official Plan page number.

Land Use Designations and Policy Directions

Settlement Areas and Shoreline

The land use designations and parameters that are of primary importance to shaping the recreation master plan’s recommendations are Settlement Areas and Shoreline. These are the areas within which most of the Township’s existing and future parks and recreation services are/will be located.

Major Settlement Area Designation: Perkinsfield, Wyevale and Lafontaine are the largest geographic Settlement Areas. Collectively, they host schools, fire stations, various recreational areas including parks, and commercial and employment uses. It is a policy of this Plan that these communities contain a mix of land uses and will be the focus of residential development (p. 24, 25). Settlement area expansion shall only be considered for the Settlement Areas of Perkinsfield, Wyevale and Lafontaine (p. 9). Permitted uses include schools, places of worship, community centres, libraries and similar uses; public parks, open space areas and trails; community gardens (p. 26).

Secondary Settlement Area Designation: Wyebridge, and Toanche, will continue to develop with a limited amount of residential development as low service and low density communities (p. 24, 25). Expansion to the existing Settlement Areas of Wyebridge and Toanche are not permitted (p. 9). Permitted uses include schools, places of worship, community centres, libraries and similar uses; public parks, open space areas and trails; community gardens (p. 26).

Shoreline Designation: The Shoreline designation is the historic recreational area of the Township supporting cottage properties. The Shoreline designation has maintained this cottage area function and character but has evolved to accommodate new permanent residential development in the form of new residential units and conversion of existing cottages. The Shoreline designation has limited commercial development, diverse geography and has a different character from the other developed areas of the Township (p. 32). Permitted uses include small scale office and commercial uses, public and private community parks, public and private beaches, small scale institutional uses (p. 33).


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Environmental Protection and Greenlands

These designations are relevant, especially from a natural environment protection and stewardship perspective, when it comes to recreational uses.

Environmental Protection: This designation is intended to include the following natural heritage features and areas: Provincially Significant Wetlands, and Provincially Significant Coastal Wetlands (p. 3).

Greenlands: The Greenlands designation is intended to include a considerable range of natural heritage features and areas. The Greenlands designation is intended to include the following natural heritage features and areas:

a) Other Evaluated Wetlands;b) Other Wetlands 2 hectares or larger (including Coastal Wetlands that are notProvincially Significant);c) Significant Woodlands;d) Significant Valleylands;e) Significant Wildlife Habitat;f) Habitat of Endangered and Threatened Species;g) Provincially Significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest;h) Regionally Significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interesti) Nipissing Ridge; and,j) Potential Natural Linkage Area.

It provides protection to natural heritage features that are not designated Environmental Protection (p. 14). Outdoor passive recreational uses permitted on greenlands (p. 20).

Agricultural and Rural Areas: These land use designations permit activities related to agri-tourism, the local food movement (p. 44), small-scale tourism and recreational uses, and relevant institutional uses (p. 51).

Settlement Area Objectives - To restrict development adjacent to the Settlement Areas of Perkinsfield,Wyevale and Lafontaine (p.8)

- To encourage the development of complete communities within the SettlementAreas of Perkinsfield, Wyevale and Lafontaine (p. 8, p. 25)

- To maintain and create attractive communities with suitable amenities (p. 25).

- To ensure that Settlement Areas are developed in a logical and cost-effectivemanner (p. 8, p. 25).Policy Statements

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88

General Policies: consideration of a trail system and trail linkages within new development proposals shall be considered and accommodated where appropriate (p. 26); grouping of public uses is encouraged where the sharing of uses would benefit the community or Township (p. 26).

Major Township Parks in the Settlement Areas Policies: It is a policy of this Plan that the Major Township Parks in the Settlement Areas will continue to provide a wide range of recreational opportunities for the Township's residents. It is also a policy of this Plan that, before any major changes to the facilities or the level of service in each of the Parks are made, a Park Master Plan be prepared to review the current and proposed functions of the Park and the type and scale of the improvements required to ensure that the Park meets the community's needs and is cost-effective to operate (p. 31).

Shoreline Area Objectives - To maintain the Shoreline Area as an area to accommodate future permanentand seasonal growth in the Township (p. 8)

- To ensure that the scale of new development is consistent with the scale andcharacter of this predominantly recreational residential area (p. 33)

- To minimize the negative impact of public use in the Shoreline designation onthe environment and adjacent residential areas (p. 33)

- To ensure an orderly progression of development including an efficient use ofland, infrastructure and services (p.8)Policy Statements Shoreline Commercial Development Policies: The main commercial area in the Shoreline designation is the Balm Beach community. New commercial uses are encouraged to locate in the Balm Beach area. Limited and small scale commercial and convenience commercial uses may locate outside of the Balm Beach area (p. 35)

Waterfront Parks: The Five Major Waterfront Parks in the Shoreline designation which include Woodland Beach Park, Bluewater Beach Park, Jackson Park, Balm Beach Park and Lafontaine Beach Park. Given their size, configuration, location and historical use, it is a policy of this Plan that these Parks function as the primary locations for public use and activity on Georgian Bay (p. 36)

In order to implement this Policy, Park Master Plans have been prepared for each of these Parks to ensure that they are effectively planned to both accommodate public use and minimize the impacts of that public use on the environment and adjacent residential communities. Given the 'environment focused' objectives of this Plan, the development of additional parking areas, facilities and other infrastructure to support these Parks should be carried out in a


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manner that ensures that the natural features and functions of these Parks are protected and/or enhanced (p. 36).

Community Beaches and Road Allowances in the Shoreline Area: In addition to the Five Major Waterfront Parks [as described above], there are a number of other Township-owned lands that are used for recreational purposes adjacent to Georgian Bay. These include the smaller community beaches and road allowances accessing Georgian Bay. These areas are intended to be used on a low intensity basis by all Township residents or for use by residents in the immediate community (p. 37).

Environmental Protection Objectives - To identify natural heritage features that are prohibited from development andsite alternation in accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement (p. 11)

- To maintain, restore and where possible improve the ecological function andbiodiversity of the natural heritage system, which is comprised of key naturalheritage features, key hydrologic features, natural areas and linkages (p. 11)

- To implement the ‘Environment Focused’ goals of this Plan (p. 11)

Greenlands Objectives - To maintain and enhance the ecological integrity of the natural heritage system,including linkages and related ecological functions amongst natural heritagefeatures and natural areas (p. 15)

- To implement the Greenlands designation of the County of Simcoe Official Plan(p. 15)

- To implement the ‘Environment Focused’ goals of this Plan (p. 15)

Transportation Objectives

• to encourage active transportation such as cycling and walking within Settlement Areas as well as other appropriate areas.

• to support the County of Simcoe’s multimodal transportation system initiatives (p.88).

Policy Statements Roads: When designing and reconstructing the public road network, consideration will be given to the means in which to balance the needs of all road users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit and vehicles (p. 88).

County Roads: When considering development within Settlement Areas, the

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Township shall promote transit and active transportation routes along County Roads (p.89).

Active Transportation and Transit: The Tiny Trail is the largest active transportation route that traverses the Township. The trail forms part of the Trans Canada Trail System. Various other trails and opportunities for active transportation are included within the Township (p. 92)

• Active transportation is encouraged in the Township via developmentopportunities to incorporate active transportation e.g., connectivity to otherroutes and linking of neighbourhoods and Settlement Areas. (p. 92)

• Development applications that have the opportunity to connect activetransportation routes to the Tiny Trail will be encouraged. Applicationsadjacent to the trail will be evaluated with respect to compatibility with thetrail and its various uses and mitigation may be required. Compatibilitywith the trail, and opportunities for trail heads, may be required as part ofdevelopment in proximity to the Tiny Trail (p. 92)

• Active transportation routes from the Tiny Trail to the Township’s fivemajor beach parks will be encouraged. (p. 93)

• Major residential development shall include active transportation routesboth internally and linkage to external routes and, where feasible andapplicable, public areas, and may include but not be limited to sidewalks,trails and bicycle paths. (p. 93)

• An off road multi-use trail is planned adjacent to County Road 25 (BalmBeach Road East) linking Perkinsfield to Midland. Developmentapplications shall be evaluated in association with this plannedtransportation route to ensure that the development of this transportationroute is accommodated (p. 93)

• The Township will work with the County of Simcoe and its neighbouringmunicipalities to consider the feasibility of improved transit links betweenMidland, Penetanguishene, Tay and the Township (p. 93).33

33 From County OP: The County will, in conjunction with local municipalities and GO Transit, establish Transit Service Areas and Plans to address such issues as: The feasibility of improved transit links between the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, and the Townships of Tay and Tiny; The provision of innovative intra-regional transit services through partnerships with the private sector (p. 102).

34

34


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Conservation and Climate Change Policy Statements The Township shall support energy and water conservation, air improvement and protection and climate change adaptation by encouraging or promoting: a) active transportation routes when considering development,b) public transportation planning,c) compact development where appropriate,d) mixed-use development within the Township’s Settlement Areas,e) design and site orientation which maximizes the use of passive solaropportunities,f) water recycling opportunities,g) community gardens including composing opportunities,h) use of vegetation for renewable energy projects (p. 102).

Municipal and Public Facilities and Spaces Township and other government or public facilities and spaces including but not limited to fire stations, work garages, ambulance stations, municipal buildings, libraries, schools, public recreation facilities and major parks should be located in community hubs.

Policy Statements • Preference for location for Township and public facilities and spaces

should be provided for within Settlement Areas and secondarily within theShoreline designation, where appropriate, to facilitate cost-effectiveservice delivery and access to the Township’s population concentration.

• Prior to development of new Township and public facilities and spaces,consideration of adaptive re-use of existing facilities and spaces should beconsidered wherever feasible (p. 117).

Parkland Dedication Policy Statements

• As a condition of any division of land, the Township shall require that landbe dedicated to the Township for park or recreational purposes asprescribed in the Planning Act (generally five percent for residential andtwo percent for commercial or industrial development). The Township shallonly require parkland dedication where there is a net increase in thepotential number of residential dwelling units on the lot or lots.

• Lands dedicated for park purposes under the Planning Act shall beacceptable as Open Space only if the topography, shape, location, andphase of the dedicated lands are considered acceptable by the Township.

• The Township may reject lands proposed for parks dedication under thePlanning Act and will accept in lieu thereof a cash payment equal to thevalue as prescribed by the Planning Act. Such monies shall be placed in a

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92

fund to be used solely for purposes permitted in accordance with the Planning Act.

• Notwithstanding the policies contained herein, the Township may choosea combination of land, cash and/or the equivalent park upgrades in lieu ofa cash payment.

• Parkland dedication is not required when the Township considers severingsurplus farm dwelling units (p. 130)

General Development Policies

• Consideration of a trail system and trail linkages within new developmentproposals shall be considered and accommodated where appropriate.

• The grouping of Institutional or public uses is encouraged where thesharing of uses would benefit the community or Township (p.26).

Settlement Area Design Policies

• It is a policy of this Plan that the scale and location of new development inthe settlements maintain and/or enhance the character of the SettlementArea. This will be accomplished by encouraging:

a) where new roads are developed, maintaining the grid road patternestablished within the Settlement area;b) the establishment and maintenance of a streetscape that is alsogeared to the pedestrian;c) The preservation and enhancement of historic features that exist ineach settlement; andd) the retention of natural vegetation where possible and practical (p. 27)

Multi-Unit Residential Development

• Multi-residential uses shall provide adequate off-street parking andconsideration be given to provision of bicycle racks (p. 28)

• Large scale multiple-unit developments are encouraged to:

a) locate where direct access to a major public road is available;b) Locate close to public open space or alternatively shall provide

adequate on-site outdoor recreational facilities; andc) Locate in close proximity to commercial facilities and/or schools.

• Multi-lot or unit development proposals by plan of subdivision orcondominium shall include active transportation routes both internally andlinkage to external routes and public areas. These elements may includebut not be limited to sidewalks, trails and bicycle paths. Dedication of landfor trails will be in accordance with the Planning Act.


BACKGROUND REPORT

93

Storm Water Management Policy

• Any storm water management facility should be designed to conserve thelandscape and natural features as much as possible, and shall benaturalized using native species (p. 86).

Site Plan Control Considerations

• Ensure maintenance or restoration of vegetation or natural vegetativebuffers, or provision of landscaping (p. 127).

• Ensure that facilities are designed for persons with disabilities (p. 128).

Appendix C: Facilities

FEBRUARY 2018 // 101

BACKGROUND REPORT

App

endi

x C

: In

door

Spo

rts

and

Rec

reat

ion

Faci

litie

s

MU

NIC

IPAL

Spor

ts, F

itnes

s &

Leis

ure

Lafo

ntai

ne C

omm

unity

Cen

tre,

342

rue

Lafo

ntai

ne R

d W

. Laf

onta

ine

hall

- 82

pers

on

capa

city

with

alc

ohol

; 97

per

son

capa

city

no

alco

hol;

mun

icip

al u

se

for p

rogr

amm

ing

1,83

0 sq

. ft.

1 m

eetin

g ro

om;

kitc

hen

smal

l gat

herin

gs

(e.g

., fa

mily

re

unio

ns,

wed

ding

s,

show

ers,

birt

hday

pa

rties

)

Com

mun

ity p

ark

- ba

ll di

amon

dso

ccer

pitc

hou

tdoo

r pa

ds/ri

nks

play

grou

ndho

rses

hoe

pits

Wye

brid

ge C

omm

unity

Cen

tre,

834

0 H

ighw

ay 9

3, W

yebr

idge

hall

- 200

per

son

capa

city

with

alc

ohol

; 23

2 pe

rson

cap

acity

no

alco

hol;

mun

icip

al u

se

for p

rogr

amm

ing;

4,50

6 sq

. ft.

1 m

eetin

g ro

om;

kitc

hen

wed

ding

s, tr

ade

show

s,

conf

eren

ces,

re

cept

ions

Com

mun

ity P

ark

- ba

ll di

amon

d,

outd

oor

pads

/rink

s,

play

grou

nd,

hors

esho

e pi

ts

Faci

lity

Nam

e &

Loca

tion

Mul

ti-pu

rpos

e fa

cilit

y (e

.g.,d

oubl

e or

sin

gle

gym

, hal

l) an

d si

ze

(sq.

ft.)/

capa

city

Oth

er

faci

liite

s &

amen

ities

(e

.g.,

kitc

hen,

ba

r, st

orag

e)

Prim

ary

com

mun

ity

user

s/us

es (e

.g.,

activ

e pr

ogra

ms,

so

cial

, art

s,

mee

tings

)

Rel

ated

out

door

fa

cilit

ies


BACKGROUND REPORT

Tiny

Tow

nshi

p C

omm

unity

Cen

tre,

91

Con

cess

ion

8 Ea

st, P

erki

nsfie

ld

hall

- 237

per

son

capa

city

with

alc

ohol

; 27

5 pe

rson

cap

acity

no

alco

hol;

mun

icip

al u

se

for p

rogr

amm

ing;

2,4

00

sq. f

t.

1 m

eetin

g ro

om;

kitc

hen

wed

ding

s, tr

ade

show

s,

conf

eren

ces,

re

cept

ions

hors

esho

e pi

ts

Arts

and

Her

itage

desg

inat

ed o

r lis

ted

prop

erite

s of

cul

tura

l he

ritag

e va

lue:

30

prop

ertie

s th

roug

hout

To

wns

hip

incl

udes

priv

ate

dwel

lings

, bar

ns,

chur

ches

, cem

eter

ies,

sh

ops

SCH

OO

L BO

ARD

SSi

mco

e M

usko

ka C

atho

lic D

istr

ict S

choo

l Bo

ard

Elem

enta

ry S

choo

l Cat

holic

Sai

nte-

Cro

ix,

351

Lafo

ntai

ne R

oad

Wes

t acr

oss

stre

et fr

om

Lafo

ntai

ne P

ark

gym

Sim

coe

Cou

nty

Dis

tric

t Sch

ool B

oard

Wye

vale

Cen

tral

Pub

lic S

choo

l, 20

C

once

ssio

n 5

E.gy

m

NO

T-FO

R-P

RO

FIT

Bays

hore

Sen

iors

Clu

b, 2

000

Tiny

Bea

ches

Rd

S

Geo

rgia

n Sh

ores

Sw

ingi

ng S

enio

rs, "

The

Plac

e", 3

00 B

alm

Bea

ch R

d W


BACKGROUND REPORT

Le C

lub

de l'

Age

d'or

, 300

Bal

m B

each

Rd

W CH

UR

CH

ESW

yeva

le F

ree

Met

hodi

st C

hurc

h, 1

0 C

once

ssio

n 5

Wes

t

Eglis

e St

Pat

rick

Chu

rch,

Per

kins

field

, 10

Cou

nty

Road

6 S

.

Eglis

e St

e C

roix

, Laf

onta

ine,

327

rue

Prin

cipa

le L

afon

tain

e, T

iny,

ON

L9M

0H

1

Chu

rch

of S

t. Fl

oren

ce, 3

27 ru

e Pr

inci

pale

La

font

aine

, Tin

y, O

N L

9M 0

H1

Chu

rch

of S

ts. V

olod

ymyr

and

Olh

a, 5

Br

ook

Ave.

, Caw

aja

Beac

h Ti

ny, O

N, L

0L 2

L0

Woo

dlan

d Be

ach

Com

mun

ity C

hurc

h, 2

071

Tiny

Bea

ches

Roa

d S.

Angl

ican

Chu

rch

of th

e G

ood

Shep

herd

, 81

66 H

ighw

ay 9

3, W

yebr

idge

Wye

vale

Uni

ted

Chu

rch,

846

Cou

nty

Rd

6 S

, Ti

ny, O

N L

0L 2

T0


BACKGROUND REPORT

MUNICIPALSports and Fitness

Penetanguishene Curling Club 8 Owen Street

Midland Curling Club 474 King Street

Midland YMCA 560 Little Park Road

Elmvale Community Arena Springwater financial contribution by Tiny Township

Penetanguishene Arena 61 Maria St financial contribution by Tiny Township

North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre Arena

financial contribution by Tiny Township

Boys and Girls Club of North Simcoe

operates the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Complex

Indoor pool Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

500 Church St Penetanguishene

Libraries

Midland Public Library 320 King Street funding agreement with Tiny Township

Penetanguishene Public Library 24 Simcoe St funding agreement with Tiny Township

Springwater Public Library

branches in Elmvale, Midhurst, Minesing

funding agreement with Tiny Township

Comments

Appendix C: Key Facilities in Surrounding Communities

527 Len Self Blvd., Midland

Facility Name Location

Appendix D: Community Program/Activity Inventory


BACKGROUND REPORT

App

endi

x D

: Com

mun

ity P

rogr

am/A

ctiv

ity In

vent

ory

(Not

e: d

oes

not i

nclu

de s

choo

l/sch

ool b

oard

-affi

liate

d pr

ogra

ms)

Prog

ram

/Act

ivity

Are

a Pr

ovid

er*

Seas

ons

Offe

red

Type

F

W

S SR

C

hild

Yo

uth

Adu

lt Se

nior

M

ale

Fem

ale

(S o

r U)*

* A

rts,

Cul

ture

and

Her

itage

Hu

ronia

Ball

room

Dan

cing C

lub

V

S

X

X

X

X

Spor

ts, R

ecre

atio

n an

d Le

isur

e In

door

org

anize

d te

am, c

lub

or le

ague

spor

t: sh

uffleb

oard

V

S

X

X

X

pic

kleba

ll V

S

X

X

X

X

Outd

oor o

rgan

ized

team

, clu

b or

leag

ue sp

ort:

ball:

base

ball (

Huro

nia G

rey J

ays)

V

S

X

ba

ll: ba

seba

ll (Br

ewer

s Men

's Le

ague

) V

S

X

ba

ll: Mi

dland

Ladie

s Fas

t Pitc

h V

S

X

X

ba

ll: Mi

dland

Mino

r Bas

eball

V

S

X

X

X

X

X

ba

ll: Mi

dland

Ladie

s Soft

ball L

eagu

e V

S

X

X

ba

ll: Pe

rkins

field

Mite

Base

ball

V

S

X

X

X

X

ball:

Tona

che E

agles

Mino

r Bas

eball

V

S

X

X

X

X

X

ba

ll: To

anch

e Men

's Fa

stball

V

S

X

X

X

ba

ll: W

yeva

le Tr

ibe F

astba

ll V

S

X

ba

ll: W

yeva

le Mi

nor B

all

V

S

X

X

X

X

X

ball:

Lafon

taine

Mino

r Bas

eball

V

S

X

X

X

X

X

ba

ll: W

yebr

idge M

inor B

all

V

S

X

X

X

X

X


BACKGROUND REPORT

Prog

ram

/Act

ivity

Are

a Pr

ovid

er*

Seas

ons

Offe

red

Type

F

W

S SR

C

hild

Yo

uth

Adu

lt Se

nior

M

ale

Fem

ale

(S o

r U)*

* ba

ll: W

yebr

idge M

en's

Leag

ue

V

S

X

X

X

ball:

North

Sim

coe A

dult F

un Le

ague

V

S

X

X

X

X

so

ccer

, footb

all, r

ugby

: spr

ing so

ccer

M

S

X

X

so

ccer

, footb

all, r

ugby

: sum

mer s

occe

r M

S

X

X

so

ccer

, footb

all, r

ugby

: fall s

occe

r M

S

X

X

so

ccer

, footb

all, r

ugby

: Littl

e Kick

ers s

occe

r M

S

X

X

X

X

pic

kleba

ll V

S

X

X

X

X

X

ru

nning

, walk

ing, c

yclin

g: wa

lking

grou

p X

X

ho

rsesh

oes:

Tiny H

orse

shoe

Leag

ue

V

S

X

X

Indi

vidua

lized

indo

or sp

ort/a

ctivi

ty (i

nclu

des

inst

ruct

ion):

martia

l arts

: kar

ate

V

S

X

X

X

fitnes

s & w

ellne

ss: b

ody s

culpt

ing, y

oga,

body

co

nditio

ning,

pilate

s, re

flecti

on, c

ore,

KAMA

, gu

ided m

edita

tion,

metap

hysic

s, Zu

mba

M

S

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Indi

vidua

lized

out

door

spor

t/act

ivity

(inc

lude

s in

stru

ctio

n):

skati

ng: le

arn t

o ska

te M

S

X

X

mo

bile s

kate

park

M

U

X

X

X

ca

noein

g, ka

yakin

g, po

wer b

oatin

g, sa

iling

U

U

swim

ming

, wind

surfin

g, sc

uba d

iving

U

U

sw

immi

ng: in

trodu

ction

to sw

im to

survi

ve

M

S

X

X

X

X

tennis

V

S

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

go

lf: cli

nic

M

S

X

X

X


BACKGROUND REPORT

Prog

ram

/Act

ivity

Are

a Pr

ovid

er*

Seas

ons

Offe

red

Type

F

W

S SR

C

hild

Yo

uth

Adu

lt Se

nior

M

ale

Fem

ale

(S o

r U)*

*

cross

-coun

try sk

iing,

snow

shoe

ing, to

boga

nning

: sn

owsh

oeing

U

U

X

hik

ing, w

alking

U

U

ru

nning

, in-lin

e ska

ting

U

U

horse

back

riding

U

U

ca

mping

, hun

ting,

fishin

g U

U

AT

Ving

, sno

wmob

iling

U

U

cycli

ng, m

ounta

in bik

ing

U

U

natur

alist

activ

ities

U

U

Sum

mer

Cam

p Pr

ogra

ms:

Day

Cam

p M

S

X

X

X

X

X

Holid

ay C

amps

(Chr

istm

as, M

arch

Bre

ak):

March

Bre

ak ca

mp

M

S

X

X

X

X

Envir

onm

enta

l, Nat

ure,

Horti

cultu

ral P

rogr

ams

Seve

rn S

ound

envir

omen

tal w

orks

hop

V

S

works

hop

Cont

inui

ng E

duca

tion/

Skills

Dev

elopm

ent

CIT

& CI

T Pl

us

M

S

X

X

hunti

ng co

urse

pu

ppy c

lasse

s W

yebr

idge W

omen

's Ins

titute

works

hop

V

S

Se

niors

Spea

ker S

eries

M

S

X


BACKGROUND REPORT

Prog

ram

/Act

ivity

Are

a Pr

ovid

er*

Seas

ons

Offe

red

Type

F

W

S SR

C

hild

Yo

uth

Adu

lt Se

nior

M

ale

Fem

ale

(S o

r U)*

* Ol

der a

dults

/Sen

iors

' Clu

bs

The

Pla

ce

V

S&

U

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Le C

lub

De

l'Age

D'o

r Laf

onta

ine

V

S&

U

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Geo

rgia

n S

hore

s S

win

ging

Sen

iors

V

S

&U

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

NO

TES:

*M

indi

cate

s m

unic

ipal

ser

vice

- di

rect

or c

ontra

cted

C in

dica

tes

com

mer

cial

/priv

ate

sect

or p

rogr

ams/

serv

ices

V

indi

cate

s vo

lunt

eer,

publ

ic/q

uasi

-pub

lic o

r not

-for-

prof

it pr

ogra

ms/

serv

ices

**

S in

dica

tes

stru

ctur

ed p

rogr

ams

U in

dica

tes

unst

ruct

ured

act

iviti

es


BACKGROUND REPORT

Spec

ial E

vent

s In

vent

ory

(incl

udes

regu

lar o

r typ

ical

eve

nts)

*

Nam

e of

Eve

ntPr

ovid

erLo

catio

nSe

ason

Res

iden

tsVi

sito

rs

Age

Gro

up(s

) (if

not

for a

ll ag

es)

# A

ttend

ing

Ont

ario

55+

Sum

mer

Gam

esO

SG

A &

Mem

ber

Dis

trict

ssu

mm

erX

Xol

der a

dults

Juni

or F

arm

ers

Tour

nam

ent

Spe

cial

Oly

mpi

cs -

Hur

onia

Volu

ntee

rsX

Xch

ildre

n &

you

th

with

inte

llect

ual

disa

bilit

ies

Terr

y Fo

x R

un

Are

a m

unic

ipal

ities

P

erki

nsfie

ld

Par

k,B

alm

Bea

ch

Roa

dfa

llX

X

Lion

s E

aste

r Egg

Hun

tch

iidre

nTr

ee L

ight

ing

Cel

ebra

tion

Tiny

Tow

nshi

pM

unic

ipal

Offi

ces

fall

XX

fam

ily~1

30Fa

mily

Fun

Day

: Gre

at T

rail

Eve

nt (2

017)

Tiny

Tow

nshi

psu

mm

erfa

mily

Ann

ual C

omm

unity

BB

QTi

ny T

owns

hip

Per

kins

fied

Par

ksu

mm

erX

fam

ily~5

50

Nat

iona

l Hea

lth a

nd F

itnes

s D

ay

Per

kins

field

Par

k &

al

ong

Bal

m B

each

R

oad

sprin

gX

Wye

vale

San

ta C

laus

Par

ade

& P

arty

Volu

ntee

rsW

yeva

le U

nite

d C

hurc

hw

inte

rX

fam

ily~

102

(par

ty)

Rec

reat

ion

and

Par

ks M

onth

sprin

gX

Win

ter C

arna

val D

'Hiv

erTi

ny T

owns

hip

Per

kins

field

Par

kw

inte

rX

fam

ily ~

200

Bay

Stu

dio

Tour

Loca

l arti

sts

Tiny

&

Pen

tang

uish

ene

fall

XX

May

or's

Cha

rity

Gol

f To

urna

men

tTi

ny T

owns

hip

sprin

gX

Xad

ults

, sen

iors

, yo

uth

Key

Tar

get A

udie

nce


BACKGROUND REPORT

Nam

e of

Eve

ntPr

ovid

erLo

catio

nSe

ason

Res

iden

tsVi

sito

rsA

ge G

roup

(s)

(if n

ot fo

r all

ages

)#

Atte

ndin

g

Fest

ival

du

Loup

de

Lafo

ntai

neVo

lunt

eers

Lafo

ntai

ne P

ark

sum

mer

XX

fam

ily

Farm

Fre

sh F

ood

Fest

Tiny

Tow

nshi

p42

30 C

ross

land

R

oad

sum

mer

XX

fam

ilyE

arth

Wee

kTi

ny T

owns

hip

vario

usw

inte

rX

Sum

mer

ama

Volu

ntee

rs

sum

mer

Pol

ar B

ear D

ipVo

lunt

eers

win

ter

XC

ampe

r App

reci

atio

n E

vent

Tiny

Tow

nshi

pP

erki

nsfie

ld P

ark

sum

mer

cam

pers

& fa

mily

~

200

Soc

cer T

eam

Ral

lyTi

ny T

owns

hip

Per

kins

field

Pav

ilion

sum

mer

play

ers

& fa

mily

*S

ourc

es: R

EC

- 00

1 - 1

7, R

ecre

atio

n G

uide

s, T

owns

hip

web

site


BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix D: Program Inventory

Appendix E: Dynamic Beach


BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix E: Dynamic Beach

Source: http://tinycottager.org/site/?page_id=18