1

Public Open HousePresentation

March 5, 2008

• Introductions

• Overview of the Project & Context

• Trends impacting Vaughan

• Consultant Suggested Directions

• Comment Sheet

AGENDA

• Greetings from Mayor

• Project Managers:

City of Vaughan

Monteith Brown Planning Consultants

INTRODUCTIONS

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Master PlanTo develop a strategy for meeting the current and future parks, recreation, culture and library facility and service needs of Vaughan in order to enhance the overall quality of life of its residents – socially, physically, and culturally.

Sport & Physical Activity PlanTo increase levels of participation in physical activities and sports by Vaughan residents.

2

PROJECT OVERVIEW

ContextVaughan is one of the fastest growing cities in the country – new strategies will be needed to address changing social, cultural and recreational requirements.

How to AddressCouncil approved a the preparation of a Master Plan to look at parks, recreation, culture and library needs and make recommendations for timing of future capital expenditures and programming adjustments.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Phase 1: Research and consultation, Sept. 2006 to Dec. 2007

• Planning Context Report January 2008 – Now on-line at www.vaughan.ca

Phase 2: Undertake a Sports and Physical Activity Strategy, Aug. 2007 to April 2008

• Draft Physical Activity Strategy February 2008

Phase 3: Prepare the Draft Master Plan of recommended course of action, January to March 2008

• Draft Parks and Facilities Needs Assessment Report, March 2008

• Anticipated Final Report June 2008

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Active Together Master Plan

(with implementation

strategy)

Planning Context Report

Needs Assessment

Report

Existing Studies (e.g., OPAs, Vaughan

Vision, topic-specific studies)

Public Input (surveys, workshops, interviews)

Research (demographics, trends,

etc.)

Service Delivery Audit

Key Inputs Background Reports Master Plan

Sport & Physical Activity Plan

CONSULTATION PROGRAM• Web site - www.vaughan.ca (see “Active Together”)

• Two (2) initial community input Workshops

• Random household telephone survey

• Community group surveys / interviews

• Arts/Culture/Heritage Workshop

• Seniors Association Workshop

• Staff and Senior Management Workshops

• Consult with Library Board and staff

• Interviews and working sessions with Mayor and members of Council, municipal officials, committees and staff

• Two (2) Search Conferences (May 15 and 23, 2007)

• Public Open House (March 5, 2008)

3

• To present the summary of comments and input resulting from the Consultation Program.

• To provide another opportunity to listen to your comments and receive your input.

• To answer any questions and address any comments.

PURPOSE OF TONIGHT’S MEETING

HOUSEHOLD SURVEY SUMMARY

• 80% of respondents have most or all of their leisure needs met within Vaughan.

• Of those who are not able to participate as often as they would like in leisure activities, 77% said they were too busyor have a lack of personal time to participate.

Percentage of Households who Participate in Recreation & Leisure Activities ("yes" response)

4%

7%

8%

9%

9%

16%

17%

17%

18%

20%

22%

26%

28%

30%

34%

35%

38%

43%

44%

44%

54%

70%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Cricket

Seniors Centre

Martial Arts

Bocce

Skateboarding

Performing Arts

Softball or Baseball

Visual Arts

Indoor Soccer or Football

In-line Skating/Rollerblading

Gymansium Sports

Dance

Outdoor Basketball

Tennis

Outdoor Ice Skating

Hockey, figure skaing or Ice Sports

Outdoor Soccer

Cycling

Aerobics, Fitnes s or Weight-training

Running or Jogging

Swimming

Walking for Leis ure The top five activities that Vaughan respondents participate in are:

• Walking

• Swimming

• Running or jogging

• Fitness

• Aerobics / weight training

• Cycling

Respondents were most satisfied with Vaughan Public Libraries, Community Centres, and Parks.

Level of Satisfaction with Variety and Quality of Local Opportunities

12%

10%

12%

8%

7%

51%

53%

55%

62%

62%

71%

72%

77%

17%

14%

3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Recreation and cultural programs

Community activities

Trails and Pathways

Outdoor sports opportunities

Indoor Sports opportunities

Parks and Open Space

Community centre facilities

Vaughan Public Libraries services

Satisfied

Not Satisfied

* "Don’t Know " responses not show n.

4

Of the 70% of Respondents who use Vaughan Community Centres in the past year, they used the following facility the most often:

21%*Al Palladini

21%* Maple

18% *Garnet

A.Williams

13%*Dufferin Clark

7%* Vellore Village

Use:75% Pool^

11% Ice Sports^

Use: 54% Gymnastics^

18% Pool^13% Fitness^

Use:28% Pool^

58% Fitness^

Use:35% Pool^

51% Bocce^

Use:39% Pool^

53% Visual Arts^

Improvements to Community Centres**:21% More Hours / Better Scheduling

14% Less Expensive to Use8% More Age Specific Programs

7% Need More Facilities7% Better Programs / More Variety

*Specific Vaughan Community Centre used most often by respondents (one response only, totals 100%).

^Percentage of Respondents who used that specific community centre, participated in the particular activity.

**Percentage of all survey respondents who provided a response to this question.

Suggestions for Library % of Respondents

Longer hours of Operation 18%

More Locations 14%

More Bestsellers 13%

More Computers/Internet 11%

More Children's Programs 10%

More Foreign Language Materials 10%

Priority for Municipal Funds to Improve or Expand Facilities

10%

16%

23%

25%

34%

27%

28%

28%

41%

45%

48%

43%

49%

53%

54%

54%

59%

68%

69%

71%

61%

62%

77%

77%

0%

0%

0%

1%

1%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

3%

3%

4%

4%

4%

4%

4%

6%

6%

7%

9%

13%

18%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Cricket Facilities

Bocce Courts

Skateboard Parks

BMX Bike Parks

Baseball or Softball Diamonds

Art Galleries

Museum

Off-leash dog park

Outdoor Basketball Courts

Tennis Centre

Soccer Fields

Arenas/Ice Pads

Theatre

Paved Multi-Use Trails

Indoor Facility for Soccer

Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

Gymnasiums

Municipal Fitness Centre

Seniors ' Centre

Indoor Pools

Children's Spray Pad

Nature Trails

Public Libraries

Youth Centres

High Priority Needed the Most

Youth Centresreceived the highest priority ranking for additional municipal spending.

Demographics

Population Growth 1981 - 2031

29,674

65,058

132,549

243,411

329,445

401,293

111,359

190,573

290,101

368,115

433,046

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

WE ARE HEREWE ARE HERE

LAST 25 YEARSLAST 25 YEARS NEXT 25 YEARSNEXT 25 YEARS

5

Demographics

(20,000) (15,000) (10,000) (5,000) - 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000

0 - 4 5 - 9

10 - 1415 - 1920 - 2425 - 2930 - 3435 - 3940 - 4445 - 4950 - 5455 - 5960 - 6465 - 6970 - 7475 - 7980 - 8485 - 89

90 +

Male Female

(20,000) (15,000) (10,000) (5,000) - 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000

0 - 4 5 - 9

10 - 1415 - 1920 - 2425 - 2930 - 34

35 - 3940 - 44

45 - 4950 - 5455 - 5960 - 6465 - 6970 - 7475 - 7980 - 84

85 - 8990 +

Male Female

2006 2031

Although growth is forecasted for all age groups, Vaughan’s population is aging as the baby boom generation moves through the years. The result is greater demands from all age groups.

Communities of Vaughan

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031

Num

ber o

f Res

iden

ts

Kleinburg WoodbridgeWoodbridge East Vellore VillageMaple Vaughan Corporate CentreSteeles – Jane to Keele CarrvilleThornhill Long-Term Residential Growth AreaEmployment/Rural Area

6

National Trends

• Increased demand for programs / services forolder adults

• High level of inactivity in youth & children –obesity is an “epidemic”

• “Lack of time” becoming more of an issue –multi-purpose facilities help to mitigate this problem

• Walking, swimming, soccer, and skateboarding among popular and/or growing activities

National Trends

• Affordable access to school facilities and fields continues to be a challenge

• Increased preference for unstructured or drop-in activity that provides a greater range of flexibility for personal scheduling.

National Trends• Children and youth from lower income, or single

parent or parents with less education are less likely to participate in organized activities.

• Older adults will live longer and participate in more traditional recreational activities with emphasis on active living and skill development.

7

National Trends

• Participation in Organized Sports is in decline with the exception of soccer.

• Greater emphasis on resource sharing and partnerships

• Technology has had a profound effect on library design and services and has increased library usage overall

• Participation in the arts has declined, and the expectation that aging population may reverse this is not yet evident

National Trends

Libraries are seen as:• community centres and a “civic integrator”

• a primary source of “just in time” information

• a preferred partner at community centre sites or at recreational facility sites or at municipal campus locations

Physical Activity Strategy• One in Three Canadians who were normal weight

in 1995 are now overweight or obese

• The average child spends 3-5 hours a day watching TV and is among the highest in the world in time spent playing video games

• 63% of Vaughan children not active enough to achieve optimum health levels

• In 2004, 6.6 million Canadians ages 20-64 were overweight and 4.5 million were obese – this represents 45% of Vaughan residents

Physical Activity StrategyVISION

Residents and employees have increased their level, duration and intensity of physical activity, have

reduced their screen time and are rejuvenated as a result of the ”Active Together” strategy.

GOAL #1Vaughan residents will have increased their physical

activity levels by 10% by the year 2020.

GOAL #2Vaughan residents will have reduced their “screen

time” by 10% by the year 2020.

8

Physical Activity Strategy Objectives

Plan Identity and RecognitionTo create an identity and launch for the “Active Together” strategy that will serve to draw attention to the physical activity issue, create a sense of urgency and prompt residents to respond to the call to action.

Strengthening Community PartnershipsTo develop and strengthen community partnerships with organizations who can play their part increasing the level, intensity and duration of physical activity in Vaughan.

Active Programs and InitiativesTo boast a fulsome inventory of physical activity opportunities in Vaughan and create programs and initiatives to prompt physical activity where there are apparent gaps.

OBJECTIVE

1

OBJECTIVE

2

OBJECTIVE

3

Physical Activity Strategy Objectives

InfrastructureTo support the maintenance and development of infrastructure andamenities that can increase the capacity and range of choice that enables the enjoyment of safe physical activity.

Social Environments and SupportTo enable and support opportunities to support a welcoming, inclusive and supportive social environment to increase the number of active residents.

Including Under-represented GroupsTo reach out and take different approaches to include under-represented groups in order to ensure that all Vaughan residents are welcome and able to participate in physical activities.

OBJECTIVE

4

OBJECTIVE

5

OBJECTIVE

6

Physical Activity Strategy Objectives

Workplace InitiativesTo provide support and encouragement to businesses to offer programs and incentives to their employees in embracing active lifestyles.

Policy Support ConsiderationsTo remove barriers to participation and promote physical activity through policy considerations.

Communications and Social MarketingTo implement a social marketing communications strategy that emphasizes key messages to various age groups about the importance of being active and prompting Vaughan residents to adopt active lifestyles.

Plan Evaluation and Measuring PerformanceTo a create a framework that will assist in measuring the effectiveness of the “Active Together” strategy and enable annual reporting.

OBJECTIVE

7

OBJECTIVE

8

OBJECTIVE

9

OBJECTIVE

10

Parkland Recommendations

Maintain a ratio of active and passive parkland at 4 hectares per 1000 residents.

Of the 4 hectares – 2.5 hectares should be targeted for active parkland (1.5 per 1000 neighbourhood level and 1 hectare per 1000 community level)

Based on the proposed ratio, 343 additional hectares of active parkland will be needed by 2031 and 229 additional hectares of passive parkland.

Based on the input by the community and the consultant’s assessment of need, the following parkland objectives are recommended:

9

Parkland Recommendations (continued)

Parks should continue their award winning designs for accessibility and heritage conservation.

Parks should continue to be well maintained and contain a blend of natural and indigenous vegetation.

For safety, CPTED principles will continue to be followed.

Trails are both a recreational opportunity and a transportation corridor. Trail development will be a high priority and will require additional lands beyond the traditional parkland dedications.

Community CentresThe current plans for the Carrville Block 10 Community Centre are consistent with the Consultant’s findings and public comments and include:

2-indoor pools; fitness centre and gymnasium; 2 activity rooms and art rooms; 2 seniors rooms; teen room and 3 pre-school rooms.

Four (4) additional community centres will be required to build out and each should contain:

gymnasiums, fitness/active living studio, pre-school programming space, seniors space, youth/teen space, appropriate arts and culture space, non-dedicated multi-purpose space, indoor walking tracks, and a library

Community Centres (continued)

Based on the community growth forecasts and geographic distribution of the anticipated population, the following Community Centre locations are recommended:

1. Carrville (Block 11) by 2012 with a library and sufficient land for a twin pad arena

2. Vellore Village (Block 40 or 41) by 2012 with a library and a twin pad arena

3. Vaughan Corporate Centre by 2021 with a resource library and pools (should Woodbridge be redeveloped)

4. Long Term Residential Growth Area (west of Hwy 400) by 2031 with a library and pools

New community recreation facilities should be designed to incorporate “green” technologies to a level supported by LEED or equivalent standards

New community centres should, at a minimum, be located in highly accessible locations and on transit routes, and continue to be designed following feasibility studies that consult with the community in order to ensure that spaces are responsive to the users as trends may change.

The City of Vaughan should consider providing select municipal services and appropriate private services at local community centres to reduce transportation barriers for citizens, including seniors.

Community Centres (continued)

10

Arenas / Ice pads

Vaughan currently has 1 ice pad for every 450 registered youth players (this is a very good ratio)

The community centre site in Block 40/41 should ensure it has sufficient land to accommodate a twin pad arena

Based on projections, the Block 11 Community Centre site should also be large enough to accommodate a twin pad arena

Indoor Aquatics / PoolsVaughan has 1 pool for every 30,000 residents

Additional pools will still be required after Carrville’s two pools are built – within the Long Term Residential Growth Area

Should the oldest of Vaughan’s pools (Woodbridge Pool) be removed from service for any reason, it will need to be replaced – possibly at the Vaughan Corporate Centre site.

Seniors / Older Adult Space

Older adults (over 55) will increase to 26% by 2021and 32% of the population by 2031.

Older adults will be more active but will still need dedicated space within community centres

New community centres should include appropriate space and, where possible, existing centres should be renovated to provide space as well

Staff resources will need to be increased

Introduction of “pay for services” vs. “age discounts”

Culturally and linguistically sensitive programming may also need to be developed

Youth SpaceDedicated youth space is recommended to continue for all community centres

Indoor skate zone, indoor basketball courts, multi-media rooms, arts and crafts opportunities, and sound rooms need to be further explored

Staff need additional youth-friendly training

City should continue to implement preschool and early childhood development programming rooms at all future community centre sites

11

Expand the supply of skateboard park facilities to 6 or more by build-out. Within the next 5-10 years, explore skateboard park potential in Thornhill, Maple, Woodbridge, Woodbridge East, and Carrville.

Assess whether oversupplies in baseball and tennis facilities within the Thornhill, Woodbridge and/or Maple communities could be redeveloped as sites for skateboard facilities.

Skateboard / Bike Parks

Introduce smaller-scale skate zones as a pilot project initiative in select neighbourhood-level parks to facilitate the casual use of the park by those who are seeking basic skateboarding opportunities.

Skateboard / Bike Parks (continued)

As with past skateboard park projects developed by the City, consult with local youth and skateboarding/biking representatives regarding design of any new skateboard/bike parks.

SoccerThere is a need for more senior size fields

25 additional fields are needed by 2031

Due to land shortages more fields should be artificial turf (increases field playability: 1 artificial turf field equivalent to approx. 2 grass fields)

Artificial turf is flexible and can be used for other sports

BaseballThere is an currently an oversupply or surplus of 39 ball diamonds in Vaughan

By 2031 the oversupply will still be 39 diamonds

Newly developing areas such as Vellore Village and the Long Term Residential Growth area will still need new baseball diamonds despite the oversupply

Underutilized diamonds should be redeveloped for skateboard parks or dog parks or passive un-programmed space

12

Arts and CultureThere is currently only one art room in all of Vaughan

All new and existing community centres should have sufficient space for arts programming, accommodating local introductory-level arts and cultural needs.

All new community centres and the new Civic Centre should have the capability of displaying local art

At least one new community centre should have the ability to accommodate local performing art and cultural activities

LibrariesThe City of Vaughan is currently undersupplied with Library space particularly in the Vellore Village and Carrville communities.

New libraries should be built at community centre sites or as part of municipal facility campuses

Libraries need to be geographically distributed to meet the needs of all residents

COMMENTS / DISCUSSIONPlease take a moment to complete the comment sheet.

Completed forms can be handed in tonight or submitted to the City by March 30, 2008.

WRAP-UP & SUMMARY

• Tonight’s input was helpful and we have heard the comments expressed during the Public Consultation program. This will help us finalize the Master Plan and Physical Activity Strategy that will be presented to Council in June 2008.

• For project outcome please visit www.vaughan.ca (see “Active Together” link)

• Thank you for participating!