Draft version of Haldimand County Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy now available; information session set for September

Haldimand County is pleased to share the draft Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy, a vision for indoor recreation and programming for the next twenty-plus years.

The draft strategy is available online at www.haldimandcounty.ca/recstrategy/). It is the result of extensive community engagement, research, current and future county demographic/growth information and best practices in community and recreation facilities development.

“Staff were fortunate to be able to work with and benefit from the expertise of consultants who are very familiar with Haldimand County—having worked here previously—and who are also leaders nationally in this field,” said General Manager of Community & Development Services Mike Evers.

“They have presented an evidence-based roadmap for the development of potential facilities and spaces for aquatics, sports, arts, culture and community wellness based on the community’s input, the county’s demographic and growth projections and our approach to fiscal responsibility,” he added.

“The draft strategy has something for every community, with a series of recommendations about future facility options and locations as well as more immediate programming and partnership opportunities to maximize recreation and wellness programming.”

Members of the public are encouraged to review the strategy and provide comments via online form or by attending an in-person drop-in information session on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McSorley Family Hall (Cayuga Memorial Arena, 55 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga).

“It should be noted the draft strategy is based on this moment in time, and the larger, higher-dollar-value assets identified—such as an indoor pool or turf field—are for future consideration by Council based on demographics, growth, resources and appropriate timing, which will require further community consultation at that time,” said Evers.

“Support of the current draft strategy does not mean these recommended facilities will be acted upon immediately. It is important for any municipality to plan for these types of larger investments many years before they are built to ensure it is ready when third-party infrastructure funding and grants become available to help offset initial capital costs.”

Comments on the strategy may be provided until September 20, 2024. The strategy will be brought forward to Council in late 2024 for review and final approval.