Recreation, Culture and Library Facility Master Plan

Progress Highlights in the Areas of Parks, Recreation, Culture and Library

since the Last Master Plan Update

Compiled by Sara Tam ~ January 22, 2008

Contributing Departments: Culture, Markham Public Library, Operations, Planning & Urban Design, Recreation Services,

and Strategic Services

Progress Area

Ref.

Accomplishments

1. Service Delivery and General Policy Activities

Service Delivery Improvements

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· Recreation Services continued to target residents of all ages with a focus on assisting residents in being active and healthy. Highlights include:

· Completed an Active Living Strategy for 2006 to 2009 period in 2005.

· Measured the level of physical activity in Markham in 2007. Responses to gaps include a social marketing campaign, “Get With it, Get Active”

· Try It Week to encourage residents who had never participated in services offered by Recreation to participate.

Children & Youth

· Library Camp and other children’s programs focus on literacy and reading/writing skills for children, serving Target Market and achieving a Target Benefit (Supporting Healthy Child Development).

· Children (age 0 – 9) – New enhanced children’s areas in Angus Glen Library and Markham Village Library; children’s website introduced

· Held Milliken Mills Children’s Festival with participation growing each year. Cultural venues expanded participation in event.

· Offered diverse Children Camps such as sports, animation and web design, Camp Chimo, Drama and Dance, Fun in the Sun, Kidz, etc.

· Youths (age 10-19) – New Teen areas in Angus Glen Library and Markham Village Library are designed to support informal drop-in use, including computer access and social interaction; expanded Teen programs; 2 Teen Librarian positions created to coordinate and program Teen services; created Teen Advisory Groups to engage teens in teen service planning and development.

· Youth Drop-in recreation opportunities have increased from 113 to 158 in the 2005 to 2006 period.

· Youth Camps included Absolute Sportacular, Golf and Tennis, Extreme Teens, Leadership in Training, etc.

· Completed a Youth Strategic Plan for recreation services for the 2006 to 2009 period.

· Improved delivery of recreation services by improving web site, training front line staff at community centres, providing dedicated space, and engaging youth in event planning such as Youth Week with Mayor’s Youth Task Force.

· Events held: Art Expo at the Gallery; and Recreation Services - Amazing Race, Stamp out Violence Symposium, plans for Youth and the Environment Symposium in 2008.

· Expose youth to an active lifestyle and support youth employment by hiring youth (n: 800) to lead programs, camps, and aquatics.

· Enhanced youth access to fitness programs by lowering the minimum membership age from 18 years old to 16.

· Markham received Youth Friendly Community Designation by Playworks in 2005.

· Markham Theatre Drama Camp expanded in 2007 to include a new Actors Workshop camp for ages 13 to 17. Winter break camp added at Gallery.

· Police dialogue on youth at risk programs.

· After-school cultural programs added.

· New curriculum based education programs at Museum and Gallery grown by 300% in the last year.

Older Adults

· Seniors (age 65+) – Improved access to seniors’ materials and improved accessibility at Markham Village Library; Thornhill Community Library partnered with Thornhill Seniors Club to provide seniors with access to Computer Training Room; provided computer training programs for seniors.

· Older Adult groups in Markham have expanded with a total of eight clubs. Each club offers a wide range of programs and socializing opportunities from aerobic classes, line dance, volleyball, badminton, Tai Chi, mah jong, bridge, etc.

· Hosted events as part of the York Region 55+ Summer Games.

· Hosted Inter-club Senior Dance in 2007.

· Senior Extravaganza coordinated at the Markham Theatre annually by a committee of staff and seniors.

· Town offered computer programs for Older Adults at Milliken Mills Community Centre

· Daytime Carpet bowling at the Milliken Soccer Dome.

· Older Adult Aquafit programs held at all pools.

· New seniors programming at the Theatre planned for 2008.

· Book club started at Gallery.

· Culture group expanded adult tour programs and docent program.

Family

· Family programs provide pre-registered (e.g. badminton, Learn to Skate, and yoga) and drop-in (e.g. badminton, family sport, and indoor playground) opportunities.

· Offered a family rate for recreation swim and skating.

· Markham Theatre moved away from expensive productions to more creative and interactive programming this year. The goal is for the audience to be active participants.

· Hours of operation at the Museum and Gallery increased to accommodate public access.

· New events added to the Museum and Gallery provide significant family programming to all Unionville events with complimentary admission.

Diversity

· Recreation programs focused at Markham’s diverse make-up. Sample programs include Latin Dance, Hawaiian Dance, Wing Chun(martial art), Indian Flavours, Fusions Cooking, Bollywood Indian Dancing, and Break Dancing.

· With a large ethnic mix in Markham, Markham Theatre examined its service model and took action to improve participation that reflects the cultural mix of our community. Programming objectives revamped to include more multi-cultural artists.

· Rawanda exhibit at Museum created by youth and toured schools and McGill University.

· Museum developed family oriented events directed towards diversity and families, e.g. 2007 Intercultural Festival.

· Notable exhibitions: 1) “Canadian Artists Without Borders”, an exhibition of new Canadian artists and symposium; and 2) Berczy exhibition dedicated to “all new Canadians whose journey continues”.

· Presentations made on diversity to Metropolis and Creative Cities Conferences.

· Gallery Collection Policy amended to include “those works that are iconic to the communities we serve”.

· Library introduced newcomers website; ongoing outreach and programs for newcomers

Organizational Structure

· Town Council created Culture Department in May 2007.

· Recreation Services completed an organizational review in 2007.

· Sports field function moved from Strategic Services to Recreation Services. It is aligned with ice allocation to provide benefits in customer service and policy development.

New Facility Development

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Staff has communicated to Council that the Canadian Sports Institute Ontario (CSIO) project will have implications for the location, funding, and delivery of future facilities in the Town of Markham as it relates to recreation and select outdoor facilities.

Angus Glen Community Centre & Library Complex (completed)

· The 172,950 square foot complex included a 29,700 square foot library, an indoor pool, two NHL-size ice pads, gymnasium, program rooms, youth and senior centres.

· The Library opened on December 20, 2004 to a strong public response, with projections for usage exceeded by 59.9%. Arenas opened in the Fall of 2003 and the remaining community centre opened in January 2005.

Reception Centre added to the Museum (completed)

East Markham Community Centre & Library Complex (underway)

· East Markham Community Centre & Library project is underway at the design concept stage, along with MOU with the Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Southeast Community Centre & Library Complex (proposed)

· Land acquired.

Improve Accessibility to our Facilities by Persons with Disabilities

Physical Improvements

· Various upgrades implemented in Library system in accordance with Town of Markham Accessibility Guidelines: Automatic door openers (all branches); wheelchair access ramps (Thornhill Village Library and Markham Village Library); washroom improvements (Unionville Library); and full barrier-free design (expanded and renovated Markham Village Library)

· Installed Wheel Chair/Handicapped Lift to improve access between the Markham Theatre Lobby and the backstage area.

· Recreation does not have improvements scheduled during the reporting period. There are two improvements targeted for completion in 2008.

Programming Activities

· Recreation Services undertook to:

· Partnered with Reach for the Rainbow to provide funding to families with children with special needs who require one-on-one support to participate Learn To Swim and Learn to Skate programs

· Coordinate Leisure Buddy Volunteer Program for one-on-one support for participants with disabilities.

· Cardiac Rehab membership is available at Thornhill Fitness Centre for use of track.

· Provide summer staff in 2006 to work with special needs children at Camp Chimo with grant funding from York Region. Received funding in 2007 from the York Region so staff can work with special needs children one-on-one.

· Expand Adapted Aquatics swim lesson program to all pools in the Town.

· Introduce monthly Special Need Youth Dances in 2006 at the Angus Glen facility.

· Provide space to “Stepping Out”, a young adults program, at the Thornhill facility.

· Offer Yoga for MS at Markham Senior Centre.

· Fitness for Osteoporosis

· 2009 exhibit, “Legally Deaf/Blind”, in development at the Gallery.

· Improved presentation of exhibition design.

Training

· Staff participated in Moving to Inclusion Training coordinated by the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability. The program addressed how mainstream programs can be adapted for participants with disabilities.

· Annual training held for part-time staff by York Support Services on working with Persons with Disabilities.

· Teacher training expanded to include OISE students in art instruction.

Support Access by providing Financial Assistance

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· Recreation Services undertook a number of financial assistance programs. Depending on the assistance program, the Town and/or external partners provided funding. These programs include Financial Assistance to access Markham’s recreation services; Ontario Housing; Ontario Works; Day Nursery; and PLAY. Not all programs were undertaken in a given year. Key statistics from these programs:

Year	# of Markham Families Assisted
2005	132
2006	177
2007	110

· Markham Theatre is evaluating community pricing in the 2007/08 period.

· Liaised with the Region of York Community and Family Services and York Support Services to provide information on Recreation Services, including how families in need can access the services. Lead on the development of the Canadian Tire Jump Start Committee, which allocates funds to families in need.

· Gallery opens on event days free to the community.

· Discount offered to special needs groups at the cultural venues.

· Developed Financial Assistance Policy and process for Markham’s recreation programs that are managed through the Contact Centre Manager.

Transit Accessible Facilities

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Facilities along major transit network and major arterial roads were expanded or developed:

· Thornhill Community Centre and Library Complex (expansion)

· Centennial Community Centres (expansion)

· Markham Village Library Branch (expansion)

· New Angus Glen Community Centre and Library Complex

New facilities being developed in the East Markham area and the Canadian Sports Institute Ontario are intended to be transit supportive.

Partnerships - School Boards

(enhance service delivery and/or bottom-line)

· Markham approved Permitted Fields Agreement with the York Region District School Board in 2007.

· Provided outdoor artificial and natural sports fields at Bill Crothers Secondary School that contributed to our sports field inventory for community use.

· Delivered after-school recreation programs and partnered on the Living School Program.

· Theatre Drama camps made use of the Unionville High School Drama studio’s for approximately 45 “campers” each summer.

· Unionville High School

· Conducted about 12 workshops and master classes at the Markham Theatre.

· Held their practical music exams on the stage of the Markham Theatre per year.

· Partner with the school to work on the Royal Conservatory of Music study in 2007.

· Schools from the York Region School Board received a subsidized Theatre rental rate for approximately 40 days in 2007.

· Gallery school program tripled from 2006 to 2007. School art exhibits provided for in exhibition program.

· Museum introduced new after-school program with Wismer Public School.

Partnerships – Other

(enhance service delivery and/or bottom-line)

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· YMCA – Town of Markham partnered with the YMCA in terms of capital investment on the construction of its facility.

· Board of Education and York Region Public Health – Delivered the Living School Program to increase physical activity and healthy lifestyle. Program included: Training Grade 5 and 6 students to be PLAY leaders who lead the primary grades in active games; Offered after- school programs; and Community forums.

· Markham Stouffville Hospital – Develop a memorandum of understanding for the operation and use of the proposed East Markham Community Centre and Library Complex.

· Canadian Sports Centre Ontario – Initiated effort to locate the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario in Markham to provide residents with access to international standard facilities.

· York Region Housing at Trinity Square – Offered after-school and summer recreation programs for at-risk youth.

· Pathways’ Ontario Early Years Program – Delivered a Preschool Drop-in program.

· Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – Launched new bike trail system, took part in Bikefest, offered Can Bike workshops and promoted the new bike routes as an alternative way to get to our community centres

· CHATS – Assisted the Meals on Wheels program and an outreach program for isolated seniors.

· Angus Glen Golf Course – A Public Private Partnership established for the operation of Markham Green Golf course.

· Markham Bocce Association – A Public Private Partnership established for the construction and operation the bocce courts at the Centennial Community Centre.

· York University, Human Services Planning Coalition, and Markham Arts Council – Coordinated Municipal Cultural Planning work in 2007.

· Perry Chan - Co-produced Joe Junior Singing Concert for two performances.

Partnerships that Offset Program and/or Facility Operations and Development

· Telus sponsored the Library’s “Baby Goose” infant literacy program in 2005 and provided books used in the program.

· Volunteer Outdoor Ice Rink Program introduced in 2003. In the 2007/2008 winter season, there are six participating groups.

· Museum received $15,000 donated towards the ice rinks.

· Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Cultural Spaces Grant Program, awarded Markham Theatre $93,000 toward the purchase of two new state-of-the-art digital audio consoles. The funding was matched by Markham.

· Gallery - 10^th Anniversary programming and Varley Book at $110,000 from RBC and MAP, $35,000 grant for OCAF, donation of a baby grand piano to be part of its music program, and five publications funded privately in 2006.

· OHF provided $175,000 grant for McKay House restoration.

· Museum received over $900,000 in grants, $100,000 donations from the Ward family, and over $50,000 in donated display cases.

· Homes for the Holidays partnership with the Breast Cancer program at the hospital has grown to over $100,000 net (proceeds are split).

· Mayor’s Dinner for the Arts held to promote the Town, support culture, and generate funding ($100,000+ net and 650+ attendees in 2007).

· York Tourism Partnerships have supported promotion of culture in Markham and provided two Cultural Attraction Fund grants (2004 and 2007) to promote the Berczy show, Unionville Sesquicentennial, Varley 10^th Show, and Markham Celebrates Culture.

· Council approved the creation of a museum foundation and strengthened the Gallery Foundation. Gallery Foundation received $1.5 million from an individual.

· York Region Community Foundation has been established. One of its objectives is “Making Grants from the income generated by established endowments to qualified organizations to fund initiatives that address community priorities in areas such as arts and culture, health, social services, learning, recreation and the environment.”

Performance and Customer Measurement

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Performance Measurement

· Library customer database used to measure library service usage and service needs by postal code, language, and age.

· Recreation Services has updated its costing formula and, in partnership with Finance, developed a Full Costing Model that reviews the cost recovery of each major service area.

· Each service area is reviewed annually as part of the corporate business planning and budgeting processes

Customer Measurement

· Markham Public Library implemented online customer satisfaction survey “Counting Opinions” in 2006. Customer data used for service planning and project measures.

· Fitness, Aquatics, Programs/Camps have been conducting customer satisfaction surveys on a regular basis since 1999. Customer focus groups were held in 2007 so the customer satisfaction surveys can be executed in the Winter 2008 session.

· Markham Theatre undertook a Values and Benefits Study (first of its kind in Canada), a 3-year, multi-tiered groundbreaking provincial study of arts audiences. The goals are:

· To identify the personal and public benefits that people in Ontario communities gain from their participation in cultural activities;

· To reveal the values and beliefs that define their choices to participate or not to participate; and

· To develop broadening, deepening and diversifying strategies that will engage more Ontarians in quality, artistic experience.

· Customer surveys completed at the Gallery in 2006.

Minimize Environmental Footprint

· Council approved new maintenance practices for parks and sports fields which further reduces use of pesticides and identified areas to increase cultural practices (over-seeding, top dressing, aerating, etc.).

· Town has adopted a leadership role in the provision of pesticide free parks and the imminent passing of the Town-wide Pesticide By-law.

· Implemented Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) where MECO worked with Town departments such as Recreation Services to promote and implement energy efficiency, water conservation and building retrofit and renewal enhancements at Town facilities.

· Continue to explore other options in the development of new facilities such as MECO’s Advancing High Performance Buildings and applying LEED principles to the proposed East Markham facility.

· Theatre changed marquee lights and completed front of house evaluations for redoing the electrical.

· Gallery lighting study completed to tie lighting to motion sensors.

· Museum and Gallery participated in environmental art projects.

· Museum Master Plan included Rouge Park consultations.

Major Events at Facilities

· Canadian Open

· Operations staff worked with Royal Canadian Golf Association and Angus Glen to plan and develop parking and traffic management plans for the 2002 and 2007 Canadian Open. Plans included provisions to meet transportation and parking requirements of local residents that could be affected by the patrons attending these events.

· Cultural programming and extensive tourism promotion of Markham.

· Completed 10^th anniversary celebration of the Gallery. New events created at the Museum.

Feasibility of a Regional Facility

The Town has confirmed support for the CSIO Initiative, which would provide large recreational facilities that would have a regional draw and provide some public access.

Regular Review and Update of Master Plan

The accomplishments in the areas of parks, recreation, culture and library are being articulated for the 2005 to 2007 period. They followed the approved 1999 master plan and the 2005 draft master plan. A new update for the master plan is being recommended to start in 2008.

2. Parks & Outdoor Facilities

New Park Construction

Between 2004 -2007, the Parks Development Section completed the construction of 250 acres (101 ha) of parkland. Facilities included 3 major soccer fields, numerous junior soccer fields, many junior and senior playgrounds, numerous water play facilities, one of the best skateparks in Ontario, and a unique Children’s maze in Unionville.

The Park Development Section of the Planning and Urban Design Department consults the master plan for parks, recreation, culture and library to determine facility and programming needs and requirements. Parks and outdoor facility provisions recommendations are implemented on a park-by-park basis taking into consideration community needs, site constraints, and budgetary parameters.

5-Year Park Construction Program

Planning and Urban Design presented its:

· 5-year Park Construction Program for 2006 – 2010 to the Building and Parks Construction Committee on April 18, 2006.

· 5-year Park Construction Program for 2008 – 2013 to the Building and Parks Construction Committee on December 14, 2007. A report to the Development Services Committee is planned for 1^st Quarter of 2008.

Outdoor Tennis Policy and Public Access

Approval of the Highgate Tennis Club has included provision to increase public access during peak hours on weekends and during weekday evening hours.

Baseball Diamonds

Operations Department has staff dedicated to ball diamond maintenance throughout the season, including infield dragging, line marking and turf maintenance.

Improve Maintenance and Washroom Amenities

Washroom facilities are provided at Milne Park and Milliken Park. Operations Department has developed schedules to ensure staff are on site from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends to service washrooms.

Provisional Plan for New Soccer Fields

A provisional plan for new soccer fields has been prepared by the Park Development Section of the Planning and Urban Design Department and is regularly updated and supplied to Strategic Services in the Community Services Commission.

Sport Fields

Town/YRDSB shared use agreement approved by Council in 2007. Agreement includes opportunities to add fields to the inventory. Arrangement at the Bill Crothers Secondary School will bring on more sports fields.

Playgrounds

The Park Development Section as part of the design process analyzes deficiencies in playground locations in the new development areas.

Parkland at Proposed Southeast Community Centre & Library Complex

Lands for the Southeast Community Centre have been acquired and are of sufficient size to accommodate a number of outdoor fields as well as a Community Centre and Library Complex.

Maximizing Museum Site

The feasibility of providing a splash pad on the Markham Museum Site has been confirmed through the Museum Site Development Master Plan process currently underway.

Outdoor

Artificial Ice

A permanent outdoor artificial recreational and ice-skating surface is being proposed for the Angus Glen Community Centre Park.

Pathway Master Plan

A Pathway Master Plan has been completed and will be brought forward for Council approval in the second Quarter of 2008.

3. Indoor Recreation

Development and Improvement of Community Centre Facilities

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Review in progress to assess opportunities to provide youth-oriented space in various community centres. Thornhill Community Centre upper Arena lounge is being considered.

Centennial Community Centre Expansion

· The addition and renovation will add 50,500 square feet costing $11.9 million.

· Expanded Fitness Centre and Aerobics Studio opened on November 2006. Other components and operations were maintained during construction.

Thornhill Community Centre Expansion

· Expanded will add 21,500 square feet costing $4.7 million.

· Senior Centre opened in June 2005. The gymnasium, therapeutic pool, and Fitness Centre and Aerobics Studio were opened in January 2006.

East Markham Community Centre - new

· East Markham Community Centre is underway at the design concept stage.

· Two public forums have been held.

Programming and Pricing

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· Recreation swim and skate programs – General admission is aligned to market rates.

Type	Market Median	Markham Pricing
Adult	$3.25	$3.00
Child	$2.00	$2.00

· Based on community demand, introduced Parent and Tot recreational swims at Angus Glen and expanded lane swim times at Centennial Pool.

· Increased the number of drop-in programs with the addition of gymnasiums. The cost for drop-in programs ranged from $2.00 for child, $4.00 for an adult, and $5.00 for a family.

· Cost for youth basketball is free.

· Adult indoor hockey and soccer users’ fees are currently under review, including a comparison to the marketplace.

· Older Adult Facility Use Policy is currently under review, including fees that older adult pay.

Markham Sport Council

· The initial work on developing a Sport Council was put into motion in 2005. An executive committee consisting of six members was established and 67 organizations and individuals joined. Recreation Services received approval to have a part-time staff dedicated to assist with the development of the Council. The part-time position became permanent in 2007 and a two-year Trillium Grant and Canada Games Day Grant were secured.

· Markham was recognized in 2006 as a True Sport Community, which came with a $10,000 grant from the Bell True Sport Award. Character Community Committee provided $5,000 in 2007 in support of the Respect in Sport training program for coaches, officials, and parents.

4. Culture Facilities

Strengthen Outreach Programs

· Outreach program to schools developed at the Gallery.

· Discussions initiated in late 2007 for hospital, youth-at-risk, and libraries.

· Theatre developed seniors program for January 2008. Strategy developed with consultant in 2007.

· Museum exhibits created at Angus Glen in 2006.

· Museum’s book project is underway as part of its community outreach programming.

· Art added to libraries and civic buildings.

Raise Profile of Culture

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· Culture Department created by Council this year.

· 2007 Council approved creation of museum foundation, expected mid 2008.

· Museum facility plan includes an archive that could offer co-location possibility for the Markham Public Library.

· Culture Mapping Project is underway.

· Tourism and promotional partnerships created.

· Museum Rawanda show toured to McGill University.

· Gallery toured three shows to five cities in Ontario. In 2007/08, the acclaimed Varley Portraits show will tour four cities across Canada.

Arts Policies

· Public Art Committee recommendations for implementation plan coming to Council in Spring 2008. Policy approved in 2003.

Funding Structure

· A portion of increases to Theatre ticket sales is directed toward capital replacement reserves for use in 2008.

· Long-term strategy of relationship building is underway to strengthen community ties at the museum.

· Gallery efforts delivered $1.5 million in gift.

5. Library Facilities

Improvements at Branches and New Facility Planning

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Library Board endorsed the space provision standard of 0.6 sq. ft. per capita on March 29, 2004.

Completed Developments/Improvements

· Angus Glen Library opened on December 20, 2004.

· Markham Village Library – 10,500 sq. ft. expansion + renovation of existing building. Branch opened on December 15, 2007.

The Library continuously upgrades its existing / older facilities to meet modern standards:

· Angus Glen Library - Installed new technology (4^th self-check + automated check in) in 2006 to automate material-handling, support service standards for customer access to materials, and keep pace with increasing customer borrowing.

· Milliken Mills Library – In 2006, shelving reconditioned and layout improved, upgraded furnishings for public computers and study areas, and lighting improvements. Staff workspaces improved for greater efficiency during the 2005/2006 period.

· Thornhill Community Centre Library - Feasibility Study (renovation) completed in 2002 and updated in 2006. Computer Training room set up in support of the Thornhill Seniors Club in 2004 and added surplus furniture, newer hardware, and updated software in 2007. Furnishings for public computers upgraded in 2005. Staff workspaces improved for greater efficiency during the 2005/2006 period.

· Thornhill Village Library - Life Cycle improvements to fencing and parking lot in 2007

· Unionville Library - Staff workspaces improved for greater efficiency in 2007.

· All branches - New shelving units introduced to support improving collection availability through merchandizing in 2006.

Proposed Developments/Improvements

· New Facility – Central East Library – this project is moving forward as part of the East Markham Community Centre & Library. 23,040 sq. ft. (20,040 + 3,000 Medical Library (Markham Stouffville Hospital)).

· New Facility – Southeast Library – May 17, 2004 Library Board has endorsed a Library Development Strategy based on community need, with Library space provision in southeast Markham (Area D) to be increased through the expansion (6,300 sq. ft.) of the Milliken Mills Library and the opening of a Southeast Library (20,000 sq. ft.). Development Charge Funding shortfall has been identified and presented to the Board.

· Thornhill Community (2006 – 1,000 sq. ft.) – Renovation projects to be part of next Master Plan cycle.

· Milliken Mills (2008 – 6,300 sq. ft.) – Expansion need and feasibility to be included in next Master Plan cycle.

· New Facility – Markham Centre – May 17, 2004, Library Board requested that Markham Centre be discussed during a later Master Planning cycle.