lambton shores - draft phase one discussion paper - v2[1]

MUNICIPALITY OF LAMBTON SHORESRecreation and Leisure Services Master Plan

Phase One Discussion PaperPlanning Context and Consultation

July 2010

Municipality of Lambton Shores Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan PHASE ONE DISCUSSION PAPER Planning Context and Consultation July 2010 Prepared by:

Municipality of Lambton Shores – Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Phase One Planning Context & Consultation Discussion Paper – Table of Contents

Prepared by MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS July 2010

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................... i

Section 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................................1

1.1 Purpose of the Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan ................................................... 1 1.2 Study Context ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.3 Purpose of the Phase One Discussion Paper ............................................................................. 2 1.4 Phase One Discussion Paper Organization ................................................................................ 3

Section 2: Community Profile ...........................................................................................................5

2.1 Historical Population Growth .................................................................................................... 6 2.2 Age Profile ................................................................................................................................. 6 2.3 Population Forecasts ................................................................................................................. 8 2.4 Income, Education and Ethnicity ............................................................................................... 8

Section 3: Trends in Parks, Recreation and Culture ......................................................................... 11

3.1 Participation Trends ................................................................................................................ 11 3.2 Facilities, Parks and Open Space Trends ................................................................................. 15 3.3 Service Provision Trends ......................................................................................................... 19

Section 4: Community Consultation ............................................................................................... 22

4.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................. 22 4.2 Household Survey .................................................................................................................... 22 4.3 Community Stakeholder Surveys ............................................................................................ 34 4.4 Community Search Conference ............................................................................................... 44 4.5 Online & Written Submissions ................................................................................................ 47 4.6 Key Informant Interviews ........................................................................................................ 47

Section 5: Park and Facility Inventory ............................................................................................. 48

5.1 Indoor Leisure Facility Inventory ............................................................................................. 48 5.2 Outdoor Facility Inventory ...................................................................................................... 50 5.3 Parkland Inventory .................................................................................................................. 51

Section 6: Next Steps, Issues and Opportunities ............................................................................. 53

6.1 Evolving Community Characteristics ....................................................................................... 54 6.2 Economic Influences ................................................................................................................ 55 6.3 Recreation Facilities ................................................................................................................ 56 6.4 Service Delivery Considerations .............................................................................................. 56

Appendix A: Household Survey Tabulations Appendix B: Stakeholder Group Survey Summary Appendix C: Community Search Conference Responses Appendix D: Parkland Inventory Appendix E: List of Background Documents Reviewed

Municipality of Lambton Shores – Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Phase One Planning Context & Consultation Discussion Paper – Introduction

Prepared by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants July 2010

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Section 1: Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan In February 2010, the Municipality of Lambton Shores released a Terms of Reference for the preparation of a Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan to establish a plan for leisure, recreation, parks, beaches and cultural services, programs and facilities. Once complete, the Master Plan will guide future decision‐making through the development of baseline policies, service levels and provision targets over the next ten years. With a current population of approximately 12,000 residents plus cottage, seasonal residence and tourists, the Municipality of Lambton Shores was formed in 2001 through the amalgamation of the former Towns of Bosanquet and Forest, and the Villages of Thedford, Arkona and Grand Bend. This Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan is the first since amalgamation.

1.2 Study Context Situated in Lambton County, the Municipality of Lambton Shores is an urban, rural and waterfront community which is located approximately one hour from both Sarnia (to the southwest) and London (to the southeast). The Municipality provides a number of indoor and outdoor facilities for recreational and leisure programming, as well as a number of parks and open spaces distributed across Lambton Shores. There are also a number of beaches that are publically accessible, including the Grand Bend Beach is owned and maintained by the Municipality. The community and private sector is also actively involved in providing recreation and leisure based opportunities to residents of Lambton Shores. For example, private fitness centres (e.g. Grand Bend Fitness Centre, The Club Family Fitness & Recreation, Curves, and Fitness First), golf courses (e.g. Arkona Fairways, Forest Golf & Country Hotel, Indian Hills, Widder Station, etc.) and other recreation facilities in community neighbourhoods (e.g. Huron Woods, Southcott Pines, etc.) complement the municipal supply and result in a collaborative delivery of services between the municipality and its community‐based partners. Relationships with the County and local school boards are also prevalent, as evidenced through the co‐location of public libraries with community centres and incorporation of a gymnasium within a school. Lambton Shores is also home to a variety of community events, including tournaments, farmers’ markets, home and garden shows, holiday events (e.g., Canada Day celebrations, Easter egg hunt, Christmas tree lighting, etc.), Agricultural Fall Fair, car show, tours, etc. In addition, the Municipality of Lambton Shores has been involved in the provincial element of the Communities in Bloom program, which promotes civic pride, environmental stewardship and community involvement across the country through the beautification of towns, cities and villages by their residents. The Municipality received the highest rating in 2009 (5 blooms), with a goal of improving its scores in its lowest categories in 2010 and receiving an invitation to participate in the national competition in 2011. As mentioned, Lambton Shores is fortunate to have a number of publically accessible beachfront areas, affording residents and tourists with waterfront opportunities. The municipally owned Grand Bend



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Beach offers lifeguard-supervision, a beach house with concession, observation deck and washrooms, an accessible splash pad, playground equipment, boardwalk and a pavilion. Although privately owned, the Ipperwash Beach allows the public access and the Municipality has worked collaboratively with the landholders to facilitate in beach cleanups as a means to enhance public enjoyment and use of the beach. Ipperwash Beach is unsupervised, but has shallow water and public washrooms and picnic areas nearby. A beach area is also provided at the Pinery Provincial Park, which is under the purview of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The public can also access the waterfront through the Grand Bend Harbour and Port Franks Marina (both municipally owned), which provide slips for both visiting and local boats, as well as public boat launches, public washrooms and other amenities. It should also be noted that there are a number of private marinas as well. Together, the Municipality and its community work together in promoting and enhancing Lambton Shores’ identity as a waterfront community, through bolstered public access to beaches and boating sites. The natural environment of Lambton Shores provides opportunities for conservation and preservation efforts by way of the Esli Dodge Conservation Area, Pinery Provincial Park and Rock Glen Conservation Area. Although these are not municipally owned or managed, they enhance the Municipality’s inventory by providing additional beaches, trails, museums, picnic facilities and interpretive programs. The Ausable River also is a valuable riparian corridor that forms a significant component of the local natural heritage system.

1.3 Purpose of the Phase One Discussion Paper The Phase One Planning Context and Consultation Discussion Paper represents the first phase of the master planning process and provides the basis for subsequent analysis. A review of applicable background documents, research of relevant trends, confirmation of inventories of the Municipality’s parks, recreation, beach, open space, and cultural assets, and summarizing the results of the community consultation program will provide a point of departure for further analysis. As this Discussion Paper is intended to set the context for future assessments, it does not reach conclusions nor is it intended to make specific recommendations. The master planning process for this project will include several deliverables (Phase One Discussion Paper, Strategic Directions Paper, Action Plans, and the draft and finalized Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan). A number of assessments will be undertaken as the data is collected. These assessments will build upon the foundation created by the Phase One Discussion Paper and will inform the recommendations within the Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan. The following schematic illustrates the anticipated flow of the master planning process.



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1.4 Phase One Discussion Paper Organization The Phase One Planning Context and Consultation Discussion Paper is organized as follows: Section 1: Introduction

Describes the purpose of the Discussion Paper and the Project’s overall objectives. Section 2: Community Profile

Contains an overview of the Municipality’s demographic characteristics and population projections.

Section 3: Trends in Leisure, Recreation, Parks and Culture

Contains an overview of major activity and facility provision trends and their relevance to the Municipality’s leisure, recreation, parks and culture system.

Section 4: Community Consultation

Outlines and evaluates the public’s perceptions of the current state of leisure in Lambton Shores as well as future needs, opportunities and challenges as identified through the initial public consultation phase.



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Section 5: Facility, and Parks, Trails, Beaches and Open Space Inventories Contains a complete listing of the Municipality’s leisure, parks, trails, beach, open space and recreation assets, including descriptions of individual municipal indoor recreation facilities and relevant non-municipal parks facilities.

Section 6: Issues and Opportunities

Provides a list of issues raised by the Municipality and the public through the initial consultation process. These and other items will be the focus of analysis during the next phase of the project.

Section 7: Next Steps

Identifies the next steps in the master planning process.

Municipality of Lambton Shores – Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Phase One Planning Context & Consultation Discussion Paper – Community Profile


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Section 2: Community Profile Understanding the Municipality’s community profile is an important step towards determining recreation, leisure, and park needs. Identification of the types (i.e., ages, incomes, ethnicities, etc.) and the number of people residing in the community are imperative to truly understanding local needs. The Municipality of Lambton Shores is located in the County of Lambton on the shores of Lake Huron. The 2006 Census records Lambton Shores’ population at 11,150, representing a 5.5% increase from the 2001 Census. Regional Context of the Municipality of Lambton Shores



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As previously mentioned, the Municipality was created through the amalgamation of the former Towns of Bosanquet and Forest, and the Villages of Thedford, Arkona and Grand Bend. The Municipality of Lambton Shores is a community that includes a mix of urban and rural land uses, as well as being a popular destination for summer cottagers. This makes the Municipality attractive to both seniors and young families, although the age profile of the community shows that adults and seniors age 40 and above currently represent the highest percentage of residents (see Section 2.2 of this Discussion Paper for details).

2.1 Historical Population Growth The Municipality of Lambton Shores has observed modest population growth over the past 20 years (9% total growth between 1991 and 2006), with a slight decrease in population (‐2.8%) between 1996 and amalgamation in 2001. Historical Population Growth, 1991‐2006

Source: Statistics Canada Census, 1991‐ 2006; does not include Census undercount.

2.2 Age Profile Age plays an important role in determining the types of activities that are pursued by residents. For example, children and teens are more likely to participate in organized active sports (such as hockey or soccer) than older adults, many of whom prefer more passive activities such as personal fitness or hiking. According to the 2006 Census, the Municipality’s median age is 49.4 years which is considerably older than the provincial median of 39 years. Furthermore, the population of Lambton Shores is aging as a whole, as evidenced by the Municipality’s median age of 46.3 years in 2001; this ‘greying’ of the population is a common demographic trend that is being observed across Canada, and Lambton Shores’ population can be expected to continue to age accordingly throughout the foreseeable future.

10,145

10,79010,574

11,150

8,000

9,000

10,000

11,000

12,000

1991 1996 2001 2006



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Comparison of Populations by Age Cohort, Lambton Shores and Ontario, 2006

Age Cohort Population (2006)

Lambton Shores Ontario # % # % 0‐9 870 7.8 1,392,360 11.410‐19 1,310 11.7 1,651,560 13.620‐39 1,925 17.3 3,216895 26.540‐64 4,460 40.0 4,250,300 35.165+ 2,585 23.2 1,649,180 13.6TOTAL 11,150 100% 12,160,285 100%

Source: Statistics Canada Census, 2006; does not include Census undercount. Community Age Distribution – Municipality of Lambton Shores, 1991‐2006

Source: Statistics Canada Census, 2006; does not include Census undercount. Note: Census data for 2001 is interpolated as age cohorts have been categorized differently than 1991, 1996 and 2006 by Statistics Canada. Adults between the ages of 40 and 64 years constitute 40% of Lambton Shores' population, 4.9% higher than the same age group province‐wide. Lambton Shores also has a considerably larger proportion of residents within the 65+ age cohort (23.2%) than the province as a whole (13.6%). In addition, Lambton Shores has a smaller percentage of the population (17.3%) within the 20‐39 age cohort than Ontario (26.4%), as well as within the 10‐19 age cohort (11.7% in Lambton Shores and 13.6% in Ontario) and the 0‐9 age cohort (7.8% in Lambton Shores and 11.4% in Ontario). Overall, the Municipality of Lambton Shores has an older age profile than the province as a whole.

1,375 1,277 1,012 870

1,245 1,403 1,338 1,310

3,225 3,154 2,730 2,670

2,425 2,741

3,150 3,715

1,875 2,215 2,345 2,585

‐

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

1991 1996 2001 2006

Num

ber o

f Persons

0‐9 yrs 10‐19 yrs 20‐44 yrs 45‐64 yrs 65+ yrs



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2.3 Population Forecasts C.N. Watson and Associates completed a Development Charge Background Study for the Municipality of Lambton Shores in 2005 that outlined growth projections through buildout, with forecasts also provided for 2005, 2015 and 2025 (see table below).

Year Projected population

2005 13,424 2015 14,928 2025 16,269

Buildout 21,627 It should be noted that the projected populations listed in the table above include a seasonal/recreational population equivalent based upon 50% occupancy of estimated 2001 seasonal households (n = 1,785). Therefore, although the 2006 Census reported the Municipality’s population as 11,150, the projections made by C.N. Watson and Associates forecast the 2005 population as being a great deal higher (13,424). These figures should be evaluated annually due to the slight discrepancy between these figures so that the Master Plan’s findings remain relevant. The County of Lambton is currently updating its population forecasts (scheduled to be presented to County Council in August, 2010), which may or may not alter these projections. The County’s draft Population: Summary Trends and Projections report suggests that the Municipality of Lambton Shores is growing in the 5‐9 and 30‐39 age cohorts, although there is significant population decline across the County as a whole. However, the draft report suggests that Lambton Shores is expected to be an exception, “where the right combinations of growth in other age groups are sufficient to off‐set losses in the 15‐29 age groups”. In addition, the draft report states that growth rates for those aged 45‐64 are “incredible – 10 to 20% higher for these age groups.” Therefore, it is anticipated that although Lambton Shores has a much older age distribution than the rest of the County, it is expected to experience overall growth. For the purposes of analysis within this Study, the forecasts contained in the Development Charge Background Study and the subsequent 2008 Development Charge Update (2008) will be utilized unless the Consultants are directed otherwise by the Municipality.

2.4 Income, Education and Ethnicity Research suggests that income and education are variables which tend to influence participation in physical and social pursuits. Generally speaking, the higher the level of income and education attained, the more likely a person is to participate in leisure activities. The 2006 Census found the Municipality’s median income of $51,328 for all private households to be lower than the provincial average of $60,455 and the median income of persons 15 years or over ($20,811) to be below the provincial average ($29,335) as well; this could suggest that leisure participation in Lambton Shores may be lower than average based solely on level of income. This correlation may be offset to some degree by a lower cost of living in Lambton Shores relative to the provincial average. Nonetheless, income can impact participation in certain leisure activities by serving as a barrier for some households due to the cost of being involved; therefore, higher household incomes tend to correlate with higher participation in recreation and leisure activities.



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Median Income of All Census Families, 2005

Source: Statistics Canada Census, 2006. Research compiled by Statistics Canada shows that a person’s income tends to increase with age, with the highest incomes being associated with the 55 to 65 age cohort. This group includes members of the ‘Baby Boom’ generation, who are generally wealthier than past generations of older adults, and will likely have accrued sufficient savings to pursue their chosen recreation and leisure activities. The level of education attained can also impact participation rates, with many studies correlating increased participation levels with higher degrees of education. A review of the 2006 Census data revealed that a lower proportion of residents of the Municipality of Lambton Shores (10.2%) have attained a University certificate, diploma or degree compared to the provincial figures (20.5%), but a slightly higher proportion of citizens have earned a college, CEGEP, or other non‐university certificate or diploma, as shown in the following table. This data suggests that, overall, the Municipality of Lambton Shores may expect participation rates to be generally on par with provincial averages on the sole basis of educational attainment. Educational Attainment within Lambton Shores and Provincially

Level Attained % of Population

(15 years and over) Lambton Shores Ontario

No certificate, diploma or degree 26% 22% High school certificate or equivalent 29% 27% Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 12% 8% College, CEGEP or other non‐university certificate or diploma 21% 18% University certificate or diploma below the bachelor level 3% 4% University certificate, diploma or degree 10% 20%

Source: Statistics Canada Census, 2006.

$20,811

$51,328

$29,335

$60,455

Persons 15 years and over with income

All private households

Ontario

Lambton Shores



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The 2006 Census reported that 11% of Lambton Shores’ residents are immigrants, which is less than half of the provincial measure of 28%. Of the 9,530 residents age 15 and over, 13% are first generation Canadians and 15% are second generation Canadians, with the remaining 72% being third generation or greater. Therefore, the majority of Lambton Shores’ immigrants are well established in Canadian culture and can generally be expected to seek traditional leisure activities and facilities. Although only 1% of the population of Lambton Shores is a visible minority, with representation from Korean, Japanese, Arab and Black ethnicities, national immigration trends suggest that the level of ethnic diversification will increase; this is a trend that very well could be seen locally as well as the population grows over time. As such, non‐traditional programming options may need to be considered with increasing socio‐economic diversification, as well an increased sensitivity to a variety of leisure preferences and expectations. While 2.3% of Lambton Shores’ population are Aboriginal (comparable to the provincial figure of 2.0%), the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation community is adjacent to the Municipality and may result in some added demand for local recreation and leisure services which may not be available at the First Nation.

Municipality of Lambton Shores – Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Phase One Planning Context & Consultation Discussion Paper – Trends in Parks, Recreation and Culture


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Section 3: Trends in Parks, Recreation and Culture

3.1 Participation Trends Increased Inactivity and Obesity The Government of Canada undertook the Canadian Fitness Survey (CFS) in 1981, and recently conducted the updated Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), releasing results in early 2010. Comparisons made between the two studies showed that overall results were “more favourable in the earlier survey, implying that the fitness of the nation has declined over the past two decades.”1 In 2006, it was reported that the proportion of obese children had increased threefold in the preceding 25 years, and less than half of all Canadian children were active enough to achieve optimal growth and development2. From a municipal perspective, the alarming rates of childhood and youth obesity provide a strong basis for ongoing support of programs which foster improved levels of activity. The number of overweight and obese Canadians has tripled (quadrupled in some age groups) between 1981 and 20093. Additional concerns include the progressive decrease in aerobic fitness values with age – the CHMS reports that approximately 25% of adults between the ages of 20 and 39 had aerobic fitness values in the very good/excellent range, but “by ages 60‐69 years, only 10% of males and fewer than 5% of females remained in this category.”4 As well, young Canadian adults have exhibited decreased fitness levels between 1981 and 2009; only 5% of men and 6% of women between the ages of 20 and 39 were considered at high risk for health problems in 1981, but those percentages had increased to 21% of men and 31% of women by 2009.5 Health risks of obesity include Type 2 diabetes, stroke, mental health problems (e.g., depression, low self‐esteem), high blood pressure and stroke.6 Regular physical activity and sport participation can serve as preventive measures for these diseases, and help reduce health care costs, as physical inactivity costs Canadians $5.3 billion annually in direct and indirect costs7.

Local Context Lambton Shores is defined by a combination of urban and rural areas, within which levels of physical activity may vary. In an effort to ensure that all residents of the Municipality receive high quality health care, a number of Community Health Centres were created to serve specific areas (including North Lambton and Grand Bend). These centres are non‐profit organizations that provide primary

1 Shields, M., Tremblay, M.S., Laviolette, M., Craig, C.L., Janssen, I., and Gorber, S.C. (2010). Fitness of Canadian adults: Results from the 2007‐2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 82‐003‐XPE, Health Reports, 21(1), 1‐15. 2Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. (2006). It’s Your Health. Available from: http://www.hc‐sc.gc.ca/hl‐vs/iyh‐vsv/life‐vie/obes‐eng.php. Accessed: June 25, 2008. 3 Statistics Canada. (2010). Canadian Health Measures Survey. 4 Shields, M., Tremblay, M.S., Laviolette, M., Craig, C.L., Janssen, I., and Gorber, S.C. (2010). Fitness of Canadian adults: Results from the 2007‐2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 82‐003‐XPE, Health Reports, 21(1), 1‐15. 5 Ibid. 6 Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. (2006). It’s Your Health. Available from: http://www.hc‐sc.gc.ca/hl‐vs/iyh‐vsv/life‐vie/obes‐eng.php. Accessed: June 25, 2008. 7 The True Sport Report. (2008).



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health care using multi‐disciplinary teams of providers (these vary by catchment site, but may include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, dieticians, social workers, diabetes education, chiropody, health promotion, physiotherapists, etc.). These Health Centres are focused on illness and disease prevention within targeted populations (e.g. farm families, youth and older adults, vulnerable households, etc.); each Health Centre provides programs that deal specifically with healthy living, including the importance of making healthy food choices and exercising for health, as well as offering low/no cost programming and working with other service providers to deliver joint programming (e.g. nutrition and fitness with the YMCA).

Although the Municipality is not a direct provider of fitness programming, there are a number of classes available through its partnership with the YMCA, including cross training, core strengthening, walking for fitness, and group cycling. In addition, the YMCA offers open gym time, family wellness centre time, and drop‐in sports for adults. Other community providers include the Grand Bend Youth Centre and specific stakeholders whose deliver recreational programming (e.g. minor sports, seniors clubs, etc.). The Municipality provides public skating times and a wide variety of outdoor recreation facilities (e.g., skateboard parks, soccer fields, ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground equipment, beaches, etc.) and passive open spaces that can be used by residents of Lambton Shores to pursue physical activity.

Aging Population Between 2006 and 2026, the number of Canadian seniors is expected to increase from 4.3 million to 9.8 million.8 Many members of the ‘Baby Boomer’ demographic (generally between the ages of 45 and 64) are quickly reaching retirement age, contributing to a significant ‘greying’ of the population and placing greater demand for programs and activities aimed at older adults. This generation may be shifting away from traditional seniors’ activities and towards more active recreation, seeking quality wellness and active living opportunities. The ‘new senior’ will typically be wealthier and more physically active than those in previous generations; activities of interest may include swimming, yoga, pilates, fitness, walking, and even more rigorous activities, such as hockey. As ‘new seniors’ reach a point where they physically cannot participate in the more intensive activities, there will still be some that reflect the historical interests for seniors such as curling, card playing, and carpet bowling, but this will represent a small portion of the total senior population.

Local Context With the local older adult population increasing in number, there will be greater demand for services for this age group (based more on ability than age). The Municipality of Lambton Shores has an active senior population, and is home to four seniors clubs: the Grand Bend Golden Agers Club (offering shuffleboard, cards and a monthly luncheon); Arkona Seniors Club (offering shuffleboard, line dancing, and pot lucks); Port Franks Seniors Club (offering cards, shuffleboard, badminton, bus trips, a Christmas party, and executive meetings); the Forest Leigon (providing space for shuffleboard, cards, etc.); and Thedford Seniors Association (offering cards, pot lucks, and assistance to less fortunate families). Both Community Health Centres also offer programs geared specifically to the seniors market (e.g. cooking classes, exercise programs, coffee, dinners, etc.).

The Municipality has one official seniors’ centre (located in Arkona and leased to the Arkona Seniors), which has a multi‐purpose room with a capacity of 60 people as well as a small kitchen facility. The other seniors’ groups make use of the Port Franks CC and other municipal facilities. In

8 CBC News. (2007). Boomers to reshape what it means to be a senior. Available online at www.cbc.ca).



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addition to these dedicated groups, a number of the community organizations that submitted stakeholder group surveys for this Study reported that their memberships are largely comprised of older adults and seniors (e.g., Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program Port Franks, Thedford Bosanquet Shuffleboard Club, Caring Quilters of Lambton Shores, Grand Bend and Area Horticultural Society, Sunset Cinema Social Film Group, and West Coast Lions Club of Grand Bend).

Overcoming Challenges to Residents with Disabilities The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act mandates that each municipality must update their Disabilities/Accessibility Plan every year. The purpose of the Act is to “improve opportunities for persons with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province”9 (c.32, s.1). Barriers are defined to include anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including physical, architectural, informational, communicational, attitudinal, technological, or policy/practice barriers. For recreation, leisure, and parks facilities, this could include accessibility to facilities, ramps to entrances, proper lighting, clearly marked identification signs, removal of barriers from the pedestrian path (e.g., garbage bins) and hand rails. Inclusive programming should also be considered as a method of integration.

Local Context The Municipality has already taken steps to incorporate accessibility principles in its facilities and parks such as The Shores and The Legacy Centre (once it is opened), barrier‐free playground at Klndyke sports Park, etc. The Accessibility Committee for Lambton Shores advocates for increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities as well as those with limited mobility due to age. Recently, the Committee was integral to the installation of an elevator in the beach house at Grand Bend Municipal Beach to allow access for all to the observation deck, as well as promoting expansion of the boardwalk. The playground and splash pad that were installed as part of the recent Grand Bend enhancements are each accessible to persons with disabilities as well. The Accessibility Committee has also been involved in the installation of automatic door openers at recreational facilities and enhanced accessible parking in municipal lots.

Lack of Free Time ‘Lack of time’ as a barrier to participation is largely a result of the evolving employment and family structures in Canada. Commuting, home‐based occupations, night shifts and weekend work are creating the need to have leisure services open later and the need to promote drop‐in opportunities. Similarly, the changing face of the Canadian family, with many lone‐parents and households with extended families, places significant time pressures and constraints on recreation and leisure participation. The 2006 Statistics Canada Census data revealed that 15.9% of all Census families are lone‐parent as the number of lone‐parent families headed by women climbed over 1 million, reaching 1,037,425, and an additional 248,900 lone‐parent families were headed by men, more than double the number reported 25 years earlier. The average Canadian has only six hours of free time each day (including two hours devoted to TV) and is presented with an unprecedented range of opportunities in the marketplace (e.g., the Internet, video games, etc.) which are consuming more time. Not surprisingly, the 65+ age group has the greatest amount of free time and those in the 25‐44 age cohort have the least (3 hours). This

9 Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001.



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supports the notion that casual and unstructured activities, as well as events and programs for older adults, will offer the greatest opportunity for growth.

Local Context Lambton Shores’ beaches not only function as its primary summer tourist attractions, but also provide ample drop‐in recreation opportunities for local residents. During the off‐season, drop‐in skating (moms and tots, adults only, and public) are available at both The Shores Recreation Centre and the Legacy Centre (upon its reopening). The Municipality is also home to a number of community and private sector leisure service providers, such as golf courses, fitness centres (including the YMCA), the curling club, etc. who offer a broad range of available times for participation, dependent upon the participants’ schedules. In addition, the YMCA of Lambton Shores offers adult drop‐in opportunities, with Ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, volleyball and basketball being offered on various days of the week. As in most communities, the household survey undertaken for this Master Plan found that lack of personal time was the primary barrier to participation in both cultural and parks or recreation activities. While the Municipality cannot directly address this barrier, the provision of drop‐in times and spaces, as well as a variety of open space can help residents access recreation and culture opportunities as convenient times that fit their busy schedules.

Income and Affordability of Recreation and Leisure Opportunities As discussed in the Community Profile section, a person or household’s level of income can be a barrier to participation in leisure pursuits, particularly in organized, structured environments. Municipalities are facing increasing pressure to offer affordable leisure programs and subsidies to promote participation among all user groups. In general, older adults have more disposable income to spend on leisure pursuits, while young families, youth, and economically disadvantaged individuals may find it difficult to afford to pursue a healthy lifestyle through participation in recreation. Statistics Canada has identified that between 1980 and 2005, the top 20% of Canadian full‐time full‐year earners saw median earnings rise by 16.4%, contrasted by the bottom 20%, within which median earnings fell by 20.6%. Median earnings by the middle 20% remained constant. The term ‘working poor’ has been put forward in recent years to describe the financial situation of many Canadians who have a job but do not have any additional funds beyond paying for life necessities (due to increasing cost of living).

Local Context The Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario states that, “everyone in Ontario has a right to quality, accessible and inclusive recreation and parks services in their communities – services that are essential for the health of Ontarians, the quality of life in our communities and the sustainability of our environment.” The household survey undertaken for this Master Plan found that the cost of cultural and parks/recreational programs is a barrier to 7% and 8%, respectively, of those that are not able to participate as often as they would like. Participants at the community search conference mentioned that they appreciated the reasonable cost of living within Lambton Shores, but some were still concerned that facilities and programs must be made or remain affordable to all residents. In addition, when asked how barriers to meeting community needs can be met and overcome, several suggestions were made, including the desire for the Municipality to continue to offer space free of charge to non‐profit groups that offer programming to those with barriers to access.

The County of Lambton offers a child care subsidy to help parents and guardians that earn income within a certain range to afford the cost of licensed child care of children up to the age of twelve.



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With respect to recreation, culture, sport and leisure, the Municipality of Lambton Shores often waives the payment of facility rental fees for community groups to encourage access and participation. The Municipality also has recently instituted a Fee Policy and a 5‐year Fee Structure that will assist in ensuring fees are fair to all residents, and already provide many municipal facilities which are low to no cost for the use of leisure service providers (e.g. Community Health Centres do not pay to rent spaces to ensure they in turn can offer low/no cost programming). Furthermore, fees are often wavided or provided at a reduced rate for many non‐profit youth sports.

3.2 Facilities, Parks and Open Space Trends Aging Infrastructure A 2007 study by Parks and Recreation Ontario identified that 30‐50% of recreation facilities in Ontario are near the end of their useful life.10 In fact, infrastructure province‐wide is chronically under‐funded, though these pressures have been somewhat alleviated through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) funding that was launched as an element of Canada’s Economic Action Plan in May 2009 and will provide $500 million for construction‐ready infrastructure projects that must be completed by March 31, 2011.

Local Context The Legacy Centre in Thedford is currently under construction and was originally the Thedford Bosanquet Community Centre. The facility was constructed in the early 1970s and deemed in need of significant upgrades to remain operational, prompting the Municipality to apply for federal stimulus funding. Awarding of this funding allowed the Municipality the opportunity to upgrade the facility for a lower cost than constructing a brand new facility as the Municipality received $3,000,000 of funding toward the overall price of $7,500,000. In addition, the recently completed Thedford Village Green was a product of $500,000 of infrastructure funding that has resulted in the replacement of a band stand with a new gazebo, as well as the addition of green space and a fully accessible playground. Other recent facility investments include The Shores, Grand Bend Recreation Centre gymnasium, Grand Bend Beach enhancements, and the Village Complex. These refurbishments and upgrades will serve to enhance the Municipality’s recreation, leisure, culture, and parks inventory; a number of enhancements were conducted with the assistance of local fundraising initiatives illustrating the communities strong commitment and value for leisure facilities in Lambton Shores.

Multi‐use Facilities Communities are moving away from single‐purpose, stand‐alone facilities in favour of multi‐use facilities that integrate numerous activities and offer economies of scale with respect to construction, maintenance, staffing, scheduling, etc. Multi‐use facilities are often designed with flexible spaces (e.g., meeting rooms, gymnasiums, etc.) and the potential to expand and easily respond to changing trends and demands of future users. In addition, the ability to offer cross‐programming opportunities (e.g., ice, fitness, gym space, community space, libraries, etc.) and their responsiveness to the ‘time crunch’ make them an attractive ‘one‐stop shopping’ destination. In some municipalities, there is a growing trend of 10 Parks and Recreation Ontario. (2006). Ontario Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Study. Available online at http://216.13.76.142/PROntario/index.htm



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locating a number of other services at larger complexes, such as municipal offices and bill payment kiosks, community supports and resources (e.g., employment centres, counselling services, food distribution, etc.), library services, healthcare (e.g., walk‐in clinics, physiotherapy, etc.). While multi‐use facilities are strongly recommended in most municipalities, it is also necessary to ensure reasonable geographic accessibility for rural residents in communities like Lambton Shores. This can be accomplished by maintaining existing single‐use facilities to satisfy geographic distribution requirements for community space.

Local Context The Municipality has two large multi‐use leisure facilities: The Shores Recreation Centre in Forest, and the Legacy Centre (currently undergoing major renovations to be completed in Spring 2011) in Thedford. The Shores has an NHL‐sized ice surface that can be used as a concrete pad during the off season, a walking track, full‐sized gymnasium, two board rooms, a Wellness Centre operated by the YMCA, and Municipal offices. The Legacy Centre, once complete, will house a full‐sized ice surface that can also be used as a concrete pad, a community hall, and a public library branch. In addition, outdoor facilities will include two unlit baseball diamonds, a lawn mower race track, and playground equipment. The Municipality will enjoy lower operating costs by grouping facilities together at one site as opposed to offering each as a stand‐alone entity. The Municipality continues to provide smaller recreation and community centres in rural settlement areas of Lambton Shores (e.g. Port Franks and Arkona) that offer one or two services such as community space and library branches or kitchens). This allows all residents to have local access to municipally‐provided space for rentals and program opportunities such as dancing, cards, luncheons, badminton, shuffleboard, exercise programs, etc. The community search conference revealed a desire of some groups to make the existing single‐purpose facilities, such as community halls, more flexible to allow for broader programming opportunities (e.g., addition of a wood sprung floor to reduce the impact of aerobic activities for seniors).

Emerging Recreation Activities Across Ontario, there are numerous recreation and leisure activities that are increasing in popularity and are providing rationale for the inclusion of such facilities in municipal inventories, particularly in larger municipalities. Brief descriptions of some of these activities follow.

• Skateboarding is one of the country’s fastest growing sports and demand for skateboard parks is high. The provision of indoor skateboard parks is generally a private sector undertaking, but there are some Ontario municipalities that are beginning to offer indoor opportunities by bringing modular skate elements (e.g., rails, boxes, ramps, etc.) into arenas during the off season for ice sports. In the case of the Town of Caledon, the youth centre located at the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness has a concrete floor, roll‐up garage door and is large enough to accommodate portable rails and ramps.

• BMX / trick cycling has also become a growth area in recent years and this activity can share many of the same facilities used by skateboarders.

• Inline Skating has increased in popularity as skaters can make use of paved infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks and trails, as well as skateboard parks for those desiring to add an ‘extreme’ element to the sport.

• Mountain biking is another form of cycling that has gained popularity – municipalities, especially those with significant natural open spaces and different terrain, are increasingly providing



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designated mountain biking areas and parks which can also help protect sensitive environmental areas by discouraging unregulated use through the provision of a regulated area in which the activity can take place safely.

• Ultimate Frisbee is an exciting, fast‐paced non‐traditional sport that takes very little equipment, accommodates both male and female players of all skill levels and is easy to learn but hard to master. This sport is quickly gaining popularity all over the world, especially as an interschool/intramural activity by high school youth and by young adults enrolled in university.

• Adventure‐Based & Endurance Sports represent a growing market for a wide range of age groups that allow individuals to achieve personal fitness goals in a competitive or non‐competitive environment.

• Road racing/triathlon training in rural and semi‐rural areas by urban residents is gaining in popularity for reasons of safety.

• Beach Volleyball & Pick‐Up Basketball remain popular amongst youth and young adults as activities that can be played in a flexible, non‐structured environment.

• Eco‐tourism and outdoor passive recreation is a growing market segment as people become increasingly aware of environmental issues. Trips to conservation areas continue to increase in popularity, as individuals and families take an interest in natural heritage (activities such as bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking have strong growth profiles).

Local Context The Municipality of Lambton Shores currently provides two skateboard parks – one at Grand Bend Lions Park and one at Port Franks Community Centre Park. The paved Forest Walkway Trail and Grand Bend Rotary Trail provide ample opportunities for running, inline skating, and cycling. Additional supply provided in the area include paved trails at Pinery Provincial Park. At the Municipal Council meeting on June 15th, 2010, a motion was carried that will allow two beach volleyball tournaments to be run by private organizations during the summer of 2010 (one of which will be sanctioned by the Ontario Volleyball Association), and one organization has been granted permission to run a one‐week volleyball camp at the Grand Bend Beach.

Increased Interest in Trails and Hiking A survey conducted by the American National Association of Homebuilders found that trails are the most desired feature in a community, especially in new subdivisions.11 Respondents indicated that they would choose a new community based on the type and extent of the trail system. Trails are a cost‐effective method to increase physical activity levels and support positive interaction between the community and the natural environment. In an Ontario survey, 28% of respondents stated that a lack of pleasant places to walk or bike is a barrier to participation. In addition to trails gaining in popularity, a 2005 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that “creating or enhancing access to parks led to a 26.5% increase in the percentage of people exercising more than 3 times per week.”12 The provincial government released a report that indicated that “growing research points to a number of land‐use components that influence human activity, facilitate health and mental well being and promote social interaction and inclusion, including: layout, design, connectivity and maintenance of

11 (National Association of Homebuilders (2002). Home Buyers Survey. Available online at www.nahb.org.). 12 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005). Increasing Physical Activity. (p.11).



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sidewalks, roads and non‐motorized transportation, paths and trails.”13 The current trend of provision of trails as a base service in most municipalities is one that may serve as a positive factor in the promotion of physical activity, including purposeful use of trails to access work, shopping, and schools.

Local Context As in most communities, hiking or walking for leisure ranked as the activity residents of Lambton Shores participate in most often (82% of respondents to the household survey reported participation within the past twelve months). The survey also found that both unpaved nature trails and paved multi‐use trails were in the top five of twenty‐one facility types that merit additional public spending. As such, trails are a key component of the Municipality’s recreation infrastructure. The Municipality has three main trail systems: the Forest Walkway Trail, which is 2.7 kilometres long and winds through the Forest community, beginning at the Rotary Civic Square; the Grand Bend Rotary Trail, which runs along Highway 21 in Grand Bend for 9 kilometres and is ideal for biking, walking or running; trails in Conservation Areas such as Rock Glen and Thedford; and the Port Franks Trail System, which includes 11 kilometres of trails through the scenic Port Franks wetlands and forested dunes.

Increased Environmental Awareness and Stewardship The importance of environmental protection is being increasingly recognized by society. As the population ages and people become more aware of the benefits of environmental protection, demand for passive settings that connect people to nature is increasing. Municipalities are placing a greater emphasis on the ‘development’ of passive park space (e.g., woodlots, prairie grasslands, flower gardens, civic gathering spaces, etc.), often ensuring that a portion of new active parks remains in a more natural state. Naturalized park spaces (whether by maintaining a site in its natural state or returning a site to its natural state) are becoming more popular and are consistent with many of the principles related to environmental stewardship. Naturalization typically involves reduced grass cutting and pesticide use, as well as the planting of native species, which should be accompanied by a public education program to create awareness in the community of the environmental benefits of this approach.

Local Context The Municipality’s involvement in the 2009 Communities in Bloom initiative was a partnership between 56 groups and organizations as well as countless residents and staff members; the Municipality has continued its involvement and is seeking an invitation to take part in the national edition in 2011. The program serves to unite the community through beautification of the Municipality and environmental stewardship. The ‘tidiness’ element of the program included staff who maintain the tidiness and safety of the Municipality’s assets (e.g., beaches, community centres, etc.); community groups that undertake clean‐ups and the ‘Trash Bash’; and commercial partners that take special interest in the condition of their business properties.

The pursuit of the ‘environmental awareness’ element has resulted in Grand Bend and Port Franks being named Blue Flag status marinas, meaning that each has met certain high environmental and operational standards, and these are the first marinas in North America to receive this designation. In addition, the Municipality has earned a Blue Flag designation for the Grand Bend Beach and the SWIM at the beach provides water quality data in real time. Lambton Shores will showcase its

13 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Ontario Professional Planners Institute. (2009). Planning by Design: A Healthy Communities Handbook.



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leadership in energy conservation by designing the Legacy Centre to meet stringent LEED certification criteria, while many retrofits have been undertaken such as light sensors in buildings, LED lighting, and the eco‐chill compression system and water conservation measures at The Shores. The Municipality also utilizes green fertilizers in lieu of cosmetic pesticides, as well as naturalizing some green spaces, through the reintroduction of native plant species; this will also help reduce maintenance costs. Residents also have access to the Pinery Provincial Park, which contains and preserves much of the remaining Oak Savanna woodland in North America. In addition, the Municipality has made an effort to integrate natural features in parks such as Grand Bend Beach, Sphere Park and the Port Franks Marina.

Arts and Cultural Trends Arts and culture have long been recognized as providing a multitude of benefits to those involved by allowing individuals to creatively express themselves, diversify the level of cultural understanding for themselves and others, provide inspiration, and recognize significant community contributions. Nationwide, absolute attendance for most arts and culture events has increased over the past two to three decades; however, these increases have not generally kept pace with population growth. The ‘Baby Boom’ generation may create renewed interest in the arts and cultural sector due to greater amounts of free time and increased disposable incomes. Art and cultural classes have been reduced in many schools, thereby shifting the provision responsibility for these opportunities to the municipality and the community.

Local Context The Municipality of Lambton Shores is home to three museums: Arkona Lions Museum (fossils and local aboriginal artefacts); Lambton Heritage Museum (artefacts depicting the history of the County of Lambton); and Forest Lambton Museum (local artefacts, pictures and documents). In addition, the Huron Country Playhouse is located near Grand Bend and offers a 650‐seat main auditorium and 160‐seat Playhouse II (it is technically outside of municipal boundaries but still serves a number of residents and tourists coming to Lambton Shores). The Playhouse is operated by Drayton Entertainment and will put on six productions during the summer of 2010. The Kiwanis Kineto Theatre in Forest is operated by the Kiwanis Club of Forest and is the oldest running movie theatre in Ontario. The Grand Bend Art Centre provides art classes in the studio while an amphitheatre located at Esli Dodge Conservation Area is used for local concerts and theatrical productions. These facilities are not municipally owned or operated, and there are also a number of privately owned cultural businesses and studios within Lambton Shores. Although it would seem that the Municipality has a number of cultural options, the number one activity for which respondents to the household survey leave Lambton Shores is attending the theatre. This may be for a variety of reasons; dance, museums and concerts were also in the top 13 responses. When asked what activities respondents would like to see offered in Lambton Shores that are not currently available, dance (including lessons) ranked third.

3.3 Service Provision Trends Financing and Partnerships According to Statistics Canada (2006), in 2004, Canadian municipalities spent an average of 12.3% of their annual budget on recreation and culture and the Canadian Federal government spent 2% of its



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annual budget on this industry. In other words, the bulk of the financing for this sector in Canada is derived at the local level. Municipalities are looking to other opportunities, aside from the traditional methods (i.e., property taxes and user fees), to raise revenues for recreation and culture. Many communities are pursuing partnership approaches that dramatically differ from traditional service delivery mechanisms. Partnerships, alliances and collaborative relationships of varying types are required in today’s economy to effectively and efficiently provide for the leisure needs of citizens. Not only is there growing interest in public‐private partnerships (P3s), but also in arrangements with Trusts acting on behalf of community organizations and formal operating or cost sharing relationships with school boards as well as user/community groups. A 2006 survey that investigated the level of support amongst Canadians for P3s, found that 9 out of 10 Canadians believe that Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments are not keeping pace with demand for new or improved public infrastructure services14. Furthermore, 72% agree that P3s should be used in the recreation sector to improve or create new facilities and programs. The challenge is to create relationships that provide mutual benefit to those involved in the partnerships while protecting the interests of those affected by them.

Local Context The Municipality of Lambton Shores maintains a number of partnerships with community organizations, including the following: Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority; Grand Bend Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism; Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre; North Lambton Community Health Centre; Pinery Provincial Park; St. Clair Region Conservation Authority; and Tourism Sarnia‐Lambton. In addition, the YMCA operates a Wellness Centre at The Shores Recreation Centre in Forest. In addition, the Municipality has a partnership with Lambton County Libraries to provide library branches in Arkona, Forest, Grand Bend, Port Franks, and Thedford. The Grand Bend branch and municipal gymnasium is also provided in partnership with the local school board through co‐location at the Grand Bend Recreation Centre. Both the Municipality and the broader community recognize that they must work collaboratively to meet local needs and leverage available resources; these approaches must continue to be nurtured and expanded over time. Examples of fundraising partnerships include (but are not limited to): the Grand Bend Community Foundation, Grand Bend Rotary Club (for the Grand Bend Beach elevator and SWIM system); The Shores and Legacy Centre Fundraising Committees; local service clubs such as the Grand Bend and Port Franks Optimist Clubs (for park improvements such as playgrounds, skateparks, etc.).

Volunteerism Volunteers are essential to the operation of a large number of leisure programs, including special events and programs for children, and many municipalities rely heavily on their assistance. The 2007 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating has indicated that volunteerism is rising slightly, but the Consultant’s experience in several communities suggests that many leisure organizations still face challenges in finding volunteers. One key result of the national survey was that 18% of the volunteer hours in Canada are in the sports and recreation sector, which is the highest of all sectors. However, while 46% of Canadians (15 years or older) volunteered in 2007, it must be noted that the absolute average volunteer hours per year decreased from 168 hours per year to 166 hours. Hours volunteered

14The Canadian Council for Public Private Partnership (2006). Trends in Canadian Support for Public Private Partnerships. Available online at: www.pppcouncil.ca



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by those between the ages of 15 and 24 has doubled from 29% in 2000 to 58% in 2007, perhaps largely due to the recent addition of mandatory volunteer hours for high school students, as part of high school curriculum.

Local Context The Municipality of Lambton Shores celebrates its volunteers with a volunteer recognition barbecue each September, with approximately 200 volunteers attending in 2009. Over 100 community organizations operate within the Municipality, many of which rely on the work of volunteers as they are managed as non‐profit entities. Their services range from safety, to recreation and culture, beautification, and special events, all of which are aimed to improve the quality of life in Lambton Shores. The community search conference conducted for this Study revealed some concern about volunteer burnout and the impending shortage of volunteers as the population ages.

Technological Advancements In recent years, the adoption of new technologies into service delivery models has provided many municipalities and community groups with a more advanced and streamlined process to track participation levels, improve scheduling and offer quick registration for participants. With the number of homes with Internet access steadily increasing, municipalities are able to provide a wealth of pertinent information on municipal websites. In addition, a greater span of age groups will be capable of navigating the ‘web’, given that the next generation of seniors (older adults) is the ‘Baby Boomers’.

Local Context The Municipality’s website provides access to a number of items directly related to recreation and leisure services, including the following:

• Volunteer opportunities; • Updates about ongoing community projects (e.g., Lambton Shores in Bloom Contest,

construction updates, election information, etc.); • Kudos for the community (e.g., recent Parks and Recreation Ontario Award of Excellence in

Design, etc.); • Online access to the Leisure Guide; and • Beach reports from the County of Lambton.

Municipality of Lambton Shores – Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Phase One Planning Context and Consultation Discussion Paper – Community Consultation


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Section 4: Community Consultation

4.1 Overview Community consultation is a key component of any master planning process as it provides insight into the perceived needs of the public, stakeholders, staff and members of local government. Locally collected data, when combined with an analysis of national and provincial trends and other factors, provides a solid foundation upon which the Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan can be built. To date, the Master Plan has employed three public participation tools (household survey, stakeholder group survey, and a community search conference), with key informant interviews and public information meetings planned for later stages of the process. Data gathered to date and experience in other communities suggests that these consultation methods provide valuable input regarding strengths, challenges, needs and concerns of local residents of Lambton Shores. The findings of both the completed and planned consultation efforts will be used as the basis for assessments of parks, recreation, beaches, open space, leisure, and culture facility and service delivery needs. Please note that the information presented is specific to each consultation tool and has not been considered in the context of other research or consultation initiatives (i.e., consultation findings are not to be interpreted as recommendations but simply as foundational elements to establish themes and directions moving forward). Future reports will integrate these findings into the final Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan.

4.2 Household Survey To assist in the preparation of the Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan, a statistically significant household telephone survey of Lambton Shores residents was conducted in May and June 2010. The survey was administered to residents from both urban and rural communities within the Municipality and is considered to be representative of the population. The survey collected information on the attitudes of respondents towards various aspects of recreation, culture, beach and park activities, usage, facilities, opinions and priorities. This subsection summarizes and correlates the principal findings of the household survey based upon a variety of factors; this Discussion Paper has noted where the differences between these variables are considered to be significant. Although representative of Lambton Shores’ residents, the survey did not specifically target those that participate in leisure activities. Where possible, the survey results were separated into subsets based on socio‐demographic characteristics and inferences were drawn on this basis. A total of 372 surveys were completed, yielding a confidence interval of ±5% (i.e., the survey provides for an accuracy of ±5%, 19 times out of 20). To qualify, respondents were required to be 16 years of age or older and reside in the Municipality of Lambton Shores. Note that responses and graphical illustrations reflect the opinions of only those participating in the household survey, and should not be misconstrued as being the needs of the entire population.



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Household Participation in Recreation Activities Respondents were asked to indicate whether their households, in the past 12 months, had participated in particular types of leisure and cultural activities. The response format is ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The following figure displays the most popular leisure activities within Lambton Shores. Household Survey Sample Participation in Various Leisure Activities, past 12 months

Similar to other communities within which we have undertaken this kind of market research, walking was ranked as the most popular activity (82%), followed by cycling or mountain biking (50%), aerobics, fitness or weight training (38%), swimming (35%), use of playground equipment (24%), jogging (23%) and performing arts programs (17%). Swimming and cycling/biking tend to rank highly in other municipalities, after walking, and ranked second and fourth respectively in Lambton Shores. It is worth noting that the six most popular activities are generally undertaken as drop‐in style activities that are flexibly scheduled, which, in the experience of the consultant, has become a common trend throughout the rest of Ontario. Households with children were more likely to have participated in the following activities in the past twelve months than those without children:

• aerobics, fitness or weight training; • hockey or figure skating; • swimming; • performing arts programs; • jogging; • soccer;

• softball or baseball; • basketball; • skateboarding; • use of playground equipment; • organized children’s programs; and • youth programs.

5%6%6%8%9%10%11%13%15%16%16%17%17%17%

23%24%

35%38%

50%82%

Indoor VolleyballBasketball

Outdoor VolleyballTennis

Drama ProgramsOrganized Youth Programs

SkateboardingOrganized Children's Programs

Arts and Crafts ProgramsSoccer

Organized Seniors' ProgramsSoftball or Baseball

Hockey or Figure SkatingPerforming Arts Programs

JoggingUse of Playground Equipment

SwimmingAerobics, Fitness or Weight‐training

Cycling or Mountain BikingWalking or Hiking for Leisure



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Not surprisingly, households without children were more likely to have participated in organized seniors’ programs in the past twelve months than those with children. Given the Municipality’s profile as a beachfront community, respondents were also asked if they had visited specific beaches. Four beaches were listed on the survey, and respondents answered ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as to whether members of their household had visited each within the past 12 months. The two beaches that were most visited were the Grand Bend Municipal Beach (53%) and the Ipperwash Beach (38%). Respondents were also asked if they had visited an ‘Other Beach’ (23%) and the Pinery Provincial Park Beach (23%). Households Visiting Selected Beaches, past 12 months

Households with children were more likely than those without children to have visited Grand Bend Municipal Beach; the reverse was true for Pinery Provincial Park Beach as households without children were more likely to have visited it within the past twelve months. If respondents stated that their household had indeed visited any of the four beaches, a follow‐up question was posed wherein they were asked to rate the beach on a scale of one to five, with one being low and five being high. Pinery Provincial Park Beach received the highest rating (average of 4.16 out of 5), followed by Grand Bend Municipal Beach (4.08), Other Beach (3.83), and Ipperwash Beach (3.75).

All respondents (including those that did not report visiting any beaches in the past twelve months), were asked what improvements, if any, should be made to Lambton Shores’ public beaches. The most common responses were cleanliness (particularly at Ipperwash Beach), lack of parking, better and cleaner washrooms, more garbage pickup and garbage cans. Other issues raised included the need for more lifeguards, parking fees, poor water quality, and a desire for dogs to be more closely controlled. A number of other issues were each raised by five or fewer respondents (see Appendix A for the list in its entirety).

23%

23%

38%

53%

Pinery Provincial Park Beach

Other Beach

Ipperwash Beach

Grand Bend Municipal Beach

3.75

3.83

4.08

4.16

Ipperwash Beach

Other Beach

Grand Bend Municipal Beach

Pinery Provincial Park Beach



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To assess the degree to which leisure needs are met within the Municipality, respondents were asked what percentage of their household’s parks, recreation and cultural needs are met within the Municipality of Lambton Shores. 46% of respondents said that ‘all’ of their leisure needs are met within Lambton Shores; 25% said ‘most’; 15% said ‘about half’; 4% said ‘some’; and 2% said ‘none’. Relative to other municipalities in which this question has been posed, a slightly higher proportion of Lambton Shores’ respondents indicated that ‘all’ of their leisure needs are met within the Municipality. In addition, households that had visited at least one local beach within the past twelve months were more likely to report that most of their parks, recreation and cultural needs are met within Lambton Shores. To better understand why residents travel outside of Lambton Shores for leisure activities, respondents were asked which activities they or members of their household participate in outside of the Municipality and why. The activities that were mentioned by more than one respondent as being pursued elsewhere most often are listed in the table below, along with the number of mentions received. Primary Leisure Activities Undertaken Outside of Lambton Shores Activity Total Number of Responses Percent of Sample Theatre 25 7% Golf 15 4% Camping 14 4% Swimming (including lessons) 13 4% Cycling 10 3% Hiking 10 3% Hockey 10 3% Soccer 9 2% Walking 8 2% Dance (including lessons) 6 2% Fitness activities 6 2% Museums 5 1% Concerts 4 1% Travelling 4 1% Cinema 4 1% Baseball 3 1% Boating 3 1% Drama 3 1% Music (including lessons) 3 1% Softball 3 1% Art shows 2 1% Jogging 2 1% Running group 2 1% Sporting events 2 1%

*Note: Table only includes those activities that received 2 or more mentions. Please see Appendix A for entire list. The reasons for pursuing these activities outside of the Municipality vary. The most commonly stated reason was ‘facility/program not available in the area’ (10%), followed by ‘connected to the other



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community / used to live there’ (9%), and ‘other’ (8%). Answers that fell into the ‘other’ category included variety, use of provincial parks, preference, and seasonal residency. Barriers to Participation Respondents were asked whether they were able to participate in parks or recreation activities as often as they would like. 63% of respondents stated that they were able to participate as often as they would like, while 34% stated that they were not. The most common reason for not participating as often as they would like was ‘lack of personal time or too busy’ (46%), followed by ‘health problems/disability/age’ (30%), ‘lack of money / too expensive’ (11%), ‘lack of desired facilities or programs’ (10%); see the following chart (note: all percentages refer to the subset that could not participate as often as they would like). Barriers to Participation in Parks or Recreation Activities

Respondents were then asked whether their household was able to participate in cultural activities as often as they would like. 60% of respondents stated that they were able to participate as often as they would like, while 37% stated that they were not. The most common reason for not participating as often as they would like was again ‘lack of personal time or too busy’ (44%), followed by ‘health problems/disability/age’ (21%), ‘lack of desired facilities or program’s (17%), and ‘lack of money / too expensive’ (8%); see the following chart (note: all percentages refer to the subset that could not participate as often as they would like).

0%

3%

4%

4%

6%

10%

11%

30%

46%

Language / Cultural barrier

Program not offered at convenient time

Other (specify)

Lack of transportation / Facility too far away

Lack of information / Unaware of opportunities

Lack of desired facilities or programs

Lack of money / Too expensive

Health problems / Disability / Age

Lack of personal time / Too busy



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Barriers to Participation in Cultural Activities

It is interesting to note that a slightly higher percentage of respondents reported that cost was a barrier to parks or recreation participation, while a slightly higher percentage reported a lack of desired facilities or programs as a barrier to cultural participation. These questions yielded similar results as other surveys from across Ontario. Time after time, a ‘lack of time’ is cited as the number one barrier, and unfortunately, there are no direct strategies that the Municipality can employ to significantly alter this barrier other than providing appropriate opportunities for self‐scheduled leisure activity. To more thoroughly assess latent demand for programs not offered in Lambton Shores, respondents were asked if there were any parks, recreation or cultural programs not currently available in Lambton Shores that they would like to see offered. 29% of respondents stated that there are programs that they would like to see offered and 54% stated that there are not (17% of respondents stated that they were unsure). Households with children were more likely than those without children to report that there are parks, recreation or cultural programs that they would like to see offered but are not currently available in Lambton Shores. The respondents that wanted additional programs were asked which programs specifically they would like to see introduced. Swimming was stated most frequently, followed by curling and dance (including lessons). Activities that received two or more responses are as follows: Programs Desired in Lambton Shores Program Total Number of Responses % of Sample Swimming 18 5% Curling 7 2% Dance (including lessons) 6 2% Bowling 5 1% Hockey 5 1%

0%

2%

4%

5%

6%

8%

17%

21%

44%

Language / Cultural barrier

Program not offered at convenient time

Lack of transportation / Facility too far away

Lack of information / Unaware of opportunities

Other (specify)

Lack of money / Too expensive

Lack of desired facilities or programs

Health problems / Disability / Age

Lack of personal time / Too busy



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Program Total Number of Responses % of Sample Children's programs 4 1% Public swim 4 1% Health programs 3 1% Concerts 3 1% Pre‐teen and teen programs 3 1% Baseball 3 1% Woodworking 2 1% Competitive sports 2 1% Fitness programs 2 1% Gymnastics 2 1% Skating (including lessons) 2 1%

Assessment of Public Facilities and Programs Respondents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with cultural and then recreational opportunities for four different age groups: children (0‐12 years); teens (13‐18 years); adults (19‐54 years); and older adults (55+ years). With respect to cultural opportunities, respondents rated these highest for older adults (average score of 3.56 out of 5), followed by children (3.46), adults (3.41), and teens (2.74). The order of satisfaction for recreational opportunities was similar at the bottom end with opportunities for adults ranking 3rd (3.53) and teens ranking 4th (3.07). Recreational opportunities for children ranked highest (3.69), followed by those for older adults (3.59).

Households with children were more likely than households without children to rate recreation opportunities for children (0‐12 years) and teens (13‐18 years) highly.

3.07

3.53

3.59

3.69

2.74

3.41

3.56

3.46

Teens

Adults

Older Adults

Children

Culture

Recreation



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To gauge the importance and satisfaction of different types of facilities, respondents were asked to utilize a scale of 1 to 5 when presented with a list of facility types, which included indoor recreation facilities, outdoor recreation facilities, cultural facilities, natural areas and open space, municipal beaches, and trails and pathways. Residents rated natural areas and open space as most important to them; this category received the second highest satisfaction rating. The facility that received the second highest importance rating was municipal beaches, which ranked third for satisfaction. Trails and pathways ranked third in importance and fourth in satisfaction. Indoor recreation facilities ranked second to last for importance, but highest for overall satisfaction. Cultural facilities received the lowest ratings for both importance and satisfaction. It is noteworthy that residents gave a higher rating to ‘importance’ than to ‘satisfaction’ for five of the six facility categories. This indicates that residents are looking for more in terms of the quality or quantity of local facilities. This is particularly true for trails and pathways, natural areas and open space, and municipal beaches, which had the greatest discrepancy between importance and satisfaction. Indoor recreation facilities is the only category within which it seems that community needs are being met. The high priority placed on natural areas and open space is common in many other communities as these assets are appreciated for their flexibility, accessibility to people of all ages and abilities, and their connections to natural settings. Importance and Satisfaction for a Variety of Facility Types

Respondents whose households had visited a local beach within the past twelve months were more likely to give an ‘important’ or ‘very important’ rating to outdoor recreation facilities, natural areas and open space, municipal beaches, and trails and pathways than those that did not visit a local beach. In addition, those that had visited a local beach were more likely to be satisfied with municipal beaches. Households with children were more likely than those without children to rate indoor and outdoor recreation facilities highly for satisfaction.

3.15

3.2

3.54

3.91

4.07

4.21

3.11

3.46

3.23

3.26

3.63

3.68

Cultural facilities, such as museums theatres, and art galleries

Indoor recreation facilities, such as arenas and gyms

Outdoor recreation facilities, such as sports fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds

Trails & pathways

Municipal beaches

Natural areas and open space

Satisfaction Importance



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To assess more specifically where respondents felt municipal resources should be allocated, they were asked which facilities should receive additional public funding. Respondents were asked to answer on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 meant ‘don’t spend’ and 5 meant ‘definitely spend’. The facility thought to be most in need of additional public spending was youth centres (51%), followed by unpaved nature trails (47%), playgrounds (44%) and seniors’ centres (41%). These figures represent the sum of respondents that responded with either a 4 or a 5 on the scale of 1 to 5, with respondents that answered ‘don’t know’ omitted from calculations. It is interesting to note that although the average age of respondents is relatively high (57), many child‐oriented facilities such as youth centres, playgrounds and splash pads still ranked highly in terms of spending need. Youth services are frequently identified as priorities in surveys such as this, largely because of the perception that not enough is being done to engage teens in meaningful leisure activities. Priority for Spending on Facility Types

Respondents whose households had visited a local beach within the past twelve months were more likely to be in favour of additional public spending on beaches and outdoor skateboard parks than those that had not visited a local beach. Households with children were more likely than those without children to support additional public spending on the following facility types: youth centres; children’s splash pads; outdoor soccer fields; playgrounds; and outdoor skateboard parks.

16%

16%

18%

19%

20%

21%

25%

25%

27%

29%

30%

31%

31%

33%

34%

37%

39%

41%

44%

47%

51%

BMX parks

Tennis courts

Indoor skateboard parks

Outdoor volleyball courts

Outdoor basketball courts

Gymnasiums

Outdoor skateboard parks

Off‐leash dog parks

Arts centres

Ball diamonds

Outdoor ice skating rinks

Fitness centres

Arenas

Outdoor soccer fields

Children's splash pads

Beaches

Paved multi‐use trails

Seniors' centres

Playgrounds

Unpaved nature trails

Youth centres



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Following the question about public spending, respondents were asked which two facilities they felt were needed the most (i.e., which ones are the highest priorities). The top ten most popular responses are shown in the figure below. Top Ten Facilities Voted as Most Needed

The facility given the highest priority ranking was unpaved nature trails; this is also a common response in many other communities. Paved multi‐use trails received a large number of responses, as did youth centres, seniors’ centres and beaches to round out the top five facility desires. Another question dealt with specific statements relating to Council priorities, travel time to leisure facilities, and awareness about parks, recreation and cultural activities. Respondents were read five statements, to which they were asked to respond on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 was ‘strongly disagree’ and 5 was ‘strongly agree’. The three statements were:

1. Parks, recreation and culture services should be a high priority for Municipal Council. 2. The amount of time it takes to get to the leisure activities that your household participates in

most is reasonable. 3. Your household is generally aware of the parks, recreation and cultural activities that are

available in your area. 4. Your household is satisfied with the amenities and activities offered at municipal beaches in

Lambton Shores. 5. Your household is satisfied with the level of service provided by the Municipality with respect to

parks, recreation and culture. The percentage of respondents who answered that they ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ with each statement is listed in the figure below (those that answered ‘don’t know’ have been excluded from the calculation). The level of agreement was fairly consistent, all ranging between 40% and 62%. In comparison with other communities, these scores are relatively low, suggesting that the Municipality may need to consider addressing the issues raised by these questions (further analysis of this finding will occur through other consultation methods and the needs assessment).

20%

20%

26%

28%

30%

33%

40%

43%

55%

63%

71%

Outdoor skateboard parks

Outdoor ice skating rinks

Fitness centres

Playgrounds

Children's splash pads

Arenas

Beaches

Seniors' centres

Youth centres

Paved multi‐use trails

Unpaved nature trails



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Agreement with Statements about Parks, Recreation and Culture

Respondents whose households had visited a local beach within the past twelve months were more likely to agree that parks, recreation and leisure services should be a priority for Municipal Council and that their household is satisfied with amenities and activities offered at municipal beaches than those that had not visited a local beach. Respondents that live in a rural area of Lambton Shores are also more likely to be satisfied with the level of service provided by the Municipality with respect to parks, recreation and culture than those that live in a built‐up area. Demographics

• The average household size in Lambton Shores is 2.3 people per household based on the 2006 Census. The survey average was approximately 2.5 people per household suggesting the survey achieves representation in this regard.

• The age breakdown of respondents is as follows: o 30% of survey respondents were 59 to 68 years o 26% were between 49 and 58 years o 13% were between 39 and 48 years o 12% were between 69 and 78 years o 11% were between 29 and 38 years o 4% were between 16 and 28 years o 4% were 79 years or older.

• The respondents’ average age of birth was 1953 (57 years old), which is above the 2006 Census

figure but still considered to be within the tolerable range for this type of survey, particularly since Lambton Shores has an “older” population base relative to that of the Province.

40%

48%

59%

62%

62%

Your household is satisfied with the level of service provided by the Municipality with respect to parks,

recreation and culture.

Your household is satisfied with the amenities and activities offered at municipal beaches in Lambton

Shores.

Your household is generally aware of the parks, recreation and cultural activities that are available in

your area.

Parks, recreation and culture services should be a high priority for Municipal Council.

The amount of time it takes to get to the leisure activities that your household participates in most is

reasonable.



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Household Composition by Age Group

• 59% of respondents lived in the built‐up area of Lambton Shores: o Forest – 21% o Grand Bend – 21% o Port Franks – 9% o Thedford – 6% o Arkona – 2% o Bosanquet – 1%

• 39% of respondents lived in rural areas, which is similar to the population concentration present in the municipality. The rural communities achieved representation through this sample through the following distribution of respondents:

o Closest to Grand Bend (rural) – 14% o Closest to Forest (rural) – 7% o Closest to Port Franks (rural) – 6% o Closest to Thedford (rural) – 5% o Closest to Arkona (rural) – 4% o Closest to Bosanquet (rural) – 2% o Other – 2%

• 92% of respondents were permanent residents and 8% were seasonal residents, likely due to the survey having to be conducted prior to the summer vacation season.

• As an optional question, respondents were asked about their household income. The breakdown of responses from those that chose to respond to this question (54% of the sample) is as follows:

o 26% of household incomes were between $60,000 and $80,000; o 25% were between $40,000 and $60,000; o 18% were under $40,000; o 17% were over $100,000; and o 14% were between $80,000 and $100,000.

under 10 years, 9%

10‐19 years, 12%

20‐34 years, 10%

35 to 54 years, 25%

55 and over, 44%



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• 61% of respondents were female and 39% of respondents were male; a higher proportion of women is common in this type of telephone survey.

4.3 Community Stakeholder Surveys A stakeholder group survey was created to gather information from community groups regarding participation statistics, organizational mandate, facility usage and needs, future requirements, and ways to increase inclusivity. Stakeholder groups were selected by Municipality staff and had the option of receiving the survey on paper or digitally, and were asked to submit the completed document to the Community Services Department. Surveys were then forwarded to the consultants for analysis. The survey was a combination of qualitative and quantitative questions. The groups ranged in size from 22 to 310 members in 2010. Most groups that provided information about residential membership in 2010 had between 70% and 100% representation by residents of Lambton Shores, with the exceptions being the Port Franks Yacht Club (35%), Forest Dragons Baseball (50%), and Lambton Heritage Museum (10%). Groups were asked about their intentions to expand, reduce or maintain a constant membership; of those that responded to this question, 17 groups anticipated expansion, 12 felt they would experience no change, and 1 group were unsure whether they would reduce or experience no change. With respect to future needs, the willingness to partner with other organizations, and the ability to provide capital investment for facilities and/or programs, the stakeholder survey included the following questions:

• Does your organization presently require additional access to existing parks or facilities? • Will your group require access to any new park, recreation or cultural facilities in the next five to

ten years? • Would your organization be willing to consider partnerships with the Municipality or other

agencies for the development or delivery of services or facilities? • Would your organization be willing to contribute capital investment for the development or

operation of any new or expanded facilities? • Does your group require any additional supports (financial or otherwise from the Municipality?

The table below shows the number of the following responses to each question: yes, no, unsure, and not applicable.

Response Additional access

to existing facilities now?

Access to new facilities in 5‐10

years?

Enter into partnerships?

Capital investment?

Additional support needed?

Yes 4 6 24 8 18 No 21 20 0 7 5 Unsure 0 0 0 16 10 N/A 8 7 9 2 0

Summaries of each group’s submission are provided below and include survey responses received as of July 6th, 2010. Responses have been grouped according to general area of service and include elaboration on responses listed where applicable and relevant. Please see Appendix B for full responses.



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Indoor Recreation Forest Curling & Social Club

The Forest Curling & Social Club was established in 1884 and has 310 members between the ages of 6 and 80. They are a public facility dedicated to provide the best possible social environment and ice conditions at a reasonable cost for all area residents. They provide casual and competitive curling opportunities for all ages and abilities through house leagues and bonspiels. League fees and pay‐as‐you‐play fees are set to recover costs and provide ongoing maintenance. The Club’s facilities were built in 1971 when the club was significantly smaller. As such, some of the facilities, including the club rooms, the washrooms, locker rooms, kitchen and lounge, are no longer adequate and the group feels that this is starting to hurt their ability to attract and retain members. The club uses the Forest Curling and Social Club daily from October to April. In addition to the desired improvements previously mentioned, the storage space is inadequate, heating needs to be improved (along with air quality and ventilation), there is a need for better lighting, improved staircases, a fire alarm and security system and the inclusion of barrier‐free facilities. The facilities are owned by the Municipality, which is currently supporting a capital project to modernize the facility. The group is currently fundraising for Phase 1 of the modernization project, but may need grant funding if an unforeseen issue occurs. It is challenging for them to provide barrier‐free facilities and supply the financial resources for the required upgrades. Their most pressing concern is obtaining funding sources for Phase 2 of the modernization project. Molson Old‐Timers Hockey League

Established in approximately 1990, the Molson Old‐Timers Hockey League has 64 members aged 34‐65, with 8 people on the waiting list. The members of the league enjoy social gatherings and hockey. Their most pressing concern is the cost of ice time with the arrival of HST and the issue of changes in their allotted ice time. Thedford‐Bosanquet Old Timers League

The Thedford‐Bosanquet Old Timers League was established in 1977 and has approximately 90 members aged over 35. Their mandate is to have a place for hockey players who are over 35 years of age. They play in the Thedford Arena weekly on Mondays during the hockey season. Their most pressing concern is to make sure that none of the Municipally‐owned facilities are left empty. Forest Skating Club

The Forest Skating Club was established in 1952 and has 83 members aged 2‐80. They offer skating classes for youth and adults and their mandate is to teach people of all ages to skate. They use the Lambton Shores Recreation Centre for 6 hours over 3 days per week and would like to see more ice time or be allotted more preferable ice time. Their most pressing issue is for better ice time allocation since they are currently given inconvenient times.



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Thedford‐Bosanquet Shuffleboard Club

The Thedford‐Bosqanquet Shuffleboard Club was established in 1984 and currently has 22 members between the ages of 60 and 85, approximately half of what they usually have since their arena is currently under construction. Their mandate is for the preservation, encouragement and enjoyment of the game of shuffleboard. They play shuffleboard weekly, hold shuffleboard tournaments, hold an annual meeting and supper and encourage senior functions and activities. The Club anticipates that there will be at least ten shuffleboard courts in the Legacy Centre, which they use weekly, and is looking to expand their membership base and hold more tournaments. They are willing to work with other shuffleboard clubs in the Municipality to organize tournaments and social functions. They would like to advertise directly and effectively to the general public about the Club and activities that are available. Their most pressing concern is getting their Club up and running again in the new facility without losing any of their present members. In addition, they need to promote shuffleboard to younger members of the community. Lambton Shores Predators Jr. B

The Lambton Shores Predators were established in 2008; prior to that, the team was in Petrolia for 30 years. The organization has 35 members aged 16‐20. They work at developing the hockey sills of local youth on and off the ice. They are looking to add more people to their program inducing coaches, scouts and volunteers as well as getting more involved with Forest Minor Hockey. They use The Shores three times a week and comment that ice rates could be lower, and that the bar should be opened on game nights. They are happy with what the Municipality has done for the hockey organization. Lambton Shores Minor Hockey Association

The Lambton Shores Minor Hockey Association was established in 1953 and now has 300 members aged 4‐20 and is seeing declining participation rates. Their mandate is to provide wholesome recreation through participation in a hockey program by promoting good sportsmanship, fair play, citizenship and respect for others. They provide hockey for ages 4‐20 for both males and females and hold an annual beachfront festival. They practice in The Shores Recreation Centre 35‐40 hours per week and the Thedford Arena 30‐35 hours a week. They note that the new Harmonized Sales Tax will cost the organization an additional $15,000 to $20,000 per year. As a not‐for‐profit organization, this impacts them significantly and would like to see the 3% ice increase dropped for all minor groups. In order to increase inclusivity, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and other companies will pay for the registration of individuals and families who are unable to cover the cost of registration. Their most pressing concern is that they are constantly struggling with the Jr. B team over ice time. They would like to have more time on the ice. Outdoor Recreation Forest Lawn Bowling Club

The Forest Lawn Bowling Club was established in 1907 and currently has 23 members. The Club’s mandate is to promote the sport of lawn bowling under the guidance of the Ontario Lawn Bowls Association. The Club’s facility is looking to expand and can accommodate up to 50 members. The Club uses the Coultis Park bowling green 3 days per week. The facility and equipment is approximately 50 years old and requires continuous maintenance. The Club has traditionally operated a balanced budget, except for in the past few years where they have had to use their reserve funds meant for new



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equipment; as such, they could use municipal support. They encourage the expansion of the sport of lawn bowling and their most pressing needs are for new members and continued care of their greens. Forest Minor Ball

The Forest Minor Ball Club started around 1990 and currently has 110 members aged 4 to 13. Their mandate is to spread sport to all children. They run home and away baseball games and practices from April to August. The club uses McRae Park two nights a week and Coultis Park 6 times per week. They have identified that the outfield grass takes time to get fixed and some lights need to be repaired in McRae Park, and that the backstop needs to be replaced, the black tile on the fence always gets bees in it and that there is need for a new washroom roof at Coultis Park. Most of the work and fundraising that has been done in the ball parks over the last number of years have been the ideas of Minor Ball or the Dragons; the need for continued investment is always needed. They appreciate the support that the Municipality has given them over the years. To increase inclusivity, they recommend that all other ball organizations meet together to discuss their programs. Their most pressing need is for more ball players. Forest Dragons Baseball

Forest Dragons Baseball was established in 2002 and currently has 24 members aged 18‐40. Their mandate is to promote and grow the sport of baseball in the community. They would like to expand their program so the youth of the area can play structured and competitive baseball. They play in McRae Park 3‐5 days per week and note that it needs a new backstop, improved grass infield, a sprinkler system, a larger equipment storage facility and change rooms. The Dragons conduct fundraisers each year and rely on businesses in the community to help fund the program. Most of all, they are in need of more funding. Port Franks Yacht Club

The Port Franks Yacht Club was established in 1983 and currently has 127 members aged 2 to 75. They are a group of local boaters that either live, cottage or boat on the waterways of Port Franks. They operate as a social club with an emphasis on boating safety, friendship and community service. They raise money through various activities for improvements to the marina park, local community and waterways. They currently offer boating safety courses, pleasure craft operating challenge exams, barbeque/dance/raffle, beach volleyball tournaments and other social activities. They include fundraising into their social activities to maintain the organization. They use the Port Franks Harbour Pavilion and Marina from May to September. They also use the Port Franks Harbour Volleyball Court from May to September and note that the volleyball nets should have proper posts. The Club is currently pursuing the addition of a 20’x40’x4” deep cement pad for a basketball court, as well as seeking to add wireless Internet access. They would like to see a better partnership between the Municipality and their organization. They would like to collaborate to continue to enhance the community and waterways of Port Franks. Community Event / Service Clubs Port Franks Community Police Committee

The Port Franks Community Police Committee was established in 1997 and has 17 members from the Municipality of Lambton Shores. Three of the group’s objectives are focused on the relationship with



P a g e | 38

the Ontario Provincial Police, while the other is to improve the quality of life in Port Franks through educating residents, monitoring properties and focusing on cleanliness and orderliness in the community. The Committee uses the Port Franks Community Centre on a monthly basis and would like to have overhead projection capability at the facility. The group does not need additional access to any facilities, but supports the conversions of local green areas into parkettes to provide places for young persons to play during the day and for adults to meet and talk. The Port Franks Community Police Committee may be willing to provide minor contributions via focused fundraising and is very grateful to the Municipality for the financial and facility support (e.g., photocopying) it now receives. The group’s most pressing concern is attracting new younger members that are willing to contribute effort to the improvement of life in Port Franks. West Coast Lions Club of Grand Bend

The West Coast Lions Club of Grand Bend was established in 2005 and currently has 8 members between the ages of 50 and 70. Its mandate is community service through youth programs, and the Lions Club’s overall goals are sight conservation and diabetes awareness. The group uses the following facilities: the Lions Pavilion in Grand Bend once per year, at which it would like to see the washrooms improved; and Grand Bend Public School twice per month, which is fine for its purposes. The group would like there to be a community centre at which to hold meetings in Grand Bend as there is nothing available except the school. If possible, the organization would like to enter into partnerships at a future time, and will be interested in capital investment after its commitment to the beach enhancement is complete. The group would like a meeting place and some storage space therein as the school is sometimes too crowded. Forest Canada Day Committee

The Forest Canada Day Committee has ten members and came into being in 2003 to organize annual ‘Celebrate Canada’ events leading up to and including July 1 activities and build community spirit. The group feels that staff have always been supportive with respect to set up and take down of equipment as well as collecting garbage the day after the event. In the next 5‐10 years, the group would like to have a covered stage with an area for an audience as part of an already established park or public space somewhere in the Municipality. The group is not sure if the interest is there to undertake improvements to Esli Dodge, but possible partnerships include all the groups who currently assist with Canada Day. The group uses the Kineto Theatre twice per year and feels that Kineto and Kiwanis need to develop a closer partnership with the Municipality as a lot of work needs to be done to the building. The group also uses Esli Dodge Conservation Area, and feels that the stage area, pavilion and washrooms need to be improved. The group would like to see a wheelchair area at Esli Dodge at the top of the hill and a paved pathway from the roadway to this area, more family friendly events and free play areas. Grand Bend Community Foundation / Aquafest

The Grand Bend Community Foundation was established in 2000 as an independent, volunteer‐driven, charitable organization that aims to strengthen the community by facilitating philanthropy and providing leadership. This group has over 16 members. The group offers a grants program that focuses on building community capacity in the greater Grand Bend area through the following areas of interest: children and youth; family and community; health and physical activity; education; social services; the environment; and arts and culture. The group uses the Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre 8‐10 times per year, as well as using Grand Bend Beach and Pinery Provincial Park once each per year. The



P a g e | 39

organization would like to receive financial support for its environmental projects and an environment program from the Municipality. The Grand Bend Community Foundation would like to see the Municipality continue to increase physical accessibility, support and promote activities like Aquafest to taxpayers, and improve facilities for families and older adults. The most pressing concern of the group is increasing the awareness of environmental issues in the community. Forest Business Improvement Area

The Forest Business Improvement Area (BIA) was established in 1977 with the mandate to promote and beautify within their geographic location and currently has approximately 60‐70 members aged 20‐75. The BIA puts on a number of festivals and events during the year, decorates Forest during Christmas, and holds various meetings. The group uses The Shores Recreation Centre once a month and Rotary Park once a year and is satisfied with both facilities. The group is unsure if they are able to commit a capital investment since they can only operate within their legislated mandate. The BIA is exploring the possibility of a partnership with the Municipality with regard to landscaping and storefront and sign upgrades. The group’s most pressing concern is the maintenance and expansion of the vitality of shopping within Forest, especially the downtown core wherein they would like to need to stem the flow of customers to larger urban centres, and expand the diversity of the shops in Forest. The group identified that Esli Dodge Park needs to be refurbished in order to increase its viability as a park and a concert venue, as well as protecting the Kineto Theatre, which they identify as one of the cultural jewels of the municipality. Finally, the group identified that signage continues to be an issue in Forest and that wayfinding signage should be implemented. Rotary Club of Grand Bend

The Rotary Club of Grand Bend is a community based organization that started in 1991. The Club currently has 43 members between the ages of 20 and 80, and has seen modest growth in the last two years. The club is looking to expand in order to support projects such as Clean Water Now, Beachfront Enhancements and Aquafest. The Rotary Club was founded in 1905 and is a worldwide service organization consisting of business and professional leaders that provide humanitarian services, promote high ethical standards and advanced world understanding, and helps build peace and goodwill. The Rotary Club of Grand Bend conducts fundraising to give to local and international projects; the group has raised and donated more than $900,000 since 1991. Within Lambton Shores, the Rotary Club utilizes the Rotary Nature Trail and maintains it twice per year. The organization is not looking to expand their facilities now, or in the next 5‐10 years, but wish to have the trail entirely paved in order to prevent injury. The Club would be willing to enter into a public partnership within Grand Bend depending on the project. They are unsure whether they would be willing to contribute capital investment to the development of any new or expanded facilities, as well as being unsure as to whether they need any financial support from the Municipality. In the past, the Club has contributed to the Grand Beach elevator for people with disabilities in order to increase inclusivity. The most pressing concern to the Rotary Club is to complete the paving of the Rotary Trail to the Pinery. Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program Port Franks

The Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program started in 2000 and currently has 62 members between the approximate ages of 50 and 75, and has seen steady growth in the last few years. Their mandate is to provide an opportunity for the community to participate in a healthy exercise program (which incorporates aerobics, walking, stretching, muscle strengthening and toning, flexibility and relaxation) at no cost. The program is designed to address both the physical and social well‐being of seniors in the



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community. The one hour process is offered twice a week, with line dancing as a half hour warm‐up before the exercise class. The program is looking to expand; there has been some interest in a fitness hour for working adults and a gentler program for frail seniors, but the organization has been unable to find volunteers or procure funding for these programs. The Exercise Program uses the Port Franks Community Centre twice per week, and would like to see improvements to the floor, which is cement and not conducive to aerobics. They also go walking in the Port during the summer and would like to see improvements to the sidewalks and bike paths. Funding received would also be used to train volunteers so they can reach out the community and attract more volunteers and expand programming. They would also be willing to run a YMCA outreach exercise class twice a week. In addition, funds would be used to purchase equipment to offer more variety to the exercises and rent more time in the Community Centre. They believe that the Municipality would benefit from a Parks and Recreation Department that can promote healthy lifestyles in the community. The group feels there should be a Recreation Committee that meets quarterly and reports to Council. Their biggest concern is volunteer burnout and finding the money to train and maintain volunteers. Kiwanis Club of Forest

The Kiwanis Club is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Forest is a community based organization that started in 1956 and currently has 33 members. The Club has a number of programs, which include the Santa Claus Parade, Family Kite Day, birthday cake for seniors who live alone, and bicycle safety education for children, just to name a few. The Kiwanis Club also operates the Kineto Theatre. They are satisfied with the size of their operation and don’t wish to change. They do not require additional access to existing parks or facilities and do not anticipate requiring more in the next 5‐10 years. The Kiwanis Club states a continued willingness to partner with the Municipality and other organizations, and currently has capital budgeted to replace the existing theatre signage, but requires additional financial assistance. Lambton Shores Community Association

The Lambton shores Community Association is currently in moratorium, but the group has approximately 120 members of all ages and seeks to preserve and protect the natural resources in the community. The group is seeking to expand and looks to protect the beaches from commercial use and would like to see additional playgrounds throughout Lambton Shores. The group is willing to work with the Municipality and other organizations to fundraise and increase communication. The group would like to see better communication with residents in the off‐season. Seniors Clubs Port Frank Seniors

The Port Frank Seniors Club started in the 1970s and currently has 170 members. Their mandate is to keep seniors active through activities such as cards, shuffleboard, darts, badminton, dance and bus trips. They use the Port Franks Community Centre four days per week and comment that the kitchen needs finishing. In order to increase inclusivity, they wish to keep people informed as to what is available in the community, which is also their most pressing concern.



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Thedford Seniors Club

The Thedford Seniors Club holds bid euchre every other Saturday evening; euchre every Wednesday afternoon; and wine, cheese and euchre on Friday nights. Arkona Seniors Club

The Arkona Seniors Club was established in 1973 and currently has 45 members aged 50‐92. It started as an Arts and Crafts Club, but has become a meeting place for seniors offering companionship, exercise, recreation, information pertinent for seniors. They meet monthly September to June for a pot luck luncheon with speakers and activities. They also play shuffleboard and euchre, as well as renting out the hall. They utilize the Arkona Senior’s Hall on a daily basis and are always looking to expand and welcome new members. Within the hall, the audio‐visual equipment and canopy over the outside door can be improved as well as increased attic insulation and painting the outdoor signs. The Club has an agreement with the Municipality to maintain and service the exterior of the building if the Club maintains the interior. The Club could use some additional advertising to increase their membership base. Their most pressing concern is the recruitment of new and younger members, ideas for programs and entertainment, insulation in the attic, a canopy over the door, and painting their outdoor signs. Arts and Cultural Homemade Jam

Homemade Jam is a music festival in its second year of operation, with the goal of providing a forum for local artists to perform in front of a larger audience than they might otherwise be able. The concert takes place at Esli Dodge Conservation Area, a venue that the group feels is picturesque while being concerned that the water creates distance between performers and attendees. The group also uses The Shores Recreation Centre once per year and would like the glass above the boards on the seating side to be removed when the group uses the facility. Homemade Jam is willing to enter into partnerships should opportunities arise and feels that in terms of additional support, the Municipality should keep an attitude towards accomplishment, instead of creating regulations that can deter things from happening. The most pressing need for Homemade Jam is to have local residents support the event by attending. Grand Bend Art Centre

The Grand Bend Art Centre was established in 2008 to provide an art drop‐in centre for all ages and abilities to undertake painting, water colours, oils, acrylics, sculpture and photography, among other disciplines. The Art Centre has recently hired Dryart Studio to run children’s programs and bolster the drop‐in capability of the Centre. The group suggested that Grand Bend needs a community sponsored art centre, ideally on River Road, which could be provided by the Municipality and programmed and operated by the Grand Bend Art Centre, which could expand into an area Arts Council. The Grand Bend Art Centre is willing to meet to discuss options and possibilities for a future partnership with the Municipality. The most pressing concern for the Art Centre is its financial survival, as it cannot continue its work indefinitely without the involvement of the Municipality and/or an alternative supportive body. Lambton Heritage Museum

The Lambton Heritage Museum was established in 1978, serving approximately 20,000 visitors annually, only 10% of which reside in Lambton Shores. The mandate of the Museum is to preserve and interpret the human and natural heritage of the County of Lambton through the provision of interpretive



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programs, special events, exhibits, tours, restorations, and web resources. The Museum is seeking to expand its digital, interactive web content and portable media, but needs contributing partners to undertake this task. In addition, the Lambton Heritage Museum is interested in pursuing partnerships with Aboriginal organizations and specifically, the Museum would like to partner with the Municipality to provide shoulder season tourism opportunities (e.g., Lambton Heritage Museum’s annual Craft Show), particularly in the area of promotion. In an effort to increase inclusivity, the Museum offers online heritage opportunities. The Museum recommends that the Municipality work to utilize the existing natural beauty, skill pool and tourism opportunities in the arts in Lambton Shores. The Museum needs partnerships to successfully apply for grants as its most successful projects to date have involved numerous organizations working together towards a common end. Caring Quilters of Lambton Shores

This organization was established in the year 2000 and has approximately 50 members between the ages of 50 and 75+. Caring Quilters of Lambton Shores makes comfort quilts to be used by Sarnia/Lambton Victim’s Services as well as providing two quilts to be used as fundraisers – one by the Optimists and one by another non‐profit organization. The group uses the Port Franks Community Centre once per week and state their appreciation to the Municipality for providing space for storage and allowing them to use the facility. Caring Quilters of Lambton Shores does not currently need additional access to existing facilities, nor does it anticipate requiring access to new facilities in the next five to ten years. The group is a non‐profit organization that is made up entirely of volunteers, and as such, is not able to provide any capital investment. The group would appreciate continued publicity for their group’s activities to assist it in attracting new members and financial support. North Lambton Quilters Group

This group was established in 1990 and has had between 45 and 50 members between the ages of 25 and 70+ for the past three years. The group learns about quilting techniques through workshops and guest speakers and donates the quilts they make to various groups and individuals. North Lambton Quilters Group utilizes the hall at Thedford Community Arena once per month (except summer) and feel that they would benefit from the facility having more lighting and hydro outlets. The group also uses Lambton Heritage Museum once every two years for four days. North Lambton Quilters Group does not currently require additional access to facilities, nor do they anticipate requiring access to new facilities in the next five to ten years. The group is unable to make capital investment in facilities, but feels that having brochures available at different locations to explain to residents what is available in terms of recreation opportunities would be a useful method of increasing inclusivity. Sunset Cinema Social Film Group

The Sunset Cinema Social Film Group shows one film a month from October through May at the Grand Bend and Area Health Centre Community Room and has 40‐50 members between the ages of 40 and 85. The group would like to see the sound system at the facility improved. The group is interested in a community facility with better audio‐visual technology, preferably a new community hall in Grand Bend and would be willing to participate in fundraising and planning discussions with the Municipality. The organization is unsure about its ability to provide capital investment as its funds are acquired through donation and are needed to pay for a performance license and films. The group is interested in receiving an annual donation from the Municipality to purchase a good sound system and show more films.



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Agricultural and Horticultural Forest Agricultural Society

This organization was established in 1870 and its primary activity is the hosting of the annual Agricultural Fall Fair, which was attended by 14,000 people in 2009. The mandate of the Society is to promote agriculture and provide family‐friendly entertainment through the Agricultural Fall Fair, educational efforts, 4H programs, and a historical steam engine and tractor show. The Society is currently seeking more land for expansion and is willing to partner and provide capital investment to this end. Their most pressing needs are room to expand and to replace old and unsafe buildings. Grand Bend and Area Horticultural Society

The Grand Bend and Area Horticultural Society was established in 1990 and has a number of committees that oversee the following areas: planting; programs; membership; awards; social activities; and the open gardens tour. Over the past three years, the organization has averaged 175 members per year, between the ages of 15 and 90, with 90% of its members residing within the Municipality of Lambton Shores. The group makes use of a number of facilities in Lambton Shores, but primarily utilizes the Grand Bend Legion Hall and Grand Bend Municipal Office meeting room. The group feels that these spaces would benefit from the addition of new technologies such as sound systems, digital projectors, DVD capability and wireless internet availability. Specific issues raised about the Municipal Office include the lack of wheelchair accessibility, the need for more regular maintenance and a desire to see the washroom brought up to current standards (e.g., functioning door lock, low flush toilet and automatic soap dispenser). While the group does not currently require additional access to existing facilities, it would like to see a community centre or cultural centre in Grand Bend to serve the northernmost section of Lambton Shores. The group is willing to partner in planting and maintenance of community and public gardens, but is unable to contribute any capital due to the fact that its expenditures are governed by the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act. Support that would be appreciated from the Municipality includes maintenance of public gardens, including planting, watering and weeding. The Grand Bend and Area Horticultural Society supports municipal accessibility objectives by making sure facilities and parks are physically accessible to all residents and that the signage in Grand Bend should be improved. Thedford Garden Club

The Thedford Garden Club was established in 2005 and currently has 10 members between the ages of 35 and 65, all of whom reside within Lambton Shores. The group’s mandate is to beautify Thedford’s downtown through weeding, planting, trimming and watering flowers. The Club uses the Thedford Seniors Complex once per month. The group would appreciate in‐kind use of a tractor and water wagon, annual funding for flowers, and for the Municipality to allow the planting of more gardens on municipal land. The primary concern for this group is the lack of volunteers. Forest Garden Club

The Forest Garden Club was established in 1993 to beautify the Forest Library beds and to promote education of its members through guest speakers and outings. The Club has 72 adult members, 90% of whom live in Lambton Shores. The group uses the meeting room at The Shores Recreation Centre monthly from September through June and finds it to be adequate for their purposes, while the group also uses the concrete pad at The Shores once a year. The Club states an interest in entering into



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partnerships, and has previously partnered with the Rotary, Kiwanis and Legion on various projects. The group started a Youth Gardening Club last year and hosts an annual garden tour that is open to the public. The Forest Garden Club has received community grants from the Municipality and anticipates applying for grants in the future. The Club appreciates in‐kind donations from Lambton Shores (e.g., waived rental fees and insurance) and staff support for the garden show. The group’s most pressing concern is that the membership is aging and finds it difficult to find people who are capable and willing to work in the gardens. Port Franks Garden Club

The Port Franks Garden Club was established in 1999 to enhance and beautify the Port Franks area and to educate members about gardening. The group, which currently has 71 members between the ages of 40 and 85, meets once per month at the Port Franks Community Centre. The group does not state a need for additional facilities, but its main concern is the aging of its members and whether there will be young people in the community to come out and clean up the gardens.

4.4 Community Search Conference A community search conference was conducted by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants on June 17, 2010 at the Port Franks Community Centre. The purpose of the Search Conference was to provide a venue within which members of the community could share ideas, listen to the perspectives of others and work together to identify pressing needs and think about creative solutions. Attendees were selected and invited by the Municipality based on their contribution to the local leisure sector; the session was also open to the public. The session was attended by 58 people, many of whom were representatives of 36 groups, as well as a number of community members, four Councillors, and staff members. Participants were seated at tables with other stakeholders, one of whom served as a recorder and facilitator; each table was asked to respond to a series of questions. The first question asked what participants value most about Lambton Shores. Next, three questions were asked to gather stakeholder views on the state of Lambton Shores’ indoor, outdoor, parks, beaches, open space, and cultural facilities; responses to these three questions were prioritized within each table, and presented back to the group at large. A final question explored how the Municipality and broader community can address or overcome barriers to meeting community needs. Results have been summarized below; please see Appendix B for a full list of responses to all five questions. Question 1: What do we value most about Lambton Shores? Participants value a broad range of opportunities, ranging from the indoor and outdoor recreation facilities to the open space and parks to the small town community feel of Lambton Shores, which is seen to be a safe community full of caring people. The natural environment of the Municipality is also valued; particular mention was made of the provincial parks, Carolinian forest, and naturalized areas. The beaches in Lambton Shores were also deemed important, as were the natural and cultural heritage of the Municipality, including theatres, museums and interpretive centres. The proximity to water and the weather in Lambton Shores are key reasons for the tourism industry in the area, another valued component of the Municipality. In addition, the access to primary health providers and the reasonable cost of living were mentioned.



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The following graphic illustrates the most commonly valued elements of the Municipality of Lambton Shores (shown through the largest text).

Question 2: How can we improve indoor and outdoor recreation and leisure opportunities? (top 6 responses listed in priority order; number of mentions in parentheses) As noted below, the desire for a multi‐purpose facility in Grand Bend that incorporates cultural elements, and better communication were the two most commonly mentioned issues. Other items discussed included walking/biking trails, improving the process of prioritization for upgrading the Municipality’s assets, equipment needs, programming, and better facility maintenance, among others. • Grand Bend – multi‐purpose facility (also cultural) (15) • Better communication between communities re: available facilities and between partners

and service groups (13) • Forest – needs year‐round swimming pool – could partner with Forest Golf pool to give

safe lessons (12) • Splash pads everywhere (11) • Better maintenance of facilities (e.g., Port Franks CC – leaking roof, gaps under doors,

handicap doors for all entrances) (9) • Walking / biking trails (9)

Question 3: How can we improve parks, beaches and open space? (top eight listed in priority order; number of mentions in parentheses) Beach and park maintenance and cleanliness were the major themes of the most common responses to this question. In addition, transportation, urban design components, community awareness and signage were also discussed.



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• Ipperwash – clean up the beach (17) • More washrooms and better maintenance (16) • Off‐leash dog park (14) • Clear sidewalks in winter (12) • Parking / shuttle services / bike racks at beaches (10) • Water quality testing for all beaches in the area (10) • Clean up and maintain beaches (Grand Bend cleanup is wonderful, but other communities

need it too) (9) • Dispense with surplus land and purchase more park lands (e.g., at Ipperwash) (9) • Governance of the beaches should recognize diversity and uses (consensus from everyone)

(9) Question 4: How can we improve cultural opportunities? (top ten listed in priority order; number of mentions in parentheses) Affordability, promotion of local talent, provision methods, governance and collaboration were key themes that emerged in relation to cultural activities. • Affordable municipal art, dance, etc. classes for everyone (16) • More concerts using local bands and youth and music in the park (13) • Share risk with service clubs – win win for all (13) • Festivals in communities (e.g., music, buskers, Lakeside Arts Festival) (12) • Lambton Museum – not utilized (could have art night for local artists, SunFest, WinterFest,

wine tasting at Twin Pines, etc.) (12) • Improve communication between communities (10) • Culture and Heritage Committee to develop programs (9) • Heritage and Cultural Committee – joint between Council and residents (9) • Kineto Theatre – support complete refurbishment (9) • Lambton Shores Heritage and Arts Committee (inclusive of First Nations and agricultural

heritage) (9) Question 5: How can we address or overcome barriers to meeting community needs? Following the prioritization exercise, participants were asked to brainstorm ways in which the Municipality and the community can work to overcome barriers to meeting community needs. There was great support for the creation of committees of Council that include residents (e.g, recreation, culture and heritage), as well as ensuring that the Municipality of Lambton Shores as a whole is considered, rather than just specific communities within. The desire for facilitative management and improved communication in person, online, through media and signage, etc. were expressed as well. In addition, the idea of shared risk between government, residents, businesses, community groups, service clubs, etc. was discussed as a means to providing opportunities. Concerns about volunteer burnout were mentioned, as were possible solutions to the problem, such as seeking new and younger volunteers, holding open houses, and breaking down tasks into manageable elements. The need for revenue generation was identified as a key concern, with suggestions made to fundraise and pursue partnerships.



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4.5 Online & Written Submissions

The Recreation & Leisure Master Plan has been advertised on the Municipality of Lambton Shores website, inviting residents to submit written briefs for consideration by municipal staff and the Consultants. Responses are being tabulated on an ongoing basis over the master planning process. Some themes thus far have included refocus/revitalize existing facilities (such as the old Forest Arena) to accommodate new types of uses, types of activities that could be facilitated in naturalizing areas (such as the old Ausable River Channel), etc.

4.6 Key Informant Interviews Interviews will be conducted with municipal representatives, key service providers and selected other stakeholders with an interest in recreation, parks and culture. Given the personal and/or confidential nature of these communications, individual responses will not be reproduced but rather, key concerns, ideas and themes will be integrated in subsequent stages of the planning process to supplement any action plans that will be developed.

Municipality of Lambton Shores – Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Phase One Planning Context and Consultation Discussion Paper – Park and Facility Inventory


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Section 5: Park and Facility Inventory

5.1 Indoor Leisure Facility Inventory

Facility Municipal Supply

Current Per Capita Provision

(2006 Pop. = 11,150)

Location / Comments

Ice Pads 2 1 : 5,575 Legacy Centre; The Shores Recreation Centre

Gymnasia 2 1 : 5,575 Grand Bend Recreation Centre; The Shores Recreation Centre

Meeting Venues 12 1 : 929 Arkona CC (2); Arkona Seniors Centre (1); Grand Bend Recreation Centre (1); Kimball Hall (2); Legacy Centre (1); Port Franks CC (2); The Shores Recreation Centre (2); Thedford Village Complex (1)

Seniors’ Space 1 1 : 11,150 Arkona Seniors Centre

Kitchen Facilities 5 1 : 2,230 Arkona Seniors Centre; Grand Bend Recreation Centre; Kimball Hall; Port Franks CC; Thedford Village Complex

Walking Track 1 1 : 11,150 The Shores Recreation Centre

Library Branches* 5 1 : 2,230 Arkona CC; Forest Public Library; Grand Bend Recreation Centre; Legacy Centre; Port Franks CC

Fitness Centre* 1 1 : 11,150 The Shores Recreation Centre (YMCA)

*Note: Library branches are operated by the County of Lambton Libraries and the fitness centre is operated by the YMCA.

Arkona Community Centre This facility has a community room with a capacity of 50, ideal for small classes, cards and bridal/baby showers. In addition, there is a meeting room with a capacity of 30. The Arkona Library (operated by the County of Lambton) is also located within the Community Centre.

Arkona Seniors Centre

The Arkona Seniors Centre includes a multi‐purpose room with a capacity of 60, as well as a small kitchen facility. This municipally‐owned facility is leased to the Arkona Seniors Club.



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Grand Bend Recreation Centre

Located at Grand Bend Public School, the only municipally‐owned components are a gymnasium that is available for public use (capacity 200), and a community room with a small kitchen and a capacity of 40. The Grand Bend Public Library (operated by the County of Lambton) is also located in the Recreation Centre.

Kimball Hall

This facility contains a community hall with a kitchen and stage and a capacity of 400, and a meeting room with a capacity of 25. This municipally‐owned facility is leased to the Optimist Club of Forest.

Legacy Centre

This facility, the former Thedford Bosanquet Community Centre, is currently undergoing a major renovation, which will be complete in Spring 2011. The Legacy Centre will have a full‐sized (180’ x 80’) ice pad with a capacity of 600 spectators, a community hall (capacity 210) with retractable wall, and a Public Library branch. The Legacy Centre will also house Bosanquet Small World Nursery School.

Port Franks Community Centre

The Port Franks Community Centre includes Optimist Hall and the West Wing, which can be combined to form one large hall for weddings and dances, etc. The Optimist Hall has a capacity of 240 and includes a kitchen, bar area and PA system. The West Wing has a capacity of 149 and includes a small kitchen. The Community Centre is also home to the Port Franks Public Library (operated by the County of Lambton).

The Shores Recreation Centre

The Shores has an NHL‐sized ice surface with has a capacity of 1,000 (1,200 for concrete pad without ice). The arena walls have acoustic siding which increases sound quality. There is a free access walking track, full‐sized gymnasium, concession, two board rooms (capacities of 40 and 10), municipal offices, and a Wellness Centre that is operated by the YMCA.

Thedford Village Complex

This facility has one meeting room with a capacity of 70 and includes a small kitchen.



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5.2 Outdoor Facility Inventory

Facility Municipal Supply

(equivalents)

Current Per Capita Provision

(2006 Pop. = 11,150)

Location / Comments

Soccer Fields

Full unlit Mini

7

5 2

1 : 1,593 Klondyke Sports Park (2 mini and 3 full LIT/UNLIT); Port Franks CC Park (1); Shipley’s Grove & McRae Park (1)

Ball Diamonds*

Lit Unlit

11.5*

5* 4

1 : 970 Coultis Park (2 lit); Grand Bend Lions Park (1lit); Legacy Centre Park (2 unlit); Port Franks CC Park (1 unlit); Shipley’s Grove & McRae Park (1 unlit); Utter Park (2 lit)

Tennis Courts 3 1 : 3,717 Port Franks CC Park (2); Whyte Park (1)

Play Structures

Traditional Creative

12

8 4

1 : 929 Traditional: Arkona CC Park; Coultis Park; Crescent Street park; Eilber Street Park; Grand Bend Lions Park; Legacy Centre Park; Optimist Children’s Park; Pleasure Park;

Creative: Klondyke Sports Park (accessible); Port Franks CC Park (inclusive); Thedford Village Green; Utter Park;

Skate Parks 2 1 : 5,575 Grand Bend Lions Park; Port Franks CC Park

Basketball Courts (Full) 2 1 : 5,575 Arkona CC Park; Grand Bend Lions Park

Lawn Bowling Lanes 4 1 : 2,788 Coultis Park (operated by the Forest Lawn Bowling Club)

Bocce Courts 3 1 : 3,717 Grand Bend Lions Park

Lawnmower Race Track 1 1 : 11,150 Legacy Centre Park

Boat Launches 2 1 : 5,575 Grand Bend Harbour; Port Franks Marina

Covered Pavilions 5 1 : 2,230 Coultis Park; Grand Bend Lions Park; Klondyke Sports Park; Thedford Village Green; Utter Park

Concessions 4 1 : 2,788 Coultis Park; Klondyke Sports Park; Shipley’s Grove & McRae Park; Utter Park

Picnic Areas 13 1 : 858 Crescent Street Park; Eilber Street Park; Grand Bend Lions Park; Klondyke Sports Park; Legacy Centre Park; Optimist Children’s Park; Port Franks CC Park; Port Franks Marina; Shipley’s Grove & McRae Park; Sphere Park; Utter Park; Whyte Park; Wight Park

Notes: *Each lit field is considered to be equivalent to 1.5 unlit field due to extended hours of play that they afford.



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In addition, there are a number of non‐municipal facilities which can be accessed by residents of Lambton Shores:

• Esli Dodge Conservation Area has been designed as an amphitheatre for plays and concerts, with a variety of amenities including playground equipment, picnic areas, a pavilion, washrooms, open green space, tennis courts, parking, a man‐made lake and island, and walking paths.

• Pinery Provincial Park provides 6,330 acres of parkland, including flora and fauna, coastal dunes, the largest protected forest in Southwestern Ontario, a globally rare Oak Savanna ecosystem, 10 kilometres of beach, 10 nature trails and 38 kilometres of ski trails. There are 1,000 campsites and 12 yurts available for rental at the park, as well as a general store, restaurant, visitor’s centre, and gift store.

• Rock Glen Conservation Area is owned and maintained by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and includes the Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre, a 10.7 metre high waterfall, trails, boardwalks, and a scenic lookout. The Conservation Area also has public washrooms and two picnic pavilions.

5.3 Parkland Inventory The Municipality of Lambton Shores maintains a total of 22 active parks, beaches and harbour areas. Parks include:

• Arkona CC Park • Pleasure Park • Coultis Park • Port Franks CC Park • Crescent Street Parkette • Port Franks Marina • Eilber Street Park • River Road / Alberta Street Park • Frances Drive Park • Rotary Civic Square • Grand Bend Beach • Shipley’s Grove & McRae Park • Grand Bend Harbour • Sphere Park • Grand Bend Lions Park • Thedford Village Green • Klondyke Sports Park • Utter Park • Legacy Centre Park • Whyte Park • Optimist Children’s Park

Please see Appendix D for the full parkland inventory, including facilities located within each park and note that the creation of mapping for facility and park locations will be explored in the next phase of the Master Plan process. The Municipality’s Official Plan contains some provision guidelines for parkland acquisition, including the need for any multiple unit residential development over 25 units to incorporate private parkettes and encouraging the development of agreements with organizations (e.g., school boards, public service clubs, etc.) to promote the use of non‐municipal open space and facilities for recreation purposes. The Plan also outlines acceptable uses and locations for Major Parks, Community Parks and Neighbourhood Parks, but does not currently contain provision standards for these classifications or municipal parkland in general. The Official Plan also outlines permitted uses for the Lakeshore area, including conservation,



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parks, public and private open space, beaches and associated recreational activities, similar recreational uses, and public works. The final Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan will evaluate standards for future application by the Municipality to ensure that all residents of Lambton Shores are benefitting from an appropriate amount of parkland, trails and open space.

Municipality of Lambton Shores – Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan Phase One Planning Context and Consultation Discussion Paper – Issues and Opportunities


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Section 6: Next Steps, Issues and Opportunities This Phase One Discussion Paper is intended as a background report to be utilized in the analysis of future directions for the provision of parks, recreation and culture facilities and services in Lambton Shores. This document is intended to provide the planning context within which the recreation, parks, open space, beaches and cultural facilities and services of Lambton Shores are analyzed. The Draft Strategic Directions Report, the next deliverable in the process, will provide the Municipality with self‐defined directions and objectives that will guide the future course of leisure, recreation, parks, beaches and cultural services, programs and facilities for the next ten years. The next step in this process is a Council and Staff Presentation and Workshop Session, scheduled for July 13, 2010. This session will allow the Consultants and Municipal representatives to explore the issues and opportunities that have arisen from research and consultation thus far, and ongoing concerns within the community that may be of interest. As such, a preliminary list of issues and opportunities is provided below with explanations and areas to consider. The list that follows is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to serve as a ‘launching point’ for discussion. Following the first Workshop Session, the next deliverable will be Strategic Directions followed by the Action Plans, then by the Draft and subsequently the Final Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan. The Action Plans will delve into a detailed examination of supply and demand conditions, as well as providing preliminary strategies for the delivery of parks, beaches, facilities and services. For example, a number of considerations will be applied in the analysis of each facility, including (but not limited to):

• the existing supply and level of provision;

• current and future market conditions, including the consideration of input from consultations, application of demographics and activity‐specific trends, evaluation of current and historical usage patterns, joint‐usage agreements, etc.;

• application of market‐driven and population‐based provision standards to determine the need for specific facilities;

• the Municipality’s current role as a facilitator as opposed to a direct service provider; and

• the development of preliminary approaches, recommendations and implementation strategies aimed to promote and strengthen the Departmental mandate, and effectively meet community‐based need.

These findings will be integrated within the Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan. Additional consultations with the Project Steering Committee, Municipal Council, and the general public will be held prior to finalizing the Master Plan.



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6.1 Evolving Community Characteristics KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSAging Population o Additional emphasis will need to be placed on meeting the needs of older

adults. o Recognize that demand for certain facilities (e.g., ice pads, soccer fields, etc.)

may not ease to the degree as was once believed, due to greater participation by the ‘new’ senior, who will be more active longer into their life cycle.

Opportunities to Consider: The types of facilities and programs that are needed by older adults residing in Lambton Shores, while also considering the ability of this segment of the population to access recreation and leisure opportunities (e.g., affordability, distribution, etc.).

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSShifting Priorities o While children and youth should remain a core market for the Community

Services Department, in the context of the aging population trend, the issue becomes how to equitably shift resources to meet the needs for all ages.

o Pressures for emerging activities pursued by the evolving interests and diversification of the population base

Opportunities to Consider: Examining how the Municipality delivers services, how to keep apprised of community‐specific preferences and determining priorities to specific socio‐economic groups within the populace.

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSOpportunities for Informal and Recreation

o Emergence of informal, non‐ programmed activities to respond to decreasing amounts of discretionary time and the resulting lack of time for leisure participation.

Opportunities to Consider: Evaluating ways to consolidate a variety of activities/uses at a single location (i.e., multi‐use facilities) in order to make recreation as convenient as possible for the working family or time‐pressed individual. New facility types may need to be explored (e.g., indoor skateboard parks, new park amenities, etc.) to satisfy needs and expectations. In addition, rather than emphasizing traditional organized sports, priority may need to be shifted towards activities that support a ‘drop‐in’ approach.

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSLambton Shores as a Whole Community

o Since amalgamation, the Municipality has had to consider the needs of each community as part of a larger whole.

o How to facilitate cooperation and coordination among smaller communities, which were separately governed, as one large community.

Opportunities to Consider: Residents of Lambton Shores that attended the Community Search Conference seemed to focus on the Municipality as a whole rather than their individual communities, which bodes well for future planning and continued buy‐in to this concept by residents. Amalgamation of minor sports, such as Lambton Shores Minor Hockey, can create scheduling efficiencies and offering added capacity for use.



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KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSDistribution of Facilities

o Rationalizing and balancing the provision of services between existing communities will need to be considered.

o Equitable distribution of facilities does not necessarily imply that all types of facilities should be provided in each community. There may be certain facilities (e.g., multi‐purpose facilities, arenas, etc.) that may be reasonably accessible as ‘drive‐to’ facilities.

Opportunities to Consider: The needs of residents of Arkona, Bosanquet, Forest, Grand Bend and Thedford must be considered in conjunction with those of Lambton Shores as a whole.

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSShift from Sports to Active Living and Cultural Activities

o As trends of physical inactivity and obesity continue to be seen in conjunction with busier lifestyles, the need for active living and wellness opportunities is growing. The move away from organized sports is facilitating the need for more drop‐in and self‐scheduled activities.

o Baby Boomers with higher discretionary income available and a greater interest in the arts are likely to pursue more cultural activities.

Opportunities to Consider: Examining the existing cultural and wellness opportunities within Lambton Shores and considering what adjustments and/or additions to these areas are required. Current partnerships and feedback from stakeholders regarding willingness to partner and/or provide capital should be reviewed.

6.2 Economic Influences KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSHousehold Income o Many ‘new’ seniors in the Municipality will likely have higher amounts of

disposable income than did previous generations. o Making programs affordable is important in allowing a range of residents to

access and participate in recreational activities by providing low cost or free opportunities for families and individuals.

Opportunities to Consider: Determining how best to provide high quality facilities and services while also ensuring that lower income populations have sufficient access to programs and facilities which would otherwise be unaffordable.

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSEconomic Development

o Developing a tourism infrastructure that facilitates nature and sport‐based opportunities.

o Facilitating the development of arts and cultural opportunities to attract interest in local heritage and culture.

o Integrating tourism development and support capacities into recreation and cultural operations and facility investments can maximize economic impacts in balance with residents’ quality of life.



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Opportunities to Consider: Tourism opportunities for Lambton Shores as a summer destination for cottagers, campers, daytrippers and boaters are well‐established. Off‐season opportunities may require attention.

6.3 Recreation Facilities KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSTrail Development & Quality

o As age increases, so too does the propensity to identify walking as a favourite leisure time activity. This bodes well for future demand given that the 55+ year age group is expected to increase.

o Although bicycling and walking are limited as modes of longer distance transportation, they are important parts of a sustainable and efficient transportation system (studies show that the bicycle is the most efficient mode of travel for distances under 5km) and will function effectively in the individual communities.

Opportunities to Consider: The development of connecting segments of a comprehensive trail system should attempt to minimize the effects on the natural environment. The trade‐off between encouraging trail use (and thus physical activity) must be balanced with environmental conservation. The onus is on the Municipality and its partners in trail provision to find ways to minimize environmental impacts associated with trail development and use.

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSBeach Maintenance o As beaches are social areas, there is often a large amount of trash and debris

left behind by visitors. o Water quality can be affected by beach and waterfront leisure activities

(e.g., trash in the water, gas and oil spills from watercraft, etc.). Opportunities to Consider: Determining how best to address concerns about beach cleanliness (particularly Ipperwash) that were raised by residents and stakeholders in both the household survey and Community Search Conference.

6.4 Service Delivery Considerations KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSEfficient & Equitable Operations and Formalization of Policies and Procedures

o Improving operational efficiencies and ensuring that fair practices are employed can be addressed through a number of policies.

o The Municipality has named classes of parkland, but has yet to create standards or project future needs and targets.

Opportunities to Consider: Continuing to formalize policies and create provision standards to ensure that there is widespread understanding of the Municipality’s role and expectations.



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KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSCommunicating with the Community

o Communication with external organizations is extremely important and, if lacking, could result in limited or lost opportunities for joint ventures, partnerships and improved co‐ordination.

o Encouraging greater communication between service provider groups/organizations can optimize participation and utilize facility resources. This may be facilitated by introducing a communication network between organization executives and with advertising assistance from the Town (website, community activity service guides, etc.).

Opportunities to Consider: Establishing mechanisms to develop a communication plan to ‘get the message out’, establish stronger relationships with external organizations (e.g., school boards, post secondary institutions, etc.) and encourage partnerships between different community groups / private sector providers. The Municipality’s recently released inaugural Leisure Guide is an excellent step in the right direction. It is imperative that residents and visitors alike are made aware of Lambton Shores’ leisure offerings and facilities through the Guide and on the Municipality’s website.

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSFunding o As in most municipalities, funding for capital projects and ongoing

operations is always constrained and needs to be properly justified. Opportunities to Consider: Establishing priorities for construction of facilities and associated programming based on an assessment of demand, capacities of existing facilities, public input, trends, etc. Attendees at the Community Search Conference discussed the importance of fundraising, involving businesses, and continuing to offer cost savings to non‐profit organizations.

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSAlternative Service Delivery Models

o There are a number of ways to deliver leisure services and the delivery model for each municipality is unique.

o Understanding and pursuing municipal role as either a direct provider or a facilitator of services.

Opportunities to Consider: Finding ways to improving service to the community by engaging in alternate forms of program and service delivery, be it partnerships or other collaborative efforts, and understand the benefits and risks involved with such scenarios. The Municipality’s current role as a facilitator should be discussed to ensure this is the appropriate format moving forward.

KEY ISSUE CONSIDERATIONSVolunteerism o The volunteer base is declining on a local and national level as volunteers are

aging and the younger generation are not yet volunteering at levels observed by their predecessors. Lack of time, liability concerns, community frustration with lack of implementation and recognition are key causes fuelling the issue of volunteer burnout.

o Opportunity could exist to involve the growing older adult and senior population in volunteering opportunities, as recreation levels are often linked with levels of volunteerism.



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Opportunities to Consider: Finding ways to support volunteers, such as assisting existing groups with training and recruitment, and recognize their efforts can go a long way in maintaining a healthy volunteer base in light of declining trends. The Community Search Conference produced a number of suggestions for reducing volunteer burnout.

Appendix A: Household Survey Results

Municipality of Lambton Shores - Recreation and Leisure Services Master Plan

1. In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household participated in any of the following activitie

Yes No Total# % # % # % # %

Aerobics, Fitness or Weight-training 142 38% 228 61% 2 1% 372 100%Hockey or Figure Skating 63 17% 309 83% 0 0% 372 100%Swimming 132 35% 240 65% 0 0% 372 100%Arts and Crafts Programs 54 15% 317 85% 1 0% 372 100%Performing Arts Programs 65 17% 305 82% 2 1% 372 100%Walking or Hiking for Leisure 306 82% 66 18% 0 0% 372 100%Jogging 85 23% 286 77% 1 0% 372 100%Drama Programs 34 9% 334 90% 4 1% 372 100%Cycling or Mountain Biking 185 50% 185 50% 2 1% 372 100%Soccer 58 16% 314 84% 0 0% 372 100%Softball or Baseball 62 17% 310 83% 0 0% 372 100%Basketball 24 6% 346 93% 2 1% 372 100%Indoor Volleyball 19 5% 352 95% 1 0% 372 100%Outdoor Volleyball 24 6% 344 92% 4 1% 372 100%Tennis 31 8% 339 91% 2 1% 372 100%Skateboarding 41 11% 330 89% 1 0% 372 100%Use of Playground Equipment 91 24% 280 75% 1 0% 372 100%Organized Children's Programs 48 13% 323 87% 1 0% 372 100%Organized Youth Programs 37 10% 335 90% 0 0% 372 100%Organized Seniors' Programs 60 16% 311 84% 1 0% 372 100%

2. a) Are you and members of your household able to participate in cultural activities as often as you would like

# %Yes 223 60%No 137 37%Don't Know 11 3%

Total 371 100%

2. b) IF NO, why not? (up to 2 mentions

# 2.b) OtherLack of personal time / Too busy 65 44% 18% Not interestedLack of desired facilities or programs 25 17% 7% Involved with PF SeniorsProgram not offered at convenient time 3 2% 1%Lack of money / Too expensive 12 8% 3%Lack of information / Unaware of opportunities 8 5% 2%Lack of transportation / Facility too far away 6 4% 2%Health problems / Disability / Age 31 21% 8%Language / Cultural barrie 0 0% 0%Other (specify) 9 6% 2%

Total 159Don't Know 1

3. a) Are you and members of your household able to participate in parks or recreation activities as often as you would like

# %Yes 234 63%No 128 34%Don't Know 10 3%

Total 372 100%

3. b) IF NO, why not? (up to 2 mentions

# 3.b) OtherLack of personal time / Too busy 63 46% 17% Not interested

% of subset

% of sample

% of subset

% of sample

Don't Know

07/07/2010 Page 1 of 4

Lack of desired facilities or programs 14 10% 4% Seasonal residentsProgram not offered at convenient time 4 3% 1% Tennis courts in PF have no lightsLack of money / Too expensive 15 11% 4% Involved with PF SeniorsLack of information / Unaware of opportunities 8 6% 2%Lack of transportation / Facility too far away 6 4% 2%Health problems / Disability / Age 41 30% 11%Language / Cultural barrie 0 0% 0%Other (specify) 5 4% 1%

Total 156Don't Know 2

4. a) Of your household's parks, recreation and cultural needs, what percentage take place within Lambton Shores

# %All 169 46%Most 92 25%About Half 54 15%Some 26 7%None 6 2%Don't Know 18 5%

Total 365 100%

4. b) What recreation, parks, and cultural activities do you or members of your household participate in OUTSIDE of Lambton Shores

Activity # Activity #Theatre 25 Bowling 1Golf 15 Casino 1Camping 14 Charity auction 1Swimming (including lessons) 13 Classic cars 1Cycling 10 Cross country skiing 1Hiking 10 Curling 1Hockey 10 Day camps 1Soccer 9 Figure skating 1Walking 8 Fishing 1Dance (including lessons) 6 Flea markets 1Fitness activities 6 Gymnastics 1Museums 5 Horse races 1Concerts 4 Indoor soccer 1Travelling 4 Legion activities 1Cinema 4 Motorcycle 1Baseball 3 Performing arts 1Boating 3 Picnic 1Drama 3 Plays 1Music (including lessons) 3 Shopping 1Softball 3 Shows 1Art shows 2 Site-seeing 1Jogging 2 Skating 1Running group 2 Tai chi 1Sporting events 2 Tennis 1Skiing 1 Track and field 1Attractions 1 Volunteer work 1Badminton 1 Yoga 1Basketball 1 Travel 107/07/2010 Page 1 of 4


4. c) Why does your household participate in these activities outside of Lambton Shores?

#Closer to work or school 4 1%Closer to other activities or shopping 7 2%Facility/program is not available in the area 36 10%Facility/program is not available at the preferred time 13 4%

Connected' to the other community / Used to live there 34 9% 4.c) Other

Quality of facility/program is superior 17 5% VarietyLess expensive 2 1% Provincial parksTournaments/Special events/Travel teams/Culturaevent 11 3% Preference

Other (specify) 29 8% Seasonal residentTotal 153

Don't Know 9

5. a) Are there any parks, recreation or cultural programs that you or members of your household would like to see offered in Lambton Shores that are NOT currently availabl

# %Yes 109 29%No 201 54%Don't Know 62 17%

Total 372 100%

5. b) If YES, what programs would you like to see offered?

Program # Program #Swimming 18 5% Winter cultural programs 1Curling 7 2% Summer camps 1Dance (including lessons) 6 2% Badminton 1Bowling 5 1% Ball hockey 1Hockey 5 1% Bike park programs 1Children's programs 4 1% Boat races 1Public swim 4 1% Bridge 1Health programs 3 1% Competitive soccer 1Concerts 3 1% Cricket 1Pre-teen and teen programs 3 1% Cross country skiing 1Baseball 3 1% Cultural events 1Woodworking 2 1% Diving 1Competitive sports 2 1% Figure skating 1Fitness programs 2 1% Golf 1Gymnastics 2 1% Hiking 1Skating (including lessons) 2 1% Biking 1Adult education 1 0% Indoor soccer 1Evening programs 1 0% Karate 1Camping in Ipperwash 1 0% Sport leagues 1Everything and anything 1 0% Outdoor skating 1First Aid clinics 1 0% Recreational skating 1Live performances 1 0% Rock climbing 1Fairs 1 0% Inline skating 1Museum programs 1 0% Running club 1Aboriginal programs 1 0% Senior programs 1Pottery 1 0% Shuffleboard 1Programs for ages 20-35 1 0% Skateboarding 1Quilting 1 0% Table tennis 1Theatre 1 0% Softball 1More at Pinery 1 0%

% of sample

07/07/2010 Page 2 of 4

More at Pinery 1 0%

6. a) In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household used…

# % # % # % # %Grand Bend Municipal Beach 197 53% 175 47% 0 0% 372 100%Pinery Provincial Park Beach 84 23% 285 77% 3 1% 372 100%Ipperwash Beach 143 38% 227 61% 2 1% 372 100%Other Beach 85 23% 269 73% 17 5% 371 100%

6. b) IF YES…On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is inadequate and 5 is excellent, how would you rate this beach

AVGADEQUACY # % # % # % # % # % # % #Grand Bend Municipal Beach 3 2% 12 6% 24 12% 81 42% 73 38% 193 100% 4.08 179Pinery Provincial Park Beach 0 0% 4 5% 12 14% 34 41% 33 40% 83 100% 4.16 289Ipperwash Beach 2 1% 13 9% 42 30% 46 32% 39 27% 142 100% 3.75 230Other Beach 3 4% 3 4% 23 29% 27 34% 24 30% 80 100% 3.83 292

6.c ) What improvements to Lambton Shores' public beaches would you suggest, if any?

Improvement # # #Cleanliness (incl. after storms, long weekend, etc. 48 Stop private business (volleyball) 2 Whellchair accessible 1Parking (more and general) 47 Deregulate fire and drinking 2 Take down snow fence asap at GB 1Washrooms (better/cleaner) 24 Too crowded 2 Better facilities (Ipperwash) 1Garbage (more pickup and cans) 12 Drive on beach 2 Portable toilets further down beach 1Cleanliness (Ipperwash) 10 Separate place for kids 1 Cleanliness (Pinery) 1More lifeguards 8 Pinery and Ipperwash are too crowded 1 More activities (including volleyball) 1Parking (fees) 7 Cleanliness (Grand Bend) 1 Road repair (Pinery) 1Improve water testing and quality 6 Volleyball tournament 1 Don't build any more facilities 1Control dogs 6 Wider roads 1 More upkeep with new landscaping (GB) 1Better/extended boardwalk 5 Dredge creek 1 Main strip overhead wires unattractive (GB) 1Police, authority, security 5 Too rocky 1 Pet friendly 1Naturalization 4 Cleanliness (Port Franks) 1 Designated public areas (Ipperwash) 1Access to beach, parking and amenities 4 More restaurants 1 Pedestrian access across highway 1Lower price (for locals) 4 Less food and beverage available for purcha 1 Better boat launch 1More amenities 4 Clear off all concrete material 1 More fishing 1Remove driving onto beach in Ipperwash 3 Open beaches more 1 Children and teen activities 1Not so loud 3 Fiscal responsibilities from LS 1 Designated campfire area 1Parking (near beaches) 2 Make pier safer 1 Cut grass on MNR lands 1Better marinas 2 Playgrounds 1 Entertainment 1Concssions 2 More family oriented 1 Parking (seniors) 1Facilities to Port Franks 2 Volleyball nets 1 Stop kids from using dirtbikes 1

TotalDon't KnowYes No

Total

Improvement Improvement

Completely Inadequate (1)

Excellent (5) Don’t Know / Not Applicable

07/07/2010 Page 2 of 4


AVG

# % # % # % # % # % # % # %Cultural opportunities for Children (0-12 yrs) 8 2% 28 8% 48 13% 49 13% 37 10% 202 54% 372 100% 3.46Recreational opportunities for Children (0-12 yrs) 6 2% 18 5% 49 13% 79 21% 42 11% 178 48% 372 100% 3.69Cultural opportunities for Teens (13-18 yrs) 21 6% 53 14% 56 15% 34 9% 8 2% 200 54% 372 100% 2.74Recreational opportunities for Teens (13-18 yrs) 14 4% 45 12% 60 16% 51 14% 18 5% 184 49% 372 100% 3.07Cultural opportunities for Adults (19-54 yrs) 10 3% 30 8% 102 27% 95 26% 32 9% 102 27% 371 100% 3.41Recreational opportunities for Adults (19-54 yrs) 11 3% 27 7% 83 22% 116 31% 40 11% 95 26% 372 100% 3.53Cultural opportunities for Older Adults (55+yrs) 8 2% 28 8% 76 20% 100 27% 43 12% 117 31% 372 100% 3.56Recreational opportunities for Older Adults (55+ yrs) 6 2% 29 8% 79 21% 104 28% 46 12% 108 29% 372 100% 3.59

Total AVG Top 2 Priorities

# % # % # % # % # % # % # % #% of

sample

Arenas 112 30% 44 12% 60 16% 63 17% 53 14% 40 11% 372 100% 2.70 33 9%Fitness centres 89 24% 52 14% 91 24% 66 18% 48 13% 26 7% 372 100% 2.80 26 7%Gymnasiums 92 25% 69 19% 87 23% 33 9% 44 12% 47 13% 372 100% 2.59 7 2%Seniors' centres 41 11% 47 13% 89 24% 80 22% 72 19% 43 12% 372 100% 3.29 43 12%Youth centres 26 7% 24 6% 90 24% 108 29% 82 22% 42 11% 372 100% 3.59 55 15%Arts centres 53 14% 55 15% 124 33% 66 18% 33 9% 41 11% 372 100% 2.91 9 2%Ball diamonds 53 14% 63 17% 96 26% 70 19% 38 10% 52 14% 372 100% 2.93 14 4%Beaches 85 23% 46 12% 73 20% 71 19% 68 18% 29 8% 372 100% 2.97 40 11%Children's splash pads 98 26% 40 11% 65 17% 70 19% 55 15% 44 12% 372 100% 2.83 30 8%Off-leash dog parks 120 32% 58 16% 55 15% 45 12% 49 13% 45 12% 372 100% 2.53 14 4%Outdoor basketball courts 74 20% 71 19% 95 26% 48 13% 27 7% 57 15% 372 100% 2.63 5 1%Outdoor volleyball courts 79 21% 65 17% 96 26% 46 12% 26 7% 60 16% 372 100% 2.60 8 2%Outdoor ice skating rinks 87 23% 51 14% 77 21% 55 15% 58 16% 44 12% 372 100% 2.84 20 5%Outdoor soccer fields 66 18% 55 15% 85 23% 77 21% 47 13% 42 11% 372 100% 2.95 18 5%Playgrounds 54 15% 32 9% 86 23% 99 27% 64 17% 37 10% 372 100% 3.26 28 8%Indoor skateboard parks 132 35% 62 17% 57 15% 35 9% 31 8% 55 15% 372 100% 2.28 14 4%Outdoor skateboard parks 91 24% 58 16% 80 22% 54 15% 39 10% 50 13% 372 100% 2.66 20 5%BMX parks 126 34% 53 14% 61 16% 34 9% 25 7% 73 20% 372 100% 2.26 8 2%Tennis courts 102 27% 77 21% 93 25% 38 10% 22 6% 40 11% 372 100% 2.40 9 2%Paved multi-use trails 73 20% 45 12% 85 23% 77 21% 69 19% 23 6% 372 100% 3.07 63 17%Unpaved nature trails 46 12% 37 10% 92 25% 100 27% 75 20% 22 6% 372 100% 3.35 71 19%Other (if volunteered)

Curling Tracks at high school Swimming poolIndoor soccer Pool Update washroomsIndoor swimming pool Golf course for seniors New washroom at old arena

Squash/raquette ball Recreation/Multi use centreSwimming facilities Dance studio; pool Transportation to activities for seniorsSwimming pool outdoor living Swimming poolShuffleboard trails along highways connecting facilties Trail along 45 north of Grand BendRecreation centre Swimming pool Swimming pool

Swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Not at all Satisfied (1)

Don't Know / Don't Use (0)

9. Using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is "low" and 5 is "high", please rate how important the following items are to your household and then rate your general level of satisfaction with the

7. Using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest, please indicate your level of satisfaction with the cultural and then recreational opportunities in Lambton Shores for the following age groups…

Somewhat Satisfied (3) Satisfied (4)

Don’t Know

Total

8. In order to build or improve leisure facilities, municipal dollars are often used. Keeping this in mind, to what degree should the Municipality spend ADDITIONAL public funds on the following tyof facilities? Please use a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means "do not spend additional money on this facility type" and 5 means "definitely spend additional money on this facility type."

Very Satisfied (5)

Definitely Spend (5)

Not Satisfied (2)

Don't Spend (1)

Integrated playgrounds with skateboard/BMX park

Combination youth centre / arena / indoor skateboard park

07/07/2010 Page 3 of 4

AVGIMPORTANCE # % # % # % # % # % # % # %

Indoor recreation facilities, such as arenas and gyms 65 17% 45 12% 83 22% 81 22% 82 22% 16 4% 372 100% 3.20

Outdoor recreation facilities, such as sports fields, tennicourts, and playgrounds 37 10% 26 7% 91 24% 100 27% 93 25% 25 7% 372 100% 3.54

Cultural facilities, such as museums theatres, and art galleries 40 11% 59 16% 107 29% 84 23% 53 14% 27 7% 370 100% 3.15

Natural areas and open space 5 1% 10 3% 66 18% 101 27% 178 48% 12 3% 372 100% 4.21Municipal beaches 20 5% 23 6% 52 14% 79 21% 183 49% 15 4% 372 100% 4.07Trails & pathways 16 4% 20 5% 78 21% 105 28% 134 36% 19 5% 372 100% 3.91

AVGSATISFACTION # % # % # % # % # % # % # %

Indoor recreation facilities, such as arenas and gyms 25 7% 31 8% 92 25% 80 22% 68 18% 76 20% 372 100% 3.46

Outdoor recreation facilities, such as sports fields, tennicourts, and playgrounds 15 4% 54 15% 124 33% 90 24% 34 9% 55 15% 372 100% 3.23

Cultural facilities, such as museums theatres, and art galleries 22 6% 50 13% 134 36% 80 22% 24 6% 62 17% 372 100% 3.11

Natural areas and open space 8 2% 18 5% 128 34% 121 33% 76 20% 21 6% 372 100% 3.68Municipal beaches 17 5% 22 6% 107 29% 115 31% 76 20% 35 9% 372 100% 3.63Trails & pathways 14 4% 52 14% 141 38% 88 24% 39 10% 38 10% 372 100% 3.26

10. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is strongly disagree and 5 is strongly agree, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement

# % # % # % # % # % # % # % AVGParks, recreation and culture services should be a high priority for Municipal Council. 19 5% 26 7% 86 23% 101 27% 129 35% 11 3% 372 100% 3.82

The amount of time it takes to get to the leisure activities that your household participates in most is reasonable.

18 5% 29 8% 68 18% 117 31% 114 31% 26 7% 372 100% 3.81

Your household is generally aware of the parks, recreation and cultural activities that are available in your area.

22 6% 42 11% 75 20% 124 33% 95 26% 14 4% 372 100% 3.64

Your household is satisfied with the amenities and activities offered at municipal beaches in Lambton Shores.

13 3% 35 9% 112 30% 105 28% 72 19% 35 9% 372 100% 3.56

Your household is satisfied with the level of serviceprovided by the Municipality with respect to parks, recreation and culture.

17 5% 33 9% 144 39% 107 29% 43 12% 28 8% 372 100% 3.37

Strongly Agree (5) Don't Know

Total

Total

Not at all Satisfied (1)

Not Satisfied (2)

Not at all Important (1)

Somewhat Important (3)

Don’t KnowVery Satisfied (5)

Satisfied (4)

Important (4)

9. Using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is low and 5 is high , please rate how important the following items are to your household and then rate your general level of satisfaction with the

Very Important (5)

Total

Don’t Know / Don't Use (0)

Strongly Disgree (1) Disagree (2) Neither Agree nor

Disagree (3) Agree (4)

Not Important (2)

Somewhat Satisfied (3)

07/07/2010 Page 3 of 4


DEMOGRAPHICS

11. How many people, including yourself, live in your household# %

1 61 17%2 183 50%3 43 12%4 49 13%5 25 7%6 5 1%7 or more 1 0%

Total 367 100%No Response 5

Average Household Size 2.49

12. Please indicate the total number of persons within your household that fall into the following age categorie

# %under 10 years 83 9%10-19 years 112 12%20-34 years 95 10%35 to 54 years 237 25%55 and over 406 44%

Total 933 100%No Response

13. In what year were you born?

# %1929 or earlier (79 yrs or older) 11 4%1930 to 1939 (69 to 78 yrs) 37 12%1940 to 1949 (59 to 68 yrs) 95 30%1950 to 1959 (49 to 58 yrs) 82 26%1960 to 1969 (39 to 48 yrs) 41 13%1970 to 1989 (29 to 38 yrs) 33 11%1980 or later (16 to 28 yrs) 13 4%

Total 312 100%No Response 60Average Year 1953Average Age 57

14. Do you live in a built-up area or a rural area?

# % Built-up Rural Other(Built-up) Arkona 6 2% 59% 39% 2%(Built-up) Bosanquet 3 1%(Built-up) Forest 79 21%(Built-up) Grand Bend 76 21%(Built-up) Thedford 23 6%(Built-up) Port Franks 32 9%(Rural) Closest to Arkona 13 4%(Rural) Closest to Bosanquet 8 2%(Rural) Closest to Forest 27 7%(Rural) Closest to Grand Bend 53 14%(Rural) Closest to Thedford 18 5%(Rural) Closest to Port Franks 24 6%Other 8 2%

Total 370 100%

07/07/2010 Page 4 of 4

No response / Don't know 2

15. Are you a permanent or seasonal resident of the Municipality

# %Permanent 337 92%Seasonal 29 8%

Total 366No response / Don't know 6

16. As an optional question, what is your household's total annual income before taxes

# %Under $40,000 36 18%Between $40,000 and $60,000 51 25%Between $60,000 and $80,000 52 26%Between $80,000 and $100,000 28 14%Over $100,000 34 17%

Total 201 100%No Response / Don't Know 170

17. Gender# %

Male 144 39%Female 222 61%

Total 366 100%

07/07/2010 Page 4 of 4

Appendix B: Stakeholder Group Survey Summary

Municipality of Lambton Shores ‐ Stakeholder Group Survey Summary

1.Year

Community Group Name Established Members Wait List Range Residents Members Wait List Range Residents Members Wait List Range Residents Mandate

Homemade Jam Culture 2009 tbd n/a 0‐80 75%? 200 n/a 0‐80 75%? n/a n/a n/a n/aHost a music festival for Lambton Shores, marking the beginning of summer. Hope for it to grow into a multi‐day event, bringing the whole community together

Grand Bend Art Centre Culture 2008 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

The GBAC's mission is to provide a creative environment in a space that is both functional and inspiring, to operate as an art drop‐in centre for all ages and abilities, as well as host art workshops, planned to include painting, water colours, oils, acrylics, sculpture and photography as well as any other creative endeavours suitable to the space.

Lambton Heritage Museum (see below table on worksheet 2 for additional comments)

Culture 1978 20,000 n/a 4‐84 10 17,000 n/a 4‐84 10 21,000 n/a 4‐84 10 Preserve and interpret the human and natural heritage of Lambton County

Caring Quilters of Lambton Shores Culture 2000 50 0 50s ‐ 75+ 100 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Making comfort quilts to be used by Sarnia/Lambton Victim's Services

Forest Agricultural Society Culture 1870 n/a n/a n/a n/a 14,000 n/a 1‐90 n/a 13,500 n/a 1‐90 n/aTo promote agriculture and educate youth on its importance. To promote friendly competition and provide family entertainment.

North Lambton Quilters Group Culture 1990 45‐50 n/a 25‐70+

From Watford, Arkona, Forest, Thedford, Port Franks, GB, and

Strathroy

45‐50 n/a 25‐70+


Strathroy

45‐50 n/a 25‐70+


Strathroy

We learn about quilting techniques (sewing, cutting, etc.). We also donate pro bono quilts (lap size) to various groups, individuals, etc.

Main area of service2010 2009 2008

Page 1 of 12


1.Year

Community Group Name Established Members Wait List Range Residents Members Wait List Range Residents Members Wait List Range Residents MandateMain area of service2010 2009 2008

Grand Bend and Area Horticultural Society Culture 1990 150 0 15‐90 90 162 0 15‐90 90 213 0 15‐90 90As per the Agricultural and Horticultural Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.A.9., section 36 (see submission for details)

Thedford Garden Club Culture 2005 10 0 35‐65 100 9 0 35‐65 100 10 0 35‐65 100 To beautify Thedford's downtown.

Forest Garden Club Culture 1993 72 n/a Adults 90 70 n/a Adults 90 70 n/a Adults 90Beautification of Forest Library beds; education of our members through guest speakers and outings; 'Friendly Flower Folks'.

Sunset Cinema Social Film Group Culture 2008 40‐50 n/a 40‐85 90 40‐50 n/a 40‐85 90 40‐50 n/a 40‐85 90 A group film showing allows discussion and social interaction.

Port Franks Community Police Committee Community 1997 17 0 35‐50+ 100 18 0 50+ 100 18 0 50+ 100Four objectives ‐ three are focused on the relationship with the OPP; other objective is to improve the quality of life in Port Franks

West Coast Lions Club of Grand Bend Community 2005 8 0 50‐70 99 10 n/a n/a n/a 13 n/a n/a n/a Community service

Forest Canada Day CommitteeCommunity/Special Events

2003 10 n/a n/a 100 10 n/a n/a 100 10 n/a n/a 100

Organize annual "Celebrate Canada "events leading up to and including July 1 activities. To involve community groups and the entire community in a fun and family oriented celebration. Build community spirit and encourage partnerships in the event organization

Grand Bend Community Foundation / Aquafest Community 2000 16+ 0 adult unknown 16+ 0 adult unknown 16+ 0 adult unknown

Community Foundations are independent, volunteer‐driven, charitable organizations that aim to strengthen their communities by facilitating philanthropy, by partnering with donors to build permanent endowments and other funds from which they support community projects, and by providing leadership on issues of broad community concern

Forest Business Improvement Area (see worksheet 3 for additional comments)

Community 1977 +/‐ 60‐70 0 20‐75 Approx 90% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Promote and beautify within our geographic location

Page 2 of 12


1.Year


Rotary Club of Grand Bend Community 1991 43 n/a 20‐80 90 42 n/a 20‐80 90 39 n/a 20‐80 90

The Rotary Club, whose motto is Service Above Self, was founded in 1905 in Chicago. This is a worldwide service organization consisting of business and professional leaders that provide humanitarian services, promote high ethical standards and advanced world understanding, and help build peace and goodwill.

Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program Port Franks Community 2000 62 0 50s ‐ 75+ 100 56 0 50‐75+ 100 40 0 51‐75+ 100

To provide an opportunity for the community to participate in a healthy exercise program at no cost The program is designed to address both the physical, and social well being of seniors in our community. Seniors who exercise will live longer healthier lives thereby not producing a strain on our health care dollars and resources in the future.

Kiwanis Club of Forest Community 1956 33 n/a n/a n/a 35 n/a n/a n/a 32 n/a n/a n/aKiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.

Lambton Shores Community Association Community Moratorium 2010 120 n/a all ages 100 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a To promote and protect the interest of our members.

Port Frank Seniors Seniors 1970s 170 n/a 40‐95 90 167 n/a 40‐95 90 169 n/a 40‐95 90 To keep seniors active

Thedford Seniors Club n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/

Arkona Seniors' Club Seniors 1973 45 n/a 50‐92 80 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Our club was formed in 1973 as an Arts and Crafts Club, with the aid of a Trillium grant. We no longer do the arts and crafts, but gather monthly to provide a meeting place for seniors for companionship, exercise, recreation, information pertinent to our age group, and to keep abreast of fraud schemes, scams, and government programs.

Forest Curling & Social Club Sport 1884 310 0 6‐80 70 289 0 6‐80 70 265 0 6‐80 70The Forest Curling & Social Club is a public facility dedicated to providing the best possible social environment and ice conditions at a reasonable cost for all area residents.

Forest Lawn Bowling Club Sport 1907 23 n/a n/a n/a 24 n/a n/a n/a 20 n/a n/a n/aUnder the guidance of The Ontario Lawn Bowls Association, we promote the sport of lawn bowling in the district

Page 3 of 12


1.Year


Forest Minor Ball Sport ~1990 110 0 4‐13 97 100 0 4‐13 97 100 0 4‐13 97 All kids should be able to play sports

Molson Old‐Timers Hockey League Sport 1990? 64 8 35‐65 80 64 5 35‐65 80 64 7 35‐65 80 To enjoy a social night out through hockey

Thedford‐Bosanquet Old Timers League Sport 1977 90 0 35+ n/a 90 0 35+ n/a 90 0 35+ n/a To have a place for hockey players that are over 35 years old

Forest Dragons Baseball Sport 2002 24 0 18‐40 50 24 0 18‐40 50 24 0 18‐40 50 To promote and grow the sport of baseball in the community.

Forest Skating Club Sport 1952 83 n/a 2‐80 85 100 n/a 2‐80 85 80 n/a 2‐80 85 To teach people of all ages to skate

Port Franks Yacht Club Sport 1983 127 n/a 2‐75 35 130 n/a 1‐75 35 126 n/a 3‐75 30

We are a group of local boaters that either live, cottage or boat on the waterways of Port Franks. We operate as a social club with an emphasis on boating safety, comradeship and community service. We raise money through various activities for improvements to the marina park, local community and waterways.

Thedford Bosanquet Shuffleboard Club Sport 1984

22 (half are playing

elsewhere while arena is

under construction)

n/a 60‐85 75 48 n/a 60‐85 75 44 n/a 60‐85 75 Preservation, encouragement and enjoyment of the game of shuffleboard

Lambton Shores Predators Jr. B Sport2008 (formerly Petrolia for 30

years)35 n/a 16‐20 80 35 n/a 16‐20 80 35 n/a 16‐20 80

To work closely with the Municipality to make this program a success for many years to come.

Lambton Shores Minor Hockey Association Sport 1953/54 300 0 4‐20 98 330 0 4‐20 98 335 0 4‐20 38

To provide wholesome recreation through participation in the hockey program including to install in all players, team officials, and members associated with LSMHA good sportsmanship, fair play, citizenship and the respect for all others

Page 4 of 12


Community Group Name

Homemade Jam

Grand Bend Art Centre


Caring Quilters of Lambton Shores

Forest Agricultural Society

North Lambton Quilters Group

2. 3.a)Expand or

Principal activities Reduce Name Frequency Needs Improvement? Name Frequency Needs Improvement?

Entertainment, and providing a forum for local artists to perform in a 'big concert' format

Expand Esli Dodge Conservation Area Once per year

Always a challenge to provide a stage area due to the water. Although picturesque, the water makes it difficult to engage the crowd because of distance. Installation of a properly designed culvert that will allow the natural area to remain and provide safe and proper stage would be wonderful.

The Shores Recreation Centre Once per yearGreat location. Removal of glass on boards on the seating side.

See mandate Expand n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Interpretive programs: special events; local history exhibits; driving tours; volunteer activities; key artefact restorations (such as Arkona Berry wagon); web resources exploring local heritage and history unique to Lambton County.

Expand Thomas Hall Once annually n/a n/a n/a n/a

We work from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. every Wednesday making comfort quilts for those caught in difficult situations. When called out by Police for Fire Department, the volunteers of Sarnia/Lambton Victim's Services will afford a victim a comfort quilt Yearly, we allow two (2) quilts, one (1) to the Optimists for a raffle, and the second for a non‐profit organization to use as fund raisers.

n/a Port Franks CC Once per week

Nothing. The Municipality provides space for our storage and has allowed us to build cupboards. We are grateful that the Municipality supports our group and allows us a venue to continue helping others.

n/a n/a n/a

Agricultural Fall Fair. Agriculture in the Classroom (educational). Source of camping facilities, historical steam engine and tractor show; 4H programs; facility for cancer relay; farm safety program; grounds used by local schools for track and field.

No change Forest Fairgrounds n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

We sometimes have workshops to learn something specific or have shows or guest speakers.

No change Thedford Community Arena (hall)Once per month (not in summer)

Lighting; need more hydro outlets. Lambton Heritage MuseumOnce every two years for four days

n/a

4. 4.Facilities Used ‐ A Facilities Used ‐ B

Page 5 of 12



Grand Bend and Area Horticultural Society

Thedford Garden Club

Forest Garden Club

Sunset Cinema Social Film Group

Port Franks Community Police Committee

West Coast Lions Club of Grand Bend

Forest Canada Day Committee

Grand Bend Community Foundation / Aquafest


2. 3.a)Expand or



See separate worksheet for details No changeGrand Bend Legion Hall and Grand Bend Municipal Office meeting room

Monthly

These spaces lack adequate sound systems, lack digital projectors and DVD capability, and lack wireless internet availability. Also, the Grand Bend Municipal Office meeting room does not have wheelchair accessibility. The washroom there needs more regular maintenance and a lock on the toilet room door. We also suggest an upgrade of the washroom to bring it to current standards, such as a low flush toilet and an automatic soap dispenser.

Lion's Pavilion OccasionalNot a practical place for meetings or events due to lack of tables, no kitchen facilities, and no storage space.

Weeding, planting, trimming and watering flowers. Expand Thedford Seniors Complex Once per month n/a n/a n/a n/a

Maintenance of the large garden behind Forest Library; monthly meetings (Sept‐June) at the Shores; annual garden show.

No change The Shores Recreation Centre (meeting room) Monthly (Sept‐June) Very adequate space for usThe Shores Recreation Centre (concrete pad)

Once per year Very adequate for our purpose

A film is shown once a month from October through May. n/aGrand Bend and Area Health Centre Community Room

8 times per year The sound system n/a n/a n/a

Educating residents (newsletters); providing 'keep‐an‐eye' property checks services of value and a focus on the small details of cleanliness and orderliness in Port Franks (picking up litter)

No change Port Franks CCMonthly ‐ second Tuesday evening

Overhead projection capability would be nice n/a n/a n/a

Youth programs; sight conservation and hearing; diabetes awareness No change Lions Pavilion in Grand Bend Once per year Washrooms Grand Bend Public School Twice per month It's fine

Prior to July 1‐Canada Idol contest including preliminaries, Heritage Walk through Downtown Forest, Old Fire truck tour of the community and advertising. Idol voting at downtown businesses. On July 1‐Garden Tour and at Esli dodge‐Firemen/Kiwanis BBQ, Kids' fair and entertainment, some community displays, On stage evening entertainment, Idol winners, fireworks at dusk, food booth, candy, popcorn etc

Reduce / No Change

Kineto 2 times per year

Kineto and Kiwanis need to develop a closer partnership with Lambton Shores. Needs to be a lot of work done to the building although the Kiwanis have worked hard over the years. The Foundation has been good to them as well. This building could be the model for heritage improvements for the rest of the downtown. The stage area , sound and lighting could be improved as well. Would be nice to be able to get the churches, schools and Kineto all working together re some kind of festival of the arts. (completely unrelated to Canada Day ‐ a couple of the churches already have various musical evenings and it would be nice to build on that).

Esli Dodge Conservation Area n/a

Stage area, pavilion, washrooms. We are lacking a covered outdoor stage area in Lambton Shores. Perhaps Esli Dodge is the place to do this. Outdoor venue is ideal but ventures up till now such as Music in the Valley have failed to draw crowds. Canada Day always draws a crowd weather permitting but we have to cancel entertainment if it rains. Many municipalities have included outdoor stage venues in their Community Improvement plans but these are usually in harbour front areas. Performers also have difficulty with the location of the current stage area‐too far from the crowd and there is the need to have a stage area in front of the water. This is the feedback from any of the entertainers who have played from the current stage.

Our grants program focuses on building community capacity in the greater Grand Bend area. We look for creative projects that build on strengths and meet community needs and opportunities. We offer grants in the following areas of interest: children and youth; family and community; health and physical activity; education; social services; the environment; and arts and culture. Environment Committee: coordinate the community's environment activities; an annual beachfront festival celebrating water and our Great Lakes.

No change Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre 8‐10 times per year n/a Grand Bend Beach Once per year n/a

Summer festival, Christmas promotion, Easter in the park, website, draws, speaker system, beautification, Christmas decorations, Banners, dissemination of information to members, weekly planning meetings, monthly board meetings, annual meeting, annual banquet.

Expand The Shores Recreation Centre Once per month Nothing Rotary Park Annually Nothing major

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Rotary Club of Grand Bend

Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program Port Franks

Kiwanis Club of Forest

Lambton Shores Community Association

Port Frank Seniors


Arkona Seniors' Club

Forest Curling & Social Club

Forest Lawn Bowling Club

2. 3.a)Expand or



Fundraising to give to local and international projects. Since 1991, we have raised and donated more than $900,000.

Expand Rotary Nature TrailWe do trail cleanups 2 times per year

It needs to be entirely paved in order to prevent injury. This has been conveyed to Council.

n/a n/a n/a

The Healthy Lifestyle Exercise program incorporates a Warm‐up, 20 minutes of aerobics, walking, stretching, muscle strengthening and toning, flexibility, and finally relaxation. One hour process that is offered twice a week. Healthy Lifestyle information is also shared with the group. We also offer line dancing for 1/2 hour as a warm up before the exercise class begins for those who wish it.

Expand Port Franks CC 2 times per weekFloor is not conducive to aerobics…cement floor is very hard on joints.

The Port' (Summer Walking in the Port) Twice per week Sidewalks / bike paths

Birthday cakes for seniors who live in their own homes; bicycle rodeo for you (educate children in safe operation of their bikes); highway cleanup (3 kilometres of Highway 21 north of Forest); support Key Club at North Lambton Secondary School; Family Kite Day each spring; Forest Museum supporter; Santa Claus Parade; school awards for both elementary and secondary schools; Kineto Theatre (with year round operation and special events); Whyte Park support and maintenance; plus a mass of fundraisers to support our programs.

No change n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Presently, to preserve and protect our beautiful natural resources. Expand Beaches Daily Protection from commercial use. Playground FrequentlyAdditional playgrounds throughout Lambton Shores

We play cards, shuffleboard, darts, badminton, dance and bus trips. No change Port Franks CC 4 days per week Kitchen needs finishing n/a n/a n/a

Bid euchre every other Saturday evening, euchre every Wednesday afternoon; wine, cheese and euchre held on the Friday night of civic holiday weekend. Fundraising and donations to needy families with sick children. Donations to Contact House. Purchased 2 benches that are at the cenotaph in Thedford. We have a pot luck meal before euchre on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

We meet monthly, September to June, for a pot luck noon luncheon followed by guest speakers, entertainment, or fun activities (December meal catered). Shuffleboard played Monday mornings September to June, euchre each Wednesday evening , men's euchre Wednesday mornings. Hall rentals for funerals, anniversaries, showers, birthday parties, etc. provide extra income to carry on.

Expand Arkona Seniors Hall DailyFacilities for audio‐visual presentations; canopy over outside door; more attic insulation; painting outside signs.

n/a n/a n/a

We provide a four sheet curling rink, locker rooms, a club room (kitchen, lounge and bar) and associated facilities. Our goal is to provide casual and competitive curling opportunities to all ages and abilities through house leagues and bonspiels. Our club room provides social opportunities for curlers as well as families, businesses or organizations in the community at large through hall rental. League fees, rentals and pay‐as‐you‐play fees are set to recover costs and to provide for ongoing maintenance. Users of the facility volunteer their time to the operation and maintenance of the facility to keep the fees at a reasonable level. We offer leagues for juniors, students, seniors, mixed groups, men, women and youngsters using "little rocks". We also offer ice time to those who wish to rent ice on a regular or casual basis. Weekends frequently have one‐day or multi‐day bonspiels with both in‐house and out‐of‐town teams participating. The high school teams also play at our facility. Most years we host an Ontario Curling Association competitive competition.

Expand Forest Curling & Social ClubDaily October to April; occasional off‐season hall or ice pad rental

Lounge roof is 39 years old and needs replacement; washrooms are old, odourous, in poor condition, and not barrier‐free; locker rooms are undersized for our number of users and in poor condition; storage space is inadequate; heating system is not energy efficient; no air conditioning; air quality and ventilation are poor; old fluorescent lighting (ice rink and club room) is not energy efficient; stairway up to the upper level is narrow and steep and not up to code; no fire barrier exists between levels; no fire alarm or security system; kitchen is in poor condition and requires an upgrade for ventilation and fire suppression; none of the facility is barrier‐free

n/a n/a n/a

Lawn bowling ‐ recreational and competitive Expand Coultis Park bowling green 3 days per weekThe facility and equipment is 50 years old and needs continuous maintenance

n/a n/a n/a

Page 7 of 12



Forest Minor Ball

Molson Old‐Timers Hockey League

Thedford‐Bosanquet Old Timers League

Forest Dragons Baseball

Forest Skating Club

Port Franks Yacht Club

Thedford Bosanquet Shuffleboard Club

Lambton Shores Predators Jr. B

Lambton Shores Minor Hockey Association

2. 3.a)Expand or



Home and away ball games and practices from April to August Expand McRae Park 2 nights per week

The back stop on the diamond is low but does the job; with material from the Town (compost material) and time from ball people we are slowly fixing the grass in the outfield; some of the lights are out and need to be repaired

Coultis Park5 nights per week and 4 hours on Saturday morning

The back stop needs to be replaced; the black tile on the fence in front of the dugouts always gets bees in it; need a new roof on the washrooms

Hockey and social gatherings No change n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

n/a No change Thedford ArenaWeekly on Mondays during hockey season

Better communication n/a n/a n/a

Playing baseball, running youth training programs. Expand McRae Park 3‐5 days per weekNew backstop, improved grass infield, sprinkler system, larger equipment storage facility, change rooms

n/a n/a n/a

Learn to skate for youth and adults, advanced skating skills No change Lambton Shores Recreation Centre6 hours over 3 days (per week)

The time we are allotted ice n/a n/a n/a

Principal activities include Boating Safety courses; river marker provision, maintenance & installation; webcam provision and maintenance that provides boaters with view of current lake conditions, BBQ /Raffle/Dance, Beach Volleyball Tournaments & other social activities.

Expand Port Franks Harbour Pavilion and Marina May ‐ September See notes on worksheet 4 Port Franks Harbour Volleyball Court May‐Sept

Volleyball net does not have proper posts...they are supporting using rope and ground pegs. These are unstable and are a tripping hazard. Players have injured themselves on them. Should be proper permanent posts installed. Also, the net is never put up at the start of the boating season so we can not use the court for several months of the season.

Playing shuffleboard weekly; holding shuffleboard tournaments; holding an annual meeting and supper; and encouraging senior functions and activities.

Expand Thedford Lambton Shores Arena Weekly year roundAnticipating 10 new floor painted courts, and equipment storage areas in the new building

n/a n/a n/a

To develop local kids on and off ice. Expand Recreation Centre Forest only 3 times per week Ice sitting empty n/a n/a n/a

To provide hockey from the ages of 4 ‐ 20 for both males and females. An annual beachfront festival celebrating water and our Great Lakes.

No change The Shores Recreation Centre 35‐40 hours per week n/a Thedford Arena 30‐35 hours per week Dressing rooms should be behind the benches. Larger storage area for sweaters and other hockey equipment.

Page 8 of 12



Homemade Jam




Forest Agricultural Society

North Lambton Quilters Group

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.Additional Access to Enter into Capital Additional How to Increase Most Pressing Need

Name Frequency Needs Improvement? Access? New in 5‐10? Partnerships? Investment? Support? Inclusivity? or Concern?

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Yes No YesAs far as I can see, we all try and do these things. I do not believe there is any group that purposely does anything to preclude any participants. Common sense dictates we will never be able to be all things to all people. We should however, do the best we can.

Getting the local population to buy into the concept of Homemade Jam, and show up!

n/a n/a n/a n/a Yes Yes Unsure Unsure n/aFundraising and financial survival: the GBAC cannot continue its work indefinitely without the involvement of the Municipality and/or an alternative supportive body.

n/a n/a n/a No No Yes Yes Yes

We mount heritage opportunities online. There are many youth and adults who are not interested in team sports and the large rec facilities they require . To be more positive and specific, LS is faced with a ripe opportunity to mount and offer a Summer Festival of the Fine Arts for artists to come and study, then show their works. There are numerous fine art instructors and artists already living here as resource people…. all the concept requires is a lead player to co‐ordinate, and pull it together with the willing partners who have talked around this concept for over a decade. It would fire on multiple cylinders for the Municipality: enrichment of cultural life for all residents, deliver a visual feast and celebration of the rich natural resources of LS, bring tourists to events, generate considerable demand for accommodation….and so forth. This is but one example of an opportunity overlooked by this community for lack of a key lead. Creating an Arts Festival may not be top priority for the Municipality of Lambton Shores, but to investigate, assess, invite partners to a table and then to assign roles should be….on behalf of everyone who lives here. People flocking here as retirees expect more than weekly pickup from the municipality. There are many ways that those retirees can be challenged to get involved, and their interests met. We know that they will work like dogs to build a better community, if it means that it will result in an event that brings their grandchildren out to have a good time in 'their town' . Again, a change of mindset is all that is required to unleash the full potential of the unique combination of natural beauty, skill pool and visitation numbers with which Lambton Shores is so richly blessed. Now, do something with it!

We need partnerships to make our grant applications succeed. Our most successful projects involve numerous partners in order to access funding: 30 organizations in one recent example, 15 in another. I suggest the Lambton Shores create a position titled 'Community Development Officer', to serve as point of contact between Council, social organizations and the public, to identify and rank development opportunities, to coordinate working partnerships and to invite outside funding contributions. There is much to be done.

n/a n/a n/a No No Yes No YesKeep the newsletters coming as you have. Word of mouth is helping our cause as is the donation of fabrics. We have made over 650 quilts that have been donated.

To receive new members to keep the organization going. Whether it's through the newsletters or word of mouth, we have to keep the word out there.

n/a n/a n/a Yes No Yes Yes Yes Actively advertise our facilities.Green space and room to further expand. To replace old and unsafe buildings.

n/a n/a n/a No No n/a No UnsureHave brochures available at different location (billboards, etc.) to show / tell / explain what's available.

n/a

4.Facilities Used ‐ C

Page 9 of 12




Thedford Garden Club

Forest Garden Club


Port Franks Community Police Committee

West Coast Lions Club of Grand Bend


Grand Bend Community Foundation / Aquafest





Optimist Children's Park Occasional

Recommend that the Municipality partner with other groups to provide a shelter from the rain with picnic tables and/or benches, to provide even and safe walkways, and to review playground equipment with regard to recent changes to safety codes for playgrounds.

No Yes Yes No Yes

The Municipality should make sure all facilities and parks are handicapped accessible. Also, the Municipality should provide adequate signage in and around the Village of Grand Bend. Examples of signs needed are: a sign to indicate the location of the skateboard park because many teens are not aware of it; and a sign on Highway 21 south of the lights indicating the direction of the Huron Country Playhouse because many U.S. visitors coming to the Playhouse can't find it when they drive up Highway 21 into the Bend; a sign is needed at the entrance to Optimist Children's Park saying 'no dogs allowed'. An off‐leash dog park is very much needed in the Bend, somewhere off the beach, where residents with dogs can exercise their dogs, and where doggie poop bags are provided and receptacles for waste. Presently dogs are being taken not only to the beach, but to the Children's Park and the skateboard park. This is not

it

We need more assistance with the planting and maintenance of our local public and municipal gardens, as our volunteer members are aging and many cannot do this work any longer.

n/a n/a n/a n/a No n/a Unsure Yes n/aLack of volunteers. There is a need for a bike park, maybe over at arena; ball hockey, soccer program for kids; expand already existing baseball.

Library flower beds OftenWe work hard to maintain the beds. More lighting would be beneficial to prevent vandalism.

No No Yes Unsure Unsure

We started a Youth Gardening Club last year. Year 1 and Year 2 have attracted many youngsters eager to plant seeds, complete crafts and design / plant baskets of flowers. We list meeting sin the 'What's Happening?' section of the paper. We host an annual Garden Tour ‐ open to the public.

Our group is aging and it is difficult to find people who are capable and willing to work in the gardens. We continue to try to attract new and younger members.

n/a n/a n/a n/a Yes Yes Unsure YesThe GBACHC is accessible to all, it has an elevator. As above, with better funding and facilities we could expand our programme to include more of the community.

Financing and venue. We are at GBACHC only with the agreement of the board

n/a n/a n/a No n/a Yes Yes Unsure n/aAttracting new younger members that are willing to contribute effort to the improvement of life in Port Franks.

n/a n/a n/a No Yes Yes Unsure Unsure We need a community centre for all of Grand Bend residentsAgain, a place where groups can hold meetings, do fundraising and cater meals that the ordinary citizen can use.

n/a n/a n/a No Yes Yes Unsure YesWheelchair area at Esli Dodge at top of hill and a paved pathway from the roadway to this area. More family friendly events. More free play areas.

A temporary covered stage.

Pinery Once per year n/a No No Yes Unsure UnsureContinue to increase physical accessibility, support and promote activities like Aquafest to taxpayers, continue to improve facilities for families and older adults.

Growing awareness of environmental issues in our community.

n/a n/a n/a No No Yes Unsure YesMaintain the new booklet that was created this year which includes most if not all recreational facilities and activities in Lambton Shores. This booklet could even be expanded to some extent.

The most pressing issue that our group is currently facing would be maintaining and expanding the vitality of the shopping within the Town of Forest especially the Downtown core. We need to stem the flow of our customers to larger centres for perceived and sometimes real value and selection differences. The diversity of our shopping needs to be expanded, hence the desire to expand our B.I.A.'s coverage from the Downtown core to the whole town. This would increase our funding and increase our ability to promote and beautify what we have to offer.

Page 10 of 12




Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program Port Franks


Lambton Shores Community Association

Port Frank Seniors


Arkona Seniors' Club


Forest Lawn Bowling Club




n/a n/a n/a No No Yes Unsure Unsure In the past our club has contributed to the Grand Beach elevator for people with disabilities. Complete the paving of the Rotary Trail to the Pinery!

n/a n/a n/a Yes No Yes Unsure Yes

Everyone, no matter how young or how old, needs exercise . Exercise, diet and attitude are essential for a healthy life style, thus, keeping seniors independent longer, and keeping our young from contracting Diabetes II, which is a very real concern. The benefits will outweigh the cost. Community Health Centre's mandate is "Everyone Matters" and we strive to include everyone. That is why we do not charge for our programs so that they are inclusive to everyone. The town would benefit with a Parks and Recreation department that can work along with us to support the health and well being of the community. At the very least, if that is not feasible it needs to have a Recreation committee that meets quarterly and reports to Council.

The biggest concern we have is volunteer burnout and finding money to train and maintain our volunteers for the various programs we offer. Financially if we had to start paying for the space we would not have the dollars to do so that is always a concern.

n/a n/a n/a No No Yes Yes Yes n/a n/a

n/a n/a n/a Yes Yes Yes Yes NoCommunity fundraising for accessibility issues ‐ Trillium funding. Better communication with seasonal residents in the off season.

Protecting our beaches.

n/a n/a n/a No No n/a No Unsure Keep people informed as to what is available in the community.I guess it would be to make seniors in our area aware of our programs. Seniors need to keep busy to stay healthy.

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a No Yes Perhaps more advertising to make newcomers and citizens aware of programs offered.Recruitment of new and younger members. Ideas for programs and entertainment. Insulation in attic to prevent huge icicles and drips in winter over sidewalk. Canopy over door. Painting signs.

n/a n/a n/a No No Yes Yes Unsure

One of the big challenges facing non‐profit recreational organizations that have public facilities is the Disabilities Act which will require barrier‐free access in the not too distant future. Volunteer‐run organizations, typically, do not have the financial resources to make these upgrades. These organizations, together with governments at the provincial and municipal levels, will have to come to grips with how to make this happen

While we have a plan to fund Phase 1 of our modernization / barrier‐free initiative, the funding sources for Phase 2 completion is less clear. Going back to the users for more donations is probably not viable. In general, our main concern is our ability to maintain the facility in good condition and to upgrade to today's energy efficient and accessible standards, without pricing our services beyond what the market will bear, thereby reducing the benefits to the community in terms of participation.

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Yes n/a YesPromotion; Many people do not understand the sport of lawn bowling, the health and fitness benefits, or how much fun it is.

We need a broader base of members. The majority of our members are seniors and they look after the bowling green. The cost of maintaining the greens annually are over $2000.00 and over 100 hours of labour .

Page 11 of 12



Forest Minor Ball

Molson Old‐Timers Hockey League

Thedford‐Bosanquet Old Timers League

Forest Dragons Baseball

Forest Skating Club



Lambton Shores Predators Jr. B





n/a n/a n/a No No Yes Yes UnsureWe need to all get together and see what other organizations are doing (e.g., ball with ball…"I do not need to meet with other sports"

I need more kids. A growing program is a healthy program.

n/a n/a n/a No No n/a Unsure No We rely mostly on word of mouth to fill our positionsThe cost of ice time with the new HST coming in; issue of changes in our allotted ice time

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Unsure No n/aThe concerns are to make sure that none of the Municipality‐owned facilities are not left empty

n/a n/a n/a No No Yes No YesWe have newspaper and radio coverage now and with the recreation and leisure brochure that Lambton Shores provided helps.

Money.

n/a n/a n/a Yes No Yes Unsure No n/aBetter ice time allocation ‐ we have too much early ice time allotted to us.

n/a n/a n/a No No Yes Yes No n/a

We would like to see a better partnership between the municipality and our organization. We have been raising money since 1983 to fund community, park and waterway improvements. Since we don't fully understand the operational process, we sometimes find that it can be challenging to obtain approval and timely responses from the municipality with regards to these proposed enhancements. In working together, we would have a better understanding of how the municipality operates, and in turn how to better collaborate with each other to continue to enhance the community and waterways of Port Franks.

n/a n/a n/a No No Yes Unsure YesAdvertise directly and effectively to the general public about the clubs and activities available and provide contact names in the publicity brochures.

Getting our club up and running again in the new facilities without losing any of our present members. Our members are mostly over 55 years of age. We need to promote shuffleboard for younger members as well. It is not exclusively a seniors' sport. We presently have 50 members.

n/a n/a n/a No No n/a Unsure Yes n/aWe are happy with what this Municipality has done for this hockey organization to date with more improvements in the future.

n/a n/a n/a No n/a n/a Unsure YesOMHA and other Companies will pay for the registration of individuals and families who are unable to cover the cost of registration.

Constantly fighting with the JR B team over ice time. This team seems to get whatever they want. They are suppose to be Lambton Shores JR B but will not go to Thedford and Council seems to back them. Minor Hockey and ringette have to hold practices and games in Thedford as they are part of Lambton Shores and we have many participants from that area.. As the MAJOR ice user in Lambton Shores we should have more pull than an organization that has moved into the area and has not donated any amount of money to the Rec Centre. We donated $100,000 over 5 years.

Page 12 of 12

QUESTION GROUP RESPONSE

3.a) Expand or Reduce Forest Business Improvement AreaWould like to try to expand our membership to include all business within the Town of Forest. This will entail considerable preparation.


The club rooms were built in 1971 when the club had 120 members. With many more users today, club rooms are undersized to accommodate our current activity level and future growth. While the ice area can accommodate up to 400 regular curlers, the club rooms, in particular the washrooms, locker rooms, kitchen and lounge, are no longer adequate. In addition, the facilities are 39 years old and look it. The lack of a modern, attractive facility is starting to hurt our ability to attract and retain members, when compared to other recreational venues.

Forest Lawn Bowling Club Our facility can easily handle over fifty members

Homemade JamIt costs serious money to host these events. Without the support of locals attendance, it cannot survive.


Some events such as "house decorating" seem to have run their course. We tried "street breakfasts, but that has not been a success. We need to have more committee members and a commitment to further fundraising so we could expand the kids Fair component. As it is we just break even and we do rely on the Heritage grant from feds as well as the Community grant from Lambton Shores. We did try to coordinate Homemade Jam and the Promise but ran into difficulties with some aspects of this partnership attempt. Would be nice to get other community groups interested in offering some additional contests and activities but other groups are stretched somewhat as well. As it is Optimists run the Food Booth, Kiwanis are doing BBQ and Firemen's do both the BBQ and the Fireworks. Weather is always an issue .


Forest Dragons BaseballWe would like to build a strong youth baseball program under the Forest Dragons name and provide local children a place to play structured and competitive baseball.

Grand Bend Art CentreGBAC has introduced children's programming and drop‐in capabilities by hiring Dryart Studio to run these activities.


The general population of the greater Grand Bend area is our target to obtain new members and participate in local programs such as Clean Water Now, the Beachfront Enhancements, Aquafest, etc.

Lambton Heritage MuseumEspecially with regard to digital, interactive web contact (content??) and portable media. Limits: we need contributing partners.

Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program Port Franks (Grand Bend Area CHC)

There has been some interest in a fitness hour during the evening for working adults.(2 wk)The issue around this is to find someone willing to volunteer for this program , dollars for training this individual and also to find availability of additional time/space to run the program. The other thought is to offer an additional gentle exercise program for frail seniors twice weekly, again volunteers and training dollars plus space are issues. These are future goals however we do not have the means at present to go forward with them.

Caring Quilters of Lambton ShoresIf we expand, it will be through new members. Fortunately, we have received new members, but on the other side, sadly we have lost members through illness or death.


Currently offering boating safety courses, fire safety & Pleasure Craft Operating Challenge Exams in the Port Franks Harbour Pavilion. Program offering is limited due to space and lack of heating. Likewise, our Annual BBQ/Dance and other various fundraising activities are only offered to a limited number of participants due to the size of the pavilion.


Anticipating that there will be at least ten shuffleboard courts in the new Lambton Shores Thedford Arena, we will be looking to expand our membership base weekly and to hold more special

Arkona Seniors' Club We hope that our membership would increase as time goes on. We need younger members to carry

Lambton Shores Predators Jr. BAdding more people to our program (coaches, scouts, volunteers). Getting more involved with Forest Minor Hockey (e.g., help with coaching, player helping out with practise).

Thedford Garden Club We could always use more help. With more volunteers we could put in more flowerbeds.


5. Facility issues Forest Canada Day CommitteeStaff have always been supportive re: set up and take down of equipment as well as collecting garbage the day after the event

Forest Skating ClubIt is not more hours that we need but we need better ice times to attract professionals and skaters


Dependant on volunteers and some financial support we would look at expanding to a night class twice weekly and an additional gentle exercise program during the day (6 hours per week more).

Forest Agricultural Society More land is needed for expanding

6. Access to New in 5‐10 years Port Franks Community Police Committee

Local 'green areas' such as at the Alfred Street and Alfred Crescent should be converted into local parkettes allowing for a place for young persons to play during the day and adults to meet and talk. There has been/is/can be a vandalism problem in Port Franks among pre‐driving age teens as they have little to do and nowhere to go. Port Franks CC is another prime location.

West Lions Club of Grand BendA community centre at which to hold meetings in Grand Bend because there is nothing available except the school


Covered stage area, pavilion, washroom, etc. Would be nice to have covered stage in some area of the municipality. Not only a stage but a large covered space that would also hold an audience. It could be used for a market as well as a summer entertainment venue. Any outdoor entertainment venue needs protection for the sound, lighting, musical equipment in case of rain. We just do not have that protection at this time. Ideally a large covered space would mean that both performers and audience would be dry in case of rain.Needs to be more use of the current space to warrant making these investments at Esli Dodge. maybe there would be more use if the facility was improved. A bit of a catch 22. Could be located at Esli Dodge, Forest Fairgrounds, The Shores, Thedford Legacy Centre, an Ipperwash location, or Grand Bend beach. Such a venue needs to be part of an already established park or public space.


Grand Bend needs a community sponsored art centre as this is non‐existent. The visual arts are a vital part of local culture and the local economy and requires a home that does not depend 100% on constant fundraising for its existence. Grand Bend, ideally on River Road, already a hub for artists and the arts.


A community facility with better audio‐visual technology ‐ a new community hall in Grand Bend ‐ it is the only town in the area without such a facility; with a growing population and older demographic many activities would benefit from such a facility. We cannot charge admission at the GBACHC and are limited to the time and amount of usage. At present, the Legion and other private club houses meet the need but not very well.

Lambton Shores Community AssociationPlayground facilities throughout Grand Bend (Plan 24, Southcott and other areas in the community ‐ small satellite playgrounds). Increased population; increased demand.


A community centre or cultural centre in Grand Bend to serve the northernmost section of Lambton Shores. General meeting space is inadequate for non‐profit groups in this community. There is no inexpensive meeting space available on a regular basis with a digital projection system, adequate sound system, and with handicapped access.


7. Partnerships Forest Business Improvement Area

We currently partner with the Town for maintenance of some landscaped areas, parkettes and have in the past partnered for the delivery and maintenance of hanging baskets in the core area. We partner with the Town for the installation of Christmas decorations and now summer banners. We have recently partnered with 'Homemade Jam' and the Sarnia Lambton Small Business Development Corporation and the Community Foundation.


Our facilities are owned by the municipality and we have a long and successful history of a tenant and landlord relationship. The municipality is currently supporting our capital project initiative to modernize the facility. Based on our lease agreement, Forest Curling is responsible for maintenance, upkeep and improvements to the facility. Since the lease was signed in 1971, the club has invested approximately $275,000 in improvements to the ice rink and building exterior. When it comes to major upgrades, the municipality has a key role to play in providing oversight, approvals and helping secure funding. We now need significant improvements to the club rooms for capacity, energy efficiency, modernization, safety and accessibility. Since this project cannot be broken down into small manageable "chunks" to be competed over a number of years, a major initiative is required. Our partnership with Lambton Shores is critical to the successful execution of a project of this scope and cost, and we appreciate that support.

Forest Lawn Bowling Club Anything to promote increased activity in the sportForest Minor Ball At the present time we do a lot of the work to keep the parks in the shape that they are inHomemade Jam Nothing specific, just willing to assist to the best of our abilities.

Port Franks Community Police CommitteeMany of our members are retired and do not have time and energy available to support those improvements that they consider meaningful (e.g., taking water quality samples).

West Lions Club of Grand Bend If possible at a future time

Forest Canada Day CommitteeNot sure if the interest is there as yet for Esli Dodge improvements. Possible partnerships include all the groups who assist with Canada Day currently.

Forest Dragons Baseball Forest Dragons fundraise every year to help improve the park.

Grand Bend Art CentreThe Municipality could provide a facility and the GBAC, perhaps expanding into an area Arts Council, could provide the programming.

Grand Bend Community Foundation / Aquafest In addition to GBCF grants, we will support the environmental programs and activities.Rotary Club of Grand Bend Maybe in Grand Bend dependant upon the projectLambton Heritage Museum See separate comment section on separate worksheet.


The first would be for the town to assist us with training dollars so that we can search out more volunteers and give them proper and ongoing training so that we could run a free exercise program in the evening or to expand programming in Port Franks to include a free gentle exercise program for the more frail seniors during the day along with the Healthy Lifestyle class. The second idea would be to have the YMCA run an outreach exercise class twice a week in the evening for the community for a user fee. We realize however that not everyone will be able to afford it. However the people going to it likely have jobs and would be better able to pay for it then the seniors.

Sunset Cinema Social Film Group We would be willing to participate in fundraising and in planning discussions.

Kiwanis Club of Forest Kiwanis has always been a willing partner with the Municipality and other service organizations to

Lambton Shores Community Association Working with municipal and other service organizations ‐ fundraising and communications

Caring Quilters of Lambton ShoresAs explained earlier, the Municipality already partners with the CQLS in that they provide the facility to us at no cost.



The PFYC has raised the funds and obtained quotes from contractors to add a 40' x 20' x 4" cement pad onto the south side of the pavilion and. We will also provide a basketball net so that this area can be used as a new recreational sporting area as well as providing additional table and seating space when the pavilion is being rented out for community events and gatherings. In addition to providing funding for the materials, we are willing to look after all of the associated costs to prepare and install this

d d b k b ll (i i fill )

Thedford Bosanquet Shuffleboard ClubWilling to work in harmony with other shuffleboard clubs in the Municipality for inter‐club tournaments or social functions.

Forest Agricultural Society Acquisition of more land for green space.

Grand Bend and Area Horticultural Society Partnership in planting and maintenance of community municipality and public gardens.

Forest Garden Club

We have partnered previously on projects for the Library beds (i.e., painting of caboose). We have partnered with Rotary, Kiwanis, Legion on various projects. The Curling Club is used as a meeting space for our youth gardening project meetings.


8. Capital Investment Forest Business Improvement Area Can only operate within legislated mandate.


We are currently doing just that to fund Phase 1 of our modernization project. In addition to $60,000 in fundraising and excess operating revenue already accumulated, we have member pledges of $150,000 plus donations and grants totally $30,000. We have demonstrated our commitment, dedication and ability to manage and fund facility upgrades on many occasions.

Forest Lawn Bowling ClubWe try to operate with a balanced budget but the last few years we have had to dig into our reserve that is intended for equipment replacement

Forest Minor Ball

Most of the things that have been done in the ball parks over the last number of years have been the ideas of Minor Ball or the Dragons and the funds have been raised by same. This has given us two ball parks to be proud of and future investment will always be needed.

Homemade JamWe are non‐profit. Any access to excess money will be donated to charity or worthwhile projects.

Port Franks Community Police Committee Minor contributions via focused fundraising would be possible.West Lions Club of Grand Bend After our commitment to the beach enhancement is completeForest Canada Day Committee We need more community groups on side if this were to be a Forest location.Forest Dragons Baseball We rely on the businesses in the community to help fund our baseball program.Forest Skating Club We are a non‐profit organization and would contribute what we could

Grand Bend Art CentreMay we have a meeting to discuss options and possibilities so that we have an idea of what may be feasible.

Grand Bend Community FoundationGBCF has supported community projects in the past and has a grant application process (www.grandbendcommunityfoundation.ca/granting.htm)


Because of the increase in ice costs and the new HST, this will cost our organization an additional $15,000 ‐ $20,000. As a Not for Profit Organization, we rely on our registration fees to cover most of the costs. We cannot keep asking the parents for more money as they have the cost of tournaments, driving to home and away games. We raise money through the Forest Fair booth, the Silver Stick Food Booth and other money raising events.

Lambton Heritage Museum

We would be able to join a partnership that makes submission to Trillium or senior governments. We are especially interested in partnership with Aboriginal organizations. We would contribute or cost share on a media program, such as a summerlong series of TV One broadcasts promoting Lambton Shores attractions and beaches.


It would be our Health Services Foundation that would be in a position to answer that, not the Health Centre.


Our funds are by donation only and are needed to pay for a performance license and films. If a community facility was available the license would cover any other organization that wanted to show movies. We would be interested in expanding into family shows and children's afternoon shows. The license is issued yearly and is for the venue, not the group.


We currently have capital money budgeted to replace the existing signage for the theatre but it is not enough to make the step change improvement that is needed. So we will be using it to make needed fixes to the sign.

Lambton Shores Community Association Through fundraising or donations.

Caring Quilters of Lambton ShoresAll our ladies are volunteers and at times use their own material to complete their task and ask nothing for it. We are a non‐profit organization.



The PFYC has offered to provide capital, and/or equipment and/or IT professionals to provide, upgrade and maintain a wireless internet service that all Port Franks Harbour dockers can access within the marina and park. (See attached letters to the municipality from 2009 and 2010). Ideally this service should be strong enough so that it is accessible at individual docks as is the current standard for most other marinas.

Thedford Bosanquet Shuffleboard ClubDepending on our membership base and operating costs, which is currently running close to the line.

Arkona Seniors' ClubWe find that it is a struggle for our club to stay self‐sufficient, so we would not be able to supply capital investment of any great amount.

Lambton Shores Predators Jr. B Ice rates lower; open bar during game nights only; split with canteen on game nights only.Forest Agricultural Society Only to expand our fairgroundsPort Franks Seniors We are a small group and our fees just cover our activities and rent, with a few bus trips.


Our expenditures are governed by Section 37 of the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act, R.S.O. Ch A.9 ‐ "A horticultural society shall not spend more than one‐half of its total annual receipts, excluding grants or donations made for specific purposes, upon any one of the projects enumerated in section 36 except for the planting of trees, shrubs and plants on public grounds and the promotion of outdoor beautification."

Forest Garden ClubWe have used funds to improve the Library area. We are in the process of having the caboose painted / restored.


9. Additional supports Forest Business Improvement Area

We are exploring the possibility of a partnership with the Municipality for Downtown revitalization with regards to storefront and sign upgrades. We are also looking for further partner in regards to landscape maintenance.


Our funding plan for Phase 1 is solid, but unforeseen problems can always occur. Part of our plan is to secure Trillium Foundation Funding. Government grants are always problematic, and Trillium may have a bias against funding municipally‐owned facilities, if the municipality itself is not making a direct financial contribution. We have pre‐approval for a loan that can cover a short‐fall if Trillium doesn't come through to the level expected.

Forest Minor Ball

As the kids in the program get older more kids come in at the bottom age groups. Factors are that we need diamond times that let the kids play early so that they get home (school nights) and to date the Municipality has been great

Homemade JamAlways keep an attitude on how things can be accomplished, instead of creating regulations that deter things from happening.

Port Franks Community Police CommitteeWe are very grateful to Lambton Shores for the financial and facilities (photocopying) support we now receive

West Lions Club of Grand BendSome storage at a meeting place and a meeting place. Sometimes the public school is too crowded.


stage components that are owned by the municipality and can be put together by municipal staff‐for a fee?? This is an annual headache for the committee and a financial burden for volunteers. Relay for Life committee and Second Wind/Homemade jam could also benefit from a local covered stage. Sound and lighting equipment are also issues but perhaps this is a matter of identifying out of community people who can do this job

Forest Dragons Baseball We require clay based material to help maintain the playing fieldGrand Bend Community Foundation Financial support for our environmental projects and an environment program from the Municipality


We would like to see the 3% ice increase dropped for all Minor groups. We are also waiting for an additional 10% from the food Booth during silver Stick as the Municipality only sent 40% NOT the 50% as signed in the contract sent to us by the Municipality

Lambton Heritage Museum

There is a series of Lambton Shores community maps that we hand out to tourists here, that the Municipality doesn't print anymore. We copy them ourselves and then drive them around the Municipality to other tourist board locations…at our expense. It makes sense that the Municipality look after their production, cover the cost of their copying and mileage for distribution. We are pleased to do the handout work.


We could use some dollars to also purchase equipment to offer more variety to the exercise (i.e., steps and space to store them). We also need money for training our volunteers and to look to further expand our programs. We would also need additional time for the Port Franks Hall.

Sunset Cinema Social Film GroupAn annual donation would allow us to purchase a good sound system and to show more films.

Kiwanis Club of ForestWe could use financial support to make a complete refurbishment of the façade of the theatre to restore it to a majestic theatre it once was.



By continuing to let the public know through your newsletters and by other means that we can use materials, funds to cover costs such as quilt batting (which is our biggest cost) and to suggest that people can join. We have been assisted in the past from the Grand Bend Catholic Women’s League, the Port Franks Seniors Action Group, the Ausable Port Franks Optimist and the many, many others that donate fabric. Later, we received monetary donations from the Sarnia Community Foundation, Dow Chemical Canada, the Forest Community Foundation and the Lake Smith Conservationists. They have all helped to build a solid base from which to grow. Without this help, we could not continue donating quilts to those in our community who need it most.

Thedford Bosanquet Shuffleboard ClubAnticipating that the Municipality will be providing the painting on of the new 10 courts and providing storage cupboards for our equipment as part of our monthly rental fees.

Arkona Seniors' ClubWe have an agreement with the Municipality that they will maintain and service the outside of our building if we can maintain the inside.

Forest Agricultural Society Needs are room to expand and new buildings (to further diversify our facilities)Grand Bend and Area Horticultural Society Maintenance of public gardens, including planting, watering and weeding.

Thedford Garden ClubIn‐kind use of tractor and water wagon; allow further gardens on municipal land; money for flowers yearly.

Forest Garden Club

We have applied for and received community grants from Lambton Shores. We have put these to good use (shed, caboose painting, redesign of heritage beds, etc.). I would anticipate that we would be applying for grants in years to come as more projects are planned. We have appreciated in‐kind donations from Lambton Shores (rental of Shores Recreation Centre fees waived, insurance, etc.) and staff support for the garden show.

Port Franks Garden Club We receive funding to continue to the maintenance and material for the gardens.

Appendix C: Community Search Conference Responses

Municipality of Lambton Shores – Community Search Conference – June 17, 2010

Page 1 of 7

Question 1: What do we value most about Lambton Shores? INDOOR FACILITIES

• Arena facilities (Shores and Legacy Centre) • New recreation centre • Walking tracks

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

• Golf courses • Skateboard park • Playgrounds • Tennis courts • Soccer fields • Picnic tables • Marinas • Splash pads • Village Green

OPEN SPACE/TRAILS

• Pinery Provincial Park • Rock Glen • Carolinian forest • Beautiful open spaces • Naturalized areas • Conservation Areas • Parks • Small parks

BEACHES

• Having beaches PROGRAMS

• Variety of activities CULTURE AND EVENTS

• Elements of the arts – Playhouse • Kiwanis Kineto Theatre • Close to local theatres • Museums • Jamboree • Natural / cultural heritage / arts • Pinery and Rock Glen interpretive centres

COMMUNITY

• Small town community; distance from the big city • Rural flavor – agriculture – local produce


Page 2 of 7

• Reasonable cost of living • Safe community • Farmers market • Peaceful, safe and quite location • Slower pace of life • Caring people = caring community • Quality of life • Volunteers and volunteer organizations • Community spirit • Diversity • Friendly people • Small town with cosmopolitan attitude • Diverse services

ENVIRONMENT

• Proximity to water • The weather • Wildlife • Nature • Diversity of environment

OTHER

• Small town community; distance from the big city • Access to primary health • Tourism – a lot to offer • Health Centre • Vets, dentists • User‐friendly

Question 2: How can we improve indoor and outdoor recreation and leisure opportunities? • Grand Bend – multi‐purpose facility (also cultural) (15) • Better communication between communities re: available facilities and between partners

and service groups (13) • Forest – needs year‐round swimming pool – could partner with Forest Golf pool to give safe

lessons (12) • Splash pads everywhere (11) • Better maintenance of facilities (e.g., Port Franks CC – leaking roof, gaps under doors,

handicap doors for all entrances) (9) • Walking / biking trails (9) • Improve process of prioritization for improvements (policies and procedures) (8) • Port Franks – safe, improved walking trail (8) • Covered performance centre (7) • Ipperwash – needs a family park (6) • Uneven distribution of facilities (6)


Page 3 of 7

• Forest – larger, clean, safe, central places for kids to play (e.g., bike tracks, playground) (6) • Increased budget for Parks and Recreation Department (6) • Equipment for aerobics (e.g., better flooring and steps) (5) • Trees and landscaping in all parks (5) • Youth Centre in Arkona (5) • Promotion of activities (5) • Accessible parking spots (4) • Esli Dodge – bridge needs repairing (4) • Esli Dodge – outdoor playground (4) • Grand Bend – baseball field upgraded and repaired (4) • Make facilities and programs affordable (4) • More recreation and social activities for an aging demographic (4) • Thedford – something for teenagers (4) • Make audio‐visual equipment available (3) • Municipal programming (e.g., volleyball) – change existing policy (3) • Parks and Recreation Committee utilizing existing groups and community members (3) • Use ice pads in summer too for lacrosse, roller and ball hockey (3) • Youth directors for facilities to run programs (3) • Arkona – baseball improvement and community hall facelift (3) • Better programs for younger children (2) • Forest Fairgrounds – Exhibition building – flooring for year round use for indoor soccer (2) • Klondyke Field – improvement / development (e.g., water, lighting) (2) • Lacking track and field facilities (2) • Upgrade children’s playgrounds (safety) (2) • Forest – skateboard park (1) • Increase usage of the gymnasium at The Shores (1) • Port Franks – Marina upgrade and update (1) • Port Franks CC – new washrooms (1) • Update existing equipment and buildings for (e.g., accessibility) (1) • More playgrounds (1) • Improved sports fields (1) • Grand Bend – more for the younger crowd (1) • Arkona – something for teenagers (1) • Grand Bend – rain day venue (1) • 2nd baseball diamond • Children’s play area swings need retrofitting • Esli Dodge – improvements to tennis courts • Fields brought up to standard for use • Indoor walking area • Pavilion for seniors • Racquetball (indoor sports) • Tennis courts • Lack of washrooms


Page 4 of 7

Question 3: How can we improve parks, beaches and open space? • Ipperwash – clean up the beach (17) • More washrooms and better maintenance (16) • Off‐leash dog park (14) • Clear sidewalks in winter (12) • Parking / shuttle services / bike racks at beaches (10) • Water quality testing for all beaches in the area (10) • Clean up and maintain beaches (Grand Bend cleanup is wonderful, but other communities

need it too) (9) • Dispense with surplus land and purchase more park lands (e.g., at Ipperwash) (9) • Governance of the beaches should recognize diversity and uses (consensus from everyone)

(9) • Landscaping and trees (8) • More sidewalks (8) • Signage for parks and usage – recreation mapping on internet (8) • Bike trails connecting facilities within communities and between communities (7) • Ipperwash – park facilities (7) • Make community awareness of park and natural resources available (7) • Port Franks Beach – parking and facilities (e.g., washrooms) (7) • Better working relationship with Pinery Provincial Park (e.g., discounted season pass for

residents) (7) • Better signage for park locations and directions (6) • Make all beaches public and natural (6) • Grand Bend Lions Park – playground equipment (5) • Improve safety at sand dunes (5) • Klondyke Park should be completed (e.g., lights, showers, etc.) (5) • Horseshoe pits (5) • Esli Dodge – updated playground (4) • Improvement of passive parks (e.g., Pinehill) (4) • Ipperwash – improvement of MNR land (4) • More walking trails (e.g., Rock Glen) (4) • Esli Dodge – walking control – poor condition – unsafe (3) • Reforest areas (parks and new areas) (3) • Increased parks and parkettes in Lambton Shores as a part of any new development (3) • Extend trail to Pinery Provincial Park (3) • Add picnic tables (3) • Arkona – tennis courts and skateboard park (2) • Awareness of clean water, promotion of Blue Flag and environmental education (2) • Education for visitors in highly sensitive areas (2) • Expansion of passive recreation and trails (2) • Forest – maintenance and housekeeping of tennis courts (2) • Moratorium on converting parks / beaches into parking (2) • Return parking areas to natural use (2) • Rock Glen block – safety (4 mile walking trail) (2) • Shade spots in parks (2)


Page 5 of 7

• Accessible playground (2) • Grand Bend – lower cost off‐peak parking (1) • More recycling cans (1) • More parks (1) • Grand Bend – larger baseball diamond (1) • Map of open spaces (1) • Bike rentals • Boardwalks in natural areas (e.g., Ipperwash) • Esli Dodge – need light • Free play areas on the beaches • Green spaces for kids and parks • More picnic tables (e.g., Village Green) • Transportation to Klondyke Sports Park • More promotion of trails • Grand Bend – more activities on main beach

Question 4: How can we improve cultural opportunities? • Affordable municipal art, dance, etc. classes for everyone (16) • More concerts using local bands and youth and music in the park (13) • Share risk with service clubs – win win for all (13) • Festivals in communities (e.g., music, buskers, Lakeside Arts Festival) (12) • Lambton Museum – not utilized (could have art night for local artists, SunFest, WinterFest,

wine tasting at Twin Pines, etc.) (12) • Improve communication between communities (10) • Culture and Heritage Committee to develop programs (9) • Heritage and Cultural Committee – joint between Council and residents (9) • Kineto Theatre – support complete refurbishment (9) • Lambton Shores Heritage and Arts Committee (inclusive of First Nations and agricultural

heritage) (9) • Collaborate with neighbouring communities to keep costs down (8) • Identify and promote what exists locally and build upon existing products (e.g., galleries,

tours, festivals) (8) • Cultural fairs recognizing our history and heritage (7) • The Shores – utilize arena in the summer for concerts (6) • Welcome Wagon (6) • Support for movie theatres (oldest in world) and using in other ways (e.g., health

conference) (5) • Open houses for groups (5) • Art centre funded by the Municipality for all ages and abilities (4) • Art centre at LH Museum (3) • Bandshells at the waterfront and in every town (3) • Esli Dodge – theatre and concerts in the park (3) • Grand Bend – multi‐use facility (3) • Learn from other municipalities about what works (3)


Page 6 of 7

• Summer programs in the parks (e.g., nature walks) (3) • Drive‐in movie night (25 cents) (3) • Guide boards within each centre (3) • Art in the park Municipality‐wide (2) • Grand Bend – Bayfest; Beachfest (2) • Talent shows (2) • Cultural guide (2) • Arts Council that reaches out beyond visual arts (1) • Driving tours to connect communities (1) • Grand Bend – live performance facility (1) • Outdoor art exhibition (1) • Support for heritage (1) • Photo courses (1) • Cruise nights (1) • Esli Dodge – live performance facility • Heritage / cultural interpretation panels • Lambton Shores arts mapping • Theatre school • Garden party

Question 5: How can we address or overcome barriers to meeting community needs? • ‘We are Lambton Shores – we are a community of communities’ • Advertisement of events • Awareness and promotion of existing communication tools (e.g., quarterly online

newsletter; newspaper; website; Leisure Guide) • Awareness of available grants • Communication (in person, online, media, signage, newspaper) • Continue to offer space in municipal facilities free of charge to non‐profit groups to offer

programming to those with barriers to access (e.g., low income, transportation, etc.) • Determine and prioritize needs (short and long term) with a good process; plan where we

are going • Engage newcomers, tourists, and summer residents • Facilitator to manage differing points of view • Focus on Lambton Shores as a whole, not just individual communities • Fundraising • Generate revenue by using existing facilities (e.g., The Shores) • Incentives to businesses – improve • Involving our community foundations, integration of foundation, CIC model • Lambton Shores calendars • More committees of Council (e.g., recreation, culture and heritage) containing a wider

variety of people • More initiatives that include people from all communities (e.g., Communities in Bloom) • Municipality needs to take a leadership role after listening to the community and advisory

committees


Page 7 of 7

• Not one solution fits all • Openness and facilitative management • Pamphlets • Partnerships (e.g., with existing non‐municipal facilities like Forest Golf Club – swimming

pool) • Rural / urban information nights • Shared risk (i.e., government, residents, businesses, community groups, service clubs, etc.) • Two‐way communication • Understand and face the changing demographics • Volunteer burnout can be dealt with by: seeking young blood, holding open houses for new

volunteers, groups working together, word of mouth, communication with other service clubs in the area, breaking down tasks

• Volunteer recognition • Wayfinding signage

Appendix D: Parkland Inventory

Name Address Community Park Type Splash Pads Tennis Courts Skate Parks

Mini Full Lit Unlit Trad Creative

Arkona CC Park 16 Smith Street Arkona 1Coultis Park 6276 Townsend Line Forest Community 2 1Crescent Street 81 Crescent Street Grand Bend Parkette 1Eilber Street Park 7 Eilber Street Grand Bend 1Esli Dodge Conservation Area 88 Main Street South Forest Not owned by LS 1 4Grand Bend Harbour/Marina 91 River road Grand Bend Special UseGrand Bend Lions Park 10 Municipal Drive Grand Bend Community 1 1 1Grand Bend Municipal Beach Main Street Grand Bend Beach 1 1Klondyke Sports Park** 9989 Klondyke Road Grand Bend Regional 2 3 1Legacy Centre Park 16 Allen Street Thedford 2 1Optimist Children's Park 81st Crescent Grand Bend 1Pleasure Park 45 Jefferson Street Grand Bend 1Port Franks CC Park** 9997 Port Franks Road Port Franks 1 1 1 2 1Port Franks Harbour/Marina 7574 Biddulph Street Port Franks Special UseRotary Civic Square Rotary Way & Victoria Street Forest Special UseShipley's Grove & McRae Park* 6276 Townsend Line Forest 1 1Sphere Park 46 River Road Grand Bend ParketteThedford Village Green* 109 Pearl Street Thedford 1Utter Park 7266 Arkona Road Arkona Community 2 1Whyte Park 30 Washington Street Forest Neighbourhood 1Wight Park Arkona Road ArkonaTOTALS 2 5 5 4 9 5 1 7 2

*Ball diamond at Shipley's Grove & McRae Park is for hardball.**Klondyke and Port Franks CC Park ‐ playgrounds are inclusive

Soccer FieldsPlayground Equipment

Ball Diamonds

Name

Arkona CC ParkCoultis ParkCrescent StreetEilber Street ParkEsli Dodge Conservation AreaGrand Bend Harbour/MarinaGrand Bend Lions ParkGrand Bend Municipal BeachKlondyke Sports Park**Legacy Centre ParkOptimist Children's ParkPleasure ParkPort Franks CC Park**Port Franks Harbour/MarinaRotary Civic SquareShipley's Grove & McRae Park*Sphere ParkThedford Village Green*Utter ParkWhyte ParkWight ParkTOTALS

*Ball diamond at Shipley's Grove & McRae Park is for hardball.**Klondyke and Port Franks CC Park ‐ playgrounds are inclusive

Basketball Court (full)

Lawn Bowling / Bocce

Lawnmower race track

Boat LaunchCovered Pavilions

Concessions Parking Picnic Areas Washrooms

1 Y Y1 1 Y

YY Y Y

1 Y Y1 Y

1 3 1 Y Y Y1 Y Y

1 1 Y Y1 Y Y

Y YY

Y Y1 Y Y

Y Y1 Y Y Y

Y Y1 Y1 1 Y Y Y

YY Y

2 3 1 2 6 5 10 14 16

Appendix E: List of Background Documents Reviewed

LIST OF BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS – MUNICIPALITY OF LAMBTON SHORES – as of June 29, 2010 Hard copies

1. Strategic Plan 2020‐2030 (Municipality of Lambton Shores, 2006?) 2. Community Profile Book 2009 – Communities in Bloom 3. Design Brief – The Bluewater Trails Master Plan Review (ESG International, n.d.) 4. Facility Utilization Summaries (2 documents – Municipality of Lambton Shores, 2008 and 2009) 5. List of Community Partner Contacts 6. Official Plan (County of Lambton, January 3, 1998) 7. Lambton Shores Community Design Plan Final Report (EDA Collaborative, Inc., August 2008) 8. Theatre Guide 2010 – includes Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend (Drayton

Entertainment, 2010) 9. Festivals & Events in Ontario – April 2010 – March 2011 (Government of Ontario) 10. Sarnia, Point Edward & Lambton County road maps (Tourism Sarnia Lambton 2009) 11. Grand Bend Main Street Enhancement Project (brochure; Municipality of Lambton Shores, 2009‐

2010) 12. Draft Operating & Capital Budget (Municipality of Lambton Shores, 2010) 13. Operating Budget (Municipality of Lambton Shores, 2009) 14. North Lambton Parks and Recreation Master Plan Final Report (Institute of Environmental

Research Inc. and Moore/George Associates Inc., April 1990) 15. Leisure Guide (Municipality of Lambton Shores, 2010)

Digital copies

16. Official Plan (Municipality of Lambton Shores, 2001) 17. Development Charges Update (Municipality of Lambton Shores, 2008) 18. Development Charges Study for Public Circulation (Municipality of Lambton Shores, May 2005)