Project Summary N-129 Parks and Trails Master Plan
Project summary document detailing the objectives, costs, and benefits of the Parks and Trails Master Plan update.
Project Summary: Parks and Trails Master Plan
Priority: Strategic
Public Engagement: Consult
Project ID: 1-2-07100-615 CC510-39
Submitted by: Leanne Taylor, Director Leanne Taylor, Development Services
Executive Summary
The Town’s 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan contains a goal under Strategic Priority A – Enhance Liveability, which states the following: Goal 6: Sufficient and Appropriate Parks and Open Space. To achieve this goal, the workplan includes two projects: Update the Parks Master Plan and Develop a Trails Master Plan in 2026 – 2027. Given the interconnectedness between parks and trails, it is recommended that the Town develop a combined Parks and Trails Master Plan. This Plan will guide the future of the Town’s parks, shoreline accesses, and trail networks, and ensure they reflect the evolving needs of the community, promote active lifestyles, and protect the natural environment over the next 10 years and beyond.
Business problem and opportunity
The Parks Master Plan was adopted in 2017 and did not include the development of trails within parks. Furthermore, the Town continues to grow and change and has acquired new parks and land (i.e., 80 Atkins Road) since the completion of the original Parks Master Plan almost 10 years ago. The Parks Master Plan needs to be updated to reflect the changes and evolving needs of the community.
Proposed project objectives
- Undertake a park and trail needs assessments.
- Review existing parks inventory and undertake an analysis of existing parks and trails, including their condition, accessibility and usage patterns.
- Review the 2017 Parks Master Plan and identify strengths, opportunities, and needs for improvement.
- Identify existing and new amenities and facilities, and opportunities for upgrades, accessibility improvements and Indigenous cultural presence.
- Identify current and future locations of parks and trails, including acquisition and park dedication, trail standards and an implementation strategy.
- Create decision-making framework for assessing land use, acquisition and dedication of parks and trails.
- Develop a high-level asset management and infrastructure replacement framework to be used during future budgeting and operation planning.
Business risks
- Without a trails plan the Town will continue to rely on an ad hoc planning for trails.
- The existing Parks Master Plan is outdated and needs to be updated to meet growing community needs.
Proposed sources of funding
- Prov grant reserve account – Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) 1-1-00500-185
- Casino Revenue 1-1-00557-866
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Operational | 0 | 25,000 | 75,000 | 0 | 0 | 100,000 |
| Total | 0 | 25,000 | 75,000 | 0 | 0 | 100,000 |
| Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Tangible | Updated Parks and Trails Master Plan to reflect community needs. |
| Intangible | Healthy community benefits, increase recreation opportunities, enhance accessibility, environment sustainability, and Indigenous cultural presence. |
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2025-2029 Financial Plan include Parks and Trails Master Plan in 2026 and 2027 to be funded by LGCAP, Growing Communities Fund reserve and/or Casino Revenue.
Additional Information
Link to the Town’s Parks Master Plan, 2017: TVR Parks Master Plan Final 3.pdf