By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Haldimand County Councillors were given a preliminary look at a new 20-year strategy designed to identify major emerging community and recreational needs across Haldimand and develop an implementation plan to upgrade/expand local leisure options.
The strategy was done in development by Monteith Brown, London-based planning associates who previously developed the 2006 Master Plan for Leisure Services and the 2009 Trails Master Plan.
Steve Langlois, principal planner for Monteith Brown, gave a presentation on the results of Phase 1 of the planned strategy, focused on research, community engagement, and providing preliminary recommendations for each of Haldimand’s four main hubs.
Langlois said the plan was based on a series of guiding principles established through public and stakeholder input. These include:
- A healthy and engaged community that fosters active lifestyles and promotes skill development.
- Offers inclusive, affordable, and accessible recreational opportunities for all ages.
- Ensures that major facilities are multi-use, multi-generational, programmable year-round, and responsive to the community’s needs.
- Making financially responsible decisions that are sustainable.
“The main driver in determining the sustainability of major amenities is really population. With population comes the ability to afford the capital and operation of some of these facilities. As community facilities, many do require some form of local subsidy,” said Langlois.
With increased projections showing a rise from 50,400 residents today to 68,000 by 2041, he added, “We feel the time is right to review your long-term need for recreation facilities that support your communities success and wellbeing.”
The type of facilities included in the strategy are gymnasiums, fitness centres, youth spaces, indoor turf sports fields, creative arts spaces, indoor pools, and outdoor pools and splash pads.
The overall plan is still in its first phase, while Phase 2 will provide a location analysis and preliminary concepts for new facilities, which will be finalized in Phase 3. The strategy is expected to be complete by the end of the next Council term in 2026.
“We’ve been very pleased with the uptake and interest from your community in this process. There’s been a very detailed website and media releases, which helped to drive a lot of participation in this initiative,” said Langlois.
A community survey sent out to 7,000 residents yielded 2,000 responses, while 70 participants took part in four separate open houses. Council members provided input through interviews and a questionnaire, while a County staff workshop provided more feedback.
Langlois was encouraged by the high public interest, calling it a “necessary first step to the development of this work. It really helped to give us priorities, and a local direction on what the community is looking for over the longer term.”
The community survey provided some interesting information on how Haldimand residents prefer to spend their leisure time. The following percentages show the percentage of surveyed households taking part in a given leisure activity:
- 60% – walking for fitness
- 57% – recreational swimming
- 51% – swim lessons/aquafit
- 31% – soccer
- 31% – performing arts (music, dance, theatre, etc.)
- 27% – running or jogging
- 26% – basketball
- 24% – volleyball
- 20% – visual and graphic arts
- 20% – baseball
- 16% – badminton
- 14% – tennis
“Of those polled, 51% said they do not participate in indoor recreational activities as much as they’d like, with 78% of those saying the lack of programs or facilities are the primary barrier,” explained Langlois of the results.
The survey also indicated that 62% of participants were willing to pay increased property taxes in exchange for new facilities and programs. The two most in-demand items from the survey are indoor swimming pools and fitness centres, with both scoring a 95% approval rating, with multi-use facilities coming in third at 91% approval, and indoor turf fields coming last with a 76% approval rating.
“Parks and recreation has really become more of an essential service during the pandemic. We’re hearing from the research in the sector that it’s a good time to invest in this as people really do see the value,” said Langlois. “Unstructured and self-scheduled activities are more popular due to our busier lifestyles. We know inclusive and accessible leisure opportunities are very important.”
The report provided a preliminary vision for the main hubs within Haldimand, sourced through market analysis.
Caledonia, with the largest concentrated population, has the “greatest potential to support a multi-use recreation facility,” making it an ideal hub for recreation and sports, youth-focused spaces, and flexible facilities that can adapt to recreational trends.
Cayuga, with its low population and growth potential, offers “strong opportunities for enhanced outdoor recreation, especially youth,” will be studied for potential future sites, including a skate park, multi-use tennis/pickleball courts, and a potential splash pad in addition to planned improvements at four existing parks in the area.
Dunnville, with low population growth potential and a greater concentration of seniors and lower income households, presents “strong opportunities for programming for seniors and the arts,” with the need for seniors-focused spaces that are flexible to changing wellness objectives.
Hagersville, featuring a healthy mix of youth, families, and seniors and moderate growth potential, will be serviced by the planned Library + Active Living Centre in development for Grant Kett Park.
