Rural Recreation Assessment Municipality of St.-Charles December 2015
Contents Introduction... 4 Considerations... 6 Active Living in Small and Rural Communities... 7 Profile of Municipality of St.-Charles... 8 The Built Environment... 8 Transportation and Road Safety... 10 Cycling Infrastructure... 11 Streetscaping... 12 Accessible Parks and Recreational Facilities... 13 Fitness Centre... 15 St.-Charles Fitness Centre... 15 Accessible Recreational Programming... 15 Policies... 16 St.-Charles Strategic Plan... 16 Official Plan... 17 School Policies... 20 Sidewalk Maintenance/Snow Clearance... 20 Recommendations... 21 Immediate (0-6 months): Consultation... 21 2
Short Term (0-12 months): Maintain the Provision of Affordable Access to Recreation Programming... 21 Short Term (0-12 months): Pedestrian Infrastructure... 23 Short Term (0-12 months): Cycling Infrastructure... 25 Short Term (0-12 months): Parc Notre-Dame Park Improvements... 26 Short Term (0-12 months): Proposed Walking Trail... 27 Medium Term (1-2 years): Official Plan Policy Directions... 27 Medium Term (1-2 years): Development of New Parkette... 29 Long Term (2-4 years): Municipality of St.-Charles Parks Improvements... 30 On-going: Promotion... 32 Next Steps... 33 Appendix A: Official Plan Policy Example... 34 Appendix B: Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities... 39 End Notes... 40 3
Introduction This Rural Recreation Assessment (RRA) was completed by Liem Strategic Intergration Inc. (LSI Inc.) with the support of the Sudbury & District Health Unit (SDHU) to assist the Municipality of St.-Charles and community partners towards enhancing physical activity opportunities. The RRA was conducted in November 2015. Information was collected about the Municipality of St.-Charles, including community characteristics, physical environment (natural and built environment), programs, and policies. active living within the Municipality of St.-Charles. Identify advocacy opportunities for the Municipality of St.-Charles and other community partners, including the SDHU, to advance the development of an active and healthy community. Identify practical and incremental actions that best utilize available and anticipated financial, capital, and human resources that are available to the Municipality of St.-Charles and community partners. An on-the-ground community assessment was undertaken between November 17 and November 20 by LSI Inc. Additionally, interviews were held with municipal staff, councillors, and key stakeholders in the community to learn about existing and potential opportunities to support active living. Over the short term, this RRA serves to: Increase community opportunities for people to participate in structured and unstructured physical activities. Recommend projects that are eligible for community infrastructure, and sports and recreation grant opportunities. Establish directions and recommendations that encourage multi-sectoral collaboration among community partners to improve health and support 4
Over the long term, the RRA serves to: Maximize the use of existing community assets (infrastructure, lands, programming, and organizational capacity) to support active living. infrastructure to support active living. This RRA includes suggestions for improvements to the built environment, policy development opportunities, programming, and promotion. To encourage healthy behaviours and facilitate active living through the built environment, structured activities (e.g. organized sports), and unstructured activities (e.g. walking, cycling and playing). i Increase the capacity of existing service providers located in, and serving, the Municipality of St.- Charles to better deliver accessible sports and recreation programming, resources, and The ideas presented in this report should be presented to the public to assess community interest and can be used as a basis to support grant applications. This RRA will also serve to assist the Municipality of St.-Charles and community partners to maintain collaboration, secure funding, and implement actions that will increase physical activity and improve the health and well-being of community residents. 5
Considerations The recommendations in this report were developed to assist the Municipality of St.- Charles in maintaining consistency with provincial legislation, policies, standards, and frameworks. Plan 2014 Provincial Policy Statement Directions/Goals Promote connectivity within communities. Encourage integrated approach to planning infrastructure. Promote active transportation (e.g. walking and cycling) and integrate with other modes of transportation. Encourage coordination and co-location of public facilities (e.g., schools, recreation centres, libraries), and improve their accessibility by active transportation. Design communities to accommodate all ages. Framework for Recreation in Canada Foster active living through physical activity and accessible recreation Increase inclusion and access to recreation, particularly for populations who face constraints to participation. Help people connect with nature through accessible recreation. Value physical and social environments to encourage participation in recreation. World Health Organization s Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities Ministry of Transportation s Ontario Traffic Manuals Enhance outdoor spaces and natural features to create a more accessible, inclusive, and age-friendly physical environment. Minimize barriers for people of all ages, but particularly older adults or people with disabilities, from accessing community destinations. Improve safety through signage and safe crossings. Improve pedestrian and cycling mobility as per pedestrian and cycling infrastructure improvements established by the Ministry of Transportation s Ontario Traffic Manuals (Book 11 Pavement Markings, Book 15 Pedestrian Crossings and Book 18 Cycling Facilities). 6
Active Living in Small and Rural Communities ii An active living community is one that integrates physical activity in day-to-day activities.this can include community infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, pathways, and cycling paths that are inviting and encourage people to move safely within a community, either to run errands, visit friends and neighbours, and get to work. In communities, active living is seen as a way to increase both individual and community well-being. Studies show that improving the built environment, infrastructure, and transportation systems to increase levels of physical activity produces a broad range of additional benefits to rural communities iii. Community design that supports active living has been demonstrated to provide numerous economic, environmental, and health benefits. Particularly, for small and rural communities, a community environment that helps its residents stay active and be healthy increases quality of life, which improves the community s economic position to attract business, industry, residents, and visitors. As they seek to become more healthy and sustainable, small and rural communities are growing more aware of the importance and benefits of active living. Physical Activity Guidelines Children 5-11 Years At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity daily. This can include bike riding, playground activities, running. Youth 12-17 Years At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity daily. This can include skating, bike riding, fitness class, pick-up games, and sports. Adults 18 64 Years At least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week. This can include brisk walking, bike riding, jogging, fitness classes, and sports activities. Older Adults At least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week. This can include brisk walking, bike riding, skiing, swimming, fitness classes and nature hikes. Source: www.csep.ca 7
Notre Dame Street St Anne Street John Street Highway 535 Highway 535 Highway 17 RURAL RECREATION ASSESSMENT St. - Charles Church: L'Église St.-Charles Borromée School: St.-Charles de Borromée Library: St.-Charles Public Library Park: Parc David Quenneville Park St Joseph Street Grocery Store: St.-Charles Food Market Lapansee Street Key Map 1km Buffer Highway 535 Canada Post Office Wellness Centre: St.-Charles Wellness Centre Municipal office: Municipality of St.-Charles King Street E Caisse Populaire St.-Charles Ltée Hector Street Casimir Road Community Centre: St.-Charles Community Centre Park: Parc St.-Charles Park Arena: St.-Charles Arena jg n{ 123: ÐÑ 800m Buffer 400m Buffer Community Destination Social Housing Wayfinding to Library Posted Speed 40km Watch for Children Sign Park Existing Sidewalk Paved Buffer Designated Trans Canada Trail Road Watercourse Settlement Area 0 n Proposed Park Proposed Trail Proposed Trail Head Sign 100 200 Meters
The built environment in small and rural communities is vastly different from urban settings. These communities face unique challenges and issues regarding the built environment and land use planning. Therefore, a unique approach is necessary when it comes to community design and healthy built environments. This makes it even more important for small and rural communities, such as the Municipality of St.-Charles, to draw upon community-based efforts that will enable people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Profile of Municipality of St.-Charles The Municipality of St.-Charles has a population of 1,282 and covers 321 km 2. iv The 2011 Census conducted by Statistics Canada identifies a population density of 4 people per square kilometre, lower than the average of other communities within the Sudbury District (11 people per square kilometres). Within the Village of St.-Charles (settlement area of the Municipality of St.-Charles), the topography is flat, allowing for a comfortable environment to support walking, cycling, and other active forms of travel. Most families (62% of 420 number of census families) are 2-person households without children. Only 130 families (24% of 2420) have children living at home. There are 225 older adults over the age of 65 in private households, of whom 45 live alone. The Municipality of St.-Charles median age of 48.7 years is higher than the provincial average of 40.4 years of age. In 2011, 38% of the population was over the age of 55. Youths age 15 19 comprise of just 65 people, and there are only 180 children under the age of 14. v The Built Environment The Municipality of St.-Charles is accessible via Highway 535 which connects St.-Charles to nearby municipalities, for instance, the Municipality of Markstay-Warren and the Municipality of French River. While the Municipality extends over a large geographic area, the Village of St.- Charles is compact in size and includes a range of community amenities. The Village of St.-Charles, is characterized by single-family homes. 8
One multi-unit apartment building is located in the community. Outside of the settlement area, rural lots are dispersed throughout the municipality. Community destinations are concentrated within the settlement area and include the St.-Charles Wellness Centre, St.-Charles Post Office, L'Église St-Charles Borromée, Caisse Populaire St-Charles Ltée., and the St.-Charles Food Market. The St.-Charles Wellness Centre is a community focal point located centrally in the Village of St.-Charles. It includes a range of community services and amenities, comprising: the Sudbury East Community Health Centre, the SDHU, the Massage Room, St.-Charles Fitness Centre, Tourist Information Centre, and Health Sciences North Mental Health and Addictions Program. The St.-Charles Wellness Centre is also accessible by sidewalks along King Street and Main Street. These destinations are located along the municipality s arterial roads, King Street and Main Street. The École St-Charles Borromée is another important community destination and shares its space with a range of services, including the St.- Charles Public Library, Alpha-En- Partage, St.Albert s Learning Centre, and Our Children Our Future. The school has a Community Use policy that allows community groups to use its facilities for recreation activities and programming. Amenities located within the Village of St.-Charles are located close to one another, concentrated within a 400 m walking radius (representing a 5 minute walking distance), and are easily accessible by residents residing in the Village (see Figure 1). The Village boundaries span approximately 800 m from Notre Dame Street to the St.-Charles Arena. For residents residing in the Village, daily errands to the bank, post office and Wellness Centre can easily be done on foot, provided that conditions are safe for people to walk around their community. Particularly during winter months, snow clearance is important for people to be able to walk on sidewalks and along the shoulders of existing roadways where sidewalks are not present. 9
Transportation and Road Safety located along King Street extend from Notre Dame Street to the St.-Charles Roadways in the Municipality of St.- Charles are under the jurisdiction of the Municipality and the Province. A provincial highway (Highway 535/King Street) traverses through the Municipality of St.-Charles. Maintenance is shared between the Ministry of Transportation and the Municipality. Active transportation infrastructure, including signage, are focused on the community s arterial roads that are under the jurisdiction of the Municipality. Active living infrastructure includes sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, bike lanes, and multi-use trails. Such infrastructure is important in providing safe places for people to travel around the community and reduces a person s reliance on automobile ownership, which can be an unaffordable reality for several people living in the Municipality of St.-Charles. Within the Village of St.-Charles, there are 2.4 km of sidewalks to support pedestrian movements. An existing sidewalk is located along Main Street from the settlement boundary, extending south towards King Street. Sidewalks Sidewalks in the Village of St.-Charles are in fair condition, with some cracking and heaving along portions of King Street. Source: LSI Inc. Arena. There are no sidewalks along other residential streets. Paved shoulders are provided to accommodate walking. There are no signalized intersections within the Village of St.-Charles and sidewalks provide pedestrian access to connect multiple community destinations (see Figure 1). Sidewalks create an incentive for people to want to walk within a community vi. Residential streets 10
that do not have sidewalks force pedestrians to walk along the shoulder of the existing roadway. Consultation with key stakeholders did not identify mobility or safety concerns among students and other residents walking to school or within the Village. Pedestrian safety and interactions with wildlife were also not brought up during consultations while it may be a safety concern in St.-Charles rural areas. Signage is present near the school, and both parks, alerting motorists to slow down. Residents living in the Municipality of St.-Charles rural areas can face significant mobility challenges accessing amenities located in the Village. As distances between rural residences are at least 500 m apart, isolation is a particular challenge for people, especially those without access to transportation. In rural communities, it is particularly critical to provide transportation options for rural residents. The Municipality is currently exploring the implementation of transportation programs. These include the following: The Municipality of St.-Charles is submitting a funding application to implement a car sharing program. Vehicles would be available at the municipal parking lot for community residents to use. Bookings could be done online or on the phone. This service would benefit those residing within the settlement area to travel outside the community. The Municipality is seeking funding to provide door to door accessible bus share service that will be offered to isolated rural residents. Services would be provided two to three times per week for people to access services in the settlement area. In addition to helping residents access health care programs and the grocery stores, trips can allow residents to attend accessible recreation programs and facilities. Cycling Infrastructure There are no existing on-street bike lanes nor signed on-street shared rightof-ways for cyclists. Efforts are ongoing to complete a multi-use Trans-Canada Trail through the Village of St.-Charles to accommodate cycling, walking, skiing, snowshoeing and equestrian, 11
which provides a connection between Sudbury and North Bay. A Trans-Canada Trail is already designated and follows Highway 17 to Highway 535 to the intersection of Highway 535 and King Street, before turning on King Street, traversing east to Casimir Road to Musky Bay Road. The Trans Canada Trail travels along both provincial and municipal roadways. Along Highway 535, the Trans Canada Trail follows along a grave shoulder. At this time, funding has not been secured for trail resurfacing. Road widening and the installation of guard rails will need to be undertaken at specific pinch points to provide safe access. between the Township and the Ministry to ensure that wayfinding and trail head signage is consistent with roadway standards as per Ontario Traffic Manual Book 8 (Guide and Information Signs). Streetscaping Streetscape design is an important element that improves the pedestrian environment. It can improve accessibility and make the street more inviting and safe for people to want to walk. Streetscape improvements have been undertaken in at specific locations in the Village, which includes the provision of benches and planters at the corner of Highway 535/King, the Post Office, and at Town Hall (see below). The regional trail connects the Municipality of St.-Charles to neighbouring communities and completes a connection between North Bay and Sudbury. The entire length of the regional trail spans 14.5 km. Within the Village of St.-Charles, the route travels along Main Street, King Street, and Casimir Road. Trail signage is proposed at the junction of Highway 535 and King Street. As part of this RRA, consultation was undertaken with the Ministry of Transportation and identified the need for further discussion Source: Municipality of St.-Charles 12
Future streetscape improvements along King Street and Highway 535 should be mindful of Facility Accessibility Design Standards (2010) to ensure that walking and resting areas are not obstructed by poorly located lighting, benches, trees, signage and other obstructions. Potential obstructions include hydro and light poles which are set adjacent to the sidewalk. The provision of street furnishings along existing sidewalks must be mindful as to not impede the mobility of persons who use mobility assisted devices. Existing institutional uses and businesses should be engaged and encouraged to improve their façade. Future provision of benches and Streetscaping at Highway 535/King Street (above) and at Town Hall (below) provide a warm and inviting environment for visitors. Source: Municipality of St.-Charles plantings in front of other institutional buildings (such as the Wellness Centre) and commercial uses (such as Caisse Populaire St-Charles Ltée) should be set back from the existing sidewalks. Accessible Parks and Recreational Facilities There are two parks located in St.- Charles, one located at the St.- Charles Arena and another, Parc David Quenneville Park, located on Notre Dame Street. Accessible recreation facilities include the St.- Charles Arena and Recreation Centre, the St.-Charles Community Centre, and the St.-Charles Fitness Centre. Parc David Quenneville Park is a small neighbourhood park that includes one small play structure. While there is no sidewalk access to the park, Notre Dame Street includes a sanded shoulder area that is used by pedestrians. Benches and shade provision are not provided at this park. The park serves surrounding residents and is located more than 800 m from the park at the St.-Charles Arena. The park has the potential of including additional 13
amenities to encourage the park s usage. The park at the St.-Charles Arena is designated as an "Open Space" in the Sudbury East Planning Board s Official Plan. This is an active park that includes a mix of uses, including athletic fields, a playground structure, sheltered area, baseball diamonds, a volleyball court, and open space. A sidewalk along King Street provides pedestrian access to the park. St.-Charles Arena is located towards the eastern boundary of the settlement area and is accessible by sidewalks along King Street. The arena provides free ice time weekdays after school. Also, the arena provides rented ice time for hockey and curling. Ice audits are routinely undertaken to ensure the safety of skaters. There is a large unpaved parking lot at the arena for people to access the arena and adjacent park. Safety features include signage on King Street alerting motorists of children playing. Top: Parc David Quenneville Park (previously known as Parc Notre-Dame Park) Bottom: Park at the St.-Charles Arena and Park Source: LSI Inc. 14
Fitness Centre St.-Charles Fitness Centre The St.-Charles Fitness Centre includes a space with a variety of machines and free weights in excellent condition. Space is also provided for instructional programming. Consultation with the Municipality identified a need to increase membership and usage of the fitness centre. Accessible Recreational Programming There are multiple service providers located within the community who provide recreational programming or have undertaken initiatives to support active and healthy living and support physical activity. Formal and informal recreation and leisure programs are offered by a range of service providers, and community groups. Affordability is also an issue for many families in the Municipality of St.- Charles. It will be important to direct funds to continue the support of low or no cost recreational services. While the Municipality does not have a formal affordable access to recreation policy, it strongly implements no cost or low cost recreational programming that encourages physical activity among all residents. Efforts by the Municipality of St.-Charles to support affordable recreation and programming include: A bicycle loan program was implemented that includes children, youth and adult bicycles. This program encourages residents to cycle within the community. Also, the Municipality also provides helmets for people who do not have access to them. Snowshoe loan program that includes snowshoes and poles to encourage physical activity in the winter months. Provision of free hockey equipment (e.g. skates), through donated equipment. Application forms are not needed for those in need of equipment. Free recreational skating at the St.-Charles Arena after 4 p.m. on weekdays. Service providers within the Municipality of St.-Charles promote the availability of funding opportunities for families to help them access funds such as Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Also, the Lions Club offers funding assistance for families in need. 15
Within the Municipality of St.-Charles, there is a range of free recreation activities for residents to participate in, including: École St-Charles Borromée is a Community Hub and opens its gymnasium for residents to use after school. Currently, the school is used by a walking club that operates every day after school, and yoga instruction. There is capacity for other groups who may be interested in using the school space for accessible recreation or community programming. Liability insurance is required for non-profit organizations and other community groups to use the school s facilities. Sudbury East Community Health Centre. Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together (SMART) is a program supported by Sudbury East Community Health Centre and funded by the Victorian Order of Nurses. It runs at the Alidor Club and provides exercises for older adults free of charge twice a week Policies St.-Charles Strategic Plan A free outdoor walking club is organized by the Sudbury East Community Health Centre, commencing at the library. Pedometers are provided to encourage participants to walk and count their steps. An Exercise Group runs weekday mornings for people to participate in self-directed exercises. Exercises are coordinated by the Source: Municipality of St.-Charles Promoting fitness and wellness is one of the objectives identified in the Municipality of St.-Charles' Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan established the 16
importance of maximizing municipally owned spaces and facilities to their full potential to support year-round programming vii. The Strategic Plan also recognized the importance of providing a range of activities, which includes low impact and accessible recreation to address the needs of an aging population. Enhancement and expansion of the Community Centre and the Recreation Centre (including its surrounding parkland), was identified in the Strategic Plan to support tourism, special events, and community growth and development. The Strategic Plan identified the following implementation activities to promote fitness and wellness: Market and promote recreational assets to outside users (sports clubs, special events, tournaments, etc.) Develop and promote signature events that inspire local residents to participate Access funding at the provincial level Official Plan The Municipality of St.-Charles is located within the Sudbury East Planning Board s planning district. The adoption of The Official Plan for the Sudbury East Planning Area which guides the development of the Municipality of St.-Charles took place in 2010. Since then, planning policy updates were completed in the Create walking trails within the Municipality of St.-Charles Identify local fitness and wellness enthusiasts that can lead and inspire others Support existing recreational/sporting clubs Encourage new clubs by providing organizational support and access to facilities 17
Provincial Policy Statement (2014) to support the development of Healthy and Active Communities. Also, other community design considerations have also been established through the World Health Organization s Age-Friendly Cities Framework, which includes the design of outdoor spaces and public facilities. An update will be needed of the SEPBOP to maintain consistency with provincial legislation and planning framework. The Sudbury East Planning Board s Official Plan (SEPBOP) includes a range of policies addressing the provision of parks and recreation as follows: Waterfront Policy Area will be the focus of tourism and recreationallyoriented seasonal development (section 2.1.2.2.d). On-site recreational facilities such as private open space or playground equipment may be required in walkup apartments, block townhouse dwellings, and medium profile residential buildings (section 2.2.3.1.2.h). Within Community Residential and Village Residential designated lands, neighbourhood parks and trails will be permitted, whereas large-scale recreational uses will only be permitted in the Open Space Designation (section 2.2.3.1.10). Lands Designated Open Space shall be used primarily for open air recreational and leisure uses such as parks, fair grounds and golf courses (section 2.2.8.1.1). When siting new parks, consideration should be given to ensuring the park is within an easy walking distance of the persons who will use it on a regular basis; visible and accessible to the community; and where possible, connected to trails ( section 2.2.8.1.3). Trails are encouraged for recreational, health and economic benefit. The development and extension of the trail network should be undertaken in consultation with the applicable municipality and affected stakeholders. The development and extension of trails should avoid areas of significant mineral potential and abandoned mine hazards (section 3.3.4.1 and section 3.3.4.2). 18
The development and/or acquisition of trails are promoted to the existing network. A Recreational Trails Master Plan may be prepared that indicates the location and means to acquire additional municipal and private lands for trails (section 3.3.4.3). Recreation trails identified as part of the transportation network in the Sudbury East Planning Area Official Plan. Abandoned rail corridors are encouraged to be reused for recreation trails (section 3.3.3.6). Monies received in lieu of parkland may be placed in a special account and spent only for the acquisition of land to be used for park or other recreational purpose, including the erection or repair of buildings and the acquisition of machinery for park and other recreational purposes (section 4.14.1.9). The SEPBOP includes policies supporting active transportation, as follows: and walkways which promote walking, cycling and non-motorized modes of transportation between communities. (section 3.10.2.d) Access to parking areas will be limited and designed to provide maximum safety for pedestrian and vehicular traffic (section 2.2.7.2.6). Watercourses are adjacent lands will be promoted to support pedestrian movement and passive recreation (section 3.5.2.10.b.vi). Exterior design controls to regulate external building, site and boulevard matters include the provision of bicycle parking to facilitate active transportation choices, active and transparent streetfront design to create accessible, safe, and attractive buildings and streetscapes, and street furniture, tree planting and energy efficient lighting and landscaping for sustainable and vibrant public spaces (section 4.7.1.2 c.). Public/private partnerships are encouraged to finance, acquire and construct a linked open space system consisting of bikeways, trails, Opportunities to provide alternative modal choices such as cycling and walking will be promoted to reduce parking demand (section 3.3.2.24.a.vi). 19
School Policies The École St-Charles Borromée provides open access to the public and interested community groups to use their indoor and outdoor facilities for accessible recreation after school hours. The school (student population = 26) includes students who reside within the Village of St. Charles as well as its surrounding rural areas. Given the size of the student population, the school does not have a Walk to School program. Interest has been expressed by the school, in consultation with the Principal, for instructors to provide sponsored physical activity initiatives for students during lunch or recess, and for support in providing sports equipment. Sidewalk Maintenance/Snow Clearance The Municipality undertakes snow clearance along sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall in accordance with Ministry of Transportation maintenance standards. 20
Recommendations This section includes recommendations addressing the built environment, infrastructure development, policies and programming. The recommendations have been ordered in order of priority and timing. Immediate (0-6 months): Consultation If so, what physical activities do you currently engage in? If you do not engage in physical activities, what are your reasons? What are the barriers to participation? What programs would you like to see offered within the community? Consultation should be undertaken with residents to assess the residents satisfaction with the existing programs, parks and facilities, and the improvements or wishes they would like to see in the community. The specific ideas and suggestions presented in this RRA should serve as a basis to engage the community, particularly regarding the redevelopment of the park and open space at the St.- Charles Arena and Park. The following are suggested questions for the Municipality of St.-Charles and community partners to ask during the engagement process and/or community survey: Do you currently undertake in any sports or physical activities? Why or why not? What activities or uses would you like to see offered at the Park? Are you aware of the St-Charles Fitness Centre? Do you use the St.-Charles Fitness Centre? What could be done to encourage or increase your use of this facility? Short Term (0-12 months): Maintain the Provision of Affordable Access to Recreation Programming A range of initiatives and programs have been undertaken to provide affordable access to recreation opportunities in the Municipality of St.-Charles. The need to continue to provide free recreation spaces, sports equipment, and 21
affordable recreation programming is important for the Municipality of St.- Charles. Considering the existing initiatives and programs developed, collaboration with one another would effectively elevate opportunities for residents through shared resources and accessibility. Future funding and investments directed to enhancing existing spaces and facilities to support the provision of affordable or no cost programming would benefit and encourage people to use the space and increase enjoyment of these assets that already exist within the community. Beyond infrastructure, efforts to continue collaboration between the Municipality of St.-Charles and community partners, such as the SDHU, to assume a lead role will assist in securing funding and providing assistance for other community partners to operate programming. The following recommendations illustrate the range of supports to continue to deliver affordable access to recreation in St.-Charles: There is sufficient capacity to continue to provide free access to school facilities offered by École St-Charles Borromée to community groups and the Municipality. Promotion is essential to improve awareness among community groups and about the facilities that are available at the school for use after school hours. As appropriate, the SDHU should continue to support funding applications for projects (e.g., the built environment, access to recreation, active transportation) for physical activity and accessible recreation programming. This may include funding opportunities from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of Education, and other funding organization. Interest was expressed by École St-Charles Borromée for assistance in providing sports equipment. Lack of existing school funds creates challenges for students to engage in physical activity during recess. To increase opportunities, collaboration with the Municipality of St.-Charles and community partners is needed to assist the 22
school in receiving donated sports equipment for use during recess. The Municipality has recently reinstated the bicycle-sharing program. In addition, the Brain Injury Association of Sudbury & District (BIASD) are providing $15 vouchers towards the purchase of bicycle helmets. It is recommended that the community partners promote and support the Municipality s bicycle sharing program. includes the Town of Oakville, the City of Stratford, the City of Toronto, and the City of Brantford. Consider the development of a Centralized Volunteer Database and List of Certified Recreation Instructors. This database could extend to other neighbouring communities, such as Killarney, Markstay-Warren, and French River to support resource sharing. Consider new accessible recreational activities such as Nordic walking (Urban pole walking) to encourage walking. Explore an extension of the Fitness Centre s operating hours, in consultation with community residents. Consider providing 5-Visit and 10-Visit cards for increasing participation at the Fitness Centre. This could be offered in addition to the existing membership fees. This practice is currently being done in other Ontario municipalities, which Short Term (0-12 months): Pedestrian Infrastructure No additional sidewalks are recommended at this time. Canada's older adult population is growing, as such, it is now more important than ever to support the health and well-being of older Canadians. Making communities "agefriendly" is believed to be one of the best ways to do this. viii The Township has received a grant from the Government of Ontario to conduct an Age-Friendly Needs Assessment. 23
This project will commence in 2016 and will include community consultations. It is recommended that older adults be invited to provide feedback on a range of topics, including existing accessible recreation and physical activity practices, programming interests, barriers to participation, as well as their perceptions around transportation and mobility in the community. Through community consultations, the Age-Friendly Needs Assessment may identify the need to improve the condition of existing sidewalks to improve safety and accessibility for the aging population. Reconstruction or resurfacing may need to be undertaken to ensure sidewalks are sufficiently wide to accommodate scooters, walkers and wheelchairs, to maintain a smooth, consistent surface, and curb cuts. The Age-Friendly Needs Assessment will need to assess St.-Charles built environment against the Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities (see Appendix B). This checklist provides guidelines for improving safety and mobility for the aging population. During the RRA, observations were made regarding the condition of existing pedestrian infrastructure, which can serve to inform the Age-Friendly Needs Assessment. Under the Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities, walkways, pedestrian pathways and sidewalks will need to be sufficiently wide for wheelchair access and have dropped curbs to road level. Newer sidewalks located towards the St.-Charles Arena have sufficient width to accommodate mobility assisted scooters. However, older sidewalks (located along the north side of King Street towards Town Hall) will need rehabilitation to provide safe access to older adults. Identification of potential sidewalk resurfacing improvements will need to be undertaken in consultation with the Ministry of Transportation to maintain the existing municipal-provincial costsharing agreement. Observed sidewalks where resurfacing will improve the existing sidewalk condition includes the south side of King Street. In consultation with the Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities, the Age-Friendly Needs Assessment should also include a lighting assessment to identify locations 24
of broken and non-functional lights. Illumination is important to improve safety and mobility of older adults, not only to support walking, but also to improve safety among motorists. Older adults also need to be consulted to identify areas in the community where additional, pedestrian scale lighting could be provided to improve safety. This RRA was conducted during the day and did not assess illumination of existing street lighting and lighting at community destinations. Also consider the provision of No Parking Signs along the route to accommodate trail users. Consultations with Municipal staff and councillors identified that there are sufficient parking lots along the Municipality s arterial roads to accommodate off-street parking. Pre-consultation will be needed with the Ministry of Transportation to discuss the placement and design of signage. Short Term (0-12 months): Cycling Infrastructure Curb markings delineating curbside parking runs along Highway 17/Main Street and King Street. As these corridors parallel the Trans-Canada Trail traversing through the Village, it is recommended that the curbside parking lane along Highway 17/Main Street and King Street accommodate the Trail. Plans are underway regarding the design and placement of the Trans Canada Trailhead Sign. Additional signage could be provided along the route within the Municipality s jurisdiction. Example of a location that can benefit from curb and pathway resurfacing to reduce potential for injury among older adults. A smooth transition between pathways, curbs and roadways will also improve safety and mobility among residents using mobility devices. Source: LSI Inc. 25
In addition, the provision of bike racks is a low cost option to promote cycling within the community. Bike racks can encourage people to cycle within the community. The following destinations are ideal locations for bike racks, including: The Post Office Library/School St.-Charles Arena/Park Notre Dame Park Curbside parking lane, as shown here on Main Street, provides ample space for a continuous bike lane. The route follows the designated Trans Canada Trail through the Village of St.-Charles. Source: LSI Inc. 26
Short Term (0-12 months): Parc Notre- Dame Park Improvements The Parc David Quenneville Park primarily includes a small children s playground. The park has the potential of encouraging other uses. Improvements to Parc David Quenneville Park are small scale in nature and could include the provision of seating and shade trees to increase the use of the park as a public gathering space. Short Term (0-12 months): Proposed Walking Trail Informal trails extend in an east-westerly direction through existing natural areas terminating at Casimir Road. These informal trails have been used by ATV and snowmobiles and have carved a potential walking trail within the settlement area. It is recommended that a portion of this informal route be upgraded to a Village Trail that provides a pathway for pedestrians. As illustrated in Figure 1, the Village Trail could commence south of John Street and follow the existing path towards Casimir Road. Wooden Bollards are recommended to mark trail entrance and exit points. This proposed walking trail also serves as a Nordic trail to accommodate cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. Medium Term (1-2 years): Official Plan Policy Directions The Sudbury East Planning Board s Official Plan (SEPBOP) was adopted in 2010 and will be undergoing a comprehensive review in the near future. The following policy directions are recommended for the SEPBOP to achieve consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement 2014 and contribute towards the planning and development of an age-friendly community: Develop policy objectives addressing the importance of the development of Healthy and Active Communities, including active transportation and recreation to support connectivity and accessibility that improves health and well-being. 27
Encourage and support municipalities to collaborate with one another to support the development of an intermunicipal transportation system. Encourage and support municipalities to collaborate with one another to support the development of active transportation networks, including systems maps to identify existing and planned pedestrian and cycling facilities. Encourage municipalities to collaborate with one another to create an active transportation network. This can expand the SEPBOP s existing policy beyond public/private partnership financing. Provide guidelines for signage and cycling facilities, using the Ministry of Transportation s Traffic Manuals. Address the provision of pedestrian paths, trails, and cycling corridors, where feasible, during site plan review and review of draft plan of subdivision. Encourage multi-use trail development on public lands to accommodate a variety of trail users. Encourage the co-location of public facilities to create community hubs and facilitate service integration. Co-location is strongly evident in the Municipality of St.-Charles, through the Wellness Centre, which includes a range of services that involves multiple services providers, as well as the local school, which shares space with the Municipal Library. The inclusion of active transportation policies establishes political support and celebrates the community s opportunities to support walking, cycling, and trails development. The Municipality of St.-Charles and community partners can refer to the excerpt provided in Appendix A (Township of Wainfleet s Official Plan) for a sample. The excerpt includes a range of policies addressing parks and open spaces, active transportation, and community facilities to support healthy and active communities. 28
Medium Term (1-2 years): Development of New Parkette The SEPBOP permits parks within existing settlement areas. This Rural Recreation Assessment (RRA) recommends the development of a passive parkette to be located on a municipally owned property located immediately to the south of the St.- Charles Wellness Centre. The St.-Charles Wellness Centre is a vital neighbourhood centre that includes a range of services and health supports drawing visitors to the community. As a community hub, enhancing this facility with an outdoor park will strengthen the facility as a community focal point and community gathering space. Suggested uses for the park include a landscaped area, ornamental garden, benches and picnic tables, an internal walking path, shade structure, and a small raised community garden. Amenities that could be provided include a shade structure, bike rack and pedestrian-scale lighting. The proposed uses complement existing health and wellness programming that have already been undertaken at the facility and extends care to support physical activity, mental well-being, and social inclusion. The Shakespeare Garden in Calgary provides inspiration for the proposed parkette. Raised garden plots are recommended. Source: botanicalgardensofsilversprings.ca Proposed Passive Park Source: Google Earth 29
Funds are needed to undertake a conceptual design of the site and to manage its administration and construction. Parks design can be undertaken over a one week period by qualified landscape architects. Design should be undertaken with input from the community and stakeholders, including services providers at the St.- Charles Wellness Centre to maximise its space for both staff, visitors, and residents. Further funding is needed to fund the project construction and provision of amenities. Following construction, collaboration will need to be maintained among the service providers located within the Wellness Centre to address the operation and management of the community garden. Long Term (2-4 years): Municipality of St.- Charles Parks Improvements The park at the St.-Charles Arena supports active uses, which includes the arena, five baseball diamonds, and a volleyball court. Detailed analysis and stakeholder consultation is needed to assess the need to maintain the existing uses or whether retrofits are needed to update the spaces in accordance with the community s interests. Further review and stakeholder consultation will identify if there is a demand and interest to maintain five baseball diamonds and a volleyball court, or whether the existing facilities can be redeveloped to accommodate other activities. Opportunities should be explored to create a diversity of spaces to support soccer and unstructured activities. The park should provide both passive and active recreational uses to promote year round physical activity and support accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. Improvements to this park should provide flexible spaces that offer a range of experiences, providing multigenerational experiences that respond to the interests of children, youth, adults, and older adults. Landscape features are also recommended along the edges of the park to improve aesthetics and strengthen the park s presence within the community. Suggested park improvements and redevelopment opportunities include: 30
an internal multi-use pathway loop to support walking and cycling; seating areas along the internal walking path; users. The development of a parks plan and design concept by professional landscape architects is recommended to support the long-term redevelopment of this park. The potential scope of work will include: deconstruction of the multi-use court to support a multi-sport youth play area; skate park and basketball court; expanded picnic spaces to support community gatherings; small off-leash dog park; and landscaping and vegetation to improve the park s visual character. Site review. Meetings with the Municipality of St.-Charles and other community stakeholders including a design session, and preparation of concept plan options. Community workshop with residents to present options to the public and receive feedback. Refinement of the preferred design option and second presentation to the public. Final concept plan with design and cost estimates for construction. The following illustration presents ideas in the redevelopment of the park. Internal walking pathways are proposed that are wheelchair accessible. The pathway provides access from the parking lot of the Community Centre on Casimir Street as well as access from King Street. Additional seating is recommended along the pathway. Trees along the pathway provide shade for Source: Google Earth. Multi-use Activity 31
A cost of developing a parks plan and design concept is approximately $10,000 and includes design drawings for Parc David Quenneville Park, the proposed park located behind the St.-Charles Wellness Centre, and the St.-Charles Park. On-going: Promotion As previously noted the Municipality of St.-Charles and community partners offer a good variety of opportunities for accessible physical activity and recreation. However, there is an opportunity to better promote, advertise, and showcase existing facilities, initiatives, and programs that are available to residents. Increased communication is needed to publicize the programs and initiatives being undertaken within the Municipality of St.-Charles, including: Information coordination among community stakeholders about the initiatives and programs being offered in the Municipality of St.- Charles. which includes municipal programs, and others run by the Sudbury East Community Health Centre, and community organizations. The centralized schedule could be made available on-line on the Municipality and partner websites as well as through social media. Schedules should also be made available in print in the St.- Charles Library and the St.- Charles Wellness Centre for residents who do not have access to the internet or who are not using computer technology. Provide incentives for local businesses and services providers, including the municipality to encourage employees who reside in the Municipality of St.-Charles settlement area to walk or bicycle to work. Behaviour change and visibility to increase the number of people who walk or bicycle to work can change the attitudes of other community residents. A centralized schedule of existing sports and recreation programs and initiatives being offered, 32