The City of Fernie is initiating the process of updating the 2004 Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. The Master Plan is intended to set direction and provide the framework for our Leisure Services Department for the next 10 years. Due to the expiration of the existing Master Plan document it is imperative that it undergo a revitalization that will address the changing needs of the community. The City of Fernie has retained LEES + ASSOCIATES – Landscape Architects and Planners to undertake development of the City of Fernie Leisure Services Master Plan.
“The Leisure Master Plan update process is a chance for the community to let us know what the key issues concerning them are and help us determine policy directions to address these issues,” said Mayor Giuliano. “We encourage everyone to come out to the open house.”
Public consultation will begin February 27, 2013.
1. Public Open House at the Fernie Senior Citizen Centre (552 3rd Avenue)6:00-8:30pm
2. The public survey is available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Fernie_Leisure_Services
Check the City of Fernie’s website (www.fernie.ca) for links and additional information. The document is expected to be completed in June 2013. If you have additional questions please contact Director of Leisure Services, Cam Mertz 250.423.4466 ext. 225
INTRODUCTION
The City of Fernie has retained LEES + ASSOCIATES of Vancouver to undertake development of the City of Fernie Leisure Services Master Plan. The completed Plan will be a comprehensive long range planning document designed to provide direction for managing and developing parks and recreation facilities, programs, infrastructure, resources, and investment over the next 10 years. The Master Plan process will provide a plan that reflects the values and needs of the community.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the Master Plan is to set direction for the Leisure Services Department for the next five to ten years. The result of this process will be a ‘living’ document regarded as a critical resource for the City that will clearly articulate what, when, where and how recreation facilities and services will be implemented, constructed, financed and maintained. Last revised in 2004, Fernie’s Leisure Services Master Plan is a very important community planning document. The Leisure Services Master Plan guides the City’s decision making as it pertains to recreational programs, services and facilities. It sets the vision to ensure a vibrant, thriving and sustainable recreational culture for Fernie. The development of the Leisure Services Master Plan is contingent on strong public engagement and it is imperative to the process to have community input as the document is developed and finalized. A key mechanism in this process is inclusion of user groups, residents, leaseholders, Leisure Services Advisory Board and Council in the identification of recreational opportunities that will meet their needs and interests now and in the future. The document produced will provide the operational and capital framework for the future and act as a road map to help guide City of Fernie Council and Administration as they address the growth, development and recreational priorities of the community.
PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
Public Open House – February 27th , Senior’s Drop In Centre, 6:00-8:30pm The open house includes presentations about what the purpose of the Leisure Services Master Plan is, the update process, and provides interactive stations where participants can have input into important recreation issues and opportunities. City of Fernie staff and consultants will be present to guide people through the open house and answer questions.
Public Survey – Open February 14th Closed March 8th, 2013
The online survey has been developed to gather feedback from public. It is available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Fernie_Leisure_Services or follow the link from the City website www.fernie.ca
Stakeholder Interviews – February 26th
Four facilitated stakeholder interviews have been scheduled with key user groups to gain insight into specific facility use, programs and services. Invitations will be distributed the week of February 18-22nd.
Stakeholder Questionnaire – Open February 18th Closed February 28th, 2013
In an effort to get feedback on a wide variety of personal interest, formal and casual recreational pursuits and participation in the City’s facilities, programs and services formal Stakeholder questionnaires will be distributed.
CONCLUSION
The update of the existing document is an exciting opportunity for the Leisure Services Department. Upon the endorsement from the community and approval of Council this document will be implemented and not considered a ‘shelf study’. The process will demonstrate to citizens that the City of Fernie is proactive and serious about improving and evolving recreational opportunities for its citizens. The final document is expected to be produced for June 2013.
