REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL KOOTENAY

Commission Report
Date of Report: October 12, 2017
Date & Type of Meeting: October 17, 2017 Nelson & District Recreation Commission
Author: Clara-Jane Blye - Recreation Coordinator
Subject: NELSON AND DISTRICT RECREATION FACILITIES TASK FORCE FINAL
REPORT
File: 0520-50-NDCC

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task
Force and present recommendations and findings put forward by the members of the Task Force. The
complete report is included as Attachment A - Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force
Report.

SECTION 2: BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS ALYSIS

Task Force
The Regional District of Central Kootenays (RDCK) Nelson and District Recreation Commission approved
the creation of the Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force (NDRFTF) and the development of
a Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Strategy on November 15, 2016. The Task Force was
established on February 1, 2017.

The NDRFTF was formed in response to recommendations made in the 2014 Nelson & District Parks &
Recreation Master Plan. While the Task Force had a broad objective of discussing and reviewing
recreation best practices across Nelson and District, there was a specific focus of discussing the
Community Recreation Campus as defined in the 2014 Nelson & District Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
The NDRFTF consisted of 25 members from across various sectors of sport, recreation, culture, and
community organizations, including elected officials (members of the Nelson & District Recreation
Commission) and City of Nelson staff members.

Over the course of eight months the Task Force met a totally of 10 times (5 Task Force meetings and 5
subcommittee meetings) culminating in a final report with 26 recommendations. Further details on the
process, findings, outcomes, and recommendations are communicated in Attachment A - Nelson and
District Recreation Facilities Task Force Report.

SECTION 3: DETAILED ANALYSIS

a. Financial Considerations Cost and Resource Allocations:
Included in Financial Plan: YES NO Financial Plan Amendment: YES NO
Debt Bylaw Required: YES NO Public/Govt Approvals reqd: YES NO
N/A

b. Legislative Considerations (Applicable Policies and/or Bylaws):

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N/A

c. Environmental Considerations:
N/A

d. Social Considerations:
Outcomes of this Task Force include improved social relationships and new connections made between
community based organizations and the NDCC as well as between Task Force members and their
organizations.

e. Economic Considerations:
Many elements discussed in Attachment A - Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force Report
may have financial considerations but further consultation and discussion is required. The
recommendations proposed are done so in an advisory capacity.

f. Communication Considerations:
N/A

g. Staffing/Departmental Workplan Considerations:

See Attachment A - Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force Report for information on
Recreation Coordinator position.

h. Board Strategic Plan/Priorities Considerations:

N/A

SECTION 4: OPTIONS & PROS / CONS

N/A

SECTION 5: RECOMMENDATION(S)
That Commission receives this information report.

Respectfully submitted,

Signature:

Name: Clara-Jane Blye - Recreation Coordinator

CONCURRENCE Initials:
Manager of Recreation

ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force Report
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Attachment A Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force Report

Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force

Report
October 2017
Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force Vision
Recreation in Nelson and District will strive to provide barrier free inclusive recreation opportunities to the
entire regional community, through connected, functional, and well used facilities. We recognize the ever-
changing needs of the recreation facility users and continue to strive to meet their needs. The recreation
community will work together to create leaders and innovators who foster a culture of health and
wellbeing that supports inclusion and creativity and engages in collaboration with all providers.

Recreation Definition
(As defined in the Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015 Pathways to
Wellbeing A Joint Initiative of the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council
and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association)
Recreation is the experience that results from freely chosen participation in physical, social, intellectual,
cultural, creative and spiritual pursuits that enhance individual and community and wellbeing.
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Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force Members

RDCK Staff
Clara-Jane Blye Recreation Coordinator -Chair
Marty Benson Manager of Recreation
Joe Chirico General Manager of Community Services
Ashley Chadwick Administrative Assistant Secretary

Nelson and District Recreation Commission

Janice Morrison City Councillor - City of Nelson
Tom Newell Director Electoral Area F
Valerie Warmington City Councillor City of Nelson and Chair
Nelson & District Recreation Commission

City of Nelson Staff

Peter Sinstadt Facilities Maintenance Manager - City of Nelson
Sara Miles and Sarah Winton Nelson Youth Centre

Community Members
Beth Corven Nelson Skating Club
Angela Lund Nelson Youth Soccer
Rob Fox Adult Ice User Groups
Steve Long Glacier Gymnastics Club
David McCulloch Kootenay Swim Club
Laura Torrans Nelson Regional Sports Council
Gordon Wiess Nelson Curling Club
Kathy Centrone Nelson Neptunes Swim Team
Dale Donaldson Mallards Source for Sports
John Dooley Nelson Leafs Junior Hockey Club
Dianna Ducs Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism
Erin Fitchett Nelson Reflections Synchronized Swim Club
Deb MacKillop Nelson Cycling Club
Cam Paterson Nelson Minor Hockey Association
Theresa Montpellier Nelson Womens Hockey
Paula Kiss Nelson Civic Theatre Society
Kim Barker Selkirk College
Jesse Woodward Nelson Eco Society
Graham Jamin KidSport Nelson
Tim Beechum Nelson Pickleball
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Executive Summary
The Regional District of Central Kootenays (RDCK) Nelson and District Recreation Commission approved
the creation of the Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force (NDRFTF) and the development of a
Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Strategy on November 15, 2016. The Task Force was established
on February 1, 2017.

The NDRFTF was formed in response to recommendations made in the 2014 Nelson & District Parks &
Recreation Master Plan. While the Task Force had a broad objective of discussing and reviewing recreation
best practices across Nelson and District, there was a specific focus of discussing the Community
Recreation Campus as defined in the 2014 Nelson & District Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The NDRFTF
consisted of 25 members from across various sectors of sport, recreation, culture, and community
organizations, including elected officials (members of the Nelson & District Recreation Commission) and
City of Nelson staff members. The Task Force focus was on the following objectives:

Connect with stakeholders and community members to review recreation facilities within Nelson
and District.

Research and review current practices and policies to develop best practices for recreation delivery
and community engagement.

Advise on a strategy report to be written by the NDRFTF Chair and presented to the RDCK, the City
of Nelson, and to the Nelson and District Recreation Commission.

Review the 2014 Nelson and District Parks and Recreation Masterplan as it relates to recreation
facilities located within the City of Nelson, Area F, and defined portion of Area E.

Research and evaluate existing and new opportunities for the optimization of use of Nelson and
District Recreation Facilities.

Research and develop effective tools and resources for community engagement, including
engaging active and non-active recreation facility users that will create new recreation based
program opportunities.

Master Plan Background

In the 2014 Nelson & District Parks & Recreation Master Plan it was suggested that a plan be developed for
the Community Recreation Campus which would include building and site improvements for review and
comment by the public, user groups and consideration by the Nelson and District Recreation Commission,
the City of Nelson and the RDCK:

Consider in the plan the following building additions, improvements, and repurposes as identified
in the Master Plan and public input process: new gym and multipurpose room, additional fitness
studio, dedicated childcare room, and increased administration office space. As well add a concrete
floor to the current curling rink, consider a smaller curling rink facility (4 sheets) in the campus, and
maximize the uses of the Nelson and District Community Complex (NDCC) arena concourse.
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Include the following outside site improvements in the plan: improved vehicular circulation (giving
priority to NDCC patrons), create linkages / way finding among buildings for the patrons, add
outdoor seating and gathering areas, and give the site a park character with green space and trees.

Facilities and Spaces

Recreation facilities are buildings or dedicated spaces that provide a particular service or are used for the
purpose of recreation (as defined at the beginning of this report). In the context of the NDRFTF, recreation
facilities include but are not limited to the NDCC, the Civic Centre (Civic Arena, Civic Theater, Dance Studio,
indoor soccer facility, gymnastics facility, curling arena and lounge area), Nelson and District Youth Centre,
and other RDCK and City of Nelson Facilities. We recognize that fields, parks, trails, lakes, etc. are also
extremely valuable recreation facilities; however, for the purposes of this Task Force they were not
included in discussions.

Logistics
The NDRFTF held five Task Force Meetings (February, April, June, August, September) and five
Subcommittee meetings (March, April, May, June, August). Each subcommittee meeting was focused on a
specific theme. The six themes are outlined below and are a result of consultation with the Task Force
members at the first meeting in February.

1. Advertising and Marketing

2. Programming and Registration Opportunities
3. Collaborations and Partnerships
o Funding
4. Special Events
5. Campus Facilities
o Improvements
o Future Use
o Strategies
6. Arena Usage
o Civic
o NDCC
o Curling Club
o Dry Floor Space (NDCC and Civic)
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Nelson and District Recreation Facilities Task Force Vision

Recreation in Nelson and District will strive to provide barrier free inclusive recreation opportunities to the
entire regional community, through connected, functional, and well used facilities. We recognize the ever-
changing needs of the recreation facilities users and continue to strive to meet their needs. The recreation
community will work together to create leaders and innovators who foster a culture of health and well
being that supports inclusion and creativity and engages in collaboration with all providers.

Goals
Short Term
Improve accessibility of all recreation facilities
Within one year form a Recreation, Sport, and Culture Advisory Committee that is reflective of
entire recreation community (broader than the current Nelson Regional Sports Council)
Within one year develop a permanent Community Recreation Coordinator position
Within two years develop a communication strategy to better inform the public of recreation sport
and culture programs, opportunities, and events
Within five years host at least two special events dedicated to the promotion of or participation in
sport and recreation

Long Term
Upgraded connected facilities (recommendation)
Develop a baseline knowledge and benchmark for all recreational level programs (including
community based organizations)
o Increase of 5% overall in participation in five years, with a focus on recreational level
programs
Increase volunteer capacity within community based sport, recreation, and culture organizations
through mentorship programs, improving education, and support
Increase collaboration and communication between community sport, recreation, educational,
political, and culture organizations
o Investigate the possibility of a sports academy
o Participate as decision making or voting voice in Recreation Commission meetings
o Develop programming opportunities between community groups
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Subcommittee Meeting Summaries

The following is an overview of themes and discussions that took place over the course of NDRTF
subcommittee meetings. Meeting minutes, flip chart notes, recordings, and feedback from Task Force
members were used to articulate the summaries of each meeting.

Subcommittee # 1: Promotions and Marketing

The first subcommittee meeting focused on how organizations promoted themselves and what tools they
used for advertising. In general, all groups are using social media, websites, word of mouth, and some local
news outlets. The main outcomes from this meeting were learning from and sharing information between
groups as well as ideas for how to better market sport, recreation, and culture in Nelson and District. The
Task Force felt that the RDCK could support these efforts through access to the NDCC marketing material
such as the CCTVs, RDCK website and NDCC page, NDCC Leisure Guide, recognition within the NDCC
through banners and organization boards displayed in key locations, as well as a general shift in celebrating
all sports not only traditional sports.

Subcommittee #2: Programming and Registration Opportunities

Task Force members engaged in discussions surrounding programming and registration of participants.
Strengths, challenges, and opportunities were identified. It was felt that organizations had adequate if not
excellent programming for residents of Nelson and District, as well as the wider RDCK community.
However, areas for improvement were acknowledged, namely transportation which can be a major barrier
for both youth and adults within in the City of Nelson and beyond into areas E and F. There are many
children and youth who could benefit from transportation from school to recreation opportunities (NDCC,
Civic Centre, NYC, etc.).

A lack of adequate programming for community members living with disabilities and special needs was also
identified. It was discussed that a partnership between the NDCC and Special Olympics would be beneficial
as well as ongoing programming opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all.

Registration appears to be working well for organizations in the community, however some Task Force
members felt they would benefit from partnerships with the NDCC in terms of program registration and
information in the Leisure Guide. There is an opportunity for organizations with the expertise to offer
specific programs through the NDCC with a contract or partnership, examples could include: masters swim
programs, skating lessons, and gymnastics.

Specific issues related to the NDCC pool were discussed. Organizations felt that the current pool rental
rates are extremely high and are cost prohibitive for smaller recreation and sport groups. It was suggested
that the NDCC look into offering more options for organizations to rent the entire pool, provide community
based sport and recreation organization with rental times before and after regular pool opening hours, and
work with existing Aquatic staff who are also swimming club coaches to reduces costs (similar to
agreements in Castlegar).
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Subcommittee #3: Collaborations and Partnerships

Throughout the Task Force collaborations and partnerships were discussed in various forms. During this
subcommittee meeting the focus was on organizational level partnerships with:
RDCK and NDCC
RDCK and City of Nelson
School District 8 (for community groups, RDCK and City of Nelson)
Community groups

Community groups are keen to work together and form partnerships, however many Task Force members
felt that if there was a centralized committee of sport, recreation, and culture groups it would help
facilitate partnerships and more. The Task Force discussed their desire to form a Sport, Recreation, and
Culture Advisory Committee (details can be found in Appendix B). The key aspects of this advisory
committee are that all community based sport, recreation, and culture groups are invited to participate,
that the chair of the committee is a hired third party (Recreation Coordinator), and that this committee be
given a place on the Nelson & District Recreation Commission.

While many benefits of partnerships and collaborations were discussed one idea that came up numerous
times was knowledge sharing between non-profit societies. Many of the community based sport,
recreation, and culture groups in Nelson and District are not-for-profit societies and operate solely with
volunteers or with volunteers and a few paid staff. Many, if not all, would benefit from support on the
administrative side of organizational operations, specifically with the roles of Board members. In addition,
collaborating on grant writing was discussed as it would not only benefit organizations but appears to be a
necessity for successful grants.

The RDCK and the City of Nelson have many ongoing partnerships which the Task Force discussed in order
to better understand and provide feedback on how the community sees these different partnerships. The
Task Force felt it was odd that the Nelson Youth Centre (NYC) and the NDCC do not have a partnership and
seem to offer similar opportunities to the community. Both organizations may benefit from the
opportunity to share space, marketing, staffing etc. The general feeling was that these services should be
combined and a formal partnership be created to provide better access to both facilities for the youth in
the community.

Partnering with the RDCK and NDCC is a very high priority for all Task Force members and organizations
they represent. It is felt that the RDCK has a responsibility to the community to help promote recreation,
sport, and culture opportunities. This could be done through the creation of a website (hub), providing
information on the RDCK website similar to other communities in the area (see City of Golden Recreation
Partnership Program). They would also like to see the continuation of the Recreation Coordinator position.
It is worth noting that at the time of this Task Force, there was no available representative from School
District 8 (SD8). All Task Force members would like to see partnerships formed with SD8 (between
community groups, the RDCK, the City of Nelson etc.). Conversations with SD8 are being pursued.

A second topic that was discussed on numerous occasions was the idea of loyalty, or recognition programs
for organizations sports clubs. The Task Force discussed options for providing youth and families incentives
to be involved with community based sport and recreation, however no official program was brought
forward and the Task Force would like RDCK staff and the Recreation Commission to further discuss this
idea.
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Subcommittee #4: Special Events

The Task Force discussed special events, community events, tournaments and competitions that have
previously taken place in Nelson and District as well as the desire to attract future events to the area. The
following definitions are used to clarify how the Task Force viewed special events:

Community event, tournament and competition

Community events and tournaments are encouraged and supported as valuable assets to the RDCK
communities. In general these events, tournaments, and competitions are hosted by local community
organizations during regular use hours or do not impact other recreation facility users. In addition these are
typically local or regional level events.

Special Event
A special event can be considered one that is provincial, national, and international or brings a higher level
than normal amount of tourism and provides significant athletic, social, cultural, and economic benefits
to the community.

Some challenges current sport and recreation events face were discussed, which include but are not
limited to: accessibility, adequate seating (bleachers in Aquatic Centre, viewing room of gymnastics
facilities and lack of seating on gymnastics floor), lack of female specific dressing rooms and washrooms in
the Civic Arena and a lack of multi-purpose space in all recreation facilities.
In addition, it was noted that it requires many staff and volunteer hours to bid for and host special events,
the proposed creation of a Recreation Coordinator position could provide an appropriate RDCK/NDCC staff
member to assist in this role over time.

Subcommittee #5: Arena Usage (Civic, NDCC (Ice and Dry Floor), Curling Club)
Nelson and District is extremely fortunate to have 2 full size ice surfaces, a 6 sheet curling rink, and dry
floor space available for 2 months of the year (currently late May to early July). The arena ice surfaces are
extremely well utilized during prime time hours Monday-Friday (currently defined as 3:00pm- 11:00pm),
and usage from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. (Monday-Friday) is steady but not fully maximized. In addition weekend ice
use is high with some fluctuations and opportunities improved management of ice allocation. Increasing
arena usage has been a concern for the Nelson and District Recreation Commission and a main focus of this
Task Force. Furthermore, this subcommittee discussed best practices and opportunities for all ice surfaces,
the buildings ice surfaces are housed in, the opportunities for youth to participate in ice sports that are
currently provided and the potential for the introduction of new youth and family opportunities.
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The Task Force feels it is a major strength that Nelson and District has two ice surfaces. The Civic Arena is
extremely important to the community however in terms of physical infrastructure, they feel that it is in
need of numerous upgrades. Details around Civic Arena upgrades include but are not limited to:
Convert old refrigeration room into a new main entrance and lobby
Convert old concession space into office space
Improving dressing rooms
Address female vs male dressing room access
Installing adequate heating in dressing rooms
Improve washrooms
Install concrete floor
Create storage space for community groups
Re-establish accessibility throughout the facility
Redevelop Blue Room to a more useful community space
Improve signage and wayfinding
Install WIFI
Upgrade sound system

The Task Force feels that increasing ice usage is not only beneficial from a business standpoint but would
be a benefit to the community as well. By offering creative solutions to increase arena usage the Task Force
felt youth in the community would have better access to ice surfaces, which they feel are community
facilities. Suggestions for maximizing ice usage include:

Providing free time to the community in the Civic Arena

o Promoting the use of Civic Arena similar to that of an outdoor rink, bring back the
opportunity for children, youth, and families to play shinny with no commitment and more
of a gross roots feeling
o Provide local businesses the opportunity to sponsor these frees times along with the City of
Nelson and the RDCK

Available day time ice times between 8 a.m. 3 p.m. could be used by schools
o This would require a partnership with SD8 (as previously mentioned this is a ongoing topic
from the Task Force)

To promote the booking of early ice times it was suggested that the RDCK consider offering
discounted rates for 6 a.m. 8 a.m. ice slots

Other topics that were discussed:

The Task Force also discussed

Improving communication of available ice times to a more real time method such as using
web based login services for ice users, or social media updates

RDCK providing more transparency on user fees to help user groups understand the operating
costs of running NDCC and Civic Arena ice surfaces.
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Addressing the lack of adequate parking

o Free parking at the NDCC being abused by those who do not seem to be using the
facilities

Developing an improved business plan for the NDCC concession

o Currently the concession is not open for all tournaments or has irregular hours and
poor communication with user groups
o NDCC to mange or renegotiate terms of contract with caf owner

Improving community access to Curling Club facility

o Exclusive use by the Curling Club has created a barrier for community groups to book
the space for events, meetings, etc.
o Provide year-round bookable space

Changing and updating in the management of RDCK ice surfaces is also currently being
discussed.
o The RDCK is reviewing the current ice allocation policies in Nelson, Castlegar, and
Creston with the intention of developing a RDCK-wide policy for all ice surfaces.
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Task Force Findings and Recommendations

The priorities and recommendations presented below are based on all Task Force and subcommittee
meetings. As stated in the NDRTF Terms of Reference, the Task Force has no decision making power and is
acting in an advisory capacity. The ideas and recommendations presented are reflective of those who
participated in the NDRTF and not the community at large, in some cases broader public consultation is
required.

Community Recreation Campus Facilities and Spaces Priorities

The following six Nelson and District Recreation Task Force facility and space priorities were identified in
relation to Campus facilities are listed in order of importance, as determined by Task Force members.

The Task Force voted to have each priority in the order presented, however please note that none of the
priorities are mutually exclusive. While there are many upgrades and renovations the Task Force discussed,
the overall opinion is not to recommend specific projects other than the Civic Arena requirements until a
campus redevelopment plan has been conducted.

1. Recreation Campus Ownership, Funding, Management, and Decision Making

The Community Recreation Campus Facilities would be best managed by a single entity or
organization (while still allowing organizations autonomy). Currently, the RDCK has the
expertise to manage recreation facilities. If a Campus is going to be considered, all facilities
should be managed in the same way. More public spaces should be created and certain
exclusive use agreements should be reconsidered in favour of hourly rentals.

Questions that need to be answered:

a. Who owns the buildings?
b. Who manages the building?
c. How are the buildings funded?
d. How is recreation funded?
e. Who makes the decisions?
i. What type of decision making are we talking about?
f. Is a formal agreement between City of Nelson and RDCK needed?
g. Can the community members be invited to management and decision making
conversations?
ii. Recreation, sport, and culture advisory committee to have representation on
the Recreation Commission

2. Campus Redevelopment Plan

a. Hire a consultant to develop a plan that includes:
a. Business plan
b. Strategic plan
c. Financial plan
d. Building plan
e. Communication plan
f. The goal of overall community health
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3. Civic Centre Improvements

a. Upgrade entire facility to bring it up to modern standards (i.e. facelift)
b. Make health, safety, and accessibility priorities
c. Review what renovations and upgrades need to be done and what the community
wants

4. Recreation Service Delivery

a. Establish a baseline for community recreation offerings
b. Expand RDCK services
c. Expand RDCK programs delivered in non-NDCC facilities
d. Review what is in the current Community Services (NDCC ) recreation service portfolio

5. Facility Space Re-Allocation

a. Consider future use of facilities
b. Evaluate spaces to ensure they meet community needs
It was noted the community is lacking an open gym
Investigate opportunities for open gym space, possible space reallocation or
connect with Marys Hall to provide more opportunities to the community
c. Maximize use of community spaces and assets
Lack of meeting space (multi purpose, office space, etc.)
d. Who are the core users?
e. Evaluate cost effectiveness of facilities and changes (if any)

6. NDCC and Civic Centre Connectivity

a. Increase Accessibility
b. Connect buildings (to create the feeling of one building, with two (2) ice surfaces)
c. Create new welcoming main entry point
d. Expand recreation opportunities
e. Provide year round access to Civic Arena and Curling Club
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Facilities and Space Recommendations

1. Establish one managing entity for all Community Recreation Campus Facilities and Spaces
o Answer questions stated in Facilities and Space Priority #1

2. Hire a consultant to conduct a Community Recreation Campus redevelopment plan

o Include business, financial, building, communication and strategic planning in process

3. Consider re-allocating space within the Community Recreation Campus

o Conduct further research to determine community needs

4. Develop a plan to connect the NDCC with the Civic Centre

o Provide new welcoming entry to both facilities
o Increase office and storage space of both facilities
o Increase walking space
o Increase accessibility

5. Improve accessibility
o Many recreation facilities in Nelson and District are not accessible (either partially or at all).
A full assessment and plan to address this problem for all facilities is required. This is
extremely timely and imperative to the overall success of recreation in this community
o Address Individuals physical accessibility as well as financial ability to participate in
programs
o Align with recommendation in recent Age Friendly Community Assessment and Action Plan

6. Improve spectator seating

o Nelson and District Aquatic Centre requires bleacher type seating (retractable)
o Inadequate viewing room and lack of seating in the Nelson Gymnastics Facility

7. Upgrade Civic Arena

o Washrooms
o Accessibility
o Entrance way
o Multi purpose space
o Office space
o Storage space
o Dressing rooms (female specific, heating, space)
o Update sound system
o Install WiFi
o Install concrete floor

8. Increase multipurpose space in Nelson and District Recreation Campus Facilities

o Provide space for community events, meetings, and programming
o Increase opportunities for special events

9. Investigate options for the concourse to better accommodate the senior population and programs
o Heated rubberized floors
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Community Recreation Best Practices Recommendations

1. Hire Community Recreation Coordinator (full-time permanent position)
o Create a position (explore funding models) that would support recreation in Nelson and
District beyond the NDCC.
o Details in Appendix A

2. Develop Recreation Sport and Culture Advisory Committee

o Details in Appendix B

3. Establish baseline for RDCK Community Recreation Service

o Determine if service expansion is required

4. Reconsider exclusive use agreements of recreation facilities in favour of hourly rentals

o Determine the needs of community and user groups

5. Create more affordable promotions and marketing opportunities for community based
organizations
o Develop partnerships (share the costs)
o Create opportunities for advertising with the NDCC- CCTV and Leisure Guide

6. Provide equitable opportunities for club recognition within the NDCC

o Develop equitable guidelines so that all community groups affiliated with the NDCC have
equal access to be recognized and celebrated

7. Improve transportation for youth (both inside and outside of the city)
o Establish a recreation bus from school
o Make NDCC (Community Recreation Campus) a stop on the school bus route

8. Increase programing for community members living with disabilities and special needs
o Special Olympics partnership
o Low vision curling and wheel chair curling
o Break down barriers and change perceptions about what individuals living with disabilities
can do

9. Develop a formal partnership between the NDCC and Nelson Youth Centre (NYC)
o Combine services or develop formal partnerships to provide access to both facilities and
more opportunities for youth programming

10. Investigate Partnerships with SD8

o Community organizations and SD8
o RDCK and SD8
o City of Nelson and SD8

11. Develop more partnership between community groups and the RDCK/NDCC
o Community information available online or in print in once central place
o Website (see city of Golden recreation partnership program)
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o Incentive to youth and families registered in community based organizations (examples

include: free NDCC access, free passes to members of the community organization boards,
etc.)
o Loyalty program with points towards NDCC memberships or discounts

12. Conduct formal evaluation of special events currently and previously hosted in Nelson and District
(as well as the surrounding rural areas outside of the district)
o Ensure a staff position (Recreation Coordinator) is in place to assist with planning and
hosting special events
o Brainstorm ideas to attract future special events

13. Improve communication of available ice time

o Real-time availability posted on website or social media
o Login access for ice users
o Share the schedule with all ice users

14. Provide community with cost assessment of ice and aquatic centre
o What does it cost to operate the ice
o What does it cost to operate the aquatic centre
o How are fees structured

15. Improve NDCC advertising of public programs and times

o Establish NDCC social media account

16. Develop a model for use of curling club 12 months a year

o Improve community access
o Increase participation

17. Address parking concerns

o Lack of adequate parking
o Deter illegal parking
o Build a parkade
o Proper plowing in winter
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Summary
Over the course of the previous eight months the NDRFTF has brought together many highly
knowledgeable and passionate community members who have provided valuable feedback, brought forth
new ideas, and discussed difficult but important issues. The future of recreation in Nelson is important to
not only those who contributed to this Task Force but also to the wider community. With that in mind, the
Task Force addressed issues such as the Community Recreation Campus as defined in the 2014 Nelson &
District Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the management and ownership of recreation facilities, future
business planning and strategic direction needs for the recreation field in Nelson and District, ice surfaces
and arena dry floor space, community partnerships, and more.

Throughout the twenty six recommendations, nine are distinctly related to physical infrastructure, while
the remaining seventeen focus on what is happening inside the recreation facilities and throughout the
community. It is important to understand that while there are improvements required to the recreation
buildings there is also interest from Task Force members to improve relationships, develop partnerships,
hire a dedicated Recreation Coordinator, and create a community based Sport, Recreation, and Culture
Advisory Committee. These less physical recommendations however, are intricately connected to the
infrastructure in which they exist.

The Task Force recognizes that what happens within the recreation buildings is just as important as the
buildings themselves. They would like to see the Recreation Commission, the RDCK, and the City of Nelson
work with the community to achieve both the improvements to recreation facilities and holistic changes to
recreation, sport, and culture in Nelson and District.
NELSON AND DISTRICT RECREATION FACILITIES TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT
October 17, 2017 Page 19

Next Steps
The NDRFTF is hoping to continue the dialogue created through this Task Force. In doing so it is critical for
community members to continue to communicate with RDCK staff and the Nelson and District Recreation
Commission and work towards the establishment of the desired Sport, Recreation, and Culture Advisory
Committee and Recreation Coordinator position.

It is essential to note that this Task Force represents a specific group of invested individuals with expert
knowledge of the Nelson and District Recreation facilities and community however, within this report
certain recommendations would require more broad community involvement and consultation.
Furthermore, the Nelson and District Recreation Commission may seek the input of RDCK staff for
recommendations based on this Task Force Report.

Finally, the Task Force has outlined six priorities that pertain to the Community Recreation Campus. As
conversations progress within the Nelson and District Recreation Commission these six priorities should be
used to guide decisions and future actions. Establishing one managing entity, developing a redevelopment
plan, establishing civic center improvements, increasing public recreation services, re-allocating space, and
connecting the NDCC with the Civic Centre are all elements of the Community Recreation Campus
discussion and represent what the community feels is most important.
NELSON AND DISTRICT RECREATION FACILITIES TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT
October 17, 2017 Page 20

Appendix A

Recreation Coordinator Position

This position would serve the community based sport, recreation, and culture organizations as well as the
NDCC and the City of Nelson to achieve optimal usage of recreation facilities, provide opportunities for the
entire community to participate in recreation, host special events and more. The funding for this position
may be coordinated through the RDCK, the City of Nelson, community based recreation organizations,
grant funding, or other.

Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Act as the community liaison between the RDCK, the City of Nelson, and community based
organizations.

Serves as the single point of contact for community based organizations

Coordinate the development of a Nelson and District recreation hub. A website with a community
calendar, event info, and all contact info for recreation, sport, and culture groups.

Manage social media accounts for Nelson and District Recreation.

Chair of Recreation, Sport, and Culture Council (newly formed see below).

Participate in monthly Recreation Commission meetings.

Work with SD8 to create community partnerships and opportunities.

Work with staff at the NDCC and City of Nelson to coordinate community partnerships, develop
programming, host special events etc.

Work with NDCC staff to coordinate community event marketing in the NDCC Leisure Guide

Create weekly or bi-weekly communications to be published on social media and in newsprint

that reflects sports, recreation, and culture events, successes, stories etc.

Coordinate funding applications and provide assistance for community based grant
writing.

Help create and sustain working partnership between community organizations.

Volunteer coordination along with Social Planning Action Network (SPAN).

Actively seek out special events and work with community organizations to help support the
hosting of local events, tournaments, championships etc.
NELSON AND DISTRICT RECREATION FACILITIES TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT
October 17, 2017 Page 21

Appendix B

Recreation, Sport, and Culture Advisory Committee

The Recreation, Sport, and Culture Advisory Committee (RSCAC) is a community based committee
established to represent the community, and assist the Recreation Commission, the RDCK, and the City of
Nelson to deliver services that best meet the needs of the residents of Nelson and District.
The purpose of the committee is to:

Represent the public; All community based sport, recreation, and culture organizations given 1
space on the committee;
Recreation Coordinator to Chair;
Advise the Recreation Commission;
Advise RDCK Community Services - NDCC;
Develop policies and procedures;
Interpret policies and decisions to the public;
Plan for the future.