EZT launches online recreation survey

In-person feedback also available

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

East Zorra-Tavistock Township is looking for input on potential drop-in programs that could be introduced in 2026.

The Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) and township staff have launched an online survey for residents to forward ideas for new recreational activities or services they would like to see offered across EZT.

“Your feedback will help us understand what programs matter most to residents and where we can improve to meet the needs of all ages and interests. Complete our short survey by visiting the link below and help us build a more active, connected, and vibrant community,” said a township social media post.

The survey is open until September 30 and the next meeting of the RAC has been pushed to October 8 at 7 p.m. as a result.

“It will allow staff time to compile the survey responses into a document that the Committee will review and make recommendations to Council for consideration as part of the 2026 budget for the types of activities that the Township could assist in organizing or facilitating,” said EZT CAO Karen DePrest.

“The results of the survey will drive what financial impacts, casual staffing requirements, and/or facility allocation requirements might be necessary to support the recommendations from the committee to council,” she added.

Any impacts, staffing or otherwise, will be suggested as part of the 2026 budget development and ultimately decided by council.

The township is also fanning out members of the RAC committee at some events across East Zorra-Tavistock and the first in-person event was conducted during Lions Daze in Hickson on July 18 and 19. DePrest said the next opportunity comes early next month.

“QR codes as well as physical surveys were being distributed by members of the RAC so that people attending the event could ask questions and/or complete the surveys in person or digitally. Our next in-person engagement opportunity will be at the grand re-opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 6, at the Innerkip Community Centre from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.”

RAC chair and Hickson resident Kyle Smith said he was able to have some discussions with people at Lions Daze.

“It was great to get some facetime with those individuals. No new suggestions in terms of activities or recreation that we haven’t heard already and being considered, but great feedback, nonetheless. We absolutely hope the community will embrace the survey and provide their thoughts and feedback to help our committee when we meet again to review the results. The more information we have the easier it is to come up with our recommendations for council.”

Smith explained the committee’s priorities are to strengthen the offering or services and/or programs at the township whatever that may be depending on the feedback received.

“I and the rest of the committee really hope that the residents take advantage of the survey and provide their feedback on what they want to see offered in the future, we have a vibrant and diverse township and want to encompass everyone’s needs and desires from a programming/services standpoint. If you are looking to have a chat with a committee member, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the members. We look forward to seeing everyone out in the community.”

The final in-person stop will be at the Tavistock Fall Fair in September the QR code that will be distributed in township’s upcoming final tax bills and are posted in facilities across the township.

“Special thanks should go to township clerk Meaghan Vader and deputy clerk Ashley Gerencser for the work they put into developing such an engagement-friendly tool for the RAC and respondents to use,” added DePrest.

The survey is available online at https://form.jotform.com/251664335662258. 33 survey responses have been received to date both physically and digitally.

“We are very pleased with that immediate response in the very first week,” she added.