Recreation programs see sharp rise in registrations as demand grows across Brant

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Registered recreation programming in the County of Brant surged in 2025, with participation up 89 per cent over the previous year, according to a report presented to the Administration and Operations Committee on Feb. 17.

The Recreation Services Program Summary, prepared by Manager of Recreation Services Sarah Dredge, provides a year-over-year comparison of 2024 and 2025 participation levels, highlighting growing demand, expanded offerings and ongoing resource challenges.

Overall registered recreation climbed from 9,919 participants in 2024 to 18,767 in 2025. The largest increases were seen in general recreation programs, which grew by 304 per cent, and aquatics, which rose 68 per cent. Summer camp participation increased 19 per cent, while the After School Program remained steady.

The report attributes the growth to strategic program changes, expanded offerings and increased community demand. In 2025, the Recreation Services Division expanded popular programs such as gymnastics, ice programming and fitness classes, while introducing new sports leagues for children and adults. The Brant Ventures in Nature Program was also expanded to include initiatives such as Eco Kids Club and angler programming.

While registered programs grew, drop-in participation declined by 17 per cent, from 25,146 participants in 2024 to 20,392 in 2025. Staff note the decrease reflects a strategic shift rather than reduced interest, as several programs previously offered as drop-in were transitioned to registered formats to improve planning, staffing efficiency and participant accountability.

Summer camps, offered in communities across Brant for more than 20 years, continue to face strong demand. In 2025, staff increased capacity where possible, reallocated resources to high-demand programs and monitored attendance to fill last-minute vacancies from wait lists. Despite those efforts, the County reports it has reached capacity within existing indoor facilities and schools that meet space requirements, limiting further expansion.

Aquatic programming at the Paris Community Pool also saw significant growth. In addition to a 68 per cent increase in registered participation, drop-in aquatics rose nine per cent. Lane swims were expanded to seven days a week, and additional “bonus swims” were introduced to improve access. Staff also managed a wait list of 171 participants by creating additional high-demand classes and adjusting lesson offerings.

The Swim to Survive program, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Lifesaving Society of Ontario, served more than 2,500 Grade 3 and 7 students from both local school boards in 2025. The program operated at capacity throughout June, with added timeslots limiting the ability to accommodate other school trip requests.

The After School Program remains highly valued, with 159 of 190 available spaces filled for the 2025–2026 school year and a wait list of 23 participants. Staffing challenges and facility space requirements have prevented the County from opening additional spots at high-demand locations.

Seniors programming also experienced notable growth, with total registered participation rising 20 per cent year over year, from 3,968 to 4,763 participants. Workshops more than doubled, increasing by 119 per cent, while new offerings such as seniors’ tournaments and memberships at the Seniors Drop-in Centre contributed to overall gains.

In 2025, the County launched a Seniors Drop-in Centre at Sojourn Church in Paris through funding from the Seniors Active Living Centre Program. The centre recorded 206 memberships and 1,925 member visits between September and December, hosting 174 programs ranging from fitness and arts to educational workshops and social gatherings.

The report notes that as the County of Brant continues to grow, addressing staffing, facility space and budget constraints will be critical to meeting rising demand and ensuring continued access to recreation for all residents.

Committee members received the report for information.