Town recreation survey has some surprises

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The town’s recreation survey produced some surprising results and sparked discussion among councilors about the importance of listening to what residents want.

One would think that a recreation survey would put the arena at the top of the list of facilities that are ‘important/most important’, but that was not the case. Outdoor trails were the top facility listed by as important/most important by 92 per cent of those who filled out the survey. The indoor pool was a close second at 91 per cent. Playgrounds came in third at 82 per cent, while the arena and Lake Lisgar Waterpark tied for fourth at 80 pe rcent.

The survey, which closed in May, netted 464 responses. Providing an overview of the report at the Sept. 14 meeting, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks Andrea Greenway said staff will use the survey as a planning tool.

Coun. Bob Parsons noted 56 per cent of respondents lived in town.

“Did we focus on Tillsonburg residents, these are our ratepayers,” Parsons said. “It’s nice to know that our neighbours are using our facility.”

Greenway said the survey focused on all users, and reminded council that out-of-town users pay a surcharge.

Parsons replied that the important thing is what the town’s ratepayers want.

“Are they getting what they want? I understand what you’re saying that other users want to express an opinion,” he said. “We’re the ones, the ratepayers of Tillsonburg, that pay for the infrastructure and pay the lion’s share of all those services.”

Mayor Deb Gilvesy questioned why swimming lesson registrations open at 5 a.m., saying she heard there is a ‘mad dash’ to get in. She questioned why it was so early.

Greenway said there is no good time because of shift work.

“We do want to do a little more digging on that. I agree it’s early, it’s a mad dash, but we got feedback when we started at 8 that people were already at work,” she said.

Coun. Kelly Spencer said mornings are wild for families with kids, and asked if there is a priority for Tillsonburg ratepayers.

Greenway said there is no priority, adding some municipalities have registration for ratepayers the day before.

Coun. Chris Parker pointed out the registration is based on postal code, which may capture some out-of-town residents, not addresses, and asked if this was being looked into. He was told this had been discussed.

Council accepted the report for information.