Opportunities & Gaps

The household survey has been a primary source for assessing the existing programming opportunities by selected age groups. A common theme identified for each market segment was the significant number of individuals who indicated that they are unaware of the programming opportunities.

The following is an examination of the programming opportunities and gaps for each market segment:

Pre- School Aged Children

Opportunities for pre-schoolers are good. The only gap identified was the need for baby-sitting services so that adults can exercise/participate in programming.

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Children

Overall, 43% of household survey respondents consider the opportunities for children to be good or excellent (26% did not offer an opinion). Children’s summer camps are considered to be a “strength” in Georgina. Other successful programs include the after-school program, hip-hop, and basketball. Drop-in programs are also well received.

Lacrosse is identified as a recreation gap. Trend research indicates that lacrosse is growing in popularity in many jurisdictions and at the inter-scholastic level.

Of note, York Region’s Children Services Department has initiated year-round recreation programs to accommodate children from low-income households.

Youth /Teens

Program opportunities for youth received the highest “poor” rating in the household survey. Overall, 40% ranked teen program opportunities as “poor”.

The programming needs of youth should be a high priority. A youth outreach worker would be of assistance in developing new youth programs and facilitation. The Town needs to ensure that youth programming offers opportunities for older and younger teens, but not necessarily together.

Geographically, Sutton and Pefferlaw were identified as needing more youth programs. Town Staff have advised that they are in the process of addressing these gaps. Increased programming emphasis has been identified for:

ƒ leadership skills (e.g. counsellor in training);

ƒ creative programs (e.g., drama, environmental, etc.) especially for youth ages 12-18;

ƒ drop-in/ casual programs;

ƒ transition programs (rather than recreation programs) for high-risk kids (e.g. kids last chance program);

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Transportation is viewed as a major barrier for youth, as is cost. The Jericho Youth offers its programs free of charge. While the Town has made attempts in the past to address this issue, it still comes forward as a concern during consultation efforts. As such, opportunities to provide transportation for youth programs should be investigated to determine feasibility and program offerings should be focused on locations that are easily accessible and central for youth.

Adults

Adult programs received the strongest endorsement in the household survey − 54% rated opportunities for adults to be excellent or good. However, through the community workshop, a need for more adult gym-based programming was identified. It was indicated that adults are the main users of school gym facilities. Popular programs include basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer. There may be a need for more women’s leagues (e.g., volleyball and floor hockey). Drop-in format programs respond directly to the “lack of time” (e.g., the most subscribed programs are drop-in basketball, volleyball, and badminton). Time sensitive programs are less likely to be successful for Georgina's commuting, working population (e.g., volleyball league was cancelled). More diverse adult programs are needed for residents.

Seniors/ Older Adults

Additional program needs have not been identified for seniors. Overall, 41% consider seniors programming to be excellent or good. The most popular program offering is Keswick’s drop-in walking club. Traditional seniors' programming areas are typically bingo, shuffleboard, and cards but active living programs such as swimming and walking are among the most popular activities. The Town should continue to communicate with seniors on an on-going basis to ensure that offerings are meeting their needs.

Families

Current leisure opportunities for families are primarily public swimming and skating. More special events would provide additional leisure opportunities for families. The

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Town should work with community organizations to encourage, support, and/or provide additional leisure opportunities for families including scheduling more special events. The Town's staffing complement may need to be addressed accordingly.

Special Populations

There was only limited input received by interest groups regarding persons having a disability in Georgina. The Town should continue to make programs accessible for persons with special needs. In addition, integration could be facilitated through the assistance of a volunteer leisure "buddy".

Special Events

Special events are considered to be one of the Town’s strengths and provide an excellent opportunity for family interaction. Special events are also considered to be one approach for strengthening the Town’s identity and building a sense of community.

The Town should work with community organizations to encourage, support, and deliver special events for Georgina residents. Such events could also serve as tourism generators. Effort should initially be placed on marketing existing opportunities.

Table 6-3 identifies the programming gaps that have been identified through the public consultation process.

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Table 6-3: Programming Gaps & Issues by Market Segment in Georgina Age Group / Population Programming Gaps & Issues

Pre-School (0-4) • Cross programming or provision of child care so that adults can _participate Children (5-9) • No major gaps

Youth (10-19)

• Youth Centre identified as “most needed” facility

• More extreme sports- skateboarding, mountain biking, BMX bike • Lacrosse

• More youth oriented programs/drop-in opportunities in library • Cost and transportation identified as barriers

Adults (20-54)

• Major barrier to participation is lack of time and possibly money • Perception that young first time home buyers have limited disposable

income available for recreation • Drop-in programming popular • Need for more gym-based activities.

Seniors (55+) • No major gaps

Families • Need for more special events

Special Needs Persons • No major gaps identified, however, limited input from groups

Special Populations (e.g.,

Youth At Risk) • Greater attention to youth population required Recommendations:

˜ Promote leisure opportunities available within the Town, whether provided directly by the Town or other service providers.

˜ Ensure that program opportunities and schedules are provided at various times of the day or evening to allow for commuters and members of their household to participate.

˜ Ensure that program opportunities reflect the different interests of the community by separating them into appropriate age groups. Separating youth programs from adult programs should be a priority. In addition, youth programs should be further subdivided in order to separate children, younger youth, and older youth.

˜ Continue to consult with local seniors on a regular basis to ensure that the available programs and facilities are meeting their needs.

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Recommendations (continued):

˜ Program emphasis should be placed in the following areas: - youth programs;

- drop-in opportunities for all age groups (especially for youth), including but not limited to, open gym time and other unstructured activities;

- active living and wellness programs for older adults and seniors (e.g., walking, dancing, aerobics, exercise, yoga, stretching to improve golf, cardiac care, etc.); and

- family-oriented activities, programs, and special events.

˜ Hire a youth outreach worker to co-ordinate the Town's youth programs and communicate with local youth to identify their needs and how best to meet those needs. As a starting point, the Town should consider the needs that were identified by the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation as follows:

- competent leaders that are skilled and interested in kids;

- affordable facilities that youth will use and can have reasonable access to such as gyms, pools, indoor skateboard parks and a place to hang out;

- counselling and peer support programs;

- more affordable computer and Internet access; and - treat youth with respect.

˜ Assist organizations in promoting existing special events in the community to strengthen the Town's identity and sense of community and to serve as an additional tourist draw. Also, work with groups seeking to develop new events. ˜ Assess opportunities to provide transportation to and from facilities/programs that

cater to the youth market. A lack of transportation was identified as a main barrier to participation.

˜ Work with other program providers to ensure that opportunities are provided for all age groups and income levels, in all parts of the community. Responsibility for program delivery should be based on the strengths of the provider. Where a program provider is not identified, the Town should work on its own or in consultation with another organization/group to develop the needed program.

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