Town Council

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According to Anand Desai of Monteith Brown Planning Consultants, Saugeen Shores has done very well at developing a connected parkland and trail system.

Desai recenty presented what it is termed an 'active parks analysis' to Town Council.  The analysis or study looked at the number of parks and their usage in Saugeen Shores.  "We have seen a province wide demand for casual activity use of park and maximizing use across the seasons," Desai pointed out, "and spaces have to be flexible to meet a wie variety of uses."

When the consultant toured the various park areas, one area of concern they felt posed problems were the ball diamonds.  According to Desai the diamonds are too close to residential areas.  "The degree of development was not envisioned in 2004  in the Biener area, for instance.  We have recommended therefore a sports field complex be estabished.

The study also said that the population is expected to not only grow in numbers but also to become more diversified.

"I have difficulty why we are using different population numbers," said Councilor Diane Huber.  "We recently did a pool study and it was suggested that the population was, in fact, on the decline.  Also, prior to this report being presented, I was expecting some sort of community input for the casual users of parks.  I don't get any sense of speaking with seniors' groups or groups who live here and are not tourist related.  There are a lot of people who use neighbourhood parks who could have had  a lot of input.  I was expecting or looking for a sense of where we are on land availability and I was expecting to see why we need parks.  I am tabout about parks not sports fields."

Huber also went on to say that she would like to have seen more of an emphasis on Fair Lake (Southampton) as a park in addition to the two waterfronts.

The report also recommended that 46 acres would accommodate a new sports complex and special events area.

Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock then raised the question of parking if a new sports complex was built.

Councilor Luke Charbonneau asked what the 46 acres would encompass. "Would it be a 50-50 split between sports fields and special events area, such as for Pumpkinfest?"

Desai recommended that, prior to actually going out looking for a 46 acre parcel, that a conceptual plan be done and a future study as to how the land should be re-configured.

Community Services Director Mike Myatt said that the there is a need for a Recreational Master Plan and suggested that the matter should come back for action when the new Council is in place.

Councilor Victoria Serda said that community input is sadly lacking and that a lot of wisdom from the community is lost.  "The next council needs to do a better job of piecing together what is needed and should take a serious look at the recreational culture and economy so there is a better plan for the quality of life in Saugeen Shores.  We need to take a broader look at things and, frankly, I don't know how the council can move forward like this."

"I hope that the new council looks at the very valuable lands there are in parks and, perhaps, the town needs to take a look and go through with a conversion.  We could walk away with money in the bank," said Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger.

At the end of the day, it appears as though the Monteith Brown 'active parks analysis/recommendations' will again come forward when the new Council is in place.

To read the full Monteith Brown report Click Here

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Monday, November 15, 2010