TAMRMS#: B06
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Recreation and Sport Community Group Services
Notice given by: Mayor Heron
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BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
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That the operating budget be temporarily reduced by $29,700 to reduce recreation and sport community group services.
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Administration’s Understanding of the Intent of the Motion:
To reduce the service level of recreation and sport community group services which has a budget impact of $29,700 for 2021.
Operational or Organizational Impacts if Motion is Approved:
This motion would result in a suspension of the following programs:
• Sport Day in St. Albert.
• Communities Connect event.
• In person or virtual workshops for community groups.
• Grant software access to local not for profit groups.
Financial Implications of Motion:
In error, the proposed operating budget for recreation and sport community group services has already been reduced in the 2021 budget by $29,700, reflecting this service reduction.
If Council agrees with this temporary service reduction, the motion should not be moved.
If Council desires these services to be provided in 2021, the following motion is recommended:
“That the operating budget for 2021 be increased by $29,700 in order to continue recreation and sport community group services”
Stakeholder Consultations:
No stakeholder/public engagement has been carried out for this service delivery modification.
Background:
The recreation and sport community groups provide thousands of hours of programming to St. Albert residents and thousands of hours of volunteer time in the community annually.
These organizations have created and shepherded excellence in recreational infrastructure in the community that enhances sport and leisure provision in St. Albert. These organizations have assisted in building a stronger community in St. Albert and their services provide many mental and physical health benefits for individuals and families.
This budget reduction would result in the following service modifications for 2021;
• Suspend the provision of Sport Day in St. Albert, which allows for 20+ local sport groups to demonstrate sport and create new interest for participants and volunteers.
• Suspend the Communities Connect event, which allows for (70 groups) opportunity for cross sector collaboration, learning, and networking to support further development and sustainability of local not for profit.
• Suspend offering in person or virtual workshops provided annually in support of the not for profit recreation sector (social media, board governance, etc.).
• Suspend the provision of grant software access to local not for profit groups.
• The funding for updates to the Skating Wall of Fame at Servus Credit Union Place will be reallocated from other operational funds.
The above programs, events and initiatives support local organizations by providing community exposure to their sport and strengthening the sustainability of the individual group and the broader sport community. The groups then go on to provide recreation and sport programming to the community.
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Report Date: December 1, 2020
Author: Daniele Podlubny, Manager, Community Recreation
Department: Recreation & Parks Development
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble
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