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October 16, 2008
1. What is the Community Assets Needs Assessment (CANA)?
Growing demand for parks, recreation and cultural programs and services in Red Deer means City facilities are busier than ever. The Community Assets Needs Assessment looks at what we have, and what we need, to help set priorities for the future. It will identify a clear process for when, where, why and how we develop recreation, parks and culture spaces, facilities and amenities in Red Deer.
2. Why is the CANA important?
The CANA will assist City Council in making decisions about the future of recreation, parks and cultural assets in Red Deer. It is all about setting priorities and creating a transparent process that will shape the direction for facility development in the short, medium and long term.
3. How is The City moving forward with the CANA?
The CANA got underway in September 2007 with consultant CDC/Converge Group working on behalf of The City. It is a community driven process with three main components that include:
- research and situation analysis
- strategy development and criteria setting
- directional plan and implementation
Citizen input is a key factor in each phase of the assessment.
The first and second phases of the assessment are complete. The first phase involved finding out what we have and need. It included an inventory of existing assets and comparisons to other cities. Researchers talked to people about what they like and dislike when it comes to recreation, parks, and culture in Red Deer. This was done through a statistically valid public survey, facilitated focus groups sessions and stakeholder consultation.
The second phase of the assessment involved criteria setting and strategy development. It was all about finding the right criteria to help evaluate and guide future recreation, parks and culture facility (re)development in Red Deer. This was done primarily through information feedback sessions and workshops.
The directional plan will be presented to City Council in November 2008, following the public open house. Implementation of the plan will follow over a 25 year timeframe.
4. Who will it impact?
It will provide continued improvements to quality of life for Red Deer citizens now and into the future. Everyone from artists to aquatics users to those who walk in City parks and on trails will benefit.
5. What will be the end result?
The end result will be a directional plan that helps Recreation, Parks and Culture (RPC) determine priorities for future development. The CANA will help us better understand what is important to our community to guide our progress as we move forward. Ultimately, it will help us better meet your needs when it comes to things like where we build parks and trails, when we build or renovate facilities and how we go about partnering with local groups and agencies.
6. When will CANA wrap up?
The Assessment will be complete in November, 2008. The directional plan and implementation phase will move forward following the public open house and Council approval.
7. Does the CANA impact projects that are already underway such as the G.H. Dawe Community Centre revitalization?
No, the assessment will not impact projects that are underway. Revitalization of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre will not be impacted by the Community Assets Needs Assessment. The project is already approved with plans to wrap up in spring 2010.
8. How does the CANA fit with other RPC or corporate plans?
The Community Assets Needs Assessment aligns with other City and RPC department plans such as The City of Red Deer Strategic Plan and Community Culture Master Plan. Proposed direction from these, and other plans, will be considered in order to prioritize the overall corporate direction. This ensures citizens needs are met and tax based dollars are spent in the most effective way.
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For more information, please contact:
Kay Kenny
Recreation Superintendent
The City of Red Deer
403-309-8418
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