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The Community Assets Needs Assessment (CANA) wrapped up in October with consultants CDC/Converge providing a directional plan for recreation, parks and culture asset development over the next 25 years.
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 looked at what we have, and what we need. It is all about setting priorities and creating a transparent process that will shape the direction of recreation, parks and culture facility development in the short, medium and long term.
2. What are the key findings from the CANA?
The completed assessment identifies a number of strategies and initiatives that should be considered over the next 25 years. It revealed information about city parks and open spaces, outdoor recreation facilities, indoor recreation facilities, and culture facilities and amenities. Key findings include:
- Residents value Red Deer’s extensive parks systems and open spaces.
- Residents want to see continued park development that includes expanding and linking the river valley corridor to subdivisions through pathways and trails.
- An interim strategy is needed to maintain and upgrade Great Chief and Edgar Athletic Parks in the short and medium-term with future relocation and expansion of these amenities.
- Development standards and practices need to be considered for all neighbourhood fields and diamonds.
- Residents commend The City for revitalization of the Recreation and Dawe Centres.
- Planning for more ice, aquatic and field house space is required. This may include additions to existing facilities, replacement of aging facilities and development of additional multi-purpose regional facilities of Collicutt Centre proportions.
- More cultural amenities are needed including replacements of museum and archives spaces, development of a mid-size performing arts facility with concert space and a festival site.
3. When will these recommendations be implemented?
The recommended strategies and initiatives span a 25 year timeframe varying from immediate (1-2 years) to short-term (3-8 years), medium-term (9-16 years) and long-term (17-25 years). Each recommendation must be considered and fit within The City’s overall corporate goals and priorities. This will be a key consideration in determining how and when a project moves forward.
4. How was the needs assessment conducted?
The CANA got underway in October 2007 with consultant CDC/Converge Group working on behalf of The City. It was a community driven process with three main components that include:
1) research and situation analysis
2) strategy development and criteria setting
3) directional plan and implementation
Citizen input was a key factor in each phase of the assessment.
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 is complete. It will be implemented as a planning tool in the consideration of future opportunities for asset development following City Council approval.
5. 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. 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. 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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