Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - A question about where recreation program users live, emerged as Middlesex Centre council discussed results of a survey at its August 6th meeting.
Ward 4 Councillor Sue Cates, who represents Komoka-Kilworth, cited the finding in the staff report, that 15% of survey respondents don’t live in Middlesex Centre.
“Have you done further work on ways to ensure it’s Komoka residents that get to get in there, and not as many London people signing up for things and taking away the opportunity for local residents?”
Currently there’s no residency requirement to sign up for a recreation program in Middlesex Centre.
“We don’t see it as an issue at the moment. I think what’s important is we want these program to meet that minimum number. So, if there’s a few others that come outside the community, that helps boost the program; get it up to that cost recovery and therefore the class would run,” said Director of Community Services Scott Mairs.
Ward 5 Councillor, Frank Berze, reminded council that using community resources runs both ways. “We have to be careful because all of us use the city of London library. I do,” said Berze.
The survey was conducted in March and April of this year. There were just under 300 responses, with the single largest group of respondents living in the Ilderton area. A total of 11 questions were included in the survey. However, none of them specifically addressed the issue of whether a municipality-run swimming pool is wanted.
Among the key findings were an interest in expanding fitness related programs. “Pickleball, pickleball, pickleball. Everyone wants more,” said Recreation Coordinator Sam Cormier.
Suggested areas of improvement include adjusting program times to better accommodate different schedules, and providing more equipment.
Respondents were also asked about whether programming spaces are welcoming for people living with dementia. Possible areas of improvement cited were more signage along with reducing noise at community centres, and having on-site support staff.
