The draft terms of reference for councils’ task force on minor sport development was reviewed during the March 8 Committee of the Whole meeting.
Administration was directed by council in December 2021 to begin engagement with Chestermere minor sports organizations to determine their desired outcomes for addressing needs.
In January, administration hosted a minor sports summit to engage user groups. The city considered the engagement successful, as discussions between participants, city staff and council revealed there are two major areas of interest, indoor facility development, and outdoor facility development.
“This consultation also determined that organizations were interested in participating in a task force to develop goals, action plans, and advise council on the next steps towards indoor and outdoor facility development,” parks and recreation engagement coordinator Kate Richards said.
Councillor Shannon Dean brought forward the idea of three sub-committees, one for indoor minor sports, outdoor sports, and the CRCA. Each sub-committee would report back to the main committee.
“We want to be as specific as needed but as broad as possible, so we don’t stifle creativity,” Dean said. “I want to make sure there’s a very clear place at the table, this is not about dictating to the board.”
Although the CRCA is not a minor sports association, Dean believes the organization should be a voice of what happens with minor sports and creation in the community.
“This is because of their importance and prominence, we’re not dictating, but honouring the place they have in our community when it comes to recreation,” Dean said.
Additions to the terms of reference included an additional duty to the list that focuses on maintenance and enhancement of facilities, between 10 and 25 members of the committee for a two-year term and including sub-committees.
“I do think having the task force develop their goals, objectives, and the sub-committees as a group would be really wonderful. It would have those groups take ownership for what the sub-committees do moving forward, and they are all on the same page with council about what that might look like,” Richards said. “It might be a really great exercise to make them feel like they have made those decisions and are moving it forward.”
Through discussion, the committee decided it would be appropriate to start with two sub-committees, one for indoor minor sports, and another for outdoor sports.
The draft terms of reference for councils’ task force on minor sports development will be brought back to a council meeting in April.
