recreation & community services

Mission Statement

The Vision
The Recreation and Community Services Department is a leader in the provision and facilitation of recreation, culture and parks services and opportunities. Through responsible resource management, excellence in programming and community partnerships, the department strives to enrich the quality of life for all residents by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, showcasing the City's rich cultural heritage, and offering a variety of high quality recreation and arts experiences.

Guiding Principles
The Recreation Master Plan contains Guiding Principles which are core directional statements that direct the development and implementation of the Plan's recommendations and future decision-making, through the fulfillment of the Vision. The Guiding Principles were formulated through public and stakeholder input the plan and approved by Council as part of the plan.

1. Building a Healthy Community
By recognizing the role that recreation and culture play in promoting health lifestyles and social interaction, the City will strive to provide community and political support to ensure that services are properly delivered, maintained and enhanced.

2. Making Recreation and Culture Accessible for All
Recreation and cultural services will be made reasonably accessible and affordable to all residents, recognizing that different individuals or groups may have different needs and expectations.

3. Investing in Opportunities for Youth
The City will invest in organized and unorganized activities for youth by providing opportunities that engage youth in meaningful physical activity and recreation and cultural experiences.

4. Enhancing Opportunities for Seniors
As the older adult and senior population grows, the City will broaden its complement of active and social leisure programs and services to this age group.

5. Embracing the Natural Environment and Heritage Sites
The City will continue to embrace its natural surroundings and heritage sites and build upon the opportunities provided by these assets through the exploration of programming options and the promotion of recreation and cultural activities associated with these assets.

6. Providing the Necessary Infrastructure
As a high priority, the City will strive towards the provision and maintenance of integrated and accessible recreation infrastructure that meets community needs and reflects a diversity of interests, ages and abilities.

7. Supporting Our Volunteers
Significant emphasis will be placed on supporting, developing, recognizing and involving volunteers, as they are an important and integral component of service delivery in St. Catharines.

8. Encouraging Positive Partnerships and Alliances
Where appropriate, the City will pursue partnerships with other public, community and private sector providers in order to facilitate the provision of a diverse range of recreation and culture services.

9. Efficient and Effective Service Delivery
The City, through its role as the primary coordinator of the local leisure system, will ensure that the required tools, resources and supports are available so that recreation and culture opportunities are provided in an efficient and effective manner.

Organizational Structure

Division(s)

Administration Services - Business/Planning Focus
Financial management/control
Payroll
Contract management
Public/private partnership
Accomplishment tracking

Enterprise Services - Development Focus
Marketing
Revenue generation
Customer service
Program registration
Facility booking
Leisure Guide production
Concession/vending

Parks and Facilities - Technical Focus
Parks operations and maintenance
Facilities operation and maintenance
Cemetery operations
Park planning and development
Golf course

Programs and Cultural Services - Participation Focus
Program development and delivery
Cultural development and public art
Museum operation and artifact administration
Harbour and Carousel operation
Sport tourism
Community development

Director

Rick Lane
Director
Recreation and Community Services

James Benson
Assistant Director
Recreation and Community Services