Skip to content

Future plans discussed for community centre property

Coun. Sandra O’Connor chaired Monday’s first -in-person planning meeting in two years, with all but one councillor in the council chambers. Betty Knight (top) and Joanne Young, along with others making deputations, attended virtually.
Coun. Sandra O’Connor chaired Monday’s first -in-person planning meeting in two years, with all but one councillor in the council chambers. Betty Knight (top) and Joanne Young, along with others making deputations, attended virtually. (Screenshot)

Future visions for the use of the community centre property were a large part of a four-hour planning meeting Monday, with everything from increased parking, an expansion to the Anderson Lane fire station, a gymnasium for basketball and other sports along with washrooms, change rooms and showers, and even nine holes of disco golf, included in a presentation by parks and recreation director Kevin Turcotte.

A separate but related discussion by two expert gardeners representing a host of other interested parties presented their vision of a concept garden, hoping it will be included in future discussions of the property.

Turcotte made it clear his presentation was based on a visioning project by town staff, although he mentioned elements of it have been brought forward to council and approved. Some of the components he spoke have timelines, such as the fire station expansion, but most are just talking ideas for the future.

One of his priorities is increased parking to handle large events, done in two stages to eventually add another 345 spaces. Councillors weren’t all convinced of the need for that many spaces, or the need to reduce the greenspace on the property, but there is no plan to start paving immediately, said Turcotte.

Disc golf, however, was well-received, considered a low-cost activity for family fun and all ages.

Hoping to be included in planning discussions is a group of ‘committed, capable individuals’ who want to be involved in the development of the green spaces around and behind the library.

Representing the group, master gardener Betty Knight spoke to councillors Monday about ensuring best practices come into play with development.

With her attending the planning committee meeting virtually was Joanne Young, with a lifetime of professional expertise in landscape design, and well-known as a designer at Mori Gardens for many years.  

Knight explained they are referring to their project as a concept garden,  acknowledging they don’t have a design for the space but rather are looking for the opportunity to work with the town and staff to envision “a best practices creative inclusive space.”

The two experts are working with Robin Foster, Pamela Wilson and Liz Klose, Knight said. Foster chairs the Early Years Taskforce for the Canadian Pediatric Society; Klose has been involved with horticulture on a provincial and national level most of her life; and Wilson has a history of community engagement and a passion for developing inclusive communities. 

“We are speaking today with the blessing of the Wellness Committee and the library board,” said Knight. “This idea is supported by the co-chairs of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Committee. We would want their involvement in any discussions about incorporating DEI principles and concepts.”

An information report concerning a Circle of Life garden previously presented to council was included as part of Monday’s agenda, said Knight. That was a proposal brought forward by Pam Wilson, but Knight explained with Wilson involved, “we are now looking beyond this to a more inclusive creative greenspace,” one that is an environmentally sustainable, accessible multi-use, multi-generational space “designed for and with an awareness of people of all abilities.” Their ask, said Knight, “is to encourage the town to lead a process to engage all interested partners in the development of the mini master plan for the community centre, and to invite a talented, visionary group to the table to work collaboratively through this process.”

The group is aware of Turcotte’s plan, and appreciates development would take place over time and with various phases, said Knight.

“We realize something of this scope costs money and we are committed to creative fundraising and grant research, partnerships and discussions with foundations. There would certainly be space for other partners in the concept garden initiative, and this would be a community building partnership.”

Young spoke of some of the ideas for the space, including an Indigenous component, a pollinator garden, a sensory garden, a rain
garden, and a learning component. She also mentioned a hospice area with memorial opportunities, and a garden that would provide horticultural therapy. Each with its own special features would allow people to enjoy a full range of benefits, including mental, physical, emotional, and social, she said.

In a post-COVID-19 world, said Knight, “this project could be a magical, enabling and inclusive opportunity for town staff to work with committed volunteers to create a concept garden that makes space for all of our stories along different paths.”

On a motion by Lord Mayor Betty Disero, the concept garden proposal and request to work with staff was referred for a report, including costs, but Turcotte, when asked, said the referral “has murky waters from a staff perspective.” The project is not on his work plan, and he suggested it should probably be discussed with the recreation master plan, along with the vision he presented. That would include public engagement, he added. 

Disero agreed with making the garden discussion part of the recreation master plan, and suggested the proposal involves a group of people representing different organizations, “all trying to do something in the same place.” They need to all get together, she said, “and bring something to the table that we can consider.”




About the Author: Penny Coles

Penny Coles is editor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
Read more