Markham Announces Updated Integrated Leisure Master Plan

Building strong, active and complete communities and guiding service delivery through 2031

Markhamstaffnews.com
January 8, 2020

Markham City Council recently endorsed the updated 2019 Integrated Leisure Master Plan (ILMP), which builds upon the outstanding achievements of the original 2010 ILMP. The update identifies priorities and sets the direction for service delivery through 2031 in order to meet the evolving needs of a diverse, growing community while keeping pace with leisure trends.

“Markham Council takes pride in the previous ILMP, approved in 2010. It was tremendously successful in expanding the city-wide network and reach of our community centres, libraries, parks and arts and cultural facilities. These municipal services help create a desirable Markham, which is key to our economic prosperity,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We continue to take bold actions and embrace change, all for the good of Markham.”

“Our work is not done. We will focus our 2019 plan on deepening the connections within our diverse and ageing community, while strengthening partnerships, and devising new and innovative social infrastructure and service delivery models to benefit all of our residents, including high-rise neighbourhoods.”

“Together, we are building Markham. We are building our home,” Mayor Scarpitti said. “Leisure is key to enjoying a good quality of life, and Markham’s community facilities -- parks and trails, sports fields, community centres, pools, arenas, fitness centres, arts and culture facilities, and libraries -- provide choice, promote active and healthy living and build community cohesion.”

Since 2010, Markham has experienced population growth, an ageing community and more residents living in high-rise condos while at the same time continuing to be a destination for families. Planning for residents of all ages and stages means ensuring the range of amenities and programs meet expectations of all residents - from active programs such as tennis/pickle ball to passive leisure activities such as reading or learning a new computer skill such as 3D printing at the local library.

Walking is one of the fastest growing leisure activities for families (many with a dog) -- so dog parks, an engaging public realm and connected walking trails are key infrastructure for our residents. To support the growing range of leisure activities, the updated ILMP recommends investments in both social and physical infrastructure and the development of innovative strategies, including:

• Emphasizing partnerships, service integration and co-location in flexible, shared-use spaces, and creating a new service delivery model of a Neighbourhood Centre for the City’s growth centres;
• Taking new approaches to delivering community service facilities and public open spaces in intensified areas to support complete communities;
• Creation of multi-generational programming within our community centres and libraries;
• Neighbourhood level planning and engagement strategies in partnership with community leaders/service providers based on the unique needs of our neighbourhoods;
• In the north part of West Markham, advancing the development of a “major” community centre and library, and undertaking a refresh of the Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library; and
• Implementation of the Public Art Master Plan and commencement of a feasibility study for a new theatre.

“We know that more growth is coming. By 2031, the City of Markham’s population is forecasted to grow by 113,200 people to 460,200,” said Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services. “The 2019 ILMP guides City staff to deliver integrated parks, recreation, culture and library service that meet the needs of all ages, and to pursue innovative funding and partnership opportunities.”

The 2019 ILMP supports all of the goals set out in Building Markham’s Future Together: 2020 -- 2023 Strategic Plan, especially the goals related to building an engaged, diverse, thriving and vibrant city, as well as creating a safe, sustainable and complete community.

2019 ILMP Highlights:

Parks:

• Leveraging access and opportunities offered by the Rouge National Urban Park;
• Undertaking a comprehensive plan to add shade elements in parks; and,
• Building more cricket pitches and off-leash dog areas.

Recreation:

• Providing more intergenerational programming and planning to serve under-represented groups;
• Undertaking more neighbourhood-based or place-based planning;
• Planning a community centre in the north part of West Markham; and
• Refreshing the Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library, including creating gymnasium space.

Culture:

• Increasing integration of cultural programs with parks, recreation, culture and library spaces;
• Conducting a new theatre feasibility study; and
• implementing the Public Art Master Plan.

Library:

• Expanding digital literacy programs;
• Developing library services for Markham Centre and the north part of West Markham; and
• Delivering alternative library service and funding models for intensified areas.

2010 ILMP Achievements:

The 2010 ILMP made 205 recommendations. It has met 77 per cent of its recommendations, including:

• Building two major community centres and one sports centre within six years: Aaniin Community Centre & Library, Cornell Community Centre & Library, and the Markham Pan Am Centre -- an international sports destination and complex;
• Building more than 90 new parks and 17 new sports fields;
• Undertaking a Park Renaissance Program to reinvest in older parks within the City; and
• Developing key strategies to address community needs, such as the:
• Older Adult Strategy;
• Parks Renaissance Strategy;
• Public Realm Strategy;
• Volunteer Program; and
• Sport Development Plan.