Aurora council votes to develop sport plan

YorkRegion.com
Feb. 25, 2015
Teresa Latchford

Aurora council unanimously supported the development of a major community sport plan at a meeting Tuesday night.

It would be the first of its kind in York Region.

“A sport plan is not bold or unique, as other communities have created one for good reason,” said Sport Aurora’s Ron Weese.

“It has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in our town.”

Reese lauded a motion brought forward by Councillor Michael Thompson directing staff to create a long-term plan. A group, comprised of a number of area sporting organizations, passed a motion at its AGM to provide input throughout the process.

It would be a vision that would not only benefit the sport community but, if done correctly, would have a positive impact on youth, senior citizens, public health, education and strengthen the relationship between business and sport, he added.

It would also support the Canadian Sport for Life initative already underway with an aim to make Aurora the healthiest community in the country by encouraging children to become active at a very young age and continue being active throughout their entire lives.

The report, expected to address how the town should approach the development of a plan, explore if it can be looped in to the parks and recreation master plan overhaul and any costs associated could be before council as early as mid March, according to parks and recreation services director Al Downey.

“This will help us define the gaps in sport in the community,” he added. “It will not only help us now but it would also help us with future years, including budget considerations.”

Mississauga’s sport plan generated 40 recommendations on how to address the community’s needs when it comes to sport. Downey pointed out no other municipality in York Region has such a plan and if Aurora does it right, it could spark others to do the same.

Downey also confirmed it would be used as a living document that could be reviewed and revised as demographics or needs change.

Councillor Sandra Humfryes also suggested the plan could act as a guide when grant opportunities to fund sport initiatives arise.

Thompson’s hope is that the town will have a fully developed plan in place by the end of the year.

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