Town councillor Mike Greaves outlined some of the initiatives the board has implemented over the past two years in a report he gave during the committee’s regular meeting on Nov. 18.

“There will be a new way this department does business that is currently being developed by (community services director) Brian Crozier, with the assistance of (CAO) Kelly Pender, (human resources manager) Lisa Smith and other staff,” he said. “In the New Year you can expect a presentation from Brian as to the changes that are currently taking place. The changes are in recognition of increased demands of the current department plus additional responsibilities that have been added to Brian’s portfolio but not necessarily this committee.”

Greaves didn’t elaborate on the changes, but the department is presently trying to maintain services now that park services co-ordinator Mark Flynn and leisure services manager Dean Hall are no longer with the municipality.

The chair said that the committee dealt with a number of issues over the past two years, adding that as the members head into the second half of the council’s term it was an appropriate time to review the first portion of the term.

Greaves said some of the issues that have been targeted for future discussion include:

• improvements to Pitman’s Bay with the idea that if the centennial centre is not available this summer due to potential renovations then perhaps some improvements could be made to move the town’s day camp there;

• additional components to the skateboard park such as BMX biking etc.,  with commentary to be provided as part of the proposed McCulley-Robertson Sports Complex review due out next year:

• that hall boards begin to meet annually in the new year, with a proposed annual meeting of the board to take place in December before budget considerations;

• continuation of programming with the Lake of Bays community such as swimming lessons. Staff is still reviewing a final evaluation of the day camp joint venture;

• the ongoing meetings of the special soccer sub-committee. Greaves said the committee has made positive headway in understanding the issues faced by both staff and volunteers.

Greaves also made mention of the impending G8 Summit. He said the municipality will soon know if it will be renovating just the centennial centre or adding a second surface either adjacent to the Jack Bionda Arena or elsewhere in the community.

“Regardless, there will need to be a tremendous effort by staff to bring the community up to world inspection standards. It will be a challenge for all, including this committee. That is why I have asked that any new initiatives where possible be held until the G8 is complete. There may also be the need for this committee to meet on a special meeting basis if urgent approvals need to be obtained,” he stated.

He concluded his report by stating that it has been a very successful and fruitful past two years for the committee and the community services department.

“The list I just reviewed only includes the current to be dealt with. It doesn’t include all the accomplishments including the second ice pad report, development of the Rotary Youth Park agreement and its completion, the renewal of Recognition Night, the Family Days on Cann Lake, the installation of the streetscapes on King William and the west end, not to forget the installation of River Mill Park and the children’s playground. As well there has been the improved communication with and the assistance given to our community halls, most notably in Port Sydney and Utterson.”