Hub Staff
A new form of community engagement inspired by a ‘world cafe’ format was rolled out by the Town of Saugeen Shores to accommodate opinions and answer questions from community members of all ages and will compliment a recent telephone survey done by LeisurePlan International Inc., in regards to the possibility of a YMCA coming to Saugeen Shores.
The community meeting took place at the Plex between 2 and 3:30 p.m. on December 19 and featured seven stations headed by YMCA of Owen Sound and Grey Bruce CEO Gayle Graham and Saugeen Shores staff members including Saugeen Shores Pool Coordinator Michael Hundt. The approximately 60 people in attendance had a maximum of eight minutes at each of the seven stations, where information was presented followed by questions and opinions. The exchanges were documented and will be included in a report to council in 2019, said Saugeen Shores Director of Community Services Jayne Jagelewski.
The recent telephone survey was only targeting residents between the ages of 20 and 64 and Jagelweski said the December 19 meeting was an opportunity hear from people outside that age group and find out not only what they're looking for in a YMCA facility but also what they're willing to pay, and what barriers may set back their involvement. “Hopefully we will have some great feedback that we can take back to council that will assist council on the final decision,” she said.
When explaining why LeisurePlan International Inc., only surveyed the 20 to 64 age group, Jagelewski said the greatest share of operation revenue is from memberships within that group. “If there isn’t a desire between 20 and 64 years of age to pay for a membership then chances are a facility is not part of our future," she said.
The group of 60 attendees December 19 appeared heavily engaged in their discussions at each of the seven stations with each topic having its own sub-points.
Questions and topics included reasons why people choose to participate in leisure activities and what factors may help or hinder that decision; possible locations such as the Plex and Cameron Park; and what potential users would be looking for in a facility.
The inaugural ‘world cafe’ appeared to engage many individuals and Jagelwski said she would encourage other Town departments to use the format in the future.
Approximately 60 people attended a YMCA discussion December 19 at the Plex in Port Elgin.
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