A summary of the successful season seen by Dakota Ridge was discussed at the Sunshine Coast Regional District's (SCRD) community services committee meeting on May 19.
Parks planning co-ordinator Sam Adams said the season's success was made possible by a strong team effort between the SCRD and its community partners, including volunteer and non-profit groups as well as business organizations.
In a financial statement given to the committee, as part of the summary, Adams highlighted a 300 per cent increase in revenue, from $9,000 in 2009/2010 to $28,000 in 2010/11.
Road maintenance continues to be an issue for the facility, specifically the repair of potholes and drainage. Adams said road maintenance has traditionally been funded by road user contributions.
Sechelt Coun. Keith Thirkell suggested corporate sponsorship as a way to help with revenue. Adams said that suggestion is being examined and community services general manager Paul Fenwick said funding for better road accessibility is fundamental to facility operations.
West Howe Sound director Lee Turnbull stressed the importance of Dakota Ridge to the economy, not just seasonally but year round.
"I think of Dakota Ridge as not only recreation, but also economic development. For me, that's the whole thing, helping businesses survive and thrive in the off-season," Turnbull said.
Adams told the committee a future meeting would be held with various group to plan out necessary upgrades for the upcoming season.
Parks marketing
SCRD parks and recreation staff presented their monthly report to committee members. The May report covered a wide variety of recreational matters. Activities given priority in the report included administration and recreation, with further breakdowns of activities and events held at all area community centres and aquatic facilities.
Committee members discussed bettering public engagement and access after Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk said he experienced challenges with finding recreation programs on-line. Other committee members echoed similar statements to Janyk's and agreed better organization and program information was needed.
SCRD recreation services manager Bruce Bauman said the issue is being addressed and staff is examining the re-development of the current marketing program. Bauman also said an updated website, including a Twitter feed, will be going live as of June 1.
The committee passed a motion asking Bauman to report back with an analysis of the marketing transition.
Pilot BEN bylaw
SCRD directors are taking the next steps to implement the new bylaw enforcement notice (BEN) ticketing system.
After receiving a report from chief building inspector and bylaw manager Peter Longhi, the committee discussed aspects of the report and sought clarification on certain procedures for bylaw enforcement outlined in the report, including the validity of complaints and the direct enforcement process.
The report also asked the committee to review an attached document of proposed fine schedules. These would work in conjunction with the BEN system, which will run as a pilot program and operate parallel to the current municipal ticketing information system the SCRD already has in place. The goal of the new enforcement model is to create a simple and cost-effective system for dealing with minor bylaw infractions. Under the BEN system, individuals who wish to fight a ticket will be able to appeal to a local adjudicator rather than in provincial court.
The committee referred the report to their upcoming board meeting for further discussion.
