{"id":111521,"date":"2022-04-21T12:12:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T16:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=111521"},"modified":"2022-04-21T12:14:31","modified_gmt":"2022-04-21T16:14:31","slug":"huntsvilles-community-services-master-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/huntsvilles-community-services-master-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Huntsville’s Community Services Master Plan: A roadmap for the future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Whether it\u2019s sport, recreation, theatre, the rental of spaces, outdoor amenity areas, or programming for all ages and interests\u2014a community is only as strong as the services that unite it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople want to live, work, and play where there are things to do, places to go, and people to connect with,\u201d noted director of community services for the Town of Huntsville, Simone Babineau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huntsville\u2019s Community Services Master Plan<\/a><\/span> has been completed following extensive research and input from the community, stakeholder groups, municipal staff, and Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project has been in the works for well over a year. In early 2021, Council approved the hiring of an independent consultant to undertake the process of creating a Community Services Master Plan. The plan will guide future councils as well as municipal staff when it comes to prioritizing and developing services and partnerships aimed at promoting healthy and active living in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The consultants have come up with 90 recommendations<\/a><\/span>, which are weighted according to suggested timelines, cost, and categorized according to the municipal departments they affect such as planning through the integration of community spaces and active transportation in new developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe programs and services delivered by Community Services offer benefits that reach far beyond the positive health effects of physical activity. They provide a generator of social capital and a variety of community and societal goals,\u201d noted Babineau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Town has already started to act on some of the recommendations in the report, other recommendations not only include the type of activities community members want to see but more flexibility regarding when such activities are offered and ensuring they\u2019re affordable and accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Community Services Division provides a diverse range of affordable inclusive programs and services in the community that enhance quality of life and contribute to resident, newcomer, and visitor well-being. The focus is on providing efficient, responsive, and innovative community-based services that promote a healthy and vibrant community through the celebration and provision of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n