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5. Affirm the current park/recreation/cultural facil-
ity operation approach that promotes and rein-
forces community partnerships.
6. Meet the diverse recreational facility and service
needs of all age, household and income groups.
POLICIES
1. Develop an integrated, multi-purpose park and
green space system that embraces recreation/
nature oriented activities, environmental con-
servation, non-motorized transportation, neigh-
bourhood connectivity, view corridor/vista pres-
ervation, community character and healthy
community development.
2. Through detailed park and trail plans, ensure the
park and green space provision reflects appro-
priate standards that reference the City’s vision,
population distribution, demographics and other
socio-economic characteristics, and site planning/
engineering criteria.
3. Plan for changes in future demand precipitated by
an aging population, especially the needs of the
fast growing retired and healthy senior popula-
tion, and those with physical limitations.
4. Develop comprehensive walkway and trail net-
works in support of healthy community and alter-
native transportation initiatives.
5. In park and trail planning, emphasize green space
accessibility, walkability, networking and neigh-
bourhood access; and give priority to underserved
and high density areas, including the downtown.
6. Expand the current trail network throughout the
community:
a. Incorporate walking, cycling, and where
appropriate, equestrian paths;
b. Maximize the use of natural areas and
non-vehicular routes to link community
and neighbourhood parks, recreational/
school/civic facilities, and residential sub-
divisions; and
c. Integrate the City’s parks and trail net-
works with regional, provincial and na-
tional systems, including the Trans Canada
Trail.
7. Consider both traditional and alternative means
of providing parks or park experience, in areas
of intensive densification or with few green field
sites.
8. Through the development approval process, rein-
force parkland acquisition at all levels by:
a. Implementing the City’s Parks, Recreation
and Culture Strategic Plan, Greenspace
Plan and Trail Network Plan;
b. Giving high priority to achieving the city-
wide standards for park space and natural
area provision;
c. Establishing acquisition targets in terms
of the amount, location, type and size of
parkland required in individual neighbour-
hoods (Map 12A Proposed New Parks);
d. Developing a trail and greenway network
that emphasizes:
i. links between/within neighbour-
hoods and communities for walk-
ing and cycling;
ii. greenways for their vistas and sce-
nic significance. (Map 12B) Pro-
posed New Parks and Trails
e. Securing access to mountain biking/hiking
trails on crown land, greenways and the
on-road cycling network;
f. Encouraging key natural areas, including
riparian zones and environmental sensi-
tive areas, to be incorporated into the gre-
enway/trail/natural area system as points
of interest in a manner that will not com-
promise their natural state or integrity;
g. Acquiring 5% parkland dedication through
the subdivision process, pursuant to Sec-
tion 941 of the Local Government Act; and
h. Considering cash-in-lieu contributions if
the proposed park dedication is not con-
sistent with the locations and needs iden-
Goal 5 - Build Healthy Attractive Communities