April 6, 1999

To:Etobicoke Community Council

From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:Fairfield Seniors Centre Advisory Board Report - Ward 2, Lakeshore-Queensway

Purpose:

To respond to Etobicoke Community Council's request for information concerning Facility Advisory Boards, with specific reference to the Fairfield Senior's Centre Advisory Board.

Source of Funds:

There is no impact on the capital or operating budgets.

Recommendations:

That this report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting on March 30, 1999, Etobicoke Community Council received a deputation from Mr. Joel Strauss and Ms. Dale McLean, with respect to the cancellation of the Shiatsu Therapy program at Fairfield Senior's Centre. Information on the role of the Advisory Board, as it relates to the facility, staff and community was requested by Council.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

Advisory Boards have been a key component in the operation of recreation facilities in the former City of Etobicoke since community schools were introduced in 1969. As the Parks and Recreation Department has grown, so too have Advisory Boards, to the point where every community school, aquatic facility, community centre and senior's centre has an Advisory Board.

Staff strongly believe in the concept of Advisory Boards and have worked with Board members to evaluate their function on an ongoing basis.

The most recent evaluation of Advisory Boards was a document "An Introduction to the City of Etobicoke Facility Advisory Boards." (See attachment #1) Council received the document on June 17, 1996, and directed staff "to use this document as an operating basis for all Facility Advisory Boards, effective immediately."

An Advisory Board has been an integral part of Fairfield Senior's Centre since the facility opened in 1983. The Board consists of 20 members, of which seven are elected annually from the general membership of 2,300 people and 13 are appointed from the clubs that operate in the centre, one from each club, for a two year term.

A nomination committee actively solicits new Board members for election at the Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting is held each October and the elections are conducted by an local service club. On average, five new members are elected/appointed each year.

The executive committee of the Advisory Board consists of a President, 1^st Vice President, 2^nd Vice President, Past President, Secretary and Treasurer. Staff are not permitted to become members of the Board.

The prime role of the Advisory Board is to be the communication link between the City staff and the community. Other responsibilities include:

• make the local community aware of available programs and services;
• promote community spirit through special events;
• assist in reviewing and evaluating existing programs and services; and,
• assist with fund raising projects.

Conclusions:

Staff strongly believe in the concept of Advisory Boards and feel they are essential to the success of the operation of recreation facilities.

A city -wide committee, comprised of senior staff and Advisory Board members, will initiate the process of evaluating Advisory Boards as part of the amalgamation process

Contact Name:

Don Boyle

Director, Parks and Recreation, West District

394-5723

Joe Halstead

Commissioner

Economic Development, Culture and Tourism