Recreation Committee Minutes
January 7, 2009
Town Council Chambers

Present
Councillor D. MacInnis (Chair)
Councillor W. Cormier
Councillor D. Roberts

D. Anderson
L. Boucher
K. Kingston
Mayor C. Chisholm
T. Cameron, Recreation Director
D. Wilson, Deputy Clerk

Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM.

Approval of Agenda
Moved by Councillor W. Cormier
Seconded by K. Kingston
“That the Agenda be approved with additions.” Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes
Moved by D. Anderson
Seconded by L. Boucher
“That the Minutes of the meeting held on November 26, 2008, be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.

Business from Minutes

Sports Field Update
Chair, D. MacInnis updated the Committee on a presentation by the Strait Regional School Board held the previous evening which was attended by representatives of both Town and County Councils and staff. Following the presentation, Town Council approved to support the application(s) for funding for the Antigonish Town and County Field Proposal, in principle with no financial commitment at this time.

Whidden Street Playground
T. Cameron reported that she was unable to find a structure that would be suitable for both a sun shade and bus stop. She further noted that the garbage cans have been removed for the winter months and that the site will have to be reviewed for upgrades.

Christmas Activities – Wrap-up
Many positive comments were received, particularly with regard to the Festival of Trees. A wrap- up meeting is schedule with the Regional Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce. It was reported that both the parade and tree lighting were very well received. It was suggested and generally agreed that the parade begin an hour earlier in the future. T. Cameron to clarify through the Traffic Authority, S. Smith, the RCMP's role with respect to security for the parade.
Following discussion, it was generally agreed to look at what can be done next year to improve the site adjacent the Federal Building (Main and West Street entrances to Town) to make it festive looking for the holiday season.

Olympic Torch Community
The event is scheduled for November 17, 2009, at St. F. X. University. A meeting of stakeholders is scheduled for January 21, 2009. It is hoped that the RDA will be the body for this event. T. Cameron will be in touch with Gerry Grant of the Authority in this regard.

Correspondence
There was no correspondence.

Other Business

Walkways
It was noted that the walkways within the Town are in need of structural improvements as opposed to basic maintenance. Following discussion, T. Cameron agreed to prioritize a list and obtain quotes for minor to major restoration of the walkways in preparation for the April meeting of the Recreation Committee (or earlier if weather permits).

Christmas Tree Lighting
Previously discussed under Business from Minutes

Meeting Dates for 2009
D. Wilson to discuss with CAO D. Kampen, if the Recreation Committee meetings can be re-scheduled to the second Wednesday of each month at 3:30 PM for the remainder of the year.

New Business

SOGO Host Community
The Town has been asked to be a host town for SOGO, a Recreation Nova Scotia program, which will fund programs lead by youth between the ages of 13 and 19. The committees' role would be to review and recommend grant applications. Any equipment purchased as a result of grants approved would become the property of the Town.

Talk of the Town
Discussion took place on viability, cost, and timing, and perhaps look toward partnering to reduce costs as it follows similar time lines as the recycling brochure. D. Wilson and T. Cameron to meet to look at current costs of each for possibly combining the two.

Adjournment
Moved by D. Anderson
Seconded by Councillor W. Cormier
“To adjourn the meeting.” Motion carried.