Rocky View County (RVC) council has approved streamlining its recreation governance model to be overseen by one committee as opposed to the 10 regional bodies that currently exist. 

The new committee will be called upon to make strategic decisions that better prioritize recreation funding by examining the needs of the entire county, including consideration of the programs, services, and facilities that the county funds in neighbouring municipalities.  This will help identify and fill gaps, as well as reduce any duplication.  The new model will also simplify and clarify the county's funding process for external groups.

"Recreation consistently ranks as one of the top four priorities for Rocky Viewers," states RVC Reeve Greg Boehlke in a news release.  "The county's population is growing and getting younger and becoming more active. It's time for a completely new approach."

Before the updated approach, RVC used a recreation model established in 1972.  It was designed for a smaller, localized population with few facilities and limited needs.

"I want to thank our recreation board volunteers for keeping this outdated model running as long as they have," says RVC Reeve Greg Boehlke.  "Council has known for some time we needed a change and the dedication of our volunteers has allowed us time to find the right plan, with the right council involvement, and the right leadership to move forward."

The council has identified enhancing customer service as a priority, explains Boehlke, and that includes customer service for recreation, culture and active lifestyle groups that we fund.

"We're putting in place more stable and predictable funding for our regular programs and facilities, and an easier process for one-off or smaller funding applications.  There will be more consistency and accountability but less red tape."

The new governance model also envisions a move towards RVC directly providing some recreation programs and services and potentially managing recreation facilities as the county grows and the needs of residents become more complex. 

"There are a lot of administrative process changes to be done over the next several months, and there may be a few growing pains, but it's the results that matter," explains Boehlke.  "Council's new direction means Rocky Viewers can expect to see more value for their recreation dollars, and they can expect programs, services, and facilities that better meet their needs."

A copy of the report can be found by searching the Recreation Governance Report here.