| Collingwood, ON [30 May 2024] – The Town of The Blue Mountains and Town of Collingwood are excited to announce the launch of their Joint Multi-Use Recreation Feasibility Assessment (MURFA), awarding the consulting contract to Colliers Project Leaders. The Joint Assessment will assess the current and future recreational facility needs of residents from both communities and will also explore integrating library services into a multi-use model, as has proven effective in several municipalities across the province. As part of the Assessment, the consulting team from Colliers will create a community consultation plan, research best practices, and use planning and forecasting tools to estimate future recreation needs. The study is expected to take eight months to complete and will provide both Councils with the information required to decide whether to further progress plans that could lead to major community investments. “This study fits very nicely into our regional approach philosophy and shows that both communities are open to thinking outside of the box to find the best solutions for our residents,” says Town of The Blue Mountains Mayor Andrea Matrosovs. “I look forward to seeing the findings of the study and encourage all residents to get engaged and participate wholeheartedly.” “Many residents have expressed the need for multi-use recreational solutions, and we are a community that thrives on recreation and a healthy active lifestyle. I encourage residents to participate in consultation opportunities on this project ensuring a diverse range of voices are heard,” echoes Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. Robust engagement with residents, community groups, local and provincial sports organizations, third-party recreation providers, and community space users is pivotal to gather the most complete data possible. Subscribe to the project pages below to be notified about confirmed public engagement opportunities, and to stay informed of the project background, objectives, progress, and outcomes. www.thebluemountains.ca/MURFA engage.collingwood.ca/murfa Background Funding for individual feasibility studies was recommended through both Town of Collingwood’s 2019 PRC Master Plan and The Blue Mountains’ 2021 Leisure Activities Plan. The municipalities have both received Council approval and budget to work on a joint feasibility study to investigate a regional approach. Library Boards in Collingwood and The Blue Mountains also provided direction to review expansion and relocation feasibility, and with Council support, it was agreed to investigate in conjunction with the Joint Assessment as a measure of efficiency and timing opportunity. Awarded through the Kinetic Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) platform, Colliers Project Leaders is Canada’s largest real estate advisory and project management company. For more information, please contact: |
| Karen Cubitt Acting Director Parks, Recreation & Culture Department Town of Collingwood kcubitt@collingwood.ca 705-445-1030 x3711 Ryan Gibbons Director of Community Services Community Services Department Town of The Blue Mountains rgibbons@thebluemountains.ca 519-599-3131 x281 |
