Draft Community Services Strategic Plan now available for review and feedback.

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback during the August to September engagement period. We previously shared a brief “What We Heard” summary outlining the key themes from your input. That summary captured the most common needs, priorities, and ideas raised by residents.

This next phase builds on that earlier update. The draft Community Services Strategic Plan shows how your feedback informed the actions and priorities now proposed for the next 10 years.

Learn how your input helped shape the draft plan

Below is a summary of what we heard and how that feedback influenced the draft plan or you can read the full draft Community Services Strategic Plan.

Indoor pool and aquatic programs

Indoor aquatic space was the most common request across the survey. Many residents said swim lessons are hard to access, winter swimming options are limited, and private providers are too expensive.

How the plan responds
The draft plan includes a full feasibility study for an indoor pool, including partnership and funding options. This is identified as a long-term action under Indoor Recreation Facilities.

Trails, connectivity, and nature

Trails and green spaces were among the most used amenities, with 75% of respondents selecting trails as something they use most often. Residents requested more trails, better maintenance, clearer signage, and safer connections to move between communities.

How the plan responds
The draft plan strengthens trail development and maintenance. It commits to:

Completing the North of the Nith Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan
Creating accessible trail connections
Improving signage and maintenance
Expanding the cycling network for recreation and transportation

Programs for adults and people with disabilities

Residents shared that most programs are aimed at children or seniors. Adults who work typical hours struggle to participate. Many also asked for more accessible and inclusive programs and improved promotion of what is available.

How the plan responds
The draft plan includes actions to:

Expand evening and weekend program offerings
Review daytime programs to increase accessibility
Improve promotion of inclusive and adaptive recreation programs
Partner with community organizations to support non sport activities and youth engagement

Facility maintenance and upgrades

Residents said the County should maintain and improve existing parks, splash pads, trails, and fields before building new infrastructure. Parking, drainage, washroom access, grass cutting, and trail maintenance were common comments.

How the plan responds
Several divisions now include maintenance focused actions, including:

Standardizing service levels and maintenance practices across all parks and facilities
Implementing asset management of older parks and trails
Reviewing all accessible parking spaces
Improving winter maintenance of paths and sidewalks

Seniors needs

Seniors asked for more indoor walking options, accessible fitness, social programs, and activities outside of daytime hours.

How the plan responds
Recreation Services will:

Establish a Seniors Drop In Centre
Research ways to reduce social isolation
Continue expanding 55+ programming
Embed accessibility into the Age Friendly Plan

Emerging interests: Pickleball, disc golf, dog parks, arts, and culture

Respondents highlighted strong interest in new or expanded amenities, including pickleball courts, disc golf, dog parks, and community arts and culture programming.

How the plan responds
The plan includes:

New pickleball and tennis courts
New dog parks in urban areas
Consideration of disc golf and other emerging activities through ongoing park improvement projects
Continued collaboration with community partners on arts and cultural initiatives

Accessibility and inclusion

Residents raised barriers related to automatic doors, accessible playgrounds, mobility challenges, and transportation. Many asked for better inclusive design, equipment, and program accommodations.

How the plan responds
Through the Community Services Strategic Plan and in coordination with the County’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, we’re committed to:

Evaluating accessibility needs and upgrading accessible paths and trails
Reviewing accessible parking lots and facilities
Improving promotion of the Fun Adaptive Inclusive Recreation program
Integrating accessibility into all future planning documents

Demand for more indoor and multi-use facilities

Residents identified a need for more indoor courts, expanded youth space, indoor soccer facilities, and a walking track.

How the plan responds
The plan includes:

Brant Sports Complex expansion planning
Feasibility studies for indoor turf and multi-use court spaces
Glen Morris Community Hall replacement studies
Syl Apps facility assessment for continued community use

Cemetery care and records

Respondents indicated they were satisfied with cemetery services but identified the importance of upkeep and respect for historic spaces.

How the plan responds
The plan outlines:

Digitizing all cemetery records
Standardizing maintenance practices across active and inactive cemeteries
Developing a Cemetery Master Plan

Environmental stewardship

Residents expressed strong interest in tree planting, protection of green spaces, and environmental education.

How the plan responds
The plan includes:

Implementing a Community Forestry Strategy
Continuing tree planting and horticulture programs
Supporting environmental groups and community partners
Completing a county wide tree inventory

Your feedback is still needed

The Community Services Strategic Plan will be presented to Council in February 2026.

Before finalizing the plan, we invite you to review the draft and share your thoughts by sharing your comments or questions until Monday, December 15, 2025.

Your feedback will help ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of all communities across the County of Brant.