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.
