I am honoured to be writing my first president’s message and first of all would like to thank my predecessor Frank Prospero for his hard work over the past year.  I also want to recognize outgoing board members Nina de Vaal and Mary Gallop for their outstanding service.  Mary will be continuing as the chair of Play Works and Nina will be involved in HIGH FIVE^® and the Senior Managers’ Institute.  Finally, I welcome Jamie Houston (North Bay) and Liz Weaver (Hamilton) to the Board.  You can read more about all the exceptional members of the PRO Board on the PRO website at: www.prontario.org/about.html. 

It is also my pleasure to thank the organizing committee of the 2008 PRO Educational Forum and Trade Show.  It was a tremendous success due to the dedication and hard work of the volunteers and staff.  The committee was chaired by the unflappable Gail Andrews, who this year was joined by volunteers Sue Bartleman, Jim Boduch, Trish Conley-Knight, Colleen Koza, Jodi Murray and Brenda Whitehead along with the fantastic PRO staff members Marion Price and Fotini Iriotakis and our student Amanda Baker.  In addition, a corps of hard-working students were on-site, taking care of the thousands of details!  Well done all.

I am very excited about the coming year and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us.  In particular, it was very inspiring to have three resolutions from the floor at the recent PRO AGM.  The three issues that these resolutions address are top of mind for many of us:  Infrastructure, Connecting Children with Nature, and supporting the work of our sector through A Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario.  All of the resolutions, which were passed at the AGM, are available on the PRO website at:
www.prontario.org/profile/2008resolutions.pdf.  Having these resolutions accepted makes PRO a stronger advocate for the sector and provides evidence of the grass roots support for parks and recreation. 

In the coming year, PRO will be focusing much of its advocacy efforts on infrastructure and access to recreation.  You can read about the recent work on both these important topics in the Issues and Advocacy section below.  There are many facets to advocacy work and many opportunities for you as a PRO member to become involved.   At PRO, we are striving to provide you with the tools that you need in order for you to be more effective in your community at making the case for recreation.   This includes research reports, such as the Infrastructure report, our pre-election platform, and sample letters that you can send to MPs and MPPs.  PRO is also pleased to be launching a powerful new tool to help communities track sport, parks and recreation infrastructure.  The FITS Database, developed in Alberta, is designed specifically for our sector and is easy to use and provides instant feedback to communities.  It will also help PRO build a case for dedicated, annual funding for sport, parks and recreation infrastructure. You can read more about the FITS system in the PRO in Action section of the newsletter. 

I am very excited to begin my term as President and look forward to leading the parks and recreation sector through the next year’s agenda.  I welcome your involvement in PRO, whether it be taking advantage of training opportunities and events, expressing your views on current initiatives or sharing your successes in promoting parks and recreation in your community.

Sincerely yours,

Aaron Burry
President, Parks and Recreation Ontario

If you have an idea, and would like to engage in a rewarding volunteer experience with PRO, contact Aaron Burry at: tothepresident@prontario.org

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Call for Submission - Access to Recreation Promising Practices Guide
The Ontario Task Group on Access to Recreation for Low-Income Families is pleased to announce the enhancement of the "Promising Practices" booklet that was created in October 2007 and provided to delegates at the Ontario Access to Recreation Policy Planning Institute in November.

The expansion of the Promising Practices booklet, funded by the Canadian Recreation and Parks Association (CPRA), Everybody Gets to Play initiative, builds on the positive outcomes of the recent Ontario Access to Recreation Policy Institute and feedback from participants and others in recreation delivery who continue to ask for examples of promising or emerging policies and practices that enhance access to recreation for low-income families. Further development and enhancement of the Promising Practices booklet will result in the creation of a comprehensive provincial Promising Practices Guide.

If you have an initiative you would like to share for inclusion in the Access to Recreation for Low-Income Families Promising Practices Guide, please download the Promising Practices Submission Guide from the LIN website at:
www.lin.ca/resource-details/10384.

This Submission Guide details the submission process and also includes the Application form. If you have any questions, please contact Diane English, Communications Officer at PRO at denglish@prontario.org or (416) 426-7306.

Ontario Task Group on Access to Recreation for Low-Income Families Report
The Ontario Task Group on Access to Recreation for Low-Income Families is also pleased to release the report from the November 2007 Policy Planning Institute. The report captures the many inspiring ideas that were generated, and provides a framework for future initiatives.

The report can be downloaded from the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) website at:
www.lin.ca/resource-details/10394. The report begins with an executive summary by Task Group chair Howie Dayton, which provides an overview, as well as an outline of the next steps for the Task Group.

This report is part of the Access to Recreation Database, hosted by LIN (www.lin.ca). It contains many valuable resources on affordable access, including a Promising Practices Booklet, Policy Statements and research documents. If you have resources to contribute, please contact LIN so they can be posted in this special collection.

Three Resolutions to Support Parks and Recreation
At the 2008 PRO AGM on April 1, Parks and Recreation Ontario members presented three resolutions from the floor for ratification by the PRO membership. The resolutions reflect priorities of PRO members and the sector and their ratification enhances PRO's ability to advocate and positively influence public policy. The resolutions are:

Resolution #1 – For PRO members to support the PRO Board of Directors to work with Senior Managers of Community Parks and Recreation Services to promote a Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario. Moved: Nina de Vaal. Seconded: Vic Hergott. Carried.
Resolution: www.prontario.org/profile/2008_resolution_charter.pdf
Background Document: Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario 2008 www.prontario.org/PDF/PRO/charterforrecandparks08.pdf

Resolution #2 – For PRO to take a leadership role, in collaboration with other allied stakeholders, to develop a strategy to promote the protection and enhancement of parks, open spaces and natural areas, and to reconnect families and children with the natural world. Moved: Andy Wickens. Seconded: Joanne Uhlman. Carried.
Resolution: www.prontario.org/profile/2008_resolution_nature.pdf
Background Document: Canadian Parks Council report Healthy by Nature www.parks-parcs.ca/english/cpc/healthy.php

Resolution # 3 - For PRO to encourage all municipalities, through direct correspondence to Ontario Mayors and Councils, to identify the importance of sufficient, safe, and functional sport and recreation infrastructure in supporting a healthy and active community; and for PRO to send a clear message to the Premiere, Minister of Finance, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the importance of including sport, recreation and green infrastructure in current and future funding priorities. Moved: Terry Alyman. Seconded: Eugene Todd. Carried.
Resolution: www.prontario.org/profile/2008_resolution_infrastructure.pdf

PRO thanks all the members for submitting the resolutions - and for the support of the members at the AGM.

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Ontario Government Increases Funding for Municipal Infrastructure
Parks and Recreation Ontario applauds the McGuinty Government and their recent commitment to municipal infrastructure. The announcement on March 12 by the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dwight Duncan is "definitely on the right track" according to Frank Prospero, Past President of Parks and Recreation Ontario, who says "Ontario municipalities, and more importantly, Ontarians will benefit directly from these increased investments.”

This announcement comes at a time when Parks and Recreation Ontario is tabling a significant report to all Mayors in the province - Investing in Healthy and Active Ontarians through Recreation and Parks Infrastructure. The report that reveals Ontario municipalities are facing a $5 billion infrastructure deficit for arenas, community centres, and swimming pools alone.

The report is not about bricks and mortar, but rather about the importance of sufficient, safe, and desired sport and recreation amenities and their contribution to healthy and active Ontarians. "What potholes are to car shocks, antiquated recreation facilities are to physical inactivity," says Larry Ketcheson, CEO of Parks and Recreation Ontario. It's one thing to ask people to become more active, but if the amenities aren't available or are undesirable - where's the inspiration?

Community sport and recreation infrastructure has and continues to facilitate healthy lifestyles, environmental stewardship, community spirit, and economic development. Addressing the current funding gap will mean better results for all - including taking a "bite" out of the obesity crisis.

In addition, through Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) $450 million was made available in grants to municipalities to restore and revitalize their public infrastructure. This was a one-time program and PRO was pleased to see that $60 million was awarded for sport and recreation facilities.

New Pesticide Legislation proposed in Ontario
On Earth Day, April 22, Premier McGuinty confirmed the Liberal Party election promise to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals by banning the sale and cosmetic use of pesticides. Legislation was introduced into the House of Commons that would enact a province-wide ban that replaces a patchwork of municipal by-laws.

According to the government website, studies by public health experts are showing growing evidence of the potential health risk of pesticides, particularly for children. The ban would likely take effect next spring, although a number of municipalities, including Toronto, Oakville, Georgina, Caledon, Markham and Vaughan are already passing by-laws which will either eliminate or reduce the cosmetic use of pesticides.

The government notes that the legislation won't affect pesticides used for farming or forestry and that golf courses would still be able to use pesticides, but must meet certain conditions to minimize the environmental impacts. Pesticides would still be used for health and safety, such as controlling mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like West Nile Virus.

Parks and Recreation Ontario will continue to monitor the legislation and keep members apprised of developments.

Congratulations to the 2008 PRO Member Recognition Award Winners
At the PRO Educational Forum and Trade Show at Deerhurst Resort, the following volunteers were recognized for their contributions to PRO initiatives!

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April 27 - May 3, 2008
National Volunteer Week
Visit the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website for more information:
www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/English/volunteerism/nvw/changetheworld/

May 1 - 7, 2008
National Youth Week
Celebrate youth and their active participation in their community! Visit www.youthinrecreation.org to learn more.

2007-2008 Canadian Playground Safety Institute
Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
Various locations
Canadian Parks and Recreation Association has announced the 2007-2008 Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI) course schedule at:
www.cpra.ca/EN/main.php?action=cms.trainCpsiSchedule.
Visit www.cpra.ca/EN/main.php?action=cms.trainCpsiFees for registration forms and fee schedule.

April 27 - May 2, 2008
ORFA 53rd Annual Professional Development Program and Expo 2008
Guelph, Ontario
Visit www.orfa.com for more details.

April 29 and May 6, 2008
Volunteer Recruitment and Screening Workshops
Markham, Ontario
Many sport groups and community organizations face challenges with finding good volunteers and screening them. Please join the Markham Sport Council for two spring training camps to learn new techniques for volunteer recruitment and screening. These two workshops are being held on April 29th - Volunteer Recruitment and May 6th - Volunteer Screening. To find out more information and to register for these workshops, please click the following link: www.prontario.org/pdf/SportVolunteers-MarkhamSC.pdf

April 29 - May 1, 2008
Creative Construct: Building for Culture and Creativity
Ottawa, Ontario
The Centre of Expertise on Culture and Communities in collaboration with the City of Ottawa is pleased to announce a three-day International Symposium on Cultural/Creative Infrastructure. The Creative Construct: Building for Culture and Creativity symposium will bring together participants from around the world to exchange the latest ideas and practices on the development of cultural and creative spaces; cultural planning and investment strategies for cultural infrastructure and cultural districts; and collaborative approaches to enhancing the cultural vitality, creative potential, and competitiveness of cities and communities. Visit www.symposium2008.ca for complete details.

May 8 – June 20, 2008
SummerActive 2008
Visit www.summeractive.ca/en/default.aspx
Get ready for SummerActive 2008 – this year's campaign is rapidly approaching. SummerActive takes place May 8 to June 20, 2008. So, start planning your event and order you free posters by filling out the online order form, available at:
www.summeractive.ca/en/pt/ontario.aspx.

Every community, school and organization in Ontario is invited to enter the SummerActive Challenges. And, it is easy to become involved. Simply organize an event or program that encourages participation in physical activity or sport and you are eligible to register in the Challenges. Getting involved is quick and easy!

Visit www.summeractive.ca/en/pt/ontario.aspx for full details on the challenges!

May 13 and 14, 2008
Conflict Communication and Building Better Children Workshops
Ottawa and Mississauga
Renowned expert on recreation, camp and education, Michael Brandwein will present a series of workshops on conflict communication and building better children. The workshops take place in Ottawa on May 13 and Mississauga on May 14. Click on the city names or visit www.prontario.org to download more information and a registration form. These workshops will benefit parks and recreation, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, supervisors, volunteers, program staff and leaders from community groups. You'll receive practical tools and techniques to improve your skills in working with children and youth.

May 14, 2008
York Region Aquatic Council - Spring Thing 2008
The Essential Aquatic Workshop
Angus Glen Community Centre, Markham
Visit www.yrac.ca/springthing.htm for complete details on sessions, including Critical Incident Stress Management, Water Pilates and Canoeing without Water. Don't miss this great event!

June 2008
June is Recreation and Parks Month
The purpose of June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) is to draw public attention to the benefits and values of recreation to individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities. The theme 'Live it Everyday' encourages people to participate in recreation and park programs, services and facilities - everyday! It is an opportunity for municipalities, schools, businesses, community clubs, individuals, and others to get out there and celebrate Ontario's recreation and parks programs, services, and facilities!

Visit www.recandparksmonth.ca for a great community tool kit to help you plan your events.

June 18, 2008
Toronto
Sharing for Social Change: An Exploration of Shared Space and Shared Service Models in Ontario's Non-Profit Sector
The goal of this workshop will be to bring together nonprofit organizations from across the province to share experiences and strategies for putting collaboration to work. Sharing for Social Change will allow participants to explore questions like:
• What experiments are underway...and are they working?
• What are the secrets from the veterans?
• How can we all benefit from sharing for social change?

This one-day event on June 18, 2008, is being co-hosted by the Centre for Social Innovation and Tides Canada/Sage Centre, To learn more and to sign up on our mailing list to receive event updates - including registration information - visit www.socialinnovation.ca/sharingforsocialchange.

October 6 - 10, 2008
World Leisure Conference Quebec 2008
Quebec City, Quebec
The Conseil québécois du loisir and the Quebec City will host the 2008 World Leisure Congress. The event will be held at the Centre des congrès de Québec. Quebec City is also celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2008. A preliminary program and online registration is now available at:
www.loisirquebec2008.com/leisure.asp?no=76


For more upcoming events, check The Lifestyle Information Network (LIN). www.lin.ca

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Change the World - Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge
Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge promotes youth volunteerism through Ontario Volunteer Centres during National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3, 2008. Volunteers are the heart of our communities. Youth are the future of our communities.

This year, the Ontario government is providing resources for the Youth Volunteer Challenge called Change the World. It challenges young people aged 14 to 18 across the province to commit, during National Volunteer Week, to participating in specific volunteering activities during the summer. For free resources to engage youth and to read more about the program, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website at:
www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/English/volunteerism/nvw/changetheworld/

PRO Forum presentations available online
If you missed the PRO Educational Forum at Deerhurst or just want to catch up on the sessions that you couldn't attend, many of the session presentations are now available online through the Lifestyle Information Network. Visit the LIN site at www.lin.ca and follow the link to Conference Papers. You'll find a number of informative presentations including "50 Great Transition Games", "Sport and Recreation Infrastructure in Ontario: Leveraging Provincial Data at a Local Level" and HIGH FIVE® Handouts.

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Canada Revenue Agency Permits Gifts Through a Municipality to a Non-Profit Organization
This short article, originally in the Miller Thompson LLP Charities and Not-for-Profit Newsletter, highlights how the Canada Revenue Agency permits gifts through a municipality to a nonprofit organization.

To view the article (on page 6 of the newsletter) please visit: www.millerthomson.com/docs/Charities_and_Not-For-Profit_February_2008.pdf

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