Resources and News

• Sport and Recreation Infrastructure gets a boost from the Federal Liberals
  September 18 - Read about how the Federal Liberal Party proposes to address the infrastructure deficit in Canada. Read more
  
  
• Proposal for Restructured Parks and Recreation Field in Canada
  In 2007, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) and its Provincial/Territorial Partners (P/T Partners) formed a task group to improve the relationship between them in a way that would better serve the parks and recreation sector in Canada.   Read more.
  To view the PARTG report, click here.
  To view PRO's summary of the PARTG Report, click here.
  
  PRO is hosting two information conference calls for all PRO members: September 30, 2008 at 12 pm EDT and October 2, 2008 at 12 PM EDT.  To participate in the call, click here to register.
  
  
• Recent Infrastructure Announcements
  In August, the Federal and Provincial Governments made two important announcements of infrastructure funding for municipalities. Read more.
  
  
• 2008 Play Works Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program
  The application form for the 2008 Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program is now available online. The deadline for application is December 2, 2008 and we encourage all PRO members to review the materials and apply to be recognized as youth friendly. A community can be a municipality or a neighbourhood.
  
  For more information and to download an application please visit: www.playworkspartnership.ca
  

• Important Municipal Infrastructure Survey
  PRO is currently conducting a municipal infrastructure survey. The purpose of the survey is to create a registry of current and pending sport, recreation and green infrastructure projects. PRO will use this information to provide the Government of Ontario with advice on infrastructure priorities. To read more about the survey, click here.
  
  
• Trend Watch: Aquatic Staffing Shortages
  Issue: Shortages of qualified aquatic deck personnel continue to be a concern for some aquatic facilities in Ontario. While this is not a universal issue, as some areas have staffing surpluses, the trend toward a lack of qualified staff in some municipalities has been noted.
  To view the Trend Watch, please click here.

SummerActive and WinterActive

SummerActive 2008 winners announced! It's time to celebrate the success of the 2008 SummerActive campaign. Ontario reached a new SummerActive participation record this year, with over 500 events involving over 400,000 people. As well, we are pleased to announce the winners of the SummerActive Challenges and prize draws. To view the 15 challenge winners and 3 individual winners, please click here.

WinterActive January 15 to February 27, 2009 Visit PRO's WinterActive page for tools and resources to give your WinterActive campaign a jump start on the season!

Training and Development

• The 2008 Parks and Recreation Ontario Aquatics Conference Brochure and Exhibitor Information Online
  The 2008 PRO Aquatics Conference - The Voice of Aquatics is being held at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, ON, November 5 - 7, 2008. Read more.
  
  
• Municipal Volunteer Toolkit Workshops
  Many Ontario communities rely heavily on volunteers to deliver their programs and services. Volunteers provide a much needed value to our communities, however less than 15% of municipalities have a policy that deals with this important resource. The Municipal Toolkit, sponsored by Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) in coordination with Volunteer Canada, will provide the tools to solidify your volunteer program. Workshops take place in a variety of locations. Click here to find out more.
  
  
• Adolescent Brain Development Workshop - October 17, Ottawa and October 24, Mississauga
  A workshop for anyone who works with youth, presenter Garfield Gini-Newman provides information and insights on how and why youth think and act as they do. Registration deadline is October 6 for Ottawa and October 14 for Mississauga. To download a flyer and registration form please click on the links below:
  Ottawa
  Mississauga
  
  
• Managing Winter Risks and Effective Signage Workshops in Sudbury
  PRO is pleased to offer two workshops, hosted in partnership with the Northeastern Ontario Recreation Association. Managing Winter Risks and Effective Signage with Doug Wyseman, will be held on October 20 in Sudbury. These workshops will benefit parks and recreation directors, commission members, supervisors, volunteers, and staff from parks, community centres, and other service providers. For a more detailed description of the workshops and to download the registration form please click here.
  
  
• World Leisure Congress and Canada's National Conference and Trade Show in Quebec City
  The 10th World Leisure Congress comes to Quebec City, October 6th to 10th, 2008. Canada's National Conference and Trade Show, co-hosted by CPRA and Association québécoise du loisir municipal (AQLM) will be integrated into this unique international event. Visit www.cpra.ca for more information.