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• After three years of strategizing and consultation, a Parks, Forestry and Recreation strategic plan called "Our Common Grounds" was adopted by City Council. In 2010, this plan disappeared.

Part of Community Engagement Our Common Grounds plan 2004 Public Consultation

Toronto City Council Economic Development and Parks Committee July 20, 21 and 22, 2004 Report 5, Clause 2 Background:

The strategic planning process began in 2001 and has most recently become an integral part of the Parks and Recreation Organizational Review with the initiation of ReActivate TO! At its meeting May 30, 31 and June 1, 2001, City Council adopted Clause 11 of Report 5 of The Economic Development and Parks Committee, a Terms of Reference for the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. Subsequently, City Council, at its March 2, 3 and 4, 2004 meeting, adopted the staff report “Framework for Aligning Strategic Goals and Service Levels with Organizational Review in the Parks and Recreation Division”. This subsequent report outlined an approach that included the strategic planning process as the starting point for service plans, service priorities and organizational design. Phase three of the framework outlined a report back to the July 5, 2004 meeting of the Economic Development and Parks Committee on the summary of key findings from staff, stakeholder and public consultations and on the strategy.

Council approved the establishment of a Parks and Recreation Council Steering Committee comprised of Councillors Ashton, Lindsay Luby, Rae, Augimeri, and Hall. A Stakeholder Reference Group comprised of representative members from organizations associated with parks, forestry, recreation, sport, business, and community was also established.

Comments:

Consultation Process:
Toronto Parks and Recreation undertook considerable consultation with staff, stakeholders and members of the public in the development of its Strategic Plan. Two series of consultations were held: the first in 2002/03 and a more comprehensive process in spring 2004.

In March 2004, Toronto Parks and Recreation initiated ReActivate TO! an extensive consultation process to engage staff, stakeholders and public to contribute to an organizational review. In addition to the Council Steering Committee and the Stakeholders Reference Group, an internal project co-ordination staff team was established with representation from all levels of Parks and Recreation staff – frontline to General Manager, Directors of the two Economic Development, Culture and Tourism support divisions - Policy and Development and Administration and Support, CAO’s Office, and representatives of CUPE Local 79, Toronto Civic Employees’ Union, Local 416, and COTAPSAI. (Attachment 2).

The consultation process focused on outlining service priorities, service expectations and opportunities for service improvements. The process also provided input to the development of the final strategic plan Our Common Grounds – Toronto Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan.

Staff Consultation
Twenty-seven staff consultation sessions were held for Parks and Recreation Division part-time and full time staff from all units and functions of the Division. Three consultation sessions were held for Economic Development, Culture and Tourism staff and staff from other City Departments/Divisions. Parks and Recreation Staff were also sent surveys attached to their pay stubs. Many staff also submitted general comments, suggestions and ideas through e-mail and inter-office mail.

Public Consultation
Eight public consultation sessions took place in May and early June. Youth and Children made significant contributions at all of the sessions. Four additional sessions were also included for four important stakeholders - sport organizations, environmental groups and community centre advisory councils. Surveys were also distributed to the public via mail and also accessed and submitted online. Additional comments, suggestions and ideas were mailed in and e-mailed.

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