Recreation survey results revealed

Between Sept. 19 and Oct. 5, 1000 households were asked to participate in a survey aimed at shedding light on the current and future uses of municipal recreational services. Initiated by councillors Erin Kennedy and Fouad Sahyoun, both of whom co-chair the town’s culture, sports and recreation committee, the survey was conducted by the CROP polling firm as a way to better respond to the needs of TMR citizens.

“We wanted to take the pulse of the citizens. [...] This survey will have three functions: it will help us to determine our recreational program next year, to calculate our budget, and to plan our capital budget,� said Sahyoun.

When it came to which activities respondents and their families had joined, 42% said they had participated in sports programs. Courses, activities at the library and cultural programs followed at a distant second. The survey also found that the same trend was likely to continue in the next year.

Respondents said they preferred registering for recreational activities online, a method that does not appeal to older members of the community, who prefer to register in person and continue to appreciate the counter service.

It would also appear that TMR residents are more likely to participate in local activities at a rate that is much higher than the rest of Montreal, especially when it comes to library usage. “Nothing indicates that we will have to rationalize our program of activities,� said Kevin Whitehall, head of culture, sports and recreation when asked if the less popular activities, as revealed in the survey, would be cut.

Certain results will be taken into greater consideration; notably, the request made by several residents for easier access to an indoor swimming pool and to have a larger library. “An amount $15,000 was set aside last year for a library expansion study to be conducted this year,� said Sahyoun. As for indoor pool access, Sahyoun adds that the town has come to an agreement with Pierre Laporte high school regarding the management of the pool, and in the last two weeks alone, the number of pool visits has risen considerably.

Several residents have been quite vocal in their opposition to the estimated $6.5 million project, particularly during a recent demolition committee meeting where the fate of the building at 10 Montgomery was discussed. Some feel that the building has a certain heritage value.

“This question was added at the request of citizens, but it doesn’t mean that we have the green light to undertake anything at this point,� said Sahyoun.

“It’s interesting precisely because the responses were spontaneous,� said Kennedy. “An open question is more representative because it’s less guided,� added Sahyoun.

The survey was also intended to gage the differences between residents who have been living in TMR for more than five years, versus those who are relative newcomers—a fairly new reality that the town must contend with.

The final report will be submitted to the town council at the Oct. 30 council meeting, at which point the document will be made public. “This poll gives a very clear picture of what the people want,� said Sahyoun.

Translated by Anna Bratulic