Enhancing Senior Registration for Recreation Programs and Activities - by Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie

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The decision

2024-10-09 · Toronto City Council · amended

As filed

City Council on October 9 and 10, 2024, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation to address local registration barriers in lower income neighbourhoods by developing a data-driven, community supports-based approach to implement Early Local Registration at twelve of the City's "free" community recreation facilities in consultation with the local councillor, ensuring

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geographical representation across all Community Council Areas, for implementation as soon as possible or by the June 2025 recreation registration following the launch of ACTIVENet, with a full roll-out to all 37 Free Centres no later than September 2025 and to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee by the second quarter of 2026 on program outcomes and resources to sustain the early local registration model. 2. City Council request the Mayor to include the required resources under Parks, Forestry and Recreation through the 2025 Budget Process for consideration, to support the implementation of Early Local Registration at the City's "free" community recreation facilities.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the registration process for seniors in City of Toronto recreation programs. I believe that the current system is not equitable and presents significant challenges for seniors across the city. One of the primary issues is that seniors must compete with families at 7:00 a.m. to secure programming spots. This early registration time is particularly difficult for seniors who may not have access to computers or cell phones.

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Additionally, many seniors may not be able to rise at such an early hour, especially if they need to arrange transportation. Another concern is that seniors in the program area are not always able to obtain places in programs close to home, serving their community. A system prioritizing local residents first would address this concern, saving seniors travel time and enhancing their program experience. This is especially important for seniors in under-serviced communities. I propose that a separate registration time and possibly date be allocated for seniors, such as between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. This would allow seniors to register without the added stress and inconvenience of competing with families. Additionally, exploring options for onsite registration could further improve accessibility for seniors. I believe it is essential to respect and accommodate the needs of seniors in our communities across the city. By implementing a separate registration time and considering onsite registration, we can ensure that seniors have a fair opportunity to access the programs and services they deserve, especially those located close to their homes.

Staff recommended

Councillor Paul Ainslie, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to develop and implement measures that improve the registration process for recreational programs for seniors in the city, and report to the December 17, 18 and 19, 2024 meeting of City Council with an implementation plan for the 2025 registration period, such plan to include the following: Dedicated Registration Times for Seniors a.

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establish separate registration times for seniors, such as between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., to alleviate the burden of competing with families for program spots; Onsite Registration Options b. explore the feasibility of implementing onsite registration for seniors at designated recreation centers, providing a convenient alternative for those without access to computers or cell phones; Priority for Local Residents c. implement a system that prioritizes local residents in the registration process for recreational programs, ensuring that seniors have better access to programs within their communities; and Accessibility Review d. conduct a regular review of the registration process and accessibility measures to identify and address any emerging challenges faced by seniors.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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