The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Events Committee

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

4:30 P.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Council Chambers, LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road

Members of Committee Present:

• Mayor Crystal Meloche, 
• Councillor Terry Burns, 
• Councillor Mark Carrick, 
• Councillor Sue Desjarlais, 
• Councillor Jeff Renaud, 
• and Councillor Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo 

Members of Committee Absent:

• Councillor Michael Akpata 

Administration Present:

• P. Marra, Deputy Chief Administrative Office, 
• D. Langlois, D. Langlois, Director of Finance/Treasurer, 
• P. Funaro, Director of Culture and Recreation, 
• D. Hadre, Director of Strategy and Engagement, 
• J. Osborne, Director of Public Works, 
• G. Beggs, Director of Planning and Development, 
• R. Hyra, Director of Human Resources, 
• L. Jean, Deputy Clerk, 
• M. Beggs, Manager of Parks and Roads, 
• S. Bisson, Manager of Culture and Recreation, 
• G. Ferraro, Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer, 
• M. Masonovich, Manager of Fleet & Facilities, 
• O. Stichhaller, Supervisor of Recreation, 
• J. Turnbull, Supervisor of Programming, 
• S. Nantais, Corporate Communication and Promotions Office, 
• R. Tufts, Council Coordinator, 
• and S. Smith, IS Administrator 

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A.

Opening Business

1.

Call to Order

Mayor Meloche called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Mayor Meloche read the land acknowledgement statement.

B.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

None disclosed.

C.

Adoption of Minutes

• PRE-07-24
  Moved By: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo
  Seconded By: Councillor Renaud

  That the minutes of the meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Events Committee dated February 27, 2024 be adopted as presented.

  Carried.

D.

Items for Consideration

1.

2024 Winter Session Report of Joint Programs and Events between Culture and Recreation and Public Works

S. Bisson, Manager of Culture and Recreation presented the report.

• PRE-08-24
  Moved By: Councillor Carrick
  Seconded By: Councillor Burns

  That the report of the Manager of Culture and Recreation dated April 5, 2024 (CR-2024-13) regarding 2024 Winter Session Report of Joint Programs and Events between Culture and Recreation and Public Works be received.

  Carried.

2.

2024 LaSalle Strawberry Festival Updates

O. Stichhaller, Supervisor of Recreation presented the report.

• PRE-09-24
  Moved By: Councillor Desjarlais
  Seconded By: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That the report of the Supervisor of Recreation dated April 4, 2024 (CR-2024-12) regarding the updates for the 2024 LaSalle Strawberry Festival be received.

  Carried.

3.

Updates to Facility Rentals – Outdoor Sport Surface Use Policy

O. Stichhaller, Supervisor of Recreation presented the report.

Councillor Burns questioned if user groups had an opportunity to review the amended policy.

O. Stichhaller advised that user groups were contacted and that positive feedback was received.

• PRE-10-24
  Moved By: Councillor Burns
  Seconded By: Councillor Renaud

  That the report of the Supervisor of Recreation dated March 18, 2024 (CR-2024-04) regarding the updates to the Facility Rentals – Outdoor Sport Surface Use Policy (M-CR-002) be received, and that the updated policy be approved.

  Carried.

4.

Updates to the Policy for Fee Waiving Related to the Use of Town Facilities

P. Funaro, Director of Culture and Recreation presented the report.

• PRE-11-24
  Moved By: Councillor Carrick
  Seconded By: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo

  That the report of the Director of Culture and Recreation dated March 25, 2024 (CR-2024-08) regarding updates to the Policy for Fee Waiving Related to the Use of Town Facilities (Policy M-CR-007) be received and that the updated policy be approved.

  Carried.

5.

CR-2024-09 Municipal Alcohol Risk Management Policy Updates

P. Funaro, Director of Culture and Recreation presented the report.

• PRE-12-24
  Moved By: Councillor Desjarlais
  Seconded By: Councillor Carrick

  That the report of the Director of Culture and Recreation dated April 8, 2024 (CR-2024-09) regarding updates to the Municipal Alcohol Risk Management Policy (M-GEN-005) be received; And that updates to the policy be approved. 

  Carried.

6.

Summer 2024 Activities Update

J. Turnbull, Supervisor of Programming presented the report.

• PRE-13-24
  Moved By: Councillor Burns
  Seconded By: Councillor Carrick

  That the report of the Supervisor of Programming dated April 4, 2024 (CS-2024-11) regarding upcoming activities from April 2024 to October 2024 be received.

  Carried.

7.

Sean Kenney’s Animal Superpowers Exhibit Preliminary Evaluation Report

P. Funaro, Director of Culture and Recreation presented the report.

Councillor Renaud inquired if the net loss incurred from the Sean Kenny Animal Super Powers Exhibit could be offset by moving funds from the Culture and Recreation Festival Reserve. 

T. Ferraro, Manager of Finance advised that at present, the balance in this account is $122,000 which has been accumulated from the Strawberry Festival and Last Call Before Fall Events.

Councillor Carrick suggested we move $80,000 to cover the loss.

Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo agreed with covering the deficit but disagreed with the dollar amount.

Councillor Burns suggested this decision is premature as a response from the province regarding the Wage Subsidy Grant is still pending. 

Mayor Meloche advised if Council so wishes, a report can be requested at the next meeting of Council.

• PRE-14-24
  Moved By: Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo
  Seconded By: Councillor Renaud

  That the report of the Director of Culture and Recreation dated April 8, 2024 (CR-2024-06) regarding the preliminary evaluation of the Sean Kenney Animal Superpowers exhibit be received.

  Carried.

E.

Questions/Statements from Members of the Committee

Councillor Riccio-Spagnuolo attended the Spring Fling held this past weekend. She complimented Administration on the event and was impressed with the turn out. She further recommended that in future events, the balloon artist be moved to a different location as some of the vendors were blocked from sight.

Councillor Desjarlais advised that she spoke to event organizers from the Play for a Cure Event held at the Vollmer Complex who were very happy with the great service, cleanliness of the facility, and how well organized the event was. She further thanked Administration and congratulated them on doing a great job. 

Councillor Renaud commented that the Sean Kenney Lego Exhibit was well received which resulted in increased customers for local restaurants and businesses. 

F.

Next Meeting

The next scheduled meeting will be held on August 27, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

G.

Adjournment

The meeting is adjourned at the call of the Chair at 5:24 pm.