Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 33-23 Report to Executive Committee Report Number: CS 33-23 Date: December 4, 2023 From: Laura Gibbs (Acting) Director, Community Services Subject: City Property Naming - Doubles Squash Courts - File: A-1440-001 Recommendation: 1. That Council approve to name the doubles squash courts at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, the Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts; and 2. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. Executive Summary: On August 28, 2023, the City received a request from Pickering resident Mike Garvey, to name the doubles squash courts to honour the contributions of former Pickering Squash Club President, Ian Parsons. Accordingly, City staff initiated an evaluation of the submission as per Section 3 of the City Property Naming Procedure ADM 110-006. After a thorough review of the submission, which included notification to and feedback from Chestnut Hill Development Recreation Complex (CHDRC) Squash members, staff recommend that Council approve to name the doubles squash courts at CHDRC the Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts. Financial Implications: The naming of the doubles squash courts would include the installation of interior signage, anticipated at under $1,000, which would be incurred as an operating expense, within the approved 2023 Budget. Discussion: On August 28, 2023, Mike Garvey submitted a written request on behalf of the Pickering Squash Club to the Mayor’s office to name the doubles squash courts at the CHDRC the “Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts” (Attachment 1). In his written submission, Mike Garvey described Ian Parson’s significant contributions to the Pickering squash community as deserving of this consideration. The submission was reviewed by the City Clerk to ensure it met the criteria set out in Section 3 City Property Naming Procedure ADM 110-006 (Attachment 2). In compliance with the procedure (Section 03.01.05), staff reviewed the naming request with Mike Garvey and received consent for the naming request from Ian’s widow, Christine Brown. CS 33-23 December 4, 2023 Subject: City Property Naming Page 2 Community Services staff then commenced the review of the qualified submission by confirming its content and consulting with relevant stakeholders. As per the procedure (Section 03.02.03), staff consulted with David Pickles, Regional Councillor, Ward Three and Shaheen Butt, City Councillor, Ward Three who were both in support of the request. Staff contacted all active squash members of the CHDRC via email to inform them of the request to name the doubles squash courts and to receive comments. The response to the naming submission was overwhelmingly supportive. Comments included: “Yes - I’m 100% in favour of renaming the doubles courts to honour Ian’s vision & legacy for Pickering squash.” “He was a trusted friend, an accomplished sportsman and was always a willing volunteer.” “A well-deserved recognition to an amazing man.” “I wholly endorse this significant movement to recognize his leadership and to forever record his name in the annuls of the Pickering Squash Club and into the history of the recreation complex.” Clearly, Ian Parsons impact to the CHDRC and the Pickering squash community was transformative. While a member of the Pickering Squash Club, Ian Parsons had a vision of Pickering becoming a leader in the squash community and was part of a team that developed a youth squash program, promoted active and competitive inter club teams that represented Pickering, ensured that the club had an active social program for the members and took the initiative to host major Junior Squash Tournaments. As President of the Club, Ian recognized the growth of Doubles Squash, understanding the benefits of the doubles game for aging squash players. Ian felt that Pickering should have doubles courts added to the CHDRC and set about to make it happen. He coined this project “Doubles Vision.” Ian’s passion for the project saw the Pickering Squash Club conduct a fundraising campaign that contributed a significant $250,000.00 towards the project. The major vehicle to raise this money was the Doubles Vision Golf Tournament. This golf tournament continues annually and over the last 13 years has raised over $150,000.00 for the St. Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank. In September 2009, the Doubles Squash Courts at the CHDRC opened as part of a building renovation that also included the addition of three Fitness Studios. The expansion was made possible with funding from the City, Federal and Provincial grants, contributions from the Pickering Squash Club fundraising events, and with Ian’s unwavering determination and leadership. Having made significant contributions to the municipality and the Pickering Squash Club, improving the lives of Pickering residents, Ian Parsons meets the criteria set out in Section 03.01.04 (a) of the Procedure. Therefore, consistent with the Procedure and considering public CS 33-23 December 4, 2023 Subject: City Property Naming Page 3 comments in support of the qualified submission, City staff recommend that Council approve to name the Doubles Squash Courts at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, the Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts. Attachments: 1.Correspondence from Mike Garvey dated August 28, 2023 2.City Property Naming Procedure ADM 110-006 Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: Original Signed By Original Signed By Karen Coleman Laura Gibbs MBA, MSc. Manager, Fitness, Courts & Aquatics (Acting) Director, Community Services KC:lg Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Original Signed By Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts I write this submission to request that the City of Pickering consider naming the Doubles Squash Courts at the Chestnut Recreation Centre the “Ian Parsons Doubles Squash Courts.” The Pickering Squash Club was established in 1985. Ian Parsons was an active member of the club and was elected to the Club Board in 1992. He held board positions for the next 18 years and was the President of the Club for 10 years. He and others made a mark for the club in developing a youth squash program, promoting active and competitive inter club teams that represented Pickering, ensuring that the club had an active social program for the members and taking the initiative to host major Junior Squash Tournaments. As a leader of the club, and in his personal life, Ian was a visionary. He had ideas that would improve life and/or a situation. Ian recognized the growth of Doubles Squash, and he understood the benefits of the double’s games for aging squash players. Ian believed that the Pickering Squash Club and the Pickering Recreation Centre should have Doubles Courts added to the facility. He coined this project “Doubles Vision.” He began by touting this plan to the club executive, to club members, to City of Pickering decision makers and to City Councillors via a Delegation to Council. There was much resistance to the idea and the capital expense in creating new squash courts. Not deterred, Ian convinced many that we needed to raise funds to show the City Officials and Councillors that the squash community believed in this project and would “put skin in the game.” Ian was making progress; the City of Pickering’s 2002 Master Plan – Strategic Plan Report included a recommendation to “in the short term, incorporating two additional doubles squash courts should be provided at the Recreation Complex.” This was listed as a “Joint Venture with the Pickering Squash Club.” The Squash Club conducted a fund-raising campaign and contributed a significant $250,000 towards the project. The major vehicle to raise this money was the Doubles Vision Golf Tournament. (This golf tournament continues annually and over the last 13 years has raised over $150,000 for the St. Paul’s on the Hill Food Bank.) After City council voted in favour of proceeding with the project Ian connected with city staff and was involved in the design and material specificaitons for the project. (Kudos to city staff for involving Ian who had the knowledge and passion). From an idea, to “Doubles Vision,” to a campaign of persuasion, to a Strategic Plan Recommendation, to City Council approval, to the construction of the Doubles Courts AND Aerobics Studios, and finally the opening of the facility in September 2009!!!! Mission accomplished Mr. Parsons. Congratulations. Has this project been a success? It has an overwhelming success!! Squash players appreciate the opportunity to prolong their days playing squash as singles squash can take a toll on knees and other joints. Today the Doubles courts are busy and the game is growing. And, the Pickering Squash Club can host Doubles Tournaments that atract players from far and wide. This includes the long running club sponsored Lee Hanebury Tournament. Also, this capital project included Aerobics Studios ; and based on the number and variety of classes offered many have benefited from this capital project. It must be stated that there was a large and enthusiastic team of Squash Players working with Ian to accomplish this project; however, I believe that each and everyone of them would whole heartedly agree that this would not have happened without Ian’s determined leadership. As described Ian was a visionary and a leade r. Above all Ian Parsons was a wonderful human. A caring and compassionate man who is truly missed. Ian died in a tragic accident on March 25th, 2019. Submited by Mike Garvey On behalf of the Pickering Squash Club Procedure Attachment 2 to Report CS 33-23 Procedure Title: City Property Naming Procedure Number ADM 110-006 Reference Date Originated (m/d/y) Date Revised (m/d/y) Pages Corporate Protocols Policy ADM May 2015 June 2023 6 110 Approval: Chief Administrative Officer Point of Contact City Clerk Original Signed By Procedure Objective This procedure establishes the process and criteria for naming or renaming properties owned by The Corporation of the City of Pickering (City), including methods by which the public may provide suggestions and comments. This procedure does not deal with street naming (ADM 220)or sponsorship of facilities and rooms (ADM 150). Index 01 Definitions 02 Procedures 03 Naming Process for New and Unnamed City Property 04 Re-Naming a City Property 05 Naming Criteria 01 Definitions 01.01 For the purposes of this procedure, “City Property” refers to all properties owned by the City including: a)Parks, parkland and open spaces; b)Structures within a park (i.e., bridges, pavilions, gazebos, splash pads, outdoor ice rinks, off leash area); c) Community centres, arenas, and other specialty buildings and rooms; d)Multi-use trails; e)Indoor recreation fields and courts; f)Outdoor recreation fields and courts; g)Libraries; and City Property Naming Page 2 of 6 ADM 110-006 h) Community gardens. 01.02 This procedure does not apply to: a) Valley lands not adjacent to parkland and open spaces; b) Fire stations; c) Stormwater management ponds; d) W orks yards; and e) Other properties owned by the City that do not allow for use by the community. 02 Procedures 02.01 City Property is named after the neighbourhood, community or street in which it is located or the unique geographical or historical characteristic of the community. The naming of City Property must respect the community where it is located and be a name that is sustainable as communities grow and change. a) Geographical based names should be clear, descriptive and give a sense of place. They may include: i. The name of the street or adjacent street where the property resides. ii. The neighbourhood, community or subdivision which the property serves. iii. A noteworthy physical, environmental, topographical, ecological or scenic characteristic. iv. Proximity to a recognizable City Property or area. b) Historical based names would be appropriate for properties where there is a common, recognizable connection between the City Property and the historic object/event. They should reference: i. A local, provincial or national historical/heritage object or event. ii. A long standing and commonly used name associated with the City Property. 02.02 City staff may name parks, open spaces and trails and shall not be required to prepare a Report to Council if the naming of the City Property complies with Section 02.01 of the Policy. 03 Naming Process for New or Unnamed City Property 03.01 Submission Process 03.01.01 A Pickering resident may propose a name for an unnamed City Property or a new City Property, prior to the completion of the construction phase, by written submission to the Clerk’s Office or by a Notice of Motion from a Member of Council with the following information: City Property Naming Page 3 of 6 ADM 110-006 a) name suggested; b) rationale; and c) civic/community, heritage/historical, geographic and/or cultural relevance. 03.01.02 Written submissions and/or an approved Notice of Motion will be directed to the City Clerk to be processed. 03.01.03 Suggestions for names in honour of individuals must be accompanied by a written biography of the individual, including a description of the individual’s contribution to the City or the City Property, and an explanation of why the honour should be given. 03.01.04 Where a person’s name or a group of people are being considered, it shall be limited to persons who have: a) Made a significant contribution to the municipality, or to a group or association within the community, improving the lives of Pickering residents (well documented and broadly acknowledged within the community); b) Have a historical connection to the site (i.e. previous land owner); c) Contributed to the conveyance of lands or building and/or its subsequent development or renovation (beyond legislative requirements); d) Demonstrated excellence, courage or exceptional service to the citizens of the City of Pickering, Province of Ontario, Canada or the world; e) Promoted Pickering to the world; and f) Demonstrated themselves to be a recognized national or international figure and broadly acknowledged to have high standing. 03.01.05 In the case of a person’s name, the consent of the individual, or if deceased, their next of kin (if the person is not a national or international public figure) is required. 03.01.06 Naming a City Property on behalf of an event or organization requires the written consent of the named party or party’s representative. 03.01.07 Proposed names of an Indigenous language or recognizing an Indigenous individual, organization, event or concept will require consultation with Indigenous communities. 03.02 Selection Process 03.02.01 Staff from the respective Department(s) will receive and review all names submitted by the community and/or by a Notice of Motion. 03.02.02 The evaluation of all qualified submissions will include the following: a) research and confirm civic/community, heritage/historical, geographic and/or cultural relevance; City Property Naming Page 4 of 6 ADM 110-006 b) review by internal staff to consider the merits of the submission and to ensure compliance with the procedure; and c) contact with those who submitted names, if more information is required. 03.02.03 After consultation with the respective Ward Councillors and the Mayor, and consistent with the procedure, Department staff will recommend to Council one name and up to two alternatives. 03.02.04 Council may require staff to solicit public comment through appropriate media or a public consultation meeting. 03.02.05 Department staff will provide a Report to Council to summarize public comments. Council will consider both staff recommendations and the public comments (as applicable) and decide to approve either one of the names or propose an alternate. 03.02.06 When a name has been finalized through Council approval, then it will be referred to the appropriate Department(s) for implementation. 03.02.07 If no submissions are received, staff will identify a name consistent with the principles in this procedure and confer with Mayor and Members of Council to recommend a name of the City Property. 03.02.08 Since the intent of naming a City Property after a person or group of persons is meant to be a permanent recognition, staff will determine if a sponsorship or naming rights opportunity exists before considering such names. 04 Re-Naming a City Property 04.01 Generally, changing the name of an existing City Property will not be considered. 04.02 Renaming existing City Property will only proceed if the Regional or Ward Councillor representing the area of the City Property brings a Notice of Motion forward for Council approval. 04.03 The renaming of a City Property cannot be considered when that City Property is currently within a term of a naming rights or sponsorship Agreement (ADM 150). 04.04 When a Notice of Motion for the renaming of a City Property is brought forward by a Member of Council, the City Clerk will provide an Interested Party Sheet for residents to sign for notification of any additional information regarding the renaming of the City Property. 04.05 All Notices of Motion approved by Council for the renaming of a City Property will be evaluated by City staff (from the respective Departments) as follows: City Property Naming Page 5 of 6 ADM 110-006 a) research and confirm civic/community, heritage/historical, geographic and/or cultural relevance; b) The cost, borne by the City, and impact of changing existing signage and rebuilding community recognition will be considered before City Property is to be renamed; c) notify all residents and ratepayer associations within a 120 metre radius of the City Property of the proposed name change, by placing a notice in the Community Page of the newspaper, a notice on the City’s website, a notice at the City Property where the name change is being suggested, by notifying all residents that sign the interested party sheet or any other notification method deemed appropriate; d) the public will have 30 days to comment on the proposed name change; e) the City Clerk will receive all comments/submissions provided by the public, and direct them to the appropriate department for consideration and a recommendation report to Council; and f) once the research and public comments have been completed, City staff from the respective Department(s) will report back to Council with their recommendations and Council may accept the recommended name change, decline the name change, or refer to the community for further comment through the appropriate media or a public meeting. 05. Naming Criteria 05.01 Proposed names for any City Property shall conform to one or more of the guidelines below: a) have a direct relationship with the City Property; b) reflect the location of the City Property; c) reflect the unique geographical or physical characteristic of the City Property; d) recognize the historical and cultural significance or theme of the area; e) reflect unique characteristics of the site; f) portray a positive image of the City; g) recognize the contributions of organizations to a particular City Property such as partnership with or without financial contributions; h) honour the significant contribution of an individual to the community; or i) other selection criteria as deemed appropriate by the Council of the City of Pickering. 05.02 Under this procedure, names of City Property excluded from consideration include those that: a) Duplicate another named City Property or would be ambiguous, overly similar to other property names or would otherwise cause confusion; b) Detracts from the image of the City of Pickering; c) Represent tobacco or alcohol companies, products or brands; City Property Naming Page 6 of 6 ADM 110-006 d) Represents a commercial organization or entity (which instead can be considered under the City’s Marketing Partnership or Naming Rights Policy, ADM 150); e) Indicate political affiliation; f) Are considered or perceived to be discriminatory, derogatory or offensive according to race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or similar factors; g) Result in inappropriate abbreviations or acronyms; and h) Place the City in conflict with any agreements established in the acquisition or management of the City Property or under an existing naming rights or sponsorship agreement (ADM 150). 05.03 City Property may not be named in honour of an elected official, unless it is in a memorial capacity and/or the official has served the City as an elected official for a minimum of 20 years. 05.04 City Property may not be named in honour of a current or former City employee. 05.05 The naming of City Property is not intended to commemorate an individual’s death (i.e., a memorial). Applications for memorials should be directed to the City’s Commemorative Bench and Tree Program. 05.06 When a City Property is named after an individual, a plaque/signage describing the significance of the individual may be installed at the site at the City’s expense.