On Thursday, May 22, Champlain council adopted the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP). The PRMP is a comprehensive guide designed to manage and enhance the township’s public recreational parks, programs, and facilities through the year 2040.

Numerous public consultations were held in partnership with Cultural Spaces, which allowed residents to share their priorities and suggestions for the township.

Staff informed council that the measures included in the PRMP will provide township staff with a clear understanding of public priorities for parks and recreation services for years to come.

As part of the public consultations, residents were encouraged to submit ideas for what they would like to see offered at specific parks.

Many residents emphasized the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure and recreational spaces, while others called for improved accessibility and the introduction of new programs to meet the community’s evolving needs.

Indigenous storyteller Daniel Richer performed a song with a drum at the Champlain Township Public Library Summer Reading Club wrap-up event, held at Mill Street Park in Vankleek Hill on August 17, 2022. Photo: James Morgan.

In their responses, residents praised Mill Street Park in Vankleek Hill and L’Orignal Park for their accessible waterfronts, picnic areas, and baseball field.

Cultural Spaces composed an image overlay illustration of L’Orignal Park that showcases some of the comments made by residents, highlighting public likes, dislikes, and wishes for various uses of areas within the park.

Residents suggested modernizing facilities such as the Chalet-Abri, upgrading lighting at the baseball field and tennis courts, and addressing accessibility issues related to washrooms and parking. Expanding the L’Orignal waterfront and beach was also a frequent request.

Submitted image of L’Orignal Park with corresponding resident ratings on amenities.
Submitted rendering of the proposed Chalet-Abri redesign project.

Residents also raised concerns about overcrowding from non-residents, flood risks, and a lack of events and communication at the two parks.

The PRMP outlines several recommendations to address community concerns. These include extending the beach area to accommodate more visitors, and offering water-based activities and workshops on the Ottawa River.

Council unanimously approved the updated PRMP without further discussion, paving the way for long-term improvements to the township’s recreational services.