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Committee seeks public input on activities

Three significant events in Wellington’s annual calendar are activities on Canada Day, Pumpkinfest and Christmas in the Village. The Wellington Recreation Committee (WRC) plays a big role in these events, partnering with community organizations and the Wellington and District Business Association to make them the success that they are. These events attract visitors from all across the County and even well beyond. Yet the WRC’s resources are limited, and its members face an ever-increasing workload as the popularity of these events rises. Newly elected councillor Mike Harper has initiated a public survey to seek input on what County residents think the WRC should focus its resources on. The survey is in keeping with Harper’s campaign promise to consult with the public as part of his mandate a councillor. However, he is personally covering the cost and subsequent analysis of the survey results, and no public funds are being used for this.

The WRC has a mandate to deliver recreational and cultural events and programming. As with the other County recreation committees, it receives funding from Shire Hall. Harper’s survey aims to find out how best to use that money. “We have ideas, but it’s always good to check with your customer, so to speak,” says Harper. “We’ve had comments about some of the events. Some jived with what we thought, and others did not. So we wanted to be able to validate what the general feeling is, and understand what points of view might be widespread.” The survey is open to all residents of the County, and was designed by Harper, who has a background in public policy and research. The questions are simple and unambiguous, and with broad input from Wellington and beyond, the survey should provide a robust set of data upon which to make decisions.

One important asset for the WRC is the Wellington Town Hall, and the WRC is seeking wider control and management of the use of the hall. At the moment, the only WRC-sponsored ongoing activity in the hall is a Pilates class led by Jennifer Cobb. Ideas for sponsored activities include dances, movie nights or games nights. “We’ve floated these ideas to some people and they are really excited about them,” says Harper.

At the moment the WRC has eight members, but they are always looking for people to help with events. “Our group includes people with young families, jobs and obligations, and they are not always necessarily able to take on much of a workload,” says Harper. “So when we do have an event like Canada Day or Pumpkinfest or Christmas in the Village, it would be great to have people for whom that is a special event and one they are passionate about and perhaps would be able to take on some responsibilities.”

To take the survey, please click here.