WESTLOCK – Westlock County residents have a strong interest in enhancing recreational facilities, according to RC Strategies the firm developing the county’s recreation master plan.
In a presentation to Westlock County council on Oct. 22, Mike Roma of RC Strategies outlined the findings from public engagement sessions and infrastructure assessments for local recreation needs.
“We will go back to the public and then finalize (the report) and present it to council.”
The next steps include research assessments, drafting a plan development, and reviews by both a steering committee and county council, as well as public review.
An architecture firm reviewed 16 county facilities, assessing necessary investments and functionality improvements.
Westlock County contributes through a cost-sharing agreement with the town of Westlock to a range of regional recreation facilities including the aquatic centre and the multi-use recreation centre. Westlock County also provides financial support to various halls and community groups and operational funds for the Tawatinaw Valley ski hill and Long Island Lake Campground.
The Tawatinaw Valley Ski Club experienced a surge in visits during the 2020-21 season, and remains a popular destination.
In 2022, Long Island Lake Campground welcomed 838 visitors, rebounding to 841 in 2024, despite a slight decrease the prior year.
An architectural firm assessed 16 county facilities, focusing on investment needs and functionality improvements.
Westlock County residents want additional ice arenas, campgrounds, picnic areas and non-motorized trails. Feedback also revealed a need for improvements to both indoor and outdoor facilities.
Indoor spaces that need enhancement include youth spaces, arenas, curling facilities, community halls/ gathering spaces, and seniors space.
Outdoor spaces that need additional development include spray parks, outdoor paved court spaces, and support amenities such as bathrooms, benches and signs.
Meaghan Carey from RC Strategies said that approximately one-third, or 37 per cent, of residents would support an increase in property taxes for the enhancement of existing services or new services.
Westlock County allocates between 4-6 per cent of its municipal budget to recreation, approximately three per cent below the average spending of comparable rural municipalities.
The median age of residents has steadily increased—from 41.4 in 2011 to 44.4 in 2021—indicating an aging population. Notably, there has been a decrease in younger age groups, suggesting that young families may be relocating elsewhere.
The 2021 Canadian Census recorded a population of 7,186 in Westlock County, showing a slight decline from previous years.
The county’s population has declined 0.14 per cent over the last five years and is anticipated to continue to fall with a projected decline to 6,000 in 2030. The population of the Town of Westlock has also decreased 3.5 per cent from 2016 to 2021.
Coun. Sherri Provencal, however, questioned the numbers suggesting they may be outdated.
“Lots of things have changed since 2021. I feel a lot of people have moved out here,” she said adding that many people have been moving to the southern hamlets because of lack of housing elsewhere.
Coun. Stuart Fox-Robinson raised questions regarding the demographics of survey respondents. Carey indicated that 89 per cent of responses came from Westlock County residents, with significant input from Divisions 2 and 4. The primary demographic represented was employed couples with children.
Council voted in favour of accepting the Recreation Needs Assessment and Facility Master Plan as presented by RC Strategies as information.
