Community Appreciation Event
RECREATION & COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT DIVISION RECREATION, AQUATICS, AND FITNESS Staff focused on overcoming the major challenges that changing COVID-19 measures, restrictions and closures created, all while coordinating and delivering programs and services that support the health and wellness of our community. County recreation facilities experienced two pandemic-related closures in 2021: one from December 13, 2020 to March 8, 2021, and another from May 9 to mid-June. Recreation facilities reopened with reduced hours for the summer, and resumed regular operating hours effective September 7, 2021. Staff established the Lac La Biche County Sport Tourism Terms of Reference and Working Group in February, which will guide the County’s efforts to attract major sporting events to our community. The Working Group completed a community assessment, and research for best practices and hosting policies has been ongoing throughout 2021. Staff continue to work on items like a community highlight sheet, detailed inventories of facilities and accommodations, and venue bookings. Staff supported the Museum Sustainability project, and the report’s recommendations will be presented to Council in the new year.
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Lac La Biche County | 2021 Year in Review
Memberships and Guest Services There were 150,000 visits to the Bold Center in 2021. Due to the pandemic, all-access drop-in passes sold totaled 4,497 (down 21% from last year) and 1,101 memberships were sold (down 57% from last year). Seven companies participated in the Corporate Membership Program, with approximately 44 individuals and family corporate members. 546 members have signed up for ActiveLLBC, the County’s online portal for registering for recreation and fitness programs. 522 online activity registrations were recorded, and 17 memberships were purchased online. The 3rd annual Member Appreciation Week was held from August 30 to September 4. The Community Appreciation Evening at McArthur Park hosted approximately 250 people for supper, activities, and an outdoor concert with Fat Racket headlining. 60 individuals from 16 families used the Fair Access Fee Assistance Program, which helps those with financial barriers access County recreation programs and services. A total of $3,637.50 was redeemed. Trick or Play passes, which allow purchasers to give away access to recreation facilities as a healthy Halloween alternative to candy, sold well in 2021, and 390 passes have been redeemed to date.
