Technical Corner

July 2, 2026

The result of crumbling recreation assets often has senior administrative staff focus on large capital items that require investment. The review process often finds that a lack of leadership to properly plan for aging infrastructure is often discovered as part of the root of the problem. In defense, facility management did not always provide a clear overview of what would soon need to be replaced. Standard operating practice was to "run to fail" which then forced investment. Today's recreation manager has a variety of technology options to track and project operational health. The ORFA endorses the inventory module of the Recreation Facility Asset Management (RFAM) software tool that was developed by Marmak and provided as a benefit of ORFA membership.  The tool simplifies data collection and allows for real time awareness of recreation infrastructure condition. What is often then realized is how much of an unfunded liability exists and what funds will be required to maintain the investment.

For example, the City of Elliot Lake's recreation facility failure crisis is a lesson that all smaller communities can learn from. The unplanned closure of their only ice sheet and aquatic facility created a ripple effect that caused user groups to relocate or adjust programs. The impact to small business cannot be easily measured but it is real. The most recent Elliot Lake Municipal Council report is a must read for every small community with aging recreation infrastructure. [More]: Arena report at $26.6m creates informed ratepayers and an unhappy council - CAO talks governance, lessons, and moving forward. 

Recreation services has always had a soft spot in every elected officials heart. As we enter another municipal election cycle, it should be expected that many candidates will leverage improved recreational services as part of their campaign platform. The ORFA in partnership with Intact Public Entities will be presenting the roles and responsibilities associated with recreational asset ownership post election. In addition, key governing agencies such as TSSA and the MLITSD are committed to raising awareness of what the "owners" minimum responsibilities as indicated in regulation is expected or required.

The relationship between structured sport use and accessibility to public recreation facilities by other community groups has never been more aggressive. Historical users hope for the same level of access to sport facilities while new user groups seek fair and equal access to the same facilities. How much the non-user is contributing to offset other's recreational experiences is also a hot button topic. Offering recreation at "affordable" rates is a complicated calculation as no two facilities have the same expenses or operations. Adequately staffing recreation facilities has been discovered as a poor business model as this approach merely kicks the can down the road for others to deal with.

The ORFA plans on hosting a national cross country aging recreation infrastructure check-up in September, 2026 with other provincial and territorial recreation organizations in an attempt to network and share experiences of trying to manage this crisis. Know that there is not one simple solution that will work in every region but by working together, we can try and meet the challenge.