As our city has grown and changed over the decades,
so too has the demand and expectation for recreational
services and facilities. Today, seniors and
"babyboomers" are more aware of the importance
of a healthy lifestyle and have the resources to pursue
regular recreational and leisure activities.
That results in a major demand for a wider variety of
options and activities to choose from, both for themselves
and their children. Today’s youth are
more active and involved in countless programs – many
of them simultaneously. These activities
play an important part in their lives and they require
programs and facilities to pursue their interests to
the fullest.
Stratford’s recreational facilities are already
operating at full capacity and there is a current demand
for more and more programs and services.
With a population of 30,000, Stratford is steadily increasing by an average rate of 3% per year.
That means by 2016 we could grow to 43,000 people.
The city operates three arenas and, based on the current
population, that works out to one rink per 10,000 people.
Compare that to the regional average of just 4,500 people
per rink in Huron and Perth Counties. Ice time is already at a premium.
Programs are often scheduled
just before or just after the school day. More and more
adults are playing hockey longer. Every ice user group
is reporting an increase in demand and there is explosive
growth in girls’ hockey.
