The Town of Midland requires the services of a qualified and competent Consulting Firm to undertake the completion of a Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan (the “Master Plan”) that will allow the Town to strategically manage the direction of parks and recreation services through the next 20 years. The last master plan completed for Parks and Trails was in 2018, and for Recreation was in 1993.

The Town of Midland is a historic community located in the heart of North Simcoe on the shores of Georgian Bay. The Town of Midland is a lower-tier municipality within the County of Simcoe, with a population of approximately nineteen thousand. Midland is comprised of mostly urban areas, with rural areas on the outer limits of the Town boundaries. The area is well known for its many natural amenities and its rich heritage. 

Midland is a destination for tourism and many businesses, as well as numerous cultural events. In addition to hosting and participating in extremely significant and sought-after local events, the Town offers extensive opportunities for active living through an extensive network of trails, developed parklands and modern sporting amenities. The Town operates 26 community parks with various recreation amenities over 321 acres, a municipal marina, a public boat launch, and multi-functional recreation centre. There is approximately 18 km of paved and naturals trails, including 11 km which are part of the Trans Canada Trail network. 

The Town is seeking an innovative approach to parks and recreation planning that will be community demand-driven, and will strategically integrate the Town’s mandate concerning parks, trails, recreation, and leisure, while at the same time ensuring the priorities and implementation directions are fiscally appropriate for the Town. The Master Plan will allow the Town to prioritize and manage the direction of parks, open spaces, recreation and leisure services, programs, events, facilities, and amenities. The Town will look for a project approach that has regard for the provision of environmentally and financially sustainable, accessible parks and recreation facilities, programs and services that will meet the current and future needs of the Town. 

Engaging the community is at the heart of this initiative. We aim to gather input from residents, visitors, businesses, community groups, local sports organizations, and recreation providers like the YMCA. This collaborative effort will ensure the Master Plan reflects the diverse needs and desires of all stakeholders. The Master Plan must also reflect the fact that the Town also provides recreation and leisure opportunities for many regional community organizations, non-residents in surrounding municipalities, as well as tourists that visit our Town.

The Master Plan development process should review current policies and service delivery; prioritize market demands and opportunities; assess current parks and recreational facilities; playgrounds, amenities and programs; review existing user fees, revenue and cost recovery opportunities; and will include consultation with Town staff, user groups, the public and key community recreation service provides. The final product will provide a framework to guide policy development and service delivery frameworks; manage and sustain parks, trails and open space; deliver recreation, leisure and community social programs;  and operate recreation facilities and amenities in a cost-effective, proactive manner, consistent with leading industry standards and best practices, for the next twenty years. 

The Town of Midland is seeking a visionary Consulting Firm who can spearhead the development of a future-focused Master Plan, while balancing the needs of the community and the fiscal capabilities of the Town. This transformative project will establish the blueprint for the next two decades, shaping the future of our recreational spaces in line with the Town's Strategic Plan. Your contribution can help shape a vibrant future for Midland, fostering a community where everyone can enjoy extensive recreational opportunities and an active lifestyle.