Victoria_Park_Re port Final.pdf - City of Charlottetown

Final Report • June 2013
VICTORIA PARK COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN
Funding Strategies
A number of different funding sources and implementation strategies are available
to help support the capital and operational costs of the implementation of this
comprehensive plan. Select strategies could include:
Capital Funding
Many of the physical projects outlined in the comprehensive plan will require the City
to commit specific funds from the capital budget, over the lifespan of the plan. Many
of the projects identified in this report have to be addressed at some point in the
future as the infrastructure meets the end of its functional lifespan, so the City should
identify these projects for the purposes of capital budget forecasting.
Tax Levy & Development Charges
Another potential source of funding for Victoria Park could be the new public
benefit category from the Waterfront Planning Policy. The City could work with
the development community to locate specific public benefit projects within the
framework of the Victoria Park Comprehensive Plan, and apply funds from density
bonusing to the improvement of Victoria Park.
Private / Public Partnerships & Naming Rights
Many parks and public spaces have used a naming rights system to garner public
and financial support for construction projects. For an appropriate fee people can
adopt bricks, or benches, or larger structures, thus immortalizing themselves or their
loved ones while aiding in the financial costs of construction. There are innumerable
successful examples of this funding strategy throughout the Maritime Provinces and
across Canada. As vending is, by law, a restricted activity in Victoria Park, there may
be limits to the allowable branding of items. While individuals and families may take
advantage, larger corporations may not. This is a decision to be made at the time that
the project is established.
Community Work Days
A grassroots community initiative could be launched to support the completion of a specific
project or task. Community playground builds, shoreline clean-ups, and collaborative tree
planting events are all valuable strategies to cultivate and expand civic connection to Victoria
Park, while accomplishing specific and defined initiatives.
Community & Corporate Sponsorships
Victoria Park already has a committed community service club sponsor in the Kiwanis Club,
who have contributed to many of the park’s existing facilities. The City should continue to
work with key partners such as Kiwanis to develop other aspects of the plan. Naming rights
for major facilities and sponsorship of key projects (like waterfront look offs or trail sections),
either through financial support or in-kind donation would help the plan move forward.
Dedication Programs
As part of a City-wide memorialization program, community members and groups could
sponsor the installation of trees or site furnishings in tribute to a specific person or event.
Grants
Government and other private foundation grants represent an additional funding source
for the implementation of specific physical projects in Victoria Park. TD Friends of the
Environment, EcoAction Grants, and many other existing corporate funding sources could be
tapped to contribute capital support to various park initiatives.
107