What We Do:

Community Services provides a diverse range of inclusive affordable programs and services that enhance quality of life and contribute to community well-being. As a team of committed staff, we foster a healthy and vibrant community. As providers, facilitators and promoters of parks, recreation, special events, meetings, attractions, art, culture & heritage, theatre and sports, the Community Services team supports an active community.  Infrastructure alone doesn't build strong municipalities. It's the people who plan, maintain, and deliver the services communities rely on every day who make those assets valuable.

The services we provide include: 

• Front line Customer Service, Sales and Registration 

• Permits and Rentals: parks, meeting rooms, event spaces, sport venues & community halls 

• Special Event Management 

• Attractions: Algonquin Theatre, Muskoka Heritage Place, Art Galleries, Canada Summit Center 

• Aquatic, Recreation & Leisure Programming for Seniors, Adults and Youth 

• Art, Culture & Historical Industries • Community Celebrations 

• Maintenance and day-to-day operations of many Town-owned facilities 

Who We Serve:

The Community Services Division, crucial for community well-being, is actively responding to complex health, social, economic challenges and industry trends in our community. The division strives to deliver high-quality, affordable and accessible programs that are delivered in well-maintained recreation facilities that are positioned for future growth and benefit all. Community engagement and excellent customer service remains a cornerstone, ensuring services align with resident preferences. The division collaborates extensively with other municipal sectors, community partners and members, and your Council, blurring traditional lines between recreation, culture, tourism, and more. This interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation, with multi-purpose recreation facilities serving as dynamic spaces for sports, arts, culture, and social initiatives. 

Roles & Responsibilities:

Elected officials rely on staff for professional advice, while staff rely on council to establish priorities and make policy decisions.  Equipped with the right information, elected officials are better positioned to communicate the municipality’s work, helping build public understanding and confidence while strengthening the collaborative relationship between council and the administration. In turn, this reinforces the distinct roles of council and administration, empowering both to fulfil their respective responsibilities more effectively.

Provide a Community Hub:

The facilities operated and programmed by the Community Services division, are community hubs, where people come together to learn, connect, celebrate, create, volunteer, support one another, and build lasting relationships. It is a space where community groups meet, local artists are showcased, families gather, wellness services are accessed, special events are hosted, and visitors experience the vibrancy of Huntsville.