The Best Choice for Fitness Wellness & Sport.

Annual Report2011-2012

RA Centre2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 7X7 613-733-5100

Presented at the Annual Meeting • November 15, 2012

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Table of Contents• Introduction to the RA .............................................. 4

- Our Vision

- Our Mission

- Our Core Values

- Strategic Directions

- Our Members Code of Ethics

• Message from the President ..................................... 6

• Message from the CEO/General Manager .................. 7

• Accomplishments 2011-2012 .................................. 8

• List of Board of Directors ..........................................10

• List of Corporate Strategic Team ...............................10

Annual Report 2011-2012

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Introduction to the RA

The Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada, or the RA Centre as it is more commonly referred to, is the largest private not for profit recreation and leisure facility in the country. The RA offers an extensive range of sports, recreation, fitness and leisure activities for individuals of all ages. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and managed by a highly qualified staff supported by hundreds of volunteers, the RA is recognized as Canada’s finest fitness and lifestyle centre.

There are, in fact, over fifty activities available to members. In addition to the recreation segment of the operation, the RA owns and operates a Hospitality & Retail service which operates a full service restaurant, a dining room and a range of conference rooms catering to meetings, weddings and banquets.

The RA also operates eleven worksite fitness and wellness facilities throughout the Capital Region under the banner LifeFIT Canada.

The latest addition to the RA’s sport and recreation family is the Rideau Tennis Club. The Rideau offers nineteen tennis courts, eleven of which are clay courts. In the winter eight of the courts are active under indoor air domes. In the summer, members can relax after a game with a leisurely swim in the outdoor pool and enjoy food and beverages at the clubhouse.

The RA Centre has been in business for almost 70 years and maintains a significantly large membership of approximately 22,000.

Event & Conference Services des conférences

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RA Sports Shoppe

Our VisionTo be the best choice for wellness, fitness, recreation and sport.

Our MissionTo deliver excellent recreation, sport, fitness and hospitality services that promote healthy living for our members and the community.

Our Core ValuesRespect, Integrity, Fun, Accessible, Excellence, Secure/Safe

Strategic DirectionsManaging Growth

Towards a Diversified OrganizationStrengthening Relationships and Building Partnerships

Modernization and Rationalization of Programs and ServicesEmbracing Responsible and Modern Environmental Practices

An Inclusive and Accessible Organization for All

Our Members Code Of EthicsThe Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada

is an Association of members of similar ideals who:

• respect people and property;

• support the activities to the maximum degree possible;

• strive to achieve safe and honourable participation;

• take pride in the RA and exhibit sportsmanship;

• participate to have fun and be fit.

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I am pleased as President of the RA Board of Directors to provide you with a synopsis of events and activities that occurred in the 2011-2012 year. The RA like most organizations was faced with numerous challenges due to market and economic variations. With our talented administration we were able to meet and deal with most of the issues that relate to our delivery of programs and services for our members. We are a very viable organization that provides excellent service to our 22,000 plus members and the thousands of guests that visit our premises over the year. The Board of Directors worked very closely with the CEO and the Corporate Strategic Team to provide direction and priorize those areas that needed special focus. As President, I led the introduction and implementation of a number of Committees that were tasked with garnering the information and performance indicators that enable our Board of Directors to make the critical decisions on programs and services for the membership. Each of the committees were led by a member of the Board and they collectively met on an ongoing basis to ensure there was minimal overlap in functions. The Board Committees excelled in their tasks and we are now in a position to move forward on a number of recommendations for the coming year. The Strategic Plan that was approved in 2010 is serving as the guiding document for the future of the RA. The 6 strategic directions will be evaluated and updated where required to ensure our position in the very competitive marketplace is maintained.

One of the key recommendations that was fostered through the Board Evaluation process was to garner feedback from our Club Chairpersons as to their levels of satisfaction with the services and resources provided to them. I am pleased to note that I have met with nine different clubs so far and the feedback was very positive and it has given our Board and Administration a number of suggestions to work on. In 2012-13 the RA will be reviewing its constitution, the charter and by-laws to be compliant with new Provincial legislation affecting Not For Profit Organizations. This review will provide an opportunity to enhance our governance structure and the guiding principles for working with our numerous RA Clubs and their executives.

The Board of Directors works hard on behalf of the membership to ensure that the programs and services that are offered meet the needs of our members. Guided by the strategic directions, the Board of Directors is focused on ensuring the viability and growth of the RA and will work with the RA Management to make sure that the RA remains “The Place To Be.”

Message from the President

Gilles Vézina, President

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The 2011-12 fiscal year proved to be a very challenging, rewarding and an opportune time for the RA. The administration was very diligent in managing the programs and services under very tight constraints realizing the economics and competition that we face on a daily basis. A number of internal administrative functions and personnel were re-aligned with the goal of better efficiencies and cost savings across the organization. Many of the goals were attained and those that have come up short have been priorized within a new business case review process. Each of 7 key areas identified have specific targets to be achieved and in the 2012-13 year the RA will integrate the recommendations coming forward from the review process. The driving force behind the recommendations will be to enhance the growth potential of the RA programs. In this process staff works very closely with the various volunteer Club Executive Committees to ensure that their efforts are recognized and valued. Volunteers in the RA are an essential element of our overall success as an organization. On an annual basis, all volunteers are recognized for their contribution. This volunteer contribution also reaches out to the Board of Directors and the working committees that have been developed to assist in the alignment with and the evaluation of the strategic plan and the six key directions that were proposed. Staff provides continuous support to each of the committees and, with the newly created committees for this coming year, will enable the Board to have better information and materials to make the key decisions required for the longevity of the RA.

The Rideau Tennis Club celebrated its 100th anniversary this year with a number of events hosted by the volunteer committee. As well, staff completed a number of capital works projects such as the new tennis courts, swimming pool infrastructure, tennis net post reconstruction and building retrofits.

The RA positioned itself to bring in new programs to our family starting with the new Canoe Camping Club with over 330 new members. The Capital Wheelchair Curling Club program will become an integral part of the overall RA Curling Program with some 38 new members. The introduction of a Fall Softball League will realize over 22 additional teams. The RA is also the chosen site for the 2013 Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championships in March where athletes, coaches and volunteers come together.

Message from the CEO/General Manager

Rick Baker, CEO/General Manager

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Accomplishments 2011-12The following accomplishments represent a total team effort with the Board of Directors, Staff and Club Executive Volunteers:

Relationship Building• Fostered good working relationships with the Canadian Society

of Association Executives, Canadian Society of Club Managers, Ottawa Tourism, Meeting Planners International, Algonquin College Hospitality and Tourism Management Faculty, RA Club Executives, Chamber of Commerce

• KWA Partners Leadership Development Program• Health Partners-United Way Campaign

Strategic Plan• Implementation of strategic goals and directives focussing on

growth and entrepreneurial projects• Review administrative processes for the strategic goals and

objectives• Liaison with the Strategic Oversight Committee

Communications• Design of new Corporate Web-Site for implementation in 2013• Creative design of Camp programs brochures• E-Communication of BOD elections including electronic voting• Ongoing support of e-blasts to members

Financial Management• Successful management and execution of 2011-12 operating

and capital budget• Implementation of new accounting software• Design of a cost efficiency plan and identification of key target

areas for savings• Tendered RA Liability and Property insurance realizing savings of

$40 K per year• Implementation of a corporate sponsorship strategy

Leadership• Facilitated a number of staff training and development sessions

for staff at all levels• All staff were trained in AODA legislation (Accessibility for

Ontarians With A Disability)• Sessions with KWA Leadership Development Program for all

management staff• Labour management negotiations resulting in a 3 year

agreement• Provided support to Board of Directors and Working Committees

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Policy Development• Governance Framework• AODA Legislation• Human Resources Policy upgrade• Review of new Provincial Legislation (ONPAct)

Rideau Tennis Club• New Management Structure of personnel at RTC• Upgrade of tennis courts, swimming pool infrastructure,

Centennial Garden design• 100th Anniversary Celebrations• Worked with City of Ottawa and NCC for the design and

construction of a new cycling-pedestrian pathway across the Rideau River adjacent to club and new parking amenities

Facility & Property Services• Design and implementation of new facility maintenance tracking

system for all work projects• Completed an accessibility audit of the RA premises to make

the building more accessible for persons with disabilities and mobility issues

• Reduced cleaning supply expenditures by re-tendering the contracts resulting in annual savings of $10K

• Orderly completion of approved capital work projects

Recreation, Sport & Fitness Services• Close liaison with all Club Executives to ensure fluidity of

programs and activities• Development of communication tools to apprise members and

guests about all programs and activities• Integration of new RA Canoe Camping Club with 330 new

members• Integration of Capital Wheelchair Curling Club program• Revamped summer camp program realizing a net growth of

600 new campers• Creation of new Customer service standards and trained all staff

in the program

Hospitality & Retail Services• Identification of new markets for rental of facilities for weddings,

conferences and meetings• Hosted over 1200 functions for members and at-large public• Developed and executed the “In Your Neighbourhood” campaign

visiting over 75 local businesses to profile RA premises and services

• Tendered and awarded pouring rights for alcoholic beverages to Sleeman Brewery

• Launched the League Rewards Loyalty Program with over 150 teams participating and receiving year-end credits towards banquets and team parties

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Board of DirectorsPresidentGilles Vézina Retired: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Vice-PresidentCheryl Lynn Brekalo Canada Revenue Agency

MembersIan Bishop Retired: Public Works and Government Services Canada

Gordon Cooper Retired: Public Works and Government Services Canada

John Dawley Algonquin College

Ferdy Doreleyers Retired: Parks Canada

Walter Gerus Retired: City of Ottawa

Viola Hennessey Retired, Finance Canada

Valery Keyes National Defence

Brad Mills Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceCameron Montgomery University of Ottawa

Diana Monnet Retired: Federal Public Service

Wilfred Oliver Retired, Nortel Networks

Jean-Guy Soulière National Seniors Council

Non-voting membersJohn Ossowski - Past President Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Rick Baker CEO/General Manager - RA Centre

Rick Baker CEO/General Manager, RA Centre

Gord Aitken Director, Hospitality & Retail Services

Sandra Kazaka Controller/Director, Finance & Administration Services

Jane Proudfoot Director, Recreation, Sport & Fitness Services

Ross Rankin Director, Facility & Property Services

Corporate Strategic Team

The Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada