MacDonald Island Dance Academy (MIDA) program undergoing sustainability review
(Fort McMurray, AB, April 06, 2022) – As a result of an increase in public response regarding the MacDonald Island Dance Academy (MIDA) program, the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo (RRC) would like to provide the following information and update.
MacDonald Island Park began offering recreational dance programs with the development of MIDA in 2012. At that time a service gap had been identified in the community for dance programming with demand exceeding the capacity within the region. Over time, this program has evolved to include a competitive dance team in addition to the recreational program previously noted. MIDA is a program managed, staffed and funded by the RRC. It is not a program operated by a third party or through a facility lease agreement or otherwise.
As a part of the Corporation’s operations, RRC administration identified the sustainability of MIDA as an action item for 2022. As a result, work has been occurring to consider options for this program. The review was initiated as a result of decreased registration and revenues, coupled with increased expenses in the last several years resulting in a deficit position for the program. For clarity, this review was not initiated as a response to any complaints received by a third party and to date the RRC has not received any complaints from a third party regarding the MIDA program.
As a part of this review, the Corporation is considering adjustments to the current MIDA program given the changes to the demand for these services and the subsequent impact to the sustainability of the program. Additionally, the review is including considerations for the capacity of private studio owners to meet the needs of the community, while also confirming whether or not a service gap continues to exist in the region, reviewing similar programs offered in other municipally owned or operated facilities throughout the Province, and finally reviewing alternate uses of current spaces to establish the sustainability of this program. This process included a public request for proposal (RFP); submissions were received and are being considered within the established criteria set out in the RFP. Evaluation of the submissions continues at this time and the RRC reserves the right to accept or decline any or all of the proposals through this review.
The intent of this review is twofold. First and foremost, the Corporation is seeking a solution that provides continued opportunity for access to quality recreational and competitive dance programs in this region and at MacDonald Island Park. Secondly, the Corporation is seeking a solution that provides those opportunities in an affordable and accessible manner for the residents of Wood Buffalo while also delivering a sustainable and financially responsible outcome for the Corporation.
The RRC recognizes the sensitivity of this review and the importance of the MIDA program to the dancers and families who have invested in the program with both time and money for several years. The RRC also has a commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainability to ensure accountability to the RMWB and the residents of the region.
MacDonald Island Park and the RRC are deeply grateful for the support the community has shown for the MIDA program over the years, and are proud of all the dancers who come through the doors whether to dance for the first time or as accomplished competitive dancers. Our commitment to arts and culture in this region will not waiver.