TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 6, 2026 Report No. P&R-26-009
TO: Council
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw Proposed 2027 Fee Increase
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first, second, and third readings to Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3192.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The goal in the review of recreation fees and charges is to strike a balance between fiscal accountability, access to recreation services, and the current marketplace. The main driving force in 2026 is inflation. Proposed fee increase will not take effect until January 1, 2027
BACKGROUND:
The Environment, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (EPRAC) completes an annual fees and charges rate review of Bylaw 2665 and Schedule C each calendar year (Appendix A). The proposed amendments to the Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw are outlined in the draft Amendment Bylaw No. 3192 (Appendix C). The current fees, and recommended changes are shown in Appendix B.
Advisory Body Recommendations:
The Environment, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (EPRAC) reviewed the proposed changes on June 24, 2026. The committee members discussed and endorsed the proposed changes contained in this report.
ANALYSIS:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The principles and processes for the fees and charges rationale are identified in Bylaw No. 2665, Schedule C, section 3 and include:
• The direct cost of providing the service;
• Average pricing for comparable services in the Capital Region; and
• Subsidies provided to specific users.
Staff applied these principles when developing the proposed changes contained in the draft fee schedule (Appendix B).
Proposed changes to the fees and charges for January 1, 2027, include:
• Increase on rental fees (4%-10%)
• Increases to admissions and memberships with rounding (4-10%)
• Second year of blending of curling fees prime and non-prime (10%) rates over a 3-year period
• Ice - Adult Non-Prime 25% increase
• Ice - Youth Non-Prime 25% increase
• Ice - Commercial Non-Prime 25% increase
• Group Skate Rentals 20% increase
• Swim while child in lesson rate 33% increase
• Admin Fee - increase of 20% increase
• New Bench/Picnic Table 10% increase
• Community Garden Plots 10% increase
Environment Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (EPRAC) completed a comprehensive review of Bylaw No. 2665 in June of 2022. (Appendix A). The bylaw continues to be relevant and applicable and requires no changes at this time.
Environmental Impact:
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
OPTIONS:
1. That Council give first, second, and third readings to Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665, Amendment Bylaw, 2026, No. 3192.
2. That Council request additional information from staff.
3. That Council provide alternate direction to staff.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Engaged & Healthy Community
Good Governance & Organizational Excellence
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Minor increases to current admissions, pass rates and rental fees will continue to make recreation accessible to our community members and encourage them in a healthy lifestyle. Admission fees have been rounded for ease of payment.
User fees collected by the Township are used to reduce the tax requisition for the service and for the total overall direct delivery of parks and recreation services. The chart below shows the historical recovery levels of recreation service in the TOE.
|
Year |
Actual Cost Recovery |
Notes |
|
2019 |
50% |
|
|
2022 |
48% |
COVID impacts over a 3 year period |
|
2023 |
51% |
|
|
2024 |
56% |
Pavillion revenue |
|
2025 |
55% |
Annual fee increases reflected |
|
2026 |
55% (projected) |
Annual fee increases is similar to 2027 proposed |
The goal in the review of recreation fees and charges is to strike a balance between fiscal accountability, access to recreation services, and the current marketplace. The main driving force in 2026 continues to be inflation.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
Providing adequate notice in advance of any approved changes will allow users and user groups time to inform members of any changes that may impact existing user budgets.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
Proposed fee increase to take effect January 1, 2027.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
List all items attached to the Staff Report
1. Appendix A - Consolidated Version of Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665
2. Appendix B - Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665 fee schedule with proposed amendments.
3. Appendix C - Draft Amendment Bylaw No. 3192 fee schedule with proposed amendments