REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: April 23, 2025 Report No. EPRAC-25-003
TO: Environment, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
FROM: Steve Knoke, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT:
Title
2026 Fees and Charges Rate ReviewEnd
RELEVANT POLICY:
Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665 (Appendix A)
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Efficiently and effectively provide local services and infrastructure.
BACKGROUND:
The Environment, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (EPRAC) completes an annual fees and charges rate review in spring each year. The current fees, proposed changes, and the average market rates are shown in Appendix B - Fees and Charges Table - 2026 Proposed Fees and Charges attached.
The question to the committee - are the proposed fee changes appropriate and applicable for Parks and Recreation service provision in the TOE?
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
EPRAC completed a detailed review of the Bylaw 2665 in 2022 (Appendix A). The bylaw continues to be relevant and applicable and requires no changes at this time. The recommended revisions to the fee schedule are highlighted in Appendix B.
Proposed changes to the fees and charges for January 1, 2026 include:
• Minor increases to admissions (4-10%) and memberships with rounding;
• Minor increases to rental fees (4%-5%)
• Increase to childminding rate (25%) reflects increased time of service 75mins to 90mins
• Increase to pickle ball court rental rate (15%) market correction
• Increase to non-prime ice rates (25%) current rates are significantly behind region
• Pavillion food truck connection increase ($5)
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 - Schedule C)
2. Financial Implications
Minor increases to current admissions, pass rates and rental fees will continue to keep recreation accessible to our community members and encourage 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 overall direct delivery of recreation services.
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 2025 continues to be inflation.
3. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
4. Communication & 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.