REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: July 10, 2023 Report No. P&R-23-008
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director of Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT:
Title
Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw proposed 2024 Fee Increase End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council:
a) approve the proposed revisions to the Parks and Recreation fees and charges effective January 1, 2024, as outlined in Staff Report No. P&R-23-008; and
b) give first, second, and third readings to Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665, Amendment Bylaw, 2023, No. 3115.
Body
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 of Bylaw 2665 Schedule C in June each calendar year. This review occurred on June 7, 2023 and committee members discussed and endorsed the proposed changes contained in this report. The current fees, and proposed changes are shown in Appendix B. The proposed amendments to the Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw are outlined in the draft Amendment Bylaw No. 3115 in Appendix C.
ISSUES:
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 (Schedule C).
Proposed changes to the fees and charges for January 1, 2024 include:
• Minor increases (2 - 9%) to admissions and memberships with rounding;
• Increase to rental fees (3 - 5%)
• Market correction (20%) for full facility Gorge Park Pavilion rental
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 one change currently. The addition of language in Section 6 Facility Use Permits:
The Director is authorized to:
negotiate, approve, and execute agreements, licenses or other documents related to any interest in or right with respect to land, improvements, or both land and improvements, if the agreement or other document is in relation to a park or recreation facility and adheres to Purchasing and Disposal Bylaw, 2014, No. 2845.
The intent of this change is to ensure land use agreements are secured with the proper delegated authority.
2. Financial Implications
Minor increases to current admissions, pass rates and rental fees will continue to make recreation accessible to our community members and encourage them to lead 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 2023 is 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.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council:
a) approve the proposed revisions to the Parks and Recreation fees and charges effective January 1, 2024, as outlined in Staff Report No. P&R-23-008; and
b) give first, second, and third readings to Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665, Amendment Bylaw, 2023, No. 3115.
2. That Council request additional information from staff.
3. That Council provide alternate direction to staff.