TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 24, 2024 Report No. P&R-24-005
TO: Council
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw Proposed 2025 Fee Increase
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council:
a) approve the proposed revisions to the Parks and Recreation fees and charges effective January 1, 2025, as outlined in Staff Report No. P&R-24-005; and
b) give first, second, and third readings to Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665, Amendment Bylaw, 2024, No. 3140.
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 2024 is inflation.
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. The proposed amendments to the Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw are outlined in the draft Amendment Bylaw No. 3140 in Appendix B. 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 May 22, 2024. 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, 2025 include:
* Increase on rental fees (4%)
* Increases (4-9%) to admi...
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