TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 7, 2025, Report No. P&R-25-005
TO: Council
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw Proposed 2026 Fee Increase
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first, second, and third readings to Parks and Recreation Regulation Bylaw, 2007, No. 2665, Amendment Bylaw, 2025, No. 3165.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The goal of 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 is inflation. Proposed fee increases will not take effect until January 1, 2026.
BACKGROUND:
The Environment, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (EPRAC) completes an annual fees and charges 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. 3165 (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 April 23, 2025. 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, 2026, include:
* Increase on rental fees (4%-10%)
* Increases (4-9%) to admissions and memberships with rounding
* Second year of blending of curling fees...
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