DIDSBURY - Town council has approved new rates and fees for the Didsbury Out of School Care Association (DOSCA) and the Didsbury Summer Fun program.
First and second reading of the bylaw outlining the changes was passed in March and given final approval at the recent, regularly-scheduled council meeting, held in person and on YouTube.
Administration recommended a fee increase for both the DOSCA hourly rate and daily (full day) rate, as well a rate increases for all fees associated with the Summer Fun program.
The increases were due to several factors, including increased rental costs, increased transportation and field trip costs (summer program only), and increase costs for goods and services, said Ethan Gorner, the Town of Didsbury's chief administrative officer.
An increase in rate and fees had not been made for three years, he said.
The DOSCA child care hourly fee increases from $7.50 to $8.50, and the full day fee increases from $45 to $50.
For the Summer Fun program, the weekly early bird fee until June 15 increases from $175 to $180, the weekly early bird additional sibling fee until June 15 increases from $165 to $170, the weekly fee after June 15 increases from $185 to $190, and the weekly additional sibling after June 15 increases from $175 to $180.
As well, the daily drop in fee increases from $45 to $50 and the field trip drop in fee increases from $55 to $65.
The initial bylaw includes proposed rates for rental of Didsbury Neighbourhood Place (DNP). However, after further consideration by administration, those changes were set aside.
“DNP is extremely busy with internal programs, rentals and use, so availability is minimal for public use of this facility,” he said. “Public rentals of this facility require either a staff member to be in attendance during the use, or that a key and alarm code be issued if a staff member is not present.
“The cost and risk to the facility to accommodate these types of rentals is high, while the revenues generated are minimal ($512 from 2020-2022).”
Coun. Bill Windsor said he was pleased that the DNP potion of the proposed bylaw was removed.
There are other town facilities of sizes similar to DNP, such as the Didsbury Memorial Complex and the Train Station, available for rental, Gorner noted.
New campground rates approved
Meanwhile, councillors have approved increased fees and rates at the municipally-owned Rosebud Valley Campground.
“Rates for the Rosebud Valley Campground have remained stagnant for many years, while costs have continued to increase,” said Gorner. “Utility costs projects are expected to continue to rise and have been considered within these fees. Additionally new and improved services - power improvements, playground upgrades, increased activities for users - have been offered over the past two seasons.”
Administration recommended a fee increase for all categories of sites and lengths of stay.
“These recommendations are based on the rate review, in consideration of amenities available at our campground, competitive pricing relative to campgrounds in close proximity, and increased costs for operations,” he said.
The new rates for power only 15 amp sites are $25 plus GST daily, $150 plus GST weekly and $600 plus GST month.
The new rate for power only 30 amp sites are $30 plus GST daily, $180 plus GST weekly, $650 plus GST monthly.
The new rate for power and water 15 amp are $30 plus GST daily, $180 plus GST weekly, and $650 plus GST monthly.
The new rate for power and water 30 amp are $35 plus GST, $200 plus GST weekly, and $700 plus GST monthly.
