After years of remaining static, recreation user fees will jump next year with significant increases in a number of areas.
Following an early 2012 review of current fees, a new schedule was adopted by council Dec. 10, to take effect Jan. 1, 2013. New ice rental fees will not take effect until Aug. 15.
“I think that shinny fee's been the same price for the past 15 years,” said Coun. Jason Heistad, referring to the 100 per cent increase to the $2 price tag for adults, which will rise to $4.
“I don't think my dad would be able to afford that,” he jested.
Prime ice time rates will jump 11.11 per cent to $120 for adults, from $108. Prime ice time rates for youth will hit $74, up 2.78 per cent from $72.
The off-peak rental rate for adults will jump to $82 from $75, up 9.33 per cent. For youth the off-peak rental rate will remain constant at $64.
Aquatic centre rates for adults will rise to $4.50, up 12.5 per cent from $4. The family price will now be $10 from $8, up 25 per cent.
Though fees had been stagnant, starting this year a fee review will be part of yearly town business.
“We will now review annually and we will recommend any cost increases if they're required,” said Director of Community and Protective Services Terry Welsh. “This will ensure that our fee increases are staged appropriately and they won't be excessive in terms of the user groups.”
Every few years the town will take a broader account of how its fee schedule stands up, Welsh said.
“Along with that annual review we'll also conduct a survey in a three- to five-year cycle depending on where we're feeling we're at – in terms of our competitiveness within our own market but as well in terms of cost recovery mechanisms established by council for facilities,” he said. “This process will ensure that we remain competitive and that cost recovery is achieved.”
Council approved the new fee schedule unanimously.
