City of Powell River Council has given first three readings to a parks, recreation and culture fees bylaw that will increase core recreation fees by an average of 2.5 per cent in 2025 and 2026.
At the July 3 city council meeting, Jamie Bretzlaff, director of parks, recreation and culture, outlined the fee increases.
In a written report to council, Bretzlaff wrote that user fees do not cover the full cost of operating the recreation complex and do not contribute to a capital reserve for future facility investments. He stated that consequently, city taxpayers subsidize the complex’s operations by approximately $3 million annually, equivalent to about $320 pert average single-family dwelling.
“In addition, taxpayers bear the full cost of all capital expenditures related to the facility and there are currently insufficient savings for these capital costs,” stated Bretzlaff.
At the council meeting, he said the proposed fees and charges follow a directive from city council on February 27 that staff increase revenues by 10 per cent over the estimates that had been presented to council at that time.
“To accomplish this, we are proposing an increase of 2.5 per cent per year for the next two years in our core fees and charges, and the vast majority of facility rentals,” said Bretzlaff.
He outlined that other fees and charges would increase significantly more to make up the 10 per cent increase.
“A few items of note to help frame these increases include the following,” said Bretzlaff. “First, like many other recreation departments have already done, we are proposing to shift our general admission fees from a somewhat random pattern, to instead be calculated transparently based on the single drop-in visit. This transparency makes it much easier for users to determine the best value for general admission and makes future changes on our part much easier.”
Bretzlaff said there will be some variance on increases in the first year for the 10 and 30 passes, and the monthly passes, but on average, the broad range of admission rates will increase by 3.6 per cent. He said in year two, the increases will all be at 2.5 per cent.
Bretzlaff said the bylaw was proposing a single rate for corporate and public admissions by removing the nominal five per cent discount that has been historically offered to registered corporate patrons.
“This not only helps with revenue, but also streamlines our administration, having a single fee,” said Bretzlaff.
Spring and summer ice rental rate discounts will be eliminated under the bylaw, and fees for booking the entire aquatic centre have been increased by 16 per cent to improve cost recovery, said Bretzlaff.
More substantial increases include proposed memorial fees for park benches, picnic tables, trees and replacement plaques for benches. Bretzlaff said the donation program has not been operated on a cost-recovery basis and the proposed increases will help the city get closer.
Bretzlaff said there will be an increase in fees for events that serve alcohol in parks, going from $100 to $125.
“One area where we are proposing a decrease in fees is for our super seniors; those 85 and older,” said Bretzlaff. “We are proposing free general admission to our super seniors. Last year, we saw 16 of these wonderful patrons in our facilities and we want to see more stay healthy for longer.”
Mayor Ron Woznow asked Bretzlaff about the possibility of a fee differential for city residents versus those in the rural areas or from out of town.
“I raise this because of the significant amount of taxation money that is required to maintain the facilities,” said Woznow.
Bretzlaff said it had been considered.
“We are looking at the mechanism of renewing our agreement with the [regional district],” said Bretzlaff. “If we are unable to achieve an agreement with the [regional district], then, one of the options is to do just that, to have fees and charges in the city, versus outside of the city.”
Council unanimously passed first three readings of the fees and charges bylaws for parks, recreation and culture services.
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