琉璃神社 council is looking at ensuring local residents are first in line regarding city recreation services.
Following an update on recreation fees at its Monday (July 8) morning meeting, council directed staff to 鈥渋nvestigate a resident discount rate or non-resident fee, and a resident first registration policy could apply to various city facilities and programs.鈥�
Councillor Maxine DeHart supported a non-resident fee, pointing out that 琉璃神社 taxpayers are getting worn out.
"We are building a big Parkinson Rec Centre...and I think we're not benefitting our residents by having them pay the full shot."
The staff report noted a non-resident fee has many benefits, but also several challenges such as verifying the residency status of users, and setting fees so that they do not deter use.
"The last thing I want to see...(is) the cost to administer a non-resident fee exceed its benefits," Coun. Gord Lovegrove added.
While the report omitted a non-resident component, it stated the inclusion of such a program could be revisited.
Coun. Luke Stack suggested that popular recreation programs, such as swimming classes, be prioritized for 琉璃神社 residents.
"They're frustrated where one particular activity if there is such an over- subscription, they can't get in."
Staff said advanced program registration for locals could be combined with a non-resident premium. 琉璃神社 residents are given priority to city facility rentals (arenas, sports fields).
The current method to calculate recreation and program fees compares the city with other municipalities or facilities to ensure alignment.
"While a commonly used approach by various municipalities, this approach lacks representation of the true cost to the city of delivering the service and is time-consuming to administer," the report stated.
The review of fees applies to city-owned and operated facilities and programs and not those operated by a third party such as the H20 Adventure Centre.
Staff will update fee schedules and update council before submitting a draft report later this year.
