Price rates for city-owned facilities need updates

FORT ST. JOHN—The Fort St. John council is set to determine price changes and discount rates for city-owned facilities, mainly to account for inflation. 

During the April 22nd Committee of the Whole meeting, city staff presented to council on renewal options for the Community Services Fees and Charges Bylaw. 

The current fees administered from the bylaw expire on August 31st, 2024, and a new bylaw is required to set new fees for the next five years. 

Karin Carlson, director of community services, said, “Our user groups are already asking us for their updated fees so they can set their own fees.” 

The presentation explained how the current bylaw works, its guiding principles, and its benefits for non-profit groups, youth, and seniors.

According to Carlson, city facilities and spaces are paid for through taxpayer support and user fees.

Based on suggestions from MNP, Carlson made new bylaw recommendations to separate information included in the existing bylaw that is not required to meet any legislative requirements and develop a companion policy to include the information.

Staff presented two approaches for charging facility rates. The first approach would keep the current rates plus 3.4 percent for inflation each year. The second approach uses the full projected costs plus inflation. 

“We always need to be extra cautious about ensuring the burden isn’t completely unfortunate on taxpayers for people to benefit from,” said councillor Trevor Bolin. 

Council directed staff to go off the second approach as the current rates were too low due to missing inflationary periods over the last few years. 

“We have to be able to pay for the services we have, and we have not been keeping pace with inflation,” said Mayor Lilia Hansen.

“I don’t want to be in a situation where we do not have the funds or reserves,” Hansen continued. 

The current rate for ice time at city facilities such as the Pomeroy Sports Centre is $333 an hour. Youth non-profit groups are charged 25 per cent of the usual rate, or $83 an hour. The 75 per cent difference is charged to taxpayers. 

Council asked if groups selling tickets and generating revenue, such as the Huskies, would still be eligible for rental discounts. 

Carlson said the Huskies would be charged youth or adult rates for practices and games and would consider the ticketed rate for tournament events that raise revenue. 

Council directed staff to keep the current benefits and reduce the seniors discount age from 65 to 60. 

“I think it should be 60, in my opinion,” said Bolin. 

Carlson said the incentive for the senior rates is to allow seniors on a fixed income to access healthy activities. 

“If we can keep seniors active, then we are keeping them healthier,” said Carlson 

Staff will write and propose the new bylaw based on the council’s recommendations at the May 27th meeting. 

The updated fees and charges will be implemented from September 1st, 2024, until August 31st, 2029. 

The full presentation can be viewed below: