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Two-tier fee system on way out
Effective today (Wednesday April 1), residents of Cranbrook and non-residents will pay the same fees for all leisure services in the City of Cranbrook. This includes all ice and field rentals, programming, pool admissions and lessons.
Council adopted the changes to the Leisure Services Fees and Charges Bylaw at a special meeting on Tuesday night, which removed the resident/non-resident rate structure in place since Western Financial Place (former Cranbrook Rec Plex) was initially built.
“This goes a long way in improving our relationship with non-residents,” said Mayor Lee Pratt. “Some of these people are local business owners and pay taxes to the city. The other non-residents support our local businesses and city in other ways. I believe that over time the usage of these facilities by non-residents will increase and some of that annual revenue will be realized in the fees collected. This may also make it more affordable so that more children and youth will be able to participate in various activities.”
The change in the fees will result in a decrease to annual revenues of between $30,000 and $40,000. However, city staff expects that over time, increased usage from non-residents will gradually increase revenues, offsetting some of the initial budget impact.
“Since inception, the resident discount rate structure has been contentious,” says Chris New, Director of Leisure Services for the City of Cranbrook. “We hear opinions from residents in favour and opposed to the two-tier structure. Administratively, and from a customer service perspective, a single rate is what our staff has been hoping to see for a long time. Not only does it support our efforts to attract regional visitors to our recreation facilities, it also creates a positive image for our city which complements our other business operations such as concerts and other events.”
“This council wants to build positive relationships with our citizens and the residents of the surrounding areas,” Mayor Pratt added. “This is definitely a step in the right direction.”
Visit www.cranbrook.ca to review a copy of the updated Leisure Services Fees & Charges Bylaw.
City of Cranbrook
