TAMRMS#: B06
13.2
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Non-Residential Recreation User Fees
Notice given by: Councillor Hughes
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Hughes gave notice on May 16, 2022.
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
Effective September 1, 2022, the City of St. Albert implement non-resident recreation user fees and charges for programs and services which are higher than those charged to St. Albert residents, with the exception of those non-residents from municipalities that have an intermunicipal collaboration framework, memorandum of understanding or other partnership or contribution agreement, pertaining to recreation, that benefits both the City and the other party.
That Administration bring back a report to Council by the end of Q2 2022 on the implementation plan, fees schedule and applicable programs and services.
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ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
A.2.1.b Booking and Sales
Provide transactional support to the community for purchases, bookings, reservations, program registrations, and access to recreation facilities, community facilities and parks.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Differential fees for recreation facility access based on residency has both benefits and challenges which have been explored in more detail by Administration in the attached analysis. (Attachment 1). Resident and non-resident fees for recreation facility access are not a common offering in recreation facilities in the region and could be precedent setting. There are many complexities to be considered in making this decision including the political, logistical, and staffing impacts. With an investment of time and resources, it is believed that a differential fee structure could be developed and implemented in St. Albert recreation facilities in alignment to the motion.
There are numerous considerations that have been identified for Council consideration prior to the implementation of a non-resident fee structure. Key highlights of those considerations have been included below:
With Council direction, Administration could begin work on an implementation plan for the development of a non-resident fee structure for recreation facilities. The implementation plan may also identify challenges that cannot be mitigated in the implementation of a non-resident user fee, which will be presented to Council for consideration.
Administration will require additional time to complete this work and would be able to return with an implementation and costing plan by the end of Q4 2022. Prioritization of this work may require the realignment of other projects and priorities currently under way within the Recreation and Parks Department.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
No stakeholder engagement has occurred on non-resident user fees.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Additional costs may be required for implementation and will be further confirmed through the development of the implementation plan.
Legal / Risk:
N/A
Program or Service:
N/A
Organizational:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation Administration would take no further action at this time.
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Report Date: June 7, 2022
Author(s): Daniele Podlubny, Interim Director, Recreation and Parks
Department: Recreation & Parks
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (Interim): Diane Enger
Chief Administrative Officer (Interim): Kerry Hilts