Cranbrook council has given three readings to a bylaw that will increase recreation and culture fees.
Council has expressed concerns regarding the high cost of recreation during previous budget discussions.
A consultant was tasked with finding recommendations that speak to the concerns, but the process would not be ready by Sept. 1 which is when the city is required to have its fees and charges in place.
Once council can review the recommendations, staff have the remainder of the year to develop and deliver a plan and implement the approach.
For this year, the city is looking at an increase that would bring them in line with other communities.
“Typically the fees and charges increase in Cranbrook has been a small 2.5 per cent margin per year,” said Cranrbook’s recreation and culture director Trevor Thors.
“We are looking a recovering the cost of services and getting closer to the other communities around us. We are looking at a general 10 per cent across-the-board increase and 15 per cent on single admissions such as public swimming.”
Swim fees will increase from $3.65 to $4.41 for a child, $4.75 to $5.74 for youth and seniors and $6.35 to $7.62 for adults.
Also included in the changes are youth field rates increasing from $13.40 to $20.00 per player and camping fees rising from $30.00 to $45.00.
It will be up for adoption at the next council meeting and new fees will come into effect on Sept. 1.
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