Feedback from recreation users has prompted the parks and recreation department to create a new fee for full-time post-secondary students who no longer qualify under the family membership rate structure.
The last time the department added a new fee was in April 2020, when it added a senior rate to mirror youth rates, which resulted in 176 aquatic memberships, 524 Yara Centre memberships and 118 recreation pass memberships sold last year, a city council report explained.
“The parks and recreation department feels that adding a student rate would also lead to increases in overall membership, as access to recreation facilities would be much more affordable for post-secondary students,” the report noted.
The new college-related fee structure — similar to the seniors and youth rates — would apply to students over 18 taking full-time classes. They must provide a student ID, admission letter and/or transcripts as proof.
The new fees include the following:
- Venue drop-in: $6.25
- Group drop-in: $4.75
- Punch card (five): $25
- Punch card (10): $43.75
- Yara Centre track drop-in: $4
- Public skating drop-in: $4.25
- Public skating season pass: $31.25
- Monthly membership (Yara Centre or aquatic): $43.75
- Three-month pass (Yara Centre or aquatic): $109.38
- Annual pass (Yara Centre or aquatic): $350
- Monthly pass (all venues and drop-in classes): $48.75
- Three-month pass (all venues and drop-in classes): $121.88
- Annual pass (all venues and drop-in classes): $390
The department’s focus remains on increasing attendance by ensuring services and programs remain affordable and accessible, the report said. Meanwhile, using a benefits-based approach to policy updates, evidence on the benefits of recreation suggests rec opportunities can help address existing challenges with mental, physical and social well-being.
A review of other municipalities showed most charge adult fees for the college-age demographic, although the City of Regina’s rates include a young adult rate for people between 19 and 24 years of age, the report continued. This rate is similar to the senior rate.
Parks and rec has determined that six per cent of current annual memberships are for non-college youths between 18 and 26 years of age, the report continued.
So, the new rate should give more options and incentives for college students to acquire a yearly pass, which should result in higher attendance and revenues as many cancel their membership once they are removed from their family’s pass.
“No loss in revenue is projected from this change in rates. With over 2,700 students at Sask. Polytechnic, this revenue potential will be communicated directly to all students,” the report added.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 26.
