The parks and recreation department will focus on increasing attendance at all venues in 2022 as a pandemic recovery strategy but will also hike prices at most sites as part of its annual review of fees and rates.
The pandemic’s effects displaced recreation services for an extended period in 2021, so the recovery focus remains on safely encouraging the community to be active again, including increasing attendance, inclusion and access through an affordable rate structure, a city council report explained.
With COVID-19 still a factor heading into 2022, it is important to recognize the role parks and recreation play in the community’s economic recovery and residents’ mental and physical well-being.
There has been a big decrease in attendance at most rec venues, which has affected cost recovery rates and reduced revenues for building and program fees, the report continued. In 2021, arena rental rates increased by two per cent, while sports grounds and athletic field rates jumped by five per cent.
This year, there were no increases in membership rates, admission fees, pool rental rates, or turf rental rates.
“The focus of the department is to increase attendance as a more sustainable long-term solution (rather than) increasing revenues. The long-term target of setting youth/child rates at 60 per cent of the adult rate remains a priority and will be achieved over several years through gradual increases rather than a one-time rate shock to users,” the report said.
For example, minor turf rental rates are 80 per cent of the adult cost, while minor ice rental rates are 70 per cent of the adult rates.
To reach the 60-per-cent target, several fee increases will go into effect starting April 1, 2022, such as:
- A two-per-cent increase to adult admission rates
- An increase of three per cent to adult turf rental rates
- A five-per-cent increase to sports grounds and athletic fields rates to address rising costs and user group expectations
- An increase of three per cent to rates for arenas, meeting rooms and park spaces to better align with comparative rates in other communities
- Changes in the adult 10-punch pass card rates to reflect “economies of scale and equal to a monthly membership”
For example, adult punch cards (10) will decrease to $56 from $62, while the family rate will increase to $132 from $130.
Meanwhile, adult monthly memberships for the Yara Centre or aquatic centres will increase to $56 from $54.25, while yearly adult memberships will increase to $448 from $434. Furthermore, monthly family memberships will jump slightly to $115.50, while yearly family memberships will increase to $924 from $910.
The parks and recreation department plans to communicate directly with affected user groups about the 2022 rates and fee changes. The new numbers will also be posted to the City of Moose Jaw website.
Council later voted unanimously to accept the rate and fee increases for parks and recreation venues for 2022.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Oct. 25.
