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community centre user fees

05 Feb 2018

I play with the senior ladies badminton drop in group. This year we had a 46.2% increase imposed on us. One of our members who also plays table tennis calculated that she would now be paying almost $500 per year in user fees. 

When the community centre first opened it was decided not to charge fees for senior drop in programs in some rooms but to charge for the auditorium.  The community centre has been with us for 6 years now so perhaps it is time to review the pricing model for this facility.

The model of charging high rents to some senior groups and nothing to large numbers of other users– including non-residents coming in to enjoy free programs - is both unfair and unsustainable over the long run. If a small drop in fee of $1 had been charged over $30,000 would have been collected over the past 6 years.

As part of the facilities review, could staff look at models used in other communities such as Stratford, Niagara Falls – and St Catharines that is currently engaging in a discussion with its citizens on how to charge for their facilities.  Link to their website below.

<communications@stcatharines.ca(External link)>

The lady in question (a retired 76 yr old single lady)  has since dropped out of badminton as she can not afford to pay $500 per year for these activities.  This should not be the case in a community centre that aims to be inclusive and a resource for all.

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Author Commented Barbara Waller almost 7 years ago
Response to Lauren, one member sent an e-mail to all councillors explaining her situation and that she couldn't afford the new fees - no councillors responded so my take is that they couldn't be bothered - I would like to know their reason for turning down the motion other than apathy.
Share Response to Lauren, one member sent an e-mail to all councillors explaining her situation and that she couldn't afford the new fees - no councillors responded so my take is that they couldn't be bothered - I would like to know their reason for turning down the motion other than apathy. on Facebook Share Response to Lauren, one member sent an e-mail to all councillors explaining her situation and that she couldn't afford the new fees - no councillors responded so my take is that they couldn't be bothered - I would like to know their reason for turning down the motion other than apathy. on Twitter Share Response to Lauren, one member sent an e-mail to all councillors explaining her situation and that she couldn't afford the new fees - no councillors responded so my take is that they couldn't be bothered - I would like to know their reason for turning down the motion other than apathy. on Linkedin Email Response to Lauren, one member sent an e-mail to all councillors explaining her situation and that she couldn't afford the new fees - no councillors responded so my take is that they couldn't be bothered - I would like to know their reason for turning down the motion other than apathy. link
Linda Sauro almost 7 years ago
Perhaps the question we should be asking (in response to Lauren's comment below) is this: Is the NOTL Community Centre a non-profit entity serving the community or has Council decided it should become a profit centre? I'm quite sure it was built for the former and not the latter. Council -- Please take another look, or at least tell us your answer. It was paid for with taxpayer monies and individual donations -- just a reminder.
Share Perhaps the question we should be asking (in response to Lauren's comment below) is this: Is the NOTL Community Centre a non-profit entity serving the community or has Council decided it should become a profit centre? I'm quite sure it was built for the former and not the latter. Council -- Please take another look, or at least tell us your answer. It was paid for with taxpayer monies and individual donations -- just a reminder. on Facebook Share Perhaps the question we should be asking (in response to Lauren's comment below) is this: Is the NOTL Community Centre a non-profit entity serving the community or has Council decided it should become a profit centre? I'm quite sure it was built for the former and not the latter. Council -- Please take another look, or at least tell us your answer. It was paid for with taxpayer monies and individual donations -- just a reminder. on Twitter Share Perhaps the question we should be asking (in response to Lauren's comment below) is this: Is the NOTL Community Centre a non-profit entity serving the community or has Council decided it should become a profit centre? I'm quite sure it was built for the former and not the latter. Council -- Please take another look, or at least tell us your answer. It was paid for with taxpayer monies and individual donations -- just a reminder. on Linkedin Email Perhaps the question we should be asking (in response to Lauren's comment below) is this: Is the NOTL Community Centre a non-profit entity serving the community or has Council decided it should become a profit centre? I'm quite sure it was built for the former and not the latter. Council -- Please take another look, or at least tell us your answer. It was paid for with taxpayer monies and individual donations -- just a reminder. link
Admin Commented Lauren Kruitbosch almost 7 years ago
Thank you for joining the conversation by sharing your idea! Council approved the 2018 user fees in November of 2017. In January 2018, a motion was brought forward to reconsider the approved fees for the Community Centre. However, the motion was defeated and therefore, no further investigation or action will be taken at this time. Staff have heard your concerns and thank you for bringing this information forward. We encourage you to bring forward more ideas in the future.
Share Thank you for joining the conversation by sharing your idea! Council approved the 2018 user fees in November of 2017. In January 2018, a motion was brought forward to reconsider the approved fees for the Community Centre. However, the motion was defeated and therefore, no further investigation or action will be taken at this time. Staff have heard your concerns and thank you for bringing this information forward. We encourage you to bring forward more ideas in the future. on Facebook Share Thank you for joining the conversation by sharing your idea! Council approved the 2018 user fees in November of 2017. In January 2018, a motion was brought forward to reconsider the approved fees for the Community Centre. However, the motion was defeated and therefore, no further investigation or action will be taken at this time. Staff have heard your concerns and thank you for bringing this information forward. We encourage you to bring forward more ideas in the future. on Twitter Share Thank you for joining the conversation by sharing your idea! Council approved the 2018 user fees in November of 2017. In January 2018, a motion was brought forward to reconsider the approved fees for the Community Centre. However, the motion was defeated and therefore, no further investigation or action will be taken at this time. Staff have heard your concerns and thank you for bringing this information forward. We encourage you to bring forward more ideas in the future. on Linkedin Email Thank you for joining the conversation by sharing your idea! Council approved the 2018 user fees in November of 2017. In January 2018, a motion was brought forward to reconsider the approved fees for the Community Centre. However, the motion was defeated and therefore, no further investigation or action will be taken at this time. Staff have heard your concerns and thank you for bringing this information forward. We encourage you to bring forward more ideas in the future. link