It’s going to cost a little more to swim, play ball or enroll in summer camp in Hanover this year.
Recreation program rates are going up by about 2.5 per cent across the board.
“The majority of rates are going up 2.5 per cent. That’s related to facility rental rates and program rates,” Recreation?Program Manager Sherri Walden said.
However, aquatic rates will actually jump by about 20 per cent.
“For swim lessons it’s a $1.50 increase,” Walden said, “The fee increase is, of course, relative to the fee prior the increase. For a summer camp program it’s a $3 increase, for a lighted ball diamond rental rate it’s increasing by $0.90.”
Walden said the increase wouldn’t affect the cost for those taking advantage of public skates, but would be felt by hockey players.
“Our public skate has traditionally been free due to sponsors, I assume that program will continue for the next ice season as that’s how it’s been done the past number of years,” she said, “From an ice rental perspective, for hockey, it’s also a 2.5 per cent increase.”
Those using Hanover’s facilities that don’t live in the town will see the most increase as the non-resident fee, which adds 25 per cent of the program registration fee, is being maintained.
Brockton doesn’t have an equivalent fee for out-of-towners, said Dan Wilken, Director of Recreation and Facilities for Brockton.
However, those using recreational facilities in Brockton can look forward to a similar across-the-board rate increase in the near future, Wilken said.
“We’re probably looking at a rate increase across the board. Our rates compared to other municipalties are lower and it’s time to close the gap a little bit,” he said, “I don’t see too many changes on the program side of things, but our facilities, including ice rentals will be going up starting in the 2010/2011 season.”
According to Walden and Wilken, the implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax in July will also affect the costs of some programs.
“Depending on the age group and the services, the HST may have an impact on rental fees,” Wilken said, “All our fees are before any applicable taxes.”
For anyone struggling to afford the new rates in Hanover, Walden said there are a number of subsidy options in place.
“There’s a few options actually. If you’re a town of Hanover resident we have a specific subsidy policy not unlike other town’s recreation programs. There’s also the Grey National Child Benefit Subsidy Project aimed at youth under 18 years of age,” she said, “If you’re a resident of Grey County, the project can help with activities related to sports, arts and culture, and even school trips. It’s been in existence for quite some time and it’s great because it covers a wide range of activities and program opportunites people can apply for.”
A similar program exists in Bruce County called the Bruce County?Community Services Fund.
“It’s a very similar project,” Walden said, adding that a number of other social services give subsidies straight to their clients for recreational activities.
While Brockton facility rental rates will see an increase in 2010, Brockton residents will also gain access to an increased amount of ice time, Wilken said.
“Typically, the ice would go out in the first couple weeks of April, but a ‘AAA’ team has the ice rented for April and May,” he said, “So ice rentals at the community centre at the usual fee will be available?right up to May 20. We hope to do this in the future to extend the ice season for resident and to bring in users from outside the community.”