FILE PHOTO - The indoor pool at the Vernon Recreation Centre is pictured in this undated photo.
Image Credit: City of Vernon
October 27, 2023 - 2:30 PM
The District of Coldstream and two regional district electoral areas have expressed its disappointment with Vernon's plan to go ahead with a new two-tiered payment system for recreational services.
The tiered system will give Vernon residents a 50% discount for all posted recreation admission and rental rates, a 25% discount for registered programs and they will be provided access to register to programs two weeks before non-residents. The motion to create the new system was passed by Vernon city council on Oct. 23.
Other municipalities and regional district electoral areas will have the opportunity to enter into a fee-for-service agreement with the City of Vernon to provide their citizens with the same benefits as Vernon residents, according to a District of Coldstream media release issued yesterday, Oct. 26.
READ MORE: City council approves preferential recreation pricing system for Vernon residents
“As referenced in Vernon staff reports, the proposed structure will lead to greater uncertainty, decreased usage, increased administrative costs and result in a significantly increased financial burden on Vernon residents,” the district said in the release.
Coldstream has proposed a one-time 11% increase in the annual grant amount from $1,280,644 in 2023, to $1,421,515 in 2024, which it said is “not an unsubstantial offer.” The district said its offer to contribute $1,421,515 plus inflation protection to support recreation operations in Vernon, recognizes economic realities and will result in stronger recreation services.
“We share concerns that the overall burden to the public will be increased by the administrative challenges of a two-tiered system, and that such a system will result in decreased usage of facilities by the public,” it wrote.
Coldstream Mayor Ruth Hoyte told iNFOnews.ca she expects Vernon will find challenges with the new system as the city explores it more.
“If we do not reach an agreement, the District of Coldstream will actively pursue other avenues to provide those services within our community with a lesser impact,” Mayor Hoyte said. “It could be anything from our own recreation master plan. It could be we're going to provide rebates. It could be a variety of things. But those are options to explore.”
The district said it remains open to a fee for service agreement, which is said “can be efficiently accomplished through the established joint service at the Regional District of North Okanagan to fund recreation services with the City of Vernon.”
“We are optimistic that we can come to some sort of terms,” Mayor Hoyte said, adding that Coldstream has never refused to participate or negotiate.
More information about the complaint can be found on the District of Coldstream website here.
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