BATTLEFORD - The Town of Battleford has looked at rate increases for their recreation facilities, following an every-two-year review from the Parks and Recreation Committee, which suggested a six per cent increase for most facilities.
According to documents from the town, "The committee reviews the rates every two years to ensure they are in line with other municipalities and reflect current operating costs," after which the recommendation stated that the attempt is to achieve 50 per cent cost recovery and 50 per cent through taxation for the operations of their facilities.
- Arena - 53 per cent of expenses recovered through user revenue.
- Alex Dillabough Centre - 39 per cent of expenses recovered through user revenue.
- Battleford Flats - 26 per cent of expenses recovered through user revenue.
- Campground - 95 per cent of expenses recovered through user revenue.
When reviewing the rates, the committee considered financial increases to staffing, utilities and the consumer price index over the past two years. The committee also reviewed the City of North Battleford's rates and how any proposed rate increase would compare to those of the city.
Town council approved the recommendation from administration at their March 20 meeting.
Deputy Mayor Doug Laing said in comments to the media that he feels the increases are fair.
"In keeping with the idea that we still want to be able to maintain the upkeep of our buildings, the upkeep on our facilitates, and to provide good facilities to residents," Laing said, adding that he feels it's better to make small increases, rather than large increases to reach that 50/50 split.
"...there were years where we didn't do any increases, that I can recall ... so to see that broken down into a six percent, sometimes it sounds worse than it is, but like I said, just trying to keep that 50/50 split."
“I think it looks good to me, the increases seem modest, and I'm happy with our facilities. Good work," Councillor Alexis Christianson said.
Councillor David George, who attended virtually, took issue with the small increase for the adult slo-pitch, which would rise to $43.50.
"I think they're low, and I understand the city's is a little bit lower than ours, but I firmly believe that for the adult slo-pitch and whatnot, the $43.50 is way too cheap," Councillor George said.
"We have to put the same amount of effort into the slo-pitch diamonds as we do the softball diamonds, and I don't see why they should be that different."
The cost for the softball diamonds is now $48.74.
Laing added that the town would likely leave Councillor George's concern about the price of slo-pitch to Jordan Schechtel, Battleford's parks and recreation manager.
"[We'll] see if that's something he wants to come back to council with ... but it's also the reason we have those types of discussions, to go through it line by line, and see. And I think most of the time I would have to concur that our managers do a heck of a good job, so we leave it up to them,"
Councillor George also raised concerns over the every-two-year review rather than yearly.
"What happens if inflation goes to 10 or 12 per cent?"
Jordan Schechtel said that the two-year review is common practice, but nothing is stopping the town from reviewing the rates in 2024, rather than 2025.
