Public Input Requested on Proposed Changes to Park Board 2009 Fees & Charges

October 28, 2008 (No. 60) - The Vancouver Park Board is requesting feedback on proposed changes to its 2009 Fees & Charges and its 2009 Operating Budget. Proposed changes include fee increases of 4% and changes to age definitions and discounts, which are used to set fees. The public is invited to share their ideas in a survey that is available at community centres and on the Park Board website. It includes questions about which programs are considered most important to residents and how the Park Board should set its fee structure. The proposed 2009 Fees & Charges will be reviewed by the Board at its November 24th regular meeting.

Almost 40% of the Park Board's budget is funded from fees and charges for the programs it offers. These include swimming, skating, use of fitness centres, marinas, parking and golf courses as well as admission prices for a variety of other facilities and programs around the city. The Board needs to increase fees to cover the expected inflationary increase of 4% in operating costs and balance the annual budget. In keeping with trends in other Lower Mainland municipalities, changes in age definitions and discounts are being proposed for 2009:

Proposed age definition changes

• The age definition for "pre-schooler" will change from 5 years & under to 2 years & under and for "child" from 6 to 12 years inclusive to 3 to 12 years inclusive
• This will mean charging fees for children aged 3 to 5

Proposed discount changes

• Youth discount increased from 25% to 30%
• Senior discount decreased from 30% to 25%

To encourage public use of its facilities, the Park Board will continue to offer a minimum of 4 hours per week of low cost sessions at each rink and pool. It will also continue to offer the Leisure Access Card, which allows for unlimited free swimming and skating at public sessions and a 50% discount for lessons and other programs for residents with limited income.

Residents can pick up the survey and additional information at their community centre or find it online at vancouverparks.ca.

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For more information contact: Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8440
www.vancouverparks.ca

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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