Recreation services getting more expensive

VERNON – It will cost more to take a dip, go for a skate and bounce a basketball at Vernon’s public recreation facilities this September.

Prices for rentals, programs and services will rise by 2.6 per cent, even though the department’s costs are inflating by 5.6 per cent owing to wage and utility increases.

The city’s recreation services manager Doug Ross says in this economy, burdening the public with a 5.6 per cent jump would negatively impact participation.

“The more we increase costs, the harder it is for people to participate,” Ross says. “This is a way to increase cost while not making it a barrier for people to participate.”

Ross says things like the affordable access program — used by around 900 people — have kept services accessible for all. 

“With recreation and leisure playing such an important role in the mental and physical health of the community it is important to strive to keep fees for rentals, programs and services affordable,” Ross says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.