The City of Vernon Parks Department and Greater Vernon Recreation Services are seeking public input to assist in assessing appropriate fee levels for facility rentals and usage, as well as identify a clear, consistent, and predictable way for setting fees and charges moving forward.
The City and Recreation Services have retained an independent consulting firm, Innovate Planning & Co., to do a comprehensive review of user fees for City of Vernon Parks and all indoor recreation facilities operated by Greater Vernon Recreation Services.
A public survey is open at www.engagevernon.ca/parksandrecreation.The survey is open until May 19, 2023.
The timing for the Recreation and Parks Fees Assessment is based on the recommendation from the 2018 Recreation Master Plan that identified a review of the Recreation and Parks Fees and Charges be completed as a medium-term and medium priority. Like many municipalities, Vernon’s fees process is without an explicit framework for establishing fees. Currently, fee increases are based on:
o CPI, August to August
o Staff wages
o Utilities, insurance, carbon tax
o Neighbouring communities’ fees
The completion of the Recreation and Parks Fees Assessment is to align with the budget process in August 2023 to set rates for 2024.