Fees for fun could go up in St. John’s
Swimming fees among potential increases in coming city budget
It could get more expensive to go for a swim in the city of St. John’s.
At Wednesday’s committee of the whole meeting, St. John’s city council will debate a motion that could see a large swathe of fee increases for the city’s recreational centres ahead of the 2019 municipal budget.
Most of the increases are slight — an extra $2 here or there — but others will see upward of $25 increases for recreation services.
For example, it will cost $151 to host a birthday party at the Paul Reynolds Centre, Bowring Park, and Bannerman Park swimming pools, up from $126.
Instead of a $50 membership to junior aquatics clubs, the changes would see a membership cost $4.50 per hour for swimming lessons.
The daily rates for afterschool programs could also see a jump. With transportation, the current cost of $330 will increase to $350. Without transportation, the cost grows from $205 to $225.
A decision note from the city notes the proposed changes are part of the 2019-21 budget cycle.
“Fee recommendations are reviewed each budget cycle and are developed in line with market values and industry standards,” reads the note.
In total, it’s expected the change in fees would mean an additional $116,000 annually for the city.
Council will debate the motion at Wednesday’s committee of the whole, with final approval or rejection coming at a later Monday evening council meeting.