Vernon council is set to decide whether to introduce a tiered recreation pricing system that would give Vernon residents a 50 per cent discount on recreation services.
Staff will present the proposed tiered system at council’s next regular meeting Monday, Oct. 23. Staff are recommending that council endorse the system.
Under the proposed system, Vernon residents would receive a 50 per cent discount for all posted recreation admission and rental rates and a 25 per cent discount for recreation registered programs. They would also be given access to register for programs two weeks before non-residents.
Municipalities and electoral areas would be given the option to enter into a fee for service agreement that would entitle their residents to the same benefits as Vernon residents.
Non-Vernon residents, as well as residents of municipalities and electoral areas that don’t participate in a fee for service agreement, would have the option to pay an additional fee to gain equal access to recreation services.
Households would be able to purchase a Vernon Resident Pass access card for $800 per year that would allow all family members to receive early access and discounts. Or, individuals could purchase an organized sport pass for $375 per year.
With council’s endorsement, the tiered pricing and access system would come into effect Jan. 1, 2024.
A report to council notes the 2023 recreation-based tax burden on Vernon residents is about 7.3 per cent of total taxation, equalling an average of about $300 per household annually to support recreation services.
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