The City of Vernon is introducing a new program for its new recreation fee system.
The city will be responsible for delivering recreation services on Jan. 1, 2024. This change introduces the Vernon Resident Program, a two-tiered user fee and program access structure. The city says the new program will benefit Vernon residents and residents whose local government participate in a fee for service agreement with the City of Vernon.
More information will be issued in the coming weeks about the changes to Vernon Rescue Services and how the Vernon Resident Program will work, including who is eligible for the program how to register and options available to non-Vernon residents.
Currently, recreation services for the Greater Vernon area is jointly funded by the Vernon, Coldstream and Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Electoral Areas B and C, through an agreement that will expire Dec. 31. These areas have established fee for service agreements and the city is open to establishing agreements with other nearby communities.
Starting Jan. 1, Vernon residents and residents whose local government participate in the ‘fee for service’ agreement with Vernon will receive reduced-cost services and early registration privileges with Vernon Recreation Services.
All users of Vernon Recreation programs and services will be required to use the two-tiered user fee and program access structure. Eligible residents will benefit from a 50 per cent discount on posted admission and rental rates, and a 25 per cent discount on registered programs. They will also have priority registration, allowing them to sign up for programs two weeks before non-residents.
People who are eligible to vote in the Vernon municipal election are eligible for the Vernon Resident Program, as well as non-Vernon residents whose government participates in the fee for service agreement and non-resident property owners 18 or older with proof of property ownership. Non-resident individual business owners 18 or older can also register if their business is in their individual name.
Eligible residents are encouraged to pre-register with Vernon Recreation Services before Jan 1., but they will be able to access Recreation Services at a discounted rate at any time in the year.
Non-Vernon residents whose government does not have a fee for service agreement can also purchase a Vernon Resident Program access card for $800 per year for family-wide benefits.
There is currently no option to validate one’s residency online; proof of residency must be presented in person at the Vernon Recreation Centre or Kal Tire Place. A person’s residency can be validated by presenting a current government issued photo ID, utility bill or tenant agreement if the ID does not have their current address.
READ MORE: New recreation fee agreement reached in Greater Vernon
READ MORE: Coldstream against Vernon’s two-tiered recreation fee structure