Council to consider rate hikes at local facilities in 2019
Prince Albert city council will take a look at fees for local recreational facilities as part of upcoming budget deliberations, meaning users will likely be paying more in the New Year.
Councillors approved a recommendation at an executive committee meeting Tuesday to review proposed rate increases for civic facilities, including the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse, Margo Fournier Centre and Kinsmen Water Park. The proposed rate hikes include a 25-cent increase in senior and youth drop-in rates at the fieldhouse and Margo Fournier Centre, and a 50-cent hike in adult rates. Group rates are also projected to increase in 2019.
City administration is also proposing a rate increase at the Frank Dunn Pool, for both single admission passes for youths, adults and seniors, and family and group rates. City Recreation Manager Derek Blais said the increases are necessary to cover the cost of inflation, adding passes for youths and seniors continue to be heavily subsidized.
The city is also trying to recoup some $97,000 in lost revenues from the last year. Blais told council projections for the year were higher than what actually came in, citing poor weather over the summer as one of the reasons for the loss.