Fees for most HRM recreation programs and facilities to rise

There will still be a seniors discount, but the age of eligibility is being raised to 60

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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User fees for Halifax Regional Municipality Parks and Recreation facilities are being adjusted.

This will apply to arenas, parks, fields, courts, ball diamonds, tracks, and pools owned and operated by the municipality, along with the HRM 4-Pad and RBC Centre — operated by Nustadia Recreation Inc.

In many cases, this means as of April 1, it will be more expensive to participate in recreation programs and to rent HRM recreation assets.

HRM says current fees have been frozen since 2011 and no longer reflect the actual cost of providing services.

“The purpose of the new fee structure is to provide a standardized structure based on the cost of providing a service, with an appropriate subsidy,” the municipality said in a news release. “This promotes participation, increases transparency and consistency, while also being fair and equitable to all users.”

Seniors will still get 25 per cent off full adult rates, however the age of eligibility will be raised to 60 from 55.

“There will be no free rentals for not-for-profit groups, however, if the not-for-profit group is registered with Registry of Joint Stocks, they are eligible for a 50 per cent discount for all room rentals,” the municipality said.

Fees will be adjusted annually over the next five years, after which the fee structure will once again be reviewed.

A full list of the adjusted fees can be found here.

You can find out more information on halifax.ca.