The city will raise rental fees for sport fields, arenas and tennis courts in 2021.
The increase is to help offset upkeep expenditures at Saint John’s many athletic facilities.
City Manager John Collin says they need to recoup some revenue from their rental fees.
“All (facilities) operate at a loss,” he said. “We subsidize the use of these facilities by our various user groups.”
City staff estimates the rate uptick will bring in an additional $83,000 in revenue.
Adult Class A field rental rates are up from $39 to $56 in 2021, while youth rates will rise from $17 to $24. Class B rental rates go from $26 to $38 for adults and $6.25 to $9 for youth.
Meantime, arena floor rates will go from $40 to $61 for adults, and $33 to $40.67 for youth rentals.
Amy McLennan, community services manager, says the city is helping get itself ahead with the fee increases.
“I would say we’re a bit of a trailblazer in terms of the cost-recovery model,” McLennan told council Monday evening. “Other municipalities are still going through annual percentage increases.”
McLennan said Fredericton has a system to charge non-user rental fees.
Councillor Donna Reardon says she prefers not to increase the cost of activities for Saint Johners.
“Looking at cost recovery, I hate to look at it for activities, especially activities that benefit a community, benefit a population, and also make you a community of choice,” Reardon said.
The increase is in accordance with the city’s financial sustainability plan, laid out in 2020.
