Rates at Kimberley’s recreational facilities will increase by six per cent in the face of rising operating costs.
City staff said the change can be attributed to a number of factors.
“In an effort to address higher wages, inflationary increases, increased cost for utilities, equipment purchases and maintenance staff have proposed a six per cent increase to rates in 2023 and 2024,” said staff.
Staff said the price change will be re-evaluated once the Parks and Facilities Master Plan is finalized.
Mayor Don McCormick said the city is not trying to make a profit off the facilities.
“At all of our recreation facilities, we do not make money on them, nor do we intend to. However, we look at rates and fees regularly to make sure the hole we’re in doesn’t get any deeper,” said McCormick. “We’re just trying to tread water on this – make sure they’re affordable to user groups and looking out for the taxpayer’s money, who both funds the usage and the deficit.”
The increase will come into effect for the last two months of this year and a further six per cent increase will come in 2024.
The change will increase adult drop-in costs for the Aquatic Centre from $7.20 in 2023 to $7.64 in 2024 and annual passes for adults will jump from $568.81 to $602.93.