Recreation Service revenue down by over 50 per cent over the last year compared to the last 'normal' pre-Covid first quarter in 2019. (photo credit: City of Vernon)

By Kevin Rothwell

One full year operating with restrictions

Recreation services revenue down by over 50 per cent

Apr 29, 2021 | 1:07 PM

COVID-19 restrictions continue to have a dramatic impact on use of Vernon recreation facilities as illustrated in a recent first quarter report to city council.

There has been a 56 per cent decrease in revenues over the last ‘normal’ pre-Covid first quarter in 2019.

The budget forecast, submitted last fall for 2021, had predicted a 50 per cent drop in revenue if the public health orders remained in place.

“This can be directly attributed to the restrictions in place, including adult sport programs not being able to occur, the physical distancing required, the limit to the number of patrons allowed and the limited type of activities able to take place,” Leah Walker, Manager of Customer Service, reported to council. “Also impacting revenues is the increased amount of time required between user groups to allow for increased cleaning and sanitization, as well as ensuring there is no crossover mingling between users.”

COVID cost graphic (photo credit: City of Vernon)

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All drop-in activities, including public swimming, skating, and walking at Kal Tire Place, must now be pre-registered. The total number of registrations for these drop-in activities for the first quarter was 27,357.

“We have been able to continue running things, and we are gaining back public trust, as people come in to use the facilities,” Doug Ross, Director of Recreation Services, told council.

There were a few bright spots. Public skating nearly doubled in numbers, and youth skating lessons were also fully subscribed. Arena bookings were up 32 per cent over the same period in 2020.

The B.C. Hockey League started booking ice for the pod season, and the Vernon Vipers continued to use the arenas for practices during the first quarter.

Gymnasium bookings also saw a big spike in usage up by 76 per cent year over year.

The Creekside Conference Centre (recreation centre auditorium) has also been booked for use by Interior Health for COVID-19 immunization clinics.

“I want to commend you on the interface between staff and the public. It looks like that’s great because I firmly believe we should be a service organization and treat people like customers and that looks like that is what we are doing,” Coun. Scott Anderson told Ross.