(Vernon Matters/ File Photo)

By Liam Verster

Equal Access, User Rates

Fee for service model agreed to for recreation services

Dec 1, 2023 | 3:43 PM

The communities in Greater Vernon have come to an agreement on funding recreation services.

The City of Vernon stated that a ‘Fee for Service’ agreement has been established between the City, the District of Coldstream, and the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Areas B and C.

Under the agreement, Coldstream and Areas B and C will contribute to the operational funding for recreation services in Vernon, as well as for the Lavington Pool.

“It is a pleasure to continue to share the cost for, and provisions of, recreation services in Greater Vernon,” Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said.

The 2024 base funding for operating Vernon Recreation Services is $4,247,665, and through this agreement, Coldstream will provide $722,103; Area B will contribute $369,547, and Area C will cover $365,299.

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“This District of Coldstream is pleased to sign as a party to this agreement, after some long hard fought negotiations,” Coldstream Mayor Ruth Hoyte said.

“Not only does this agreement provide a fee for service, but access for our residents. It also further defines the relationship between the parties. For sure, we can state that we can find common ground which is mutually beneficial for all.”

Residents of the four communities that are participating in the agreement will all have the same user rates and early access for recreation programs and facilities.

“I am pleased to have the recreation agreement with the City of Vernon concluded. I believe it is good for the residents of Electoral Area B, as well as for all the other residents of Greater Vernon,” added Bob Fleming, RDNO Electoral Area B Director.

“Having grown up in Greater Vernon and participated in athletics my whole life, I am aware of the importance of recreation for everyone,” RDNO Electoral Area C Director Amanda Shatzko added.

“We are proud to work with our neighbours to provide equal access and opportunity to recreation.”

Annual contributions to recreation services through the agreement will be adjusted annually per the Consumer Price Index.

The City of Vernon stated the agreement would come into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

The city still plans to move to a two-tiered pricing system starting Jan. 1, but now residents in the municipalities that have entered into the Fee for Service agreement will be paying the same rates and have the same access as Vernon residents.

The city noted that other local municipalities are welcome to enter into a similar agreement as well to grant their residents the same access and pricing as those in Greater Vernon.