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~~~~~~ REPORT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: November 3, 2008
Resolution #: 1~0~' ~~
Report #: CSD-022-08 File
By-law
Subject: REQUEST TO REDUCE AGE AT WHICH SENIOR RATE APPLIES -
COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Recommendations:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
THAT Report CSD-022-08 be received;
2. THAT the request for the reduction of the "senior" age to be lowered from 65
years to 60 years be denied; and
3. THAT Mrs. Carole Roughley be informed of Council's Decision.
Submitted by: Reviewed by:
J ph P. Caruana ranklin Wu
ector of Community Services ~ Chief Administrative Officer
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CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOW MANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506
REPORT NO.: CSD-022-08
1.0 BACKGROUND
PAGE 2
1.1 On May 26, 2008 Mrs. Carole Roughley presented to Council a request to reduce
the eligible age for a senior from 65 to 60 years old for Community Services
memberships. This request was referred to the Director of Community Services.
1.2 The Municipality of Clarington has been using the age of 65 to determine
eligibility for senior memberships and pay-as-you-go services for many years. In
June 2005, the program was amended to include recreation programs.
1.3 Staff has contacted Durham Region municipalities to confirm the age at which a
senior is identified and receives a fee reduction or special services:
1.4 Over the last decade there has been significant research into the demographic
shift that is currently occurring with the aging of the "baby boom" generation.
Statistics Canada research indicates that between 2006 and 2021 the portion of
the population 65 years and over will increase by 59%. In Clarington, the 2006
census population data for individuals aged 65 years and older was 8,130. If we
assume that this number will also increase by 59% then it should be anticipated
that by 2021 Clarington's senior population will rise to 12,927. If the age at which
an individual is considered a senior also reduces during this same period the
number would increase further.
2.0 COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT - 2007 PARTICIPATION RATES
AND USERS FEES
2.1 Staff has reviewed participation rates for individuals who are currently between
60-64 years of age. In 2007, 146 individuals participated in registered programs
with Aquafit being the most popular program. In addition, there were 169
memberships sold (swim or fitness) to this same cohort. Further, there would be
additional participation through pay-as-you-go programs (swimming, fitness
classes, fitness centre); however we are unable to asses how many of these
participants would be in the 60-64 age category.
REPORT NO.: CSD-022-08
PAGE 3
2.2 Based on the participation levels described above, the financial impact of
reducing the age from 65 years to 60 years is anticipated to be a decrease of
approximately $11,000 in annual Community Services Department revenue. It is
reasonable to assume that in 2008 and 2009 senior participation rates in both
programs and memberships (swim) would increase as a result of the opening of
the Newcastle & District Recreation Complex.
2.3 Presently Community Services fees and rates are established based on a
combination of costs to provide the service and a comparison with other regional
municipalities. As Mrs. Roughly's request deals specifically with annual swim
memberships, staff has conducted a review of adult and senior fees and rates
relating to swim memberships across the region.
Swim Cost Comparison (Fall 2008)
2.4 While the current request is specific to Community Services, consideration
should be give to potential spin off effects that could be related to this request.
The Senior Citizens and Physically Disabled Sidewalk and Driveway Windrow
Snow Clearing Program currently is available to residents 65 years and older or
individuals with a physical disability.
3.0 OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT -SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE PHYSICALLY
DISABLED SIDEWALK AND DRIVEWAY WINDROW SNOW CLEARING
PROGRAM
3.1 In the 2007-2008 winter season there were 664 households registered (8% of
eligible population) for the snow clearing program. There are no fees for this
service and the current annual cost of this program is approximately $90;000.
3.2 According to 2006 census data there are 3,255 residents living in Clarington who
are between the ages of 60-64. Based on current program statistics it could be
assumed that 8% of those who are eligible could access this service, it would be
anticipated that this program could increase by 241 people adding $32,500 of
additional expense.
REPORT NO.: CSD-022-08
PAGE 4
4.0 CONCLUSION
4.2 From a Community Services perspective the current application of 65 years is
very consistent with other municipalities within the region. In addition, when
looking at the fees charged for the same service across the region, overall,
Clarington's rates are comparable to its neighbouring municipalities; as a result
at this time staff does not support a reduction in the age for the application of
senior's rates and fees.
4.1 As staff consider the request to reduce the senior age for Community Services
from 65 to 60 it is apparent that there are implications beyond the Community
Services Department as the Operations Department does provide additional
services for seniors aged 65 years and older. Any change to the current senior's
age should also consider the impact and implications to the Operations
Department.
5.0 INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES
5.1 This report has been reviewed for recommendation by the Recreation Services
Manager, with the appropriate departments and circulated as follows for:
Concurrence: Director of Operations
Interested party to be advised of Council's decision:
Carole Roughley