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U9
Community Services
Report
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Clerk at 905-623-3379 ext. 2102.
Report To: General Purpose and Administration Committee
Date of Meeting: November 9, 2015
Report Number: CSD-013-15 Resolution: Gym _\
File Number: N/A By-law Number:
Report Subject: Older Adult Programs & Services Rates and Fees
Recommendations:
1. That Report CSD-013-15 be received;
2. That Council approve the proposed rates and fees as outlined for the period January 1,
2016 to August 31, 2017, and
3. That all interested parties listed in Report CSD-013-15 and any delegations be advised of
Council's decision.
Municipality of Clarington
Report CSD-013-15 Page 2
Report Overview
This report is to present the proposed recommendations on rates and fees charged by the
Department for older adult programs and services. The proposed rates and fees are for a two
year period, effective January 1, 2016.
1 . Background
In June 2015 Council approved Report CSD-007-15 which recommended rates and fees
associated with municipal recreation programs and facility rentals, for the period
September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2017.
At the time CSD-007-15 was written, the role of Community Services in older adult
service provision was unknown. This report deals specifically with older adult rates and
fees until such time as the next full department report is anticipated which is currently
June 2017 for rates effective September 1, 2017.
The Community Services Department strives for fiscal accountability while ensuring the
delivery of quality programs and services. Rates and fees included in this report have
been determined by looking at existing Municipality of Clarington "senior" rates for
comparable programs and services, rates currently charged by the Clarington Older
Adult Association, along with a Durham Region market comparison of similar programs
and services.
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will be in addition to the proposed rates and fees where
applicable.
2. Rates & Fees
Drop-in activities will be offered on a daily basis for 55+ adults. Drop-in activities will
evolve to include a wide variety of opportunities ranging from pickle ball, table tennis, to
cards and bingo. The appeal of drop-in activities is they are flexible, affordable and
require no regular commitment. Drop-in activities promote socialization, volunteer
opportunities as well as physical and mental health.
Registered programs are open to any 55+ adult looking to stay active, learn a new skill or
accomplish a project. Registered programs can range from a one hour fitness class, to a
two or three hour general interest or computer program.
As older adult programming is a new area for the department it is anticipated that
programming will evolve over time as participant numbers grow and requests and
interests from participants become clearer. Current fees have been established hourly
by program category to allow maximum flexibility in the development of new programs.
Municipality of Clarington
Report CSD-013-15 Page 3
The rates below will be used to calculate a program total price that is based on the
program's duration (number of hours and number of weeks).
Currently, the Community Services Department does offer a "seniors discount" on
existing adult programs (50%). In reviewing these discounted rates in an exclusive
"older adult" environment staff are concerned that a higher than usual minimum number
of program participants would be required to have the program run on a breakeven
basis. In addition, in most cases those rates are significantly lower than rates charged
by other providers for similar services. Staff propose that the rates below be established
for older adult exclusive programming (with no discounts applied). Pricing for current
adult programs (for adults 18 yrs. +) would continue as usual with the 50% discount
applied for adults 55+. Staff will monitor and complete a full review of all rates and fees
for the June 2017 Rates and Fees Report.
Drop-in Activities (per visit) $1.50
Drop-in Activities (10 visit pass) $13.50
Registered Fitness Programs (per hour) $3.40
Registered General Interest Programs $2.75 / $3.50
(per hour)
Workshops (per hour) $4.00
Pay-as-you-go (for applicable registered $4.25
programs per hour)
3. Membership
An annual membership fee ranging typically from ($10-$30 per year/member) is very
common in not-for-profit older adult centres and can also be found in some municipal
settings. There are many models of older adult membership structures and inclusions.
These typically range from individuals must be a member to participate in activities to
memberships include participation in drop-in activities at no cost, and many variations in
between.
Staff have contemplated a membership structure for Clarington but at this time believe
residents would be best served without a membership requirement. Currently the only
memberships sold by the Municipality are in the fitness area where individuals who
purchase a membership are entitled to use of the facility at no charge for the duration of
the membership. These memberships do have a significant upfront or monthly fee which
is typically not the case with older adult centres.
Municipality of Clarington
Report CSD-013-15 Page 4
With the goal of getting older adults more active more often staff believe a membership
requirement may be a barrier to participation both from a financial perspective as well as
personal perceptions of joining a 55+ association. As a municipal level of service staff
want to ensure opportunities are open to anyone who meets the age criteria and wishes
to participate as is the case with all other Community Services Department program
offerings.
4. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
5. Conclusion
It is respectfully recommended that CSD-013-15 be received and the proposed rates be
approved for the period of January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017.
6. Strategic Plan Application
The recommendations contained in this report conform to the Strategic Plan.
Submitted by: Reviewed by: {
Joseph P. Caruana, Franklin Wu,
Director of Community'Services Chief Administrative Officer
Staff Contact: Sharon Meredith, Manager of Recreation, 905-623-3379 ext. 2504 or
smered ith @clarington.net.
JPC/SM/WG