Proposed recreation fee increases would affect ice and pool rentals beginning in 2027
Carleton Place councillors are considering modest increases to ice and pool rental fees as the town looks to reduce the level of taxpayer funding required to support recreation services.
A report presented at the June 9 committee of the whole meeting recommends a 2.5 per cent increase in pool rental fees and a 3.5 per cent increase in ice rental fees beginning in 2027. The recommendations emerged from discussions by the town’s Service Delivery Working Group, which reviewed options for balancing user fees and municipal subsidies.
Recreation and Culture Manager Joanne Henderson said the goal is to establish a more sustainable approach to setting fees rather than making decisions on a year-by-year basis.
“We also want to find a funding formula moving forward so that we can move forward with rates and try to meet a certain tax subsidy each year and that’s something that we’ll work towards in 2026 for 2027,” Henderson told council.
The report outlines several scenarios for future fee increases, with the recommended option expected to help stabilize the municipal contribution required to operate the facilities while keeping user fees relatively affordable. Staff noted that arena and pool operations continue to require significant tax support despite annual fee increases.
One proposal that prompted discussion involved recovering credit card processing fees from residents using the town’s online booking system. Staff reported that absorbing those fees currently costs the municipality between $8,000 and $10,000 annually for pool rentals alone, with additional costs associated with arena bookings.
Chief Administrative Officer Diane Smithson noted that recreation is the only municipal service where the town does not currently pass those fees on to users.
“Somebody may not have to take time off work to come into the office when they’re working in the city to make a payment. It’s a convenience fee and we find that people, if they want the convenience, they will pay it, and if they’re not interested then they’ll find a way of coming in person and pay by debit or cash,” Smithson said.
Deputy Mayor Andrew Tennant thanked staff for presenting a clearer framework for how recreation rates are established.
“I want to thank everyone involved for fleshing out the way we make these decisions on this particular item,” Tennant said, adding that the process would help explain fee decisions to residents.
Coun. Linda Seccaspina acknowledged that fee increases are seldom welcomed but said the town must continue investing in its recreation infrastructure.
“I know I’m still going to get complaints from seniors on the pool and I’m still going to get complaints about ice,” she said. “But every few months we get bills to take care of the pool and to take care of the ice and if we don’t do these things you’re not going to have these amenities.”
Committee received the report for information. Any approved fee changes would take effect in September 2026, with the proposed increases reflected in the 2027 fee schedule.
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