October 29, 1998

COMMISSIONER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CULTURE AND TOURISM:

The User Fee Committee, at its meeting of October 17, 1998, received an overview presentation from Mr. John Macintyre, Director, Parks and Recreation Central Services on the outcome of the User Fee Public Consultation Process.

The User Fee Committee approved the following recommendations, to be included in the >Presentation= by staff at Community Councils on November 12, 1998:

(1)(a)Policy Principles

-Recreation programs are important municipal services which contribute significant personal, social, economic and environmental benefits which enhance the well-being of Toronto citizens, their neighbourhoods and the local economy

-We shall ensure all City residents year-round accessibility to high quality community recreation and leisure programs regardless of their ability to pay

-We shall ensure equity and fairness to taxpayers and contribute to the long term vitality of public recreation services provided by the City and the voluntary and not-for-profit sectors

-We shall encourage maximum opportunity for the enjoyable, healthful, satisfying and creative use of leisure time

(b)Policy Elements

-Client and taxpayers at the forefront of pricing decisions

-Consistency City-wide

-quality service standards not influenced by user fees

-Accessibility strategies

-Price based on benefits to user, benefits to community and operating costs

-Accountability

(c)Implementation Guidelines

-Establish list of services which do not charge a user fee and are available universally

-Where a user fee is to be charged, fees to be based on different levels of cost recovery (10% to over 100%)

-Harmonize spring 1999, followed by stable price strategy to ensure future adjustments are gradual

-Establish effective measures to provide access to low income individuals and high need communities

-Monitor and adjust fees on an annual basis prior to the submission of the annual budget

-Utilize a variety of effective user fee methods, including current technologies to enhance customer service (e.g. access Asmart@ card and improved registration system);

(2)Resolution submitted by Councillor Frances Nunziata, York Humber:

AWHEREAS recreational services in the City of Toronto are a key component in providing a healthy city and contributing to the quality of life in communities across Toronto;

AND WHEREAS Toronto should be committed to equal access to these services, regardless of income, age or geographic location;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the User Fee Committee, after having now completed the public consultation process, recommend the harmonization of all user fees for recreational services by the City of Toronto effective January 1, 1999;

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the User Fee Committee recommends the elimination of all user fees for drop in programs, subscriber programs and basic instructional programs.@

(3)That the surcharge for programs and activities for participants outside the City of Toronto area be retained;

(3)That high needs communities be exempt from paying user fees for specialized programs;

(4)That the Chair of the User Fee Committee meet with the Budget Chief and staff to find potential funds to offset the costs of implementing Option 5 (attached) and report back to Committee at its next scheduled meeting in that regard.

Committee further reports having requested the Director, Parks and Recreation Central Services, to report back to Committee at its next meeting on the following matters:

(a)identifying high need communities throughout the City;

(b)total revenue that could be generated from advertising within City facilities; and

(c)financial implications to the City in implementing Option 5.

Committee also reports having received the following communications with regard to the subject matter:

(October 19, 1998) from Ms Diana McLaren, Chairperson, BBNC Board of Directors, Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre;

(October 21, 1998) from Denise Jackson, Ernestine=s Women=s Shelter.

(October 22, 1998) from Ms. Karen Lior, Member, Advocates for Community-Based Training and Education for Women;

(October 23, 1998) from Ruth Morris, Executive Director, Black Creek Anti-Drug Focus Community Coalition;

(October 26, 1998) from Ms. Belinda Netley, Executive Director, Centennial Infant and Child Centre; and

(October 26, 1998) from Loren Grebanier, Co-ordinator, For Youth Project.

Betty Henderson

Committee Secretary

for City Clerk

c.c.Toronto Community Council

John MacIntyre, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism

Skip Crosby, Recreation, Scarborough Civic Centre

Mario Zanetti, Community Services

Lori MacKay, Community Services

Jane MacDonald, North York Civic Centre